Test Paper

Name Date:

Marks: 50 Time 1 hour

Sr. Question Marks

No.
1 List methods to find out bearing capacity of foundation. Which method shall be used 10
for finding out bearing capacity for RE wall?

Ans: The various methods of computing the bearing capacity can be listed as follows:
1. Presumptive Analysis
2. Analytical Methods
3. Plate Bearing Test
4. Penetration Test
Case 1 : Presumptive Analysis :
This is based on experiments and experiences. For different types of soils, IS1904
(1978) has recommends the bearing capacity values.
Case 2 : Analytical Methods:
 Terzaghi's Bearing Capacity Theory
 Skempton's Analysis for Cohesive soils
 Meyerhof's Bearing Capacity Theory
 Hansen's Bearing Capacity Theory
 Vesic's Bearing Capacity Theory
 IS code method (IS 6403)
Case 3 Plate Load Test:
Plate load test is a field test to determine the ultimate bearing capacity
of soil and the settlement under a given loading. Here the rigid plate is loaded
at the foundation level and corresponding settlements w.r.t each load increment is
determined. The ultimate bearing capacity is taken when the plate starts sinking rapidly.
Case 4: Penetration Test:
The ultimate bearing capacity of cohesion less soil is determined from the standard
penetration number N. The standard penetration test is conducted at a number of
selected points in the vertical direction below the foundation level at intervals of 75
cm or at point where there is a change of strata. An average value of N is obtained
between the level of the base of footing and the depth equal to 1.5 to 2 times the
width of the foundation. The value is obtained from the N value and the bearing
capacity factors are found.
Bearing Capacity of RE Wall:
The bearing capacity of RE wall can be obtained by Meyerhof’s Distribution as given
in clause 6.5.2 page 82 of BS 8006:2010.

The partial factor of safety w.r.t bearing is 1.35 as per table 11 of BS 8006:2010.
2 Explain the mechanism of reinforced soil in resisting forces in a retaining wall as well as in a ground 10
improvement scheme. What are the different materials used for reinforcement?
Ans: Reinforced earth is a compacted soil mass within which reinforcing elements usually
in the form of horizontal strips of metal , geotextile etc are embedded.
Then friction develops between compacted layer of granular earth &
reinforcing elements.
The soil transfer the forces build up in the earth mass to the reinforcement by means of
friction. The reinforcements provide tensile strength in the earth mass
where shear stresses are generated.

Effect of Reinforcements on Soil (Fig Taken from BS 8006:2010)

When the soil is reinforced a large value of sigma 1 is needed to cause failure.

As per IRC SP:102 & MORT&H 3100 the following things can be used as soil reinforcements:
 Metallic Elements like bar ,strip ,plates.
 Metallic reinforcements in form of Mesh
 Polymeric Elements like strips, grid, mesh etc.
3 Explain the procedure for design of RE wall. List the codes available for design of RE wall. 10
Ans: The design of RE walls are based on the following codes:
1. BS 8006:2010
2. IRC SP 102 2014.
3. AFNOR NF-P 94-270
4. MORT&H 3100
5. FHWA NHI-10-024 & 10-025 2009 (For RE wall & RE Slope).

The design of RE wall is based on limit state principles, both ultimate & serviceability limit state.
The design of reinforced soil walls and abutments follows the principles involved in
conventional earth retaining structures, however, reinforced soil structures require
additional consideration with regard to soil/reinforcement interaction. For
convenience analysis is usually considered in two parts covering external and
internal stability. External stability covers the basic stability of the reinforced soil
structure as a unit, whilst internal stability covers all areas relating to internal
behaviour mechanisms, consideration of the stress within the structure,
arrangement and behaviour of the reinforcements and backfill properties.
There are two methods currently used for the design of reinforced soil structure.
Which are referred to as the tie back wedge method and the coherent gravity method. The tie back
wedge method follows basic design principles currently employed for classical or
anchored retaining walls. It has evolved from the use of all forms of permitted
reinforcements. The coherent gravity method is based on the monitored
behaviour of structures using inextensible reinforcements and has evolved over a
number of years from observations on a large number of structures, corroborated
by theoretical analysis. For metallic reinforcements CG method is to be used &
for polymeric we have to use TBW method.
Three types of load combination is to be considered as per BS 8006:2010.
Combination A This combination considers the maximum values of all loads and therefore
normally generates the maximum reinforcement tension and foundation bearing
pressure. It may also determine the reinforcement requirement to satisfy pull-out
resistance although pull-out resistance is usually governed by combination B.
Combination B This combination considers the maximum overturning loads together with
minimum self mass of structure and superimposed traffic load. This combination
normally dictates the reinforcement requirement for pull-out resistance and is
normally the worst case for sliding along the base.
Combination C This combination considers dead loads only without partial load factors. This
combination is used to determine foundation settlements as well as generating
reinforcement tensions for checking the serviceability limit state.

In external following checks are done:

 Sliding at base for Slip in RE wall
 Sliding at base for slip in foundation
 Check for Overturning.

In internal Analysis the following checks are done:

 Check for Strip length
 Check for Connection Strength
 Check for Adherence Capacity.
4 Determine safe load carrying capacity of pile using following data 10
Dia of pile : 0.6m
Type of pile : Bored cost in situ
Soil profile : 0 – 10m sand ф=32 γsat = 18KN/m3
:10 – 15m stiff clay CU = 50kpa gamma sat = 20kN/m3
GWT : 1.5m below GL Assume suitable parameters
Solution:
Dia of pile = 0.60 m. Load bearing capacity for pile as per IS 2911 Qu = (Ap x PD x Nq
) + (Ap x Nc x cp)+ å *Ki x PDi x tandi x Asi+ + å *αi x ci x Asi+ where, Qu = Ultimate
vertical load carrying capacity of RCC bored pile,
Ap = Cross sectional area of pile tip. = π/4 x (D)2 D = Diameter of pile. PD
Nq = Bearing capacity factor for bored pile depending on Ф.
Nc = Bearing capacity factor, may be taken as 9. cp = Average cohesion at pile tip.
Ki = Co-efficient of earth pressure in ith layer. PDi = Mean effective overburden
pressure of ith layer. δi = Angle of wall friction between pile and soil for the ith
layer. Asi = Surface area of pile shaft in ith layer = π x D x Li Li = Length of pile in
respective stratum, Ф = Angle of internal friction of soil. αi = Adhesion factor for the
ith layer. Taking GWL on GL.
ci = Average cohesion for the ith layer Design Strength Parameters: STRATUM-I(0 to
10.00 m): Ф = 32o. Use, K = 1.10. γsat = 18KN/m3 STRATUM-II (10.00-15.00 m): c =
50 kpa. = 5.00 t/m2. Use α = 0.87. γsat = 20KN/m3 Maximum depth up to which
pressure will increase below ground level = 9.00 m. (Critical Depth = 15D.) Maximum
effective OVP = 9 x 0.90 = 8.10 t/m2. Assuming, depth of pile tip 15m below ground
level. Cut off = 2.00 m below GL. Calculation of Safe Skin Frictional Resistance:
Stratum-I: K = 1.10. Effective thickness = 10.00-2.00 = 8.00 m. As = π x 0.60 x 8.00 =
15.072 m2. Where, D = 0.60 m. and Shaft length = 8.00 m.
PDmean = 5.34t/m2. tand = tan 32o = 0.62.
Ultimate Skin Frictional Resistance = (1.10 x 5.34 x 0.62 x 15.072) = 54.89 t.
Stratum-II: α = 0.87. c = 5.00 t/m2. Effective thickness = 5.00 m. As = π x 0.60 x 5.00
 = 9.42 m2. Where, D = 0.60 m. and Shaft length = 5.00 m. Ultimate Skin Frictional
Resistance = (0.87 x 5.00 x 9.42) = 40.98 t. Total skin frictional capacity =
40.98+54.89 = 95.87 t Safe frictional capacity = 95.87/2.5 = 38.35 t. Calculation of
Safe End Bearing Resistance: Ap = 3.14 x (0.60)2/4 = 0.28 m2. NC = 9 Cp= 5.00 t/m2.
Total end bearing capacity = 0.28 x 9 x 5 = 12.6 t Safe end bearing capacity =
12.60/2.5 = 5.04 t. Total vertical pile capacity = 5.04+38.35 = 43.4 t

5 What shall be the soil investigation plan for road over soft soil? 10
Ans: The soil investigation plan consists of :
1. Every site investigation should commence with a desk study directed towards
collecting, collating and reviewing the following: • Design drawings from any
previous structure at the site. • Previous site investigation reports, borehole
logs, penetrometer results and construction experience e.g. piling records. •
Geological maps, survey data and records. • Hydrological data. • Aerial
photographs. • Regional seismicity data. • Survey records, local knowledge
and resources.
2. Geotecnical Studies: A comprehensive geotechnical investigation of the
project site should be carried out in order to characterise the materials and
conditions which will be encountered during the construction and operation
of the project, their nature, variability, extent and any special requirements
to be observed. The investigation should include an evaluation of the
geology and hydrogeology of the site. The detail of the investigation should
be commensurate with the potential risks, hazards and complexity of the
project. The investigation should include geological surface mapping,
sampling of soils throughout the project site with appropriate logging of all
excavations and boreholes, logging of existing cut slopes and excavations,
field and laboratory testing including field monitoring, measurement of
groundwater levels, moisture regimes, soil strengths and compressibility,
analysis and interpretation of the results and preparation of a geotechnical
report.

3. Embankment Foundation:
The embankment foundation investigation should as a minimum consider the
following issues: • the range of materials in the embankment foundations and
where appropriate the pavement subgrade (including subgrade strength) •
settlement potential • stability • hydrogeology, moisture regime and drainage
requirements • special construction requirements Sufficient samples should be
taken of the embankment foundations and pavement subgrades for testing
purposes. Embankment foundation investigations should comply with the minimum
standards requirements as given below: • Maximum test pit/borehole spacing 500m
• Minimum test pit/borehole depth 1.5m below subgrade level, or 0.5m below table
drain or subsoil drain level, or 0.5m below culvert invert level, whichever is the
greater or refusal.

4. Cutting Investigation:
The cutting investigation should as a minimum consider the following
issues: • the range of materials in the cuttings and in the pavement
subgrade • slope stability • subgrade strength • suitability of cut materials
for basecourse, sub-base and embankment fill • excavation conditions •
hydrogeology, moisture regime and drainage requirements • the extent of
any problems which may be encountered during and after construction.