Soil ESE Notej

Geotechnical Engineering
Contents
D Properties of Soils
D Soil structures and Clay Mineralogy
D Index Properties of Soils
D Soil Classification
D Permeability
D Effective Stress
D Seepage Pressure and Critical Hydraulic Gradient
D Flow-net
D Vertical Stress Distribution
D Consolidation
D Compaction
D Shear Strength of Soil
D Earth Pressure and Retaining Structures
D Stability of Slopes
D Bearing capacity of Soil
D Pile and Well foundation
D Soil Exploration
[3.2] Civil Engineering
1. A cohesive soil yields a maximum dry density of 1.8 glee at an OMC of 16% during a standard
proctor test. If the value of G is 2.65, what is the degree of saturation? What is the maximum dry
density if can be further compacted?
Solution : Given : Pd = 1.8 glee, G =2.65, Pw = 1 glee, w = 16% = 0.16.
G.p
_w
l+ w.G
Sr
Sr = 0.90
90%
Since, Sr = 1, thus the maximum dry density;
G.pw
l+wG
2.65
1+0.16x 2.65
1.86 glee
2. The unit weight of a sand backfill was determined by field measurements to be 1746 kg per cum.
The water content at the time of test was 8.6 percent and the unit weight of the solid constituents
was 2.6 gm per cum. In the laboratory the void ratios in the loosest and densest states were found
to be 0.642 and 0.462, respectively. What was the relative density of the fill?
Solution emax = 0.642,
e min. = 0.462
y = 1746 kglm 3
1.746 gm/cc
Water content,
w = 8.6% = 0.086
G= 2.6
Dry density of soil,
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Geotechnical Engineering [3.3]
y
yd=
l+w
1.746
= = 1.607 gm/cc
1 + 0.086
Also, we know,
o-,
--
Yct =
l+e
1.607
2.6x 1
l+e
e= 0.617
Relative density of soil,
ID = emax -e X 100
emax -emin
0.642-0.617 X lOO
0.642-0.642
13.89%
3. The total unit weight ( y) of soil is 18.8 kN/m3, the specific gravity (G) of the solid particles of the
soil is 2.67 and the water content (w) of the soil is 12%. Calculate the dry density ( y ct), void ratio
(e) and the degree of saturation (s.).
Solution : Total unit weight, Y = 18.8 kN/m 3
Specific gravity, G = 2.67
Water content of the soil,
w = 12%
0.12
Infinity Educations India

Total weight,
W = Ww + Ws = 0.12Ws + Ws = 1.12Ws
w
w, = 1.12
Considering 1 cc of sample,
Its weight = 18.8 kN/m3
18.8x lOOOx 1000

1.916 gm/ cc
9.81x 106
w
w, = 1.12
1.916 = 1.7107 gm
= 1.12
And,
W w =W-Ws
= 1.916 - 1.7107 = 0.2053 gm
Volume V = 1 cc
Volume of water,
V w = 0.2053 cc
Volume of solids,
V = Ws = 1.7107
' G 2.67 = 0.6407cc
Volume of air,
Va= 1 - (0.2053 + 0.6407) = 0.154 cc
Volume of voids,
V =Va + V
V W
= 0.154 + 0.2053 = 0.593 cc
Degree of saturation,
Volume of water
s = -------
r Volume of voids
0.2053
0.3593 = 0.57 = 57%
Gxw=S r xe
Void ratio,
Gxw
e=
Sr
2.67x 0.12
0.562
0.57
Dry unit weight,
2.67x 1
1.709 gm/cc
(1 + 0.562)
4. The values of liquid limit, plastic limit and shrinkage limit of a soil were reported as below:
WL = 60%, w, = 30%, W5 = 20%
If a sample of this soil at liquid limit has a volume of 40 cc and its volume measured at shrinkage
limit was 23.5 cc, determine the specific gravity of the solids. What is its shrinkage ratio and
volumetric shrinkage?
Solution : Given data : wL = 60% ; VL = 40 cc
ws = 20% ; vd = 23.5 cc
Wp = 30%
Required:
G=? SR=? vs=?

Shrinkage Ratio,
Taking vi VL = 40 cc and WI = WL = 60%
SR=
40-23.5 xlOO
23.5
SR= 60-20
SR= 1.75
Specific Gravity,
1
G=---
_1__ ws
SR 100
1
G= 1 20
---
1.75 100
G= 2.7
Volumetric shrinkage,
40-23.5 X 100
23.5
= 70.2%
5. A sampler with a volume of 45 cm3 is filled with a soil sample. When the soil is poured into a
graduated cylinder, it displaces 25 cm3 of water. What is the porosity and void ratio of the soil.
Solutions :
Volume of soil sample, V = 45 cm3
When the soil sample is poured into cylinder, it displaces 25 cm3 of water.
Volume of solids, Vs = 25 cm3
Volume of voids
Void ratio, e=
Volume of solids
e=
45-25
e=
25
e = 0.8
Volume of voids x 100

And, Porosity, n = Volume of solids
45-25 X 100
45
n = 44.44%
6. A homogeneous anisotropic earth dam which is 20 m high, is constructed on an impermeable

foundation. The coefficients of permeability of the soil used for the construction of the dam, in the
horizontal and vertical directions are 4.8 x 10-s mis and 1.6 x 10---8 mis, respectively. The water
level on the reservoir side is at 18 m from the base of the dam; downstream side is dry. It is seen
that there are 4 flow channels and 18 equipotential drop in a square flow net drawn in the
transformed dam section. Estimate the quantity of seepage per unit length in m3/s through the
dam.
Solution :Coefficient of permeability of soil in the horizontal direction,

k X
= 4 • 8 x 10-s m/sec
Coefficient of permeability of soil in the vertical direction,
kY = 1.6 x 10-s m/sec
The isotropic equivalent coefficient of permeability,
)( 4.8x 1 o-s )( 1.6x 1 o-s)
= 2.77x 10-8m/sec
Number of flow channelstN) =4
Number of equipotential drop (Nd) = 18
Water level on the reservoir side (h) = 18 m
Quantity of seepage per unit length of dam,
q = K e h N,-
Nct
2.77x10 - 8xl8x-4
18
= 1.108 x 10-7 m3/sec
7. Granular soil deposit is 7 m deep over an impermeable layer. The ground water table is 4 m below
the ground surface. The deposit has a zone of capillary rise of 1.2 m with a saturation of 50%. Plot
the variation of total stress, pore water pressure and effective stress with the depth of deposit,
e = 0.6 and Gs = 2.65.
Solution
Unit weight of dry soil upto 2.8 m level = lgy w

+e
2.65 X 10
1+0.6
= 16.56 kN/m3
(G+ e.Sr)yw 2.65+0.5x0.6xl0 = 18.44kN/m3

Unit weight of partially saturated soil
l+e 1+0.6
-2.Sm -----------------<
S, = 0.50
-4.0m<
~ 'v
I G, = 2.65
e=0.6
S,= 1.0
G+e
Unit weight of fully saturated soil = - Yw
l+e
= 2.65+0.6xlO
1+ 0.6
= 20.31 kN/m3
At elevation -2.8 m :
c = 2.8x 16.56
= 46.368 kN/m2
u=O
(i I = 46.368 kN/m
At elevation --4 m :
Ci = 2.8 X 16.56 + 1.2 X 18.44
= 68.496 kN/m2
u=O
(i I = 68.496 kN/m2
At elevation -7 m :
Ci = 68.496 + 3 X 20.31
= 129.426 kN/m2

U =3 X 10
= 30 kN/m2
o ' - cr-u
= 129.426 - 30
= 99.426 kN/m2
The stress distribution diagram can be plotted as:
o-- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -,- - - - - - -
-2.8 . . . - - - - -
-4.0
-7.0 I
---- 129.426 •I I
't<-----30 ~
Total stress
Pore water
8. At a construction site a 3 m thick clay layer is followed by a 4 m thick gravel layer, which is resting
on impervious rock. A load of 25 kN/m2 is applied suddenly at the surface. The saturated unit
weights of the soils are 19 kN/m3 and 20 kN/m3 for the clay and gravel layers, respectively. The
water table is at the surface. Draw diagrams showing variation, with depth, of total neutral and
effective stresses in the layers.
Solution :
q =25KN/m'
A
+ ~
l l '/' l l A__ --------
~ ~ r'\
25
I SI \
I
3m: Clay y = 19 kN/m' ~ _ L-4--+--::-::----"
4m
•B
f
'-
Gravely - 20 kN/m - y
"--
C __
182 '\- (Neutral 92
77 77 77 77
k
7 77
7 77 77 77 162
(Total
stress) (Effective
Stress)
Stress)
Section A-A, c = Total stress = 25 kN/m2
u = Neutral stress = 0
o' = Effective stress = 25 kN/m2
Section B-B c = 25 + 3 x 19 = 82 kN/m2
U = 3 X 10 = 30 kN/m2
o' = 82 - 30 = 52 kN/m2
Section C-C c = 25 + 3 x 19 +4 x 20 = 162 kN/m2
U = 3 X 10 +4 X 10 = 70 kN/m2
o ' = 162 - 70 = 92 kN/m2

9. A saturated clay layer of 5 m thickness takes 1.5 yr for 50% primary consolidation when drained
on both sides. Its co-efficient of volume change, m, is 1.5 x 10-3 m2/kN. Determine the coefficient
of compressibility (in m2/yr) and the coefficient of permeability (in m/yr). Assume y w = 10 kN/m3•
Solution :
2
n U¾
Tv= 4(100 J
2
n ( 50
- 4 100
J
= 0.196
Time for 50% consolidation,
52x 0.196
1.5
= 3.27 m2/yr
Coefficient of permeability,

= 3.27 X 10 X 1.5 X 10·3
= 0.049 ml year
10. A layer of soft clay 5 m thick lies under a newly constructed building. The effective pressure due
to overlaying strata on the clay layer is 3.0 kg/cm2 and the new construction increases the overburden
by 1.2 kg/cm2• If the compression index of the clay is 0.45, compute the settlement, assuming the
natural water content of the clay layer to be 43% and the specific gravity of its soil grains as 2.7.
Solution H=5m
cr0' = 3.0 kg/cm2
~cr' = 1.2 kg/cm2
Cc = 0.45
w = 0.43
Sr = 1
G= 2.7
We know,
0.43x 2.7
1
= 1.161
Settlement,
pf
Sx0.45 3+1.2
1
1+1.161 og -3-
10
= 15.2 cm
11. A saturated soil stratum 6 meters thick lies above an impervious stratum and below a pervious
stratum. It has a compression index of 0.28 and a co-efficient of permeability of 3.5 x 10-4 cm/sec.
Its void ratio at a stress of 150 kN/m2 is 1.95.
Determine:
(i) The change in void ratio due to an increase of stress to 210 kN/m2,
(ii) Settlement of the soil stratum due to the above increase in stress, and
(iii) Time required for 50 percent consolidation. Assume time factor T, for 50 percent
consolidation as 0.20.
Solution C = 0.28
C
k = 3.5 x 10-4 emfs
(i)
Where, e0 = I.95,a0 = 150kNm2,L1a = 210-150 = 60kN / m2
210
e 0 - e = 0.28log10150
Change in void ratio= 0.041
(ii)
CH
Settlement= --c-log10
(a0+L1a)
1 + eo CTo
0.28x610 (210)
1 + 1.95 gJO 150
0.0832 m = 8.32 cm
(iii)
i1e
a
__
v = i1cr
And,
m, = 1 + eo 1 + eo
k 3.5X 10-4 X 10-2

C =--=--------
v Ywmv 10kN/m3x2.316x10-4

= 1.511 x 10-3 m2/sec
TH2 2
t=
V
0.2x 6 = 4765.05sec
1.51 Ix 10-3
= 7942 minutes
12. In the laboratory test on a clay sample of thickness 25 mm drained at top only, 50% consolidation
occured in 11 minutes. Find the time required for the corresponding clay layer in the field 3 m
thick and drained at top and bottom, to undergo 70% consolidation. Assume T50 = 0.197, T70 = 0.405 .
Solution :
From the equation,
Taking the data obtained from laboratory test
C xll
0.197=( V )2
0.02 5
( 0.025)2 x 0.197 = O.OOOOll m2 / minute

11
The time factor corresponding to 50% consolidation in the site will also be same.
1
0.197 =O.OOOOllx (312)2
t = 40295.45 minutes
Time factor for 70% consolidation is equal to 0.405.
C) 0.00001 lx t
0.405 = h2= (312)2
t = 82840.90 minutes
The time required for the corresponding clay layer in the field, 3 m thick and drained at top and bottom, to
undergo 70% consolidation is (82840.90 minutes) 57.53 days.
13. Two consolidated drained shear tests on silt yielded the following data
cr 3 = cr c (Nzmm')
0.2 0.46
0.4 0.88
If this material is used as a back-fill for a smooth vertical retaining wall of 10 m height, what is
the active earth pressure at the base of the wall? Density of the fill is 1.6 glee.
Solution :
Since,
cr, = cr3 tan ' a + 2C tana
0.46 = 0.2tan2 a + 2Ctan a
And, 0.88 = 0.4tan2 a + 2Ctan a
0.2tan2 a = 0.42
~
a = 45 + - = 55 4° · C 14 kN/m3
2 . '
cl> = 20.8°
1- sin <p
Ka= 1 + sin <p
= 0.48
Y = 1.6 g I c.c. = 16 kN/m3
Pa = 0.48 x 16 x 10 - 2 x 14 x J
. o.48
= 57.40 kN/m2
14. A given saturated clay is known to have effective strength parameters of C' = 10 kPa and ~' =
28°. A sample of this clay was brought to failure quickly so that no dissipation of the pore water
pressures could occur. At failure it was known that c,' = 60 KPa, cr3' = 10 KPa and Ur= 20 KPa.
(a) Estimate the values of cr1 and cr3 at failure.
(b) What was the effective normal stress on the failure plane?
(c) What was the value of undrained shear strength?

Solution :
Total stress at failure, o1 '+ Ur = 60 + 20 = 80 kPa

CJ3 = o , '+Ur= 10+ 20 = 30kPa
Angle which the failure plane makes with principal plane,
28
a 45 + ~ = 45 + = 59°
2 2
= 28°
0 IO 20 30 40 50 60
0 20 40 60 80 100
~
Total stress, a
, a,' .1
CJ
1 CJ i' + CJ 3I I
CJ I -
I
3 COS 2a
Effective normal stress, CJ = 2 + 2
60+ 10 + 60-10 x cos118°= 23.26kPa

2 2
Undrained shear strength, C '+ CJ '+ tan <J> '
10+ 23.26x tan28°= 22.37kPa
15. Laboratory results on a soil have shown that its unconfined compressive strength is 1.2 kg/cm2•
In a triaxial compression test a specimen of the soil when subjected to a chamber pressure of 0.4
kg/cm2 failed at an additional stress of 1.6 kg/cm2• Estimate the shearing strength of the same soil
along a horizontal plane at a depth of 4 m in a deposit. The ground water table is at a depth of
2.5 m from the ground level. Take dry unit weight of soil as 1.7 gm/cc and specific gravity as 2.7.
Solution :
Given unconfined compressive strength,
qu = 1.2 kg/cm2
Cohesion, C = ~ = 0.6kg I cm ' = 60kN I m2

u 2
2
Triaxial test gives, o 3 = 0 .4 kg / cm
crd = 1.6kg / cm"
cr1 = cr3 + crd = 0.4+ 1.6 = 2.0kg I cm"
And,
Or, 2.0 = 0.4tan2a+l.2tana
Putting tan a = x, giving
0.4x2 + 1.2x - 2.0 = 0
X = 1.1925
tan a= 1.1925
a= 500
~ = 10°
Now, shear strength of soil, 1 = C + c tan o
Also we know, yd= 1.7 gm/c.c. = 17 kN/m3
G= 2.7
(i'yw
y =-
d 1+ e
2.7x 10
17 =
l+e
e =0.588
Yw(G+e)
and, Ysat = ( ) =20.31
l+e
Pressure at 4 m; = 17 X 2.5 + 20.31 X 1.5
= 72.16 kN/m2
Shear strength; 't =60+72.16tan 10°
= 71.58 kN/m2
16. A 4 m high vertical wall supports, a saturated cohesive soil (~" = 0) with horizontal surface. The
top 2.5 m of the backfill has bulk density of 17.6 kN/m3 and apparent cohesion of 15 kN/m2. The
bulk density and apparent cohesion of the bottom 1.5 m is 19.2 kN/m3 and 20 kN/m2, respectively.
If tension cracks develop, what would be the total active pressure on the wall? Also draw the
pressure distribution diagram.

Solution
Given that "''l'u = 0, therefore K a = 1.
__ f _ -30
r
4m
2.5 m
y=17.6kN/m
1
C = 15 kN/m
1
0.796 m
l .
-------- i -
y = 19.2 kN/m
1-5 m C = 20 kN/rri
The active pressure Pa at a depth z in a saturated cohesive soil can be given as

1
I+- 32.8 -+I
Pa= Kayz-2CjK; [·:Ka =1]
Pa= yz-2C
For first layer, z = 2.5 m, y = 17.6 kN/m 3 and C = 15 kN/m 2•
Pa= 17.6 x 2.5 - 2 x 15 = 14 kN/m 2
For z= 0 m
Pa= 17.6 x O -2 x 15 = -30 kN/m 2
For second layer at z = 2.5 m
Total vertical pressure = yz = 17.6 x 2.5 = 44 kN/m 2
Pa = K;yz - 2c)K: [ But,K. = landC= 20kN /m2]
= 1 X 44 - 2 X 20 X 1
= 4 kN/m 2
At z= 4 m
Total vertical pressure Pv = 44 + 19.2 x 1.5 = 72.8 kN/m 2
P a = Kp
a V -2C '\J'
I(
L\....a
= 1 X 72.8 - 2 X 20 X 1
= 32.8 kN/m 2
Now the depth of tension crack is given by
2x15
17.6xfi_ =1.?04m
The depth below zc will be considered for the calculation of total active earth pressure acting per meter length
of the wall.
1 1
Total active pressure = -x 0.796x 14+ 4x 1.5 +-x (32.8-4)x 1.5
2 2
= 5.572 + 6 + 21.6
= 33.172 kN/m
Distance of point of application of active presure from base
5.572x(l.5+T )+6x(T )+21.6x(¥)
5.572+6+21.6
= 0.757 m
17. Determine the stresses at the top and bottom of a vertical cut, 4.5 m deep, in soil with
<p = 16°, C' = 1.91 t/m2 (19.1 kN/m2) and y = 185 t/m3 (1.85 kN/m3). What could be depth of the
potential crack? What is the maximum depth of excavation that can be left unsupported?
Solution :
Given, z = 4.5 m
C = 19.1 kN/m2
<p = 16°
y = 18.5 kN/m2
a = 45 + ! = 53°
2
Active earth pressure, Pa= y.z.cot2a-2Ccota
At top z = 0 Pa= -2x 19.lx cot53°

= -28.78 kN/m2
At bottom z = 4.5 m, Pa= 18.5x4.5xcot253-28.78

= 18.49 kN/m2
Depth of potential crack is given by

2C 2x19.1
z = -tana =---tan53°= 2.74m
C y 18.5
Maximum depth of excavation that can be left unsupported= 2 zc
= 2 X 2.74 = 5.48 ill
18. A vertical bank was formed during the excavation of a soil having = 15° and unit weight of 1800
kg/m3. When the depth of excavation reached 5.5 m the bank failed. What was the approximate
value of the cohesion of clay?
Solution :
Given, = 15°
y = 1800 kg/m3
He = critical height = 5.5 m
Required cohesion, C=?
We know, height of unsupported vertical cut in a cohesie soil = critical height = He
and He is given by the equation,
4C
H = -tana
C y
and a 45 + <!> = 45 + .!2 = 52.5°

2 2
4c
5 5 = --tan 52.5°
. 1800
C = 1899.13 kg/m2
19. A footing 2 m square rests on a soft clay soil with its base at a depth of 1.5 m from ground surface.
The clay stratum is 3.5 m thick and is underlain by a firm sand stratum. The clay soil has LL =
30%, G = 2.7; water content at saturation = 40%; cohesion = 0.5 kg/cm2 ( = 0°). It is known
that the clay stratum is normally consolidated. Compute the settlement that would result if the load
intensity equal to safe bearing capacity of soil were allowed to act on the footing. Natural water
table is quite close to the ground surface. For the given conditions, bearing capacity factor (Ne)
is obtained as 6.9. Take factor of safety as 3. Assume load spread of 2 (vertical) to 1 (horizontal).
Solution : The statement of the given problem can be represented with the help of the diagram shown below:
D1
t = 1.5 m
LL= 30%
G=2.7
-1 - t ----+----
I ---t \
/ I I \
w=40%
C = 0.5 kg/cm'
f2 :
c- - - ~ ,fi- i - - - - - - - - - - - i ~' - - - - -
H0 = 2 m I : 2 )'
C
= oo
1 I
/ I
.
IE >IE
I
I
I
I
>IE >I
I \
\
Ne= 6.9
FOS =3
0.5m 2m 0.5m
Dr 1.5
The ratio B =
2 = 0.75 < 1, hence the foundation is a shallow foundation.
0.5x 9.81x 10-3
Also, C= 0.5 kg/ cm2 = 49.05 kN/m2
10-4
We know that soft clay fails in local shear.
Now using Terzaghi's equation for square footing when the natural water table is very close to ground
surface, we get,
For
The net ultimate bearing capacity of soil is given by
Thus the net safe bearing capacity of soil,
0.867CNC
3

qsafe = qns + y'D f = 0.867CN

3 C + Y Dr
1
But, y'= (G-1) t;

l+e [forasaturtedsoil,e=Gw]
2.7-1)
= (l+Gw Yw
- ( i.1 i
1+(2.7x0.4)r9.81
8.02 kN/m3
0.867x 49.05x 6.9 + 8.02x 1.5 = 109.84kN I m2

qsafe = 3
Initial effective overburden pressure at the level of C-C,
c 10 = y '(Dr+ 1) = 8.02x (1.5 + 1) = 20.05 kN / m2
Also, Cc = .009(LL-10) = 0.009(30-10) = 0.18
The settlement of the foundation will be given as
_ 0.18x2 l (20.05+48.82)
- oglO
1 + (2.7x 0.4) 20.05
= 0.09275 m = 92.75 mm
20. A building has to be supported on a RC shaft foundation of dimension 14 m x 21 m. The subsoil

is clay, which has an average unconfined compressive strength of 15 kN/m2• The pressure on the
soil due to the weight of the building and the loads that it will carry will be 140 kN/m2 at the base
of the raft. The building has provision for basement floor(s). At what depth should the bottom of
the raft be palced to provide a factor of safety of 3 against shear failure? y clay = 19 kN/m3. Use
Skempton's approach for bearing capacity calculations.
Solution :
Given data:
Size of rectangular footing = B x L = 14 m x 21 m
Average unconfined compressive strength of clay, qu = 15 kN/m2
Safe bearing pressure on the soil = 140 kN/m2
Factor of safety against shear failure = 3
Y clay = 19 kN/m3
Let the depth of raft foundation be D f..
Average undrained cohesion of clay,
C = ~=!2=7.5kN/m2
u 2 2
We know that for clay, t = 0 and for such a condition, the net ultimate bearing capacity is given by
Where, N; is bearing capacity factor.
As per Skempton's recommendations, the value of N, is given by
Ne _
- 5.0 [ l+0.2 Dfl[ Bl
~ l+0.2L~
13
= 5[1+0.2~l~[1+0.2x~~~
= 5.67 [1+0.0143Df]
But, qns = FOS
and, q = q + yD =~+yD
s ns f FOS f
Thus, the above safe bearing capacity of clay will be equal to the allowable pressure on the soil (i.e. 140
s.,
- + yD r = 140
FOS

Cu NC +yDf = 140
FOS
75
· [5.67(1+ 0.0143Dr )]+ 19Dr = 140
3
14.175 + 0.2027Dr+ 19Dr= 140 ~ Dr = 6.55 m.
Thus, the bottom of the raft should be placed at a depth of 6.55 m from the ground surface.
21. A 3.0 m square footing is located in a dense soil and at a depth of 2.0 m. Determine the ultimate
bearing capacity for the following water table positions:
(i) at ground surface,
(ii) at footing level, and
(iii) at lm below the footing.
The moist unit weight of sand above the water table is 18 kN/m3 and the saturated unit weight is
20 kN/m3, q>=35°,C=O,Nq =33andNY =34.0.
Solution :
Given data:
Width of square footing, B = 3.0 m
Depth of footing, Dr= 2.0 m
Bulk unit weight of sand, y1 = 18 kN/m3
Saturated unit weight of sand, y sat = 20 kN/m3
cj> = 35°, C = 0, Nq = 33 and N, = 34.0.
We know that for a square footing, ultimate bearing capacity is
qu = l.3CNc + yDfNq + 0.4yBNY
For the given soil, C=O
The value of y in the above equation is susceptible to the location of water table. Thus for each water table
position, the ultimate bearing capacity will be different. So, the ultimate bearing capacity will be given as;
(i) When water table is at the ground surface
-------
Dw, ---3?-·
-r-
Dw2
----------------------- l--V-
Now for the given condition, DwI = 0 and Dw2 is negative, hence neglected.
Y1 = y'+ ~w1(y-y')andy2 = y'+ D;2(y-y')

f
y1 = 20-9.81andy2=20-9.81
= 10.19x2x33+0.4x10.19x3x34
= 1088.29 kN/m2
(ii) When the water table is at the footing level :
DwI = D, = 2.0m and Di,2 = 0
, 2 ( y-y ') an d Y2=Y+3

Y1 = y+2 , 0 ( y-y ')
y1 = y'+( y-y')and y2 = y'

Y1 = 18kN/m3andy2=20-9.81=10.19kN/m3
qu = y1DfNq + 0.4y2BNY
= 18 X 2 X 33 + 0.4 X 10.19 X 3 X 34
= 1603.75 kN/m2
(iii) When the water table is at 1 m below the footing :
1
y1 =yandy2 =y+-(y-y')
3
y1 = 18kN /m3 and v, = y'+l_L

3 3
= _!_[ 2( 20-9.81 )+ 18]

3
= 12.79 kN/m3
qu = 18 X 2 X 33 + 0.4 X 12.79 X 3 X 34
= 1709.83 kN/m2
22. A square footing is to be established in a clayey soil at a depth of 2 m where water table has risen
upto the ground level as shown in the figrue. Determine the width of the footing if it is permitted
to settle by 120 mm for the data given. Assume that the net load given is a constant and that the
same is dispersed into clay as shown. Take Yw = 10 kN/m3•
Net load= 50 kN
3
Y,., = 19.3 kN/m
Cc = 0.36
e0 = 0.92
Solution pf = 120 mm= 0.12 m
Initial pressure at the centre of the clay layer, a O = 3 x 19. 3 = 5 7. 9 kN / m 2
Total settlement, Pf = l cc
- H log
+ e0 o ro
<Jo
-
-J
(-cr o + ~cr
0.12 = 0.36 X
1+0.92 6xlog10
[57.9+ 500
a2
J
57.9
500
Iog., ( 1 + 57.9 a2
J--
0.12x 1.92 = 0.106
0.36x 6
1+ 500
2 1.276
57.9 a
a= 5.6 m
23. A direct shear box test performed on a remoulded sand sample yielded the following observations
at the time of failure.
Normal load = 0.36 kN
Shear load = 0.18 kN
The sample area was 36 cm2•
Determine:
(i) The single angle of internal friction.
(ii) The magnitude and direction of the principal stresses in the zone of failure, and
(iii) The magnitude of maximum deviator stress if a sample of the same sand with the same void
ratio were tested in a triaxial test, with an all round pressure of 60 kN/m2• Assume c = 0.
Solution :
Given: Normal load, (FN) = 0.36 kN
Shear Load, (Fs) = 0.18 kN
Sample Area, (A) = 36cm2 = 0.0036 m2

F
Normal Stress, (crr) = --1i. = 100 kN/m2
A
F. 2
Shear stress at failure, ( •f) = -2- = 50 kN/m
A
(i) By Mohr-Coulomb theory
(For sand so, c = 0)
= tan " (22-J

100
 = 26°33'54.18"
(ii) Principal stresses
cr,+cr cr,-cr
cr1 /cr2 = 2 Y± 2 Y cos20 ±1 xy sin20
C C
Where,
0
C
= 45 + 12 = 58.28°
•xy = •r = 50kN/m 2
100 100
cr1 /cr2 =-±-cos(2x58.28)±50sin(2x58.28)
2 2
cr1 = 72.37kN/m2
cr2 =17.07kN/m2
Direction of principal stress :
0
P,
1 [2· J
=-tan-1
2
_r
(J"f
= 22.5°
0p = 22.5° + 90° = 112.5°
2
(iii) For same soil & same void ratio angle of internal friction will remain same
 = 26.56°
C =0
For triaxial test, if c = 0
2
cr1 =cr3tan (45+%J
26.56 J
= 60x tan" ( 45 +- - = 157.05 kN/m 2
2
Deviator stress,
= 157.05- 60
2
crct =97.05kN/m
24. 60 cm diameter well is being pumped at a rate of 1360 litres/minute. Measurements in a nearby
test well were made at the same time as follows. At a distance of 6 m from the well being pumped,
the drawdown was 6 m and at 15 m the drawdown was 1.5 m. The bottom of the well is 90 m, below
the ground water table.
(i) Find out the coefficient of permeability.
(ii) If all the observed points were on the Dupit's curve, what was the drawdown in the well
during pumping?
Solution :
Given: Radius of well, (r) = 30 cm= 0.3m
Rate of Pumping =1360 L/min
1360x 10-3 3
m /sec = 0.02267 m 3 /sec
60
Drawdown in 6 m distant test well, (S 1) = 6m below GWT
Drawdown in15 m distant test well, (S2) = 1.5 m below GWT
(i) By thiem 's theory :
nk( h~ -hn
Q=------
2.303log10(r1 !r2)
h1 =90-S1 =88.5 m
h2 =90-6=84 m
2.303 X log10 ( 15/ 6) X 0.02267

k 2 2
n( 88.5 - 84 )
= 8.52x 10-6 mis

(ii) By dupit's theory
2.303Q log10 ( R/r)

k = n(H2 -h2)

Putting,
_ 2.303x 0.02267x log10 (15 /0.3)

8.52x 10-6
- n(88.52-h2)
h = 80.43m
Drawdown (S) = 90- 80.43 = 9.57 m

25. A sample of dry soil having specific gravity of 2.74 and having a mass of 133.7 gm is uniformly
dispersed in water to form 1000 cc of suspension.
(i) Determine the density of suspension immediately after it is prepared.
(ii) A 10 cc of the suspension was removed from the depth of 21 cm beneath the top surface
after the suspension was allowed to stand for 2 min 30 sec. The dry mass of the soil in the
sample drawn was found to be 0.406 gm. Determine one point on the grain-size distribution
curve corresponding to this observation.
Temperature of suspension = 20°C and Viscosity of water at 20°C = 0.0102 poise.
Solution :
Given: Sp. gravity, G = 2.74
Mass of dry soil, Md = 133.7 gm= mass of solidsl Mj ]
Volume of suspension, V = 1000cc
(i) Sp. gravity, G=L__Ps

-~= M/V
_s_s
t; Pw Pw
Ms
So volume of solids,
Vs = Gpw
133.7
2.74 X 1
3
= 48.79cm
Volume of water in suspension, V w = 1000- 48.79
= 951.21 cm'
Mass of water, Ww = 951.21 gm (Pw = 1 ~:)
Total mass of suspension, M =951.21+133.7

= 1084.91 gm
M 1084.91
So density of suspension, p =-=
V 1000
= 1.085 gm/crrr'
Distance travelled
(ii) Settling velocity, V =-------
s Time taken
21cm
=---= 0.14 cm/sec
150sec
Minimum size of particles which were found in the observation can be calculated by,
vs
µ = Viscosity
d = 18x 0.0102x 0.14

1
· (2.74-l)x981
= 3.88x 10-3cm
26. An earth embankment is compacted at water content of 17% to a bulk density of 1.9 glee. If the
sp. gr. of soil grains is 2.65. Calculate the void ratio of the compacted embankment.
Solution :
Given: Water content, w =17%=0.17
Bulk density, p = 1.9 glee
Sp. gravity, G = 2.65
G
Bulk density, p =-pw(l+w)
1+ e
2.65 1 ( 1 + 0.17 )
1.9 = -x
1+ e
1 + e = 1.63
Void ratio, e = 0.63
2 7. A 10 m thick bed of sand is underlain by a layer of clay of 6 m thick. The water table that was
originally at ground level is lowered by drainage to a depth of 4 m, where upon the degree of
saturation above lowered water table reduces to 20%. Determine the increase in the effective
pressure at mid of clay layer due to water table lowering. Given, saturated densities of sand and
clay as 2.1 glcm3 and 1.8 g/cnr', and the dry density of sand = 1.7 glcm3•
Note: [l glcm3 = 103 kg/nr']
Solution :
Given:
Thickness of sand & clay layer islO m & 6 m, respectively.

Water table lowering is from G.L. to 4 m.
Reduction in degree of saturation due to W.T. lowering is 20%.
Saturated unit weight of sand, Ysat, = 2.1 X 9.81 = 20.601 kN/m3

Saturated unit weight of clay, Ysatc = 1.8 X 9.81 = 17.658 kN/m3
3
Dry unit weight of sand, Yct, = l.7x 9.81 = 16.68 kN/m
Effective stress before lowering of water table
GLI 4m
l.. ,g. WT. (Case ii)
l
sand
't; = 20.601 kN/m'
clay
6m t: = 17.66 kN/m'
1 c =cr-u
Where, c = Total stress
u = Pore water pressure
2
c =20.601x10+17.66x3 =258.99kN/m
2
u = 9.81x 13 = 127.53 kN/m
cr = 258.99-127.53 = 131.46kN/m 2
G+e) Yw = 20.601
Y( l = (--
sat s 1+ e
G+e
= 2.1 .... (i)
1+ e
- Gyw = 16.68 kN/m3

Yct-l+e
G
= 1.7 ... (ii)
1+ e
From equation (i) and (ii)
G = 1.7 (1 + e)
1.7(1+e)+e
----=2.1
l+ e
e = 0.66
G = 2.826
y of soil above water level [ w ,, = water content at partial saturation ,S, = 0.2 J
y -(G+Se)
- l 't ;
+e
2
-(2.826+0.66x0. )x9.81 = 17.48 kN/m 3
Y - l+ 0.66
After lowering of water table
cr = 17.48 x 4 + (20.601 - 9.81) x 6 + (17.66 - 9.8) x 3
= 158.216 kN/m 2
2
Increase in effective stress = 158.216-131.46 = 26.756 kN/m
28. Discuss about various components of well foundation.

Solution :
Well cap:
• It is constructed as a slab resting on the well and used to transfer the load of pier to the well.
• It is so designed that the base of the pier is provided with a minimum all round offset.
Steining:
• Walls of the well are known as steining, made by brick/stone masonry or reinforced concrete.
• Its thickness is designed in such a manner that all platforms of well are sunk under its own weight.
Well curb:
• It transfers all the superimposed loads to the soil through the cutting edge while sinking.
• The material used for curbs may be timber or RCC.
Cutting edge :
• It is either projected below the curb as a sharp edge or can also have flat bottom.
Bottom plug :
• It is made bowled shape in order to have an arch action.
• It transmits load to soil below.
Top plug:
• It is provided after the filling is completed and it helps in transferring the load of the pier and superstructure
to the steining.
• Its thickness is generally kept greater than 50% of the smaller dimension of the dredge hole.
Sand filling :
• It provides stability of the bottom of the well and eliminates the tensile forces at the base.

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What are the different components of a well foundation discussed in the passage?

What are the different components of a well foundation discussed in the passage?

What are the properties of soils discussed in the passage?

What are the properties of soils discussed in the passage?

Geotechnical Engineering

Solution : Given : Pd = 1.8 glee, G =2.65, Pw = 1 glee, w = 16% = 0.16.

Since, Sr = 1, thus the maximum dry density;

Solution emax = 0.642,

Dry density of soil,

Relative density of soil,

(e) and the degree of saturation (s.).

Solution : Total unit weight, Y = 18.8 kN/m 3

Specific gravity, G = 2.67

Water content of the soil,

Infinity Educations India

Its weight = 18.8 kN/m3

18.8x lOOOx 1000

= 1.916 - 1.7107 = 0.2053 gm

= 0.154 + 0.2053 = 0.593 cc

Dry unit weight,

WL = 60%, w, = 30%, W5 = 20%

Solution : Given data : wL = 60% ; VL = 40 cc

Infinity Educations India

Taking vi VL = 40 cc and WI = WL = 60%

Volume of soil sample, V = 45 cm3

Volume of solids, Vs = 25 cm3

Volume of voids x 100

6. A homogeneous anisotropic earth dam which is 20 m high, is constructed on an impermeable

Solution :Coefficient of permeability of soil in the horizontal direction,

Infinity Educations India

Coefficient of permeability of soil in the vertical direction,

kY = 1.6 x 10-s m/sec

The isotropic equivalent coefficient of permeability,

)( 4.8x 1 o-s )( 1.6x 1 o-s)

Number of flow channelstN) =4

Number of equipotential drop (Nd) = 18

Water level on the reservoir side (h) = 18 m

Quantity of seepage per unit length of dam,

Unit weight of dry soil upto 2.8 m level = lgy w

(G+ e.Sr)yw 2.65+0.5x0.6xl0 = 18.44kN/m3

Ci = 2.8 X 16.56 + 1.2 X 18.44

Infinity Educations India

The stress distribution diagram can be plotted as:

Section A-A, c = Total stress = 25 kN/m2

o' = Effective stress = 25 kN/m2

Section B-B c = 25 + 3 x 19 = 82 kN/m2

Section C-C c = 25 + 3 x 19 +4 x 20 = 162 kN/m2

o ' = 162 - 70 = 92 kN/m2

Time for 50% consolidation,

Infinity Educations India

= 3.27 X 10 X 1.5 X 10·3

cr0' = 3.0 kg/cm2

~cr' = 1.2 kg/cm2

k = 3.5 x 10-4 emfs

Where, e0 = I.95,a0 = 150kNm2,L1a = 210-150 = 60kN / m2

Change in void ratio= 0.041

k 3.5X 10-4 X 10-2

Infinity Educations India