Soil Testing Consolidation Test :- Purpose: This test is performed to determine the magnitude and rate of volume decrease that a laterally confined soil specimen undergoes when subjected to different vertical pressures. From the measured data, the consolidation curve (pressure-void ratio relationship) can be plotted. This data is useful in determining the compression index, the re compression index and the preconsolidation pressure (or maximum past pressure) of the soi. In addition, the data obtained can also be used to determine the coefficient of consolidation and the coefficient of secondary compression of the soil.