Prediction of consolidation settlement is based on Terzaghi theory & 1D consolidation test. A laboratory test suffers from two phenomena i.e., secondary consolidation & side friction which is not taken into account in the Terzaghi theory. Previous studies revealed that the secondary consolidation can be effectively reduced upon the application of a large load increment ratio, whereas elimination of side friction requires specially coated consolidometer ring having dia. to ht. ratio of six & is likely to be cost prohibitive. A quantitative assessment of the effects of side friction on the...