A test in which an undisturbed sample of clay measuring 6 cm in diameter and 2 cm thick is confined laterally in a metal ring and compressed between two porous plates that are kept saturated with water. A load is applied and the clay consolidates, the excess pore water escaping through the porous stones. After each increment of load is applied, it is allowed to remain on the sample until equilibrium is established, and a consolidation curve showing the deformation with time is obtained for each increment.