To compute consolidation settlement, we first need to calculate the change in vertical stress due to applied pressure. Then, the induced stress below the footing can be calculated from the elastic solution written in a simple form.
The value of the stress influence factor is obtained from Newmark's solution for square and continuous footings, as depicted in the chart below.
Example
A 1.0x1.0 m square footing supports a column load of 200 kN. The bottom of the footing is 0.5m below the ground surface. The unit weight of soil is 20 kN/m3. Compute the induced vertical stress at point 1.0 m below the middle of this footing.
Ref.
DP Coduto, Foundation Design: Principles and Practices, 2nd ed., Prentice Hall, 2001