Soil’s Influence on Concrete

Assignment 02

Foundation Engineering IV (Project Report)

By Hannes Gelderblom (46874518)

May 2018
I, Hannes Gelderblom declare that this is my own work.
Contents

Introduction..........................................................................................................................................3
Question 1.........................................................................................................................................4
Question 2.........................................................................................................................................7
Question 3.......................................................................................................................................10
Question 4.......................................................................................................................................14
Conclusion...........................................................................................................................................16
References..........................................................................................................................................17

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Introduction

After completing this project, which consist of four problems to be solved, I will be aware of the
importance of soil properties and their influence on foundation design. I will also be able to
distinguish between the different types of natural soils. Finally, I will be able to provide a number of
engineering solutions to the problem soil encountered.

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Question 1

Q1.1
Our company has been appointed to execute a social housing development project. As lead
geotechnical engineer, I was required to determine the spacing of a squared grid of sand drains to
achieve 90% consolidation in 4 months. The rectangular foundation for the structure was designed
on a deposit of clay. Below the soft clay is stiff over-consolidated clay 16m thick. The calculated
settlement cannot be tolerated and thus it was decided that the soil should be pre-consolidated by
an embankment equivalent to building load. The data available are:

Cv = 6 m2/yr, Ch = 10 m2/yr, mv = 0.2 m2/MN.

The foundation size is 12m x 12m and the foundation load = 420kPa. The drain diameter is 300mm.

During our first site inspection we decided that the foundation will be constructed within the soft
clay and on top of the over-consolidated clay layer.

A1.1
The clay layer can be considered as a whole thus the effective stress at mid depth will be required.

z = 8m
m’ = n’ = 6/8 = 0.75
From the given table the influence factor = 0.1367
Δσ’ = 4 x 0.1367 x 420 = 229.656 kN/m2

Sc = mvΔσ’H = 0,2 x 229.656 x 16 = 735mm

For t = 4 months = 4/12 = 0,25 year

U = 90% thus,
U = 735 x 0,9/735 = 0,9

Diameter of sand drains is 0,3m

Therfore : rd = 0,15m

Radius of cylindrical block:

R = nrd = 0,15n
Assuming one-way drainage, thus d = 16m and,
Tv = Cvt/d2 = 6 x 0,25/162 = 0,005859 (time factor)

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From the table “Relationship between average degree of consolidation and time factor,
Uv = 0,125
Tr = Cht/4R2 = (10 x 0,25) / 4 x 0,152 x n2 = 27,778/n2

Thus :
n = √ (27,778)/Tr

Now (1-U) = (1-Uv)(1-Ur)

(1-0,9) = (1-0,125)(1-Ur)
0,875Ur = 0,775
Ur = 0.886

A trial-and-error is necessary to obtain the value of n. Starting with a value of n corresponding to one
of the curves in figure 7.30 the value of T r for Ur = 0,886 is obtained from that curve. Using this value
of Tr the value of √ (27,778)/Tr is calculated and plotted against the selected value of n.

n Tr sqrt(27,778/Tr)
5 0,2584 10,368
10 0,4355 7.986
15 0,5439 7.146
20 0.6219 6.683

25

20
√(27,778)/Tr

15

10

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
n

From the chart above it can be seen that n = 8.75, therefore

R = 0.15 x 8.75 = 1.313 m thus S = R/0,564 = 1.313/0,564 = 2.328m

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Q 1.2
Briefly discuss the function of sand drains and how they are constructed.

A 1.2
Sand drains are used to accelerate the consolidation settlement of soft, normally consolidated clay
layers and achieve pre-compression before foundation construction.

Sand drains are constructed by drilling holes through the clay layers in the field at regular intervals.
The holes are then backfilled with highly permeable sand and then surcharge is applied at the
ground surface. This surcharge will be dissipated by drainage both vertically and radially to the sand
drains which accelerates settlement of the clay layers.

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Question 2

Q 2.1
The transportation of soil may be classified into several groups, depending on their mode of
transportation and deposition. Which types of soil matches the mode of transportation and
deposition.

A 2.1.1 - Formed by transportation and deposition of glaciers - Glacial soils

A 2.1.2 - Transported and deposited by wind - Aeolian soils

A 2.1.3 - Transported by running water and deposited along streams - Alluvial soils

A 2.1.4 - Formed by deposition in quiet lakes - Lacustrine soils

A 2.1.5 Formed by deposition in the seas - Marine soils

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Q 2.2
An infinite slope is shown in the diagram. The shear strength parameters at the interface of soil and
rock are as follows: c1 = 18 kN/m2 and φ1 = 25o

A 2.2.1
If H = 8m and β = 20o the factor of safety against sliding on the rock surface is calculated as follows:

p = 1900 kg/m3 so the unit weight of soil

y = pg = (1900 x 9.81) / 1000 = 18.64 kN/m3

FSs = c’ / (yHcos2βtanβ) + tanφ’ / tanβ

= 18 / [(18.64)(8)(cos20)2 (tan20)] + tan25 / tan25
= 0.376 + 1.28
= 1.656

A 2.2.2
If β = 30o the height H was calculated as follows for which Fs = 1

Hcr = c’/y x 1 / [cos2β(tanβ-tanφ’)]

= 18 / 18.64 x 1 / [cos230(tan30-tan25’)]
= 11.6m

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A 2.2.3
From the diagram, if there were seepage through the soil, and the groundwater table coincided with
the ground surface, the value of Fs is calculated as follows for which H = 8m, psat = 1900kg/m3 and β
= 20o

ysat = 18.64 kN/m3

yw = 9.81 kN/m3

so

y’ = ysat – yw
= 18.64 – 9.81
= 8.83 kN/m3

FSs = c’ / (ysatHcos2βtanβ) + y1/ysat x tanφ’ / tanβ

= 18 / [(18.64)(8)(cos20)2 (tan20)] + (8.83 / 18.64) x (tan25/tan20)
= 0.376 + 0.606 = 0.982

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Question 3

Q 3.1
What are the five steps required to check the stability of a retaining wall?

A 3.1
Step 1 - Check for overturning about its toe
Step 2 - Check for sliding failure along its base
Step 3 - Check for bearing capacity failure of the base
Step 4 - Check for settlement
Step 5 - Check for overall stability

Q 3.2
Retaining walls are commonly used in construction projects and may be grouped into four
classifications. Briefly discuss these four classifications in your own words.

A 3.2
Gravity retaining walls - This type of retaining wall depends on its own weight and soil resting on the
masonry for stability. This retaining wall is constructed out of plain concrete or stone masonry.
Semi gravity retaining walls - A small amount of steel may be used for the construction of gravity
walls, thereby minimizing the size of the wall sections.
Cantilever retaining walls - These retaining walls are made of reinforced concrete that consists of a
thin stem and base slab.
Counter front retaining walls – These retaining walls are similar to cantilever walls but they have thin
vertical concrete slabs known as counter fronts that tie the wall and base slab together.

Q 3.3
What are the basic soil properties an engineer must know to design a retaining wall? Describe, in
your own words, the two phases generally followed for the design of the retaining wall.

A 3.3
To design retaining walls properly, and engineer must know the basic soil parameters that is:

 the unit weight

 angle of friction
 Cohesion

of the soil retained behind the wall and the soil below the base slab.

With lateral earth pressure known, the structure as a whole is checked for stability, including
checking for possible overturning, sliding, and bearing capacity failures.

Each component of the structure is checked for adequate strength and the steel reinforcement of
each component is determined.

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Q3.4
The cross section of a cantilever retaining wall is shown in the diagram. Calculate the factor of safety
with respect to overturning, sliding, and bearing capacity.

A 3.4
H’ = H1 + H2 + H3 = 2.6tan 10o + 6 + 0.7
= 0.458 + 6 + 0.7 = 7.158m

The Rankine active force per unit length of wall is:

Pa = ½ y1 H’2Ka

For φ’1 = 30o and ɑ = 10o , Ka is equal to 0.350, thus

Pa = 0.5 (18)(7.158)2(0.35) = 161.4 kN/m

Pv = Pa sin 10o = 161.4(sin 10o) = 28.03 kN/m
Ph = Pa sin 10o = 161.4(cos 10o) = 158.95 kN/m

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 Section No Area (m2) Weight Moment arm Moment (kn.m/m)
(Kn/m) (m)
1 6x0.5 = 3 70.74 1.15 81.35
2 0.5(0.2)(6) = 0.6 14.15 0.833 11.79
3 4x0.7 = 2.8 66.02 2.0 132.04
4 6x2.6 = 15.6 280.80 2.7 758.16
5 0.5(2.6)(0.458) = 0.595 10.71 3.13 33.52
Pv = 28.03 4.0 112.12
Sum V = Sum 1128.98 = Sum MR
470.45

Overturning moment:

Mo = Ph (H’/3) = 158.95 (7.158/3) = 379.25 kN.m/m

FSoverturning = Sum MR / Mo = 1128.98 / 379.25 = 2.98 > 2… OK

Factor of safety against sliding

Let k1 = k2 = 2/3
Pp = 0.5 KpY2D2 + 2c’2 sqrt(Kp)(D)
Kp = tan2(45 + φ’2/2) = tan2(45+10) = 2.04
D = 1.5m

So

Pp = 0.5(2.04)(19)(1.5)2 + 2(40)[sqrt(2.04)](1.5)
= 43.61 +171.39 = 215 kN/m

Hence,

FSsliding = {470.45tan[(2x20)/3)] + (4)(2/3)(40) + 215} / 158.95

= (111.5 + 106.67 + 215) / 158.95 = 2.73 > 1.5… OK

Factor of safety against bearing capacity failure

e = 4/2 – (1128.98 -379.25) / 470.45

= 0.406m < B/6 = 4/6 = 0.666m

qtoe heel = 470.45 /4 [1 +- (6x0.406/4)] = 189.2 kN/m2 (toe)

= 45.99 kN/m2 (heel)

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Ultimate bearing capacity of soil:

qu = c’2NcFcdFci + qNqFqdFqi + 0.5y2B’NyFydFyi

For φ’2 = 20o, Nc = 14.83 Nq = 6.4 and Ny = 5.39

q = y2D = (19)(1.5) = 28.5 kN/m2

B’ = B -2e = 4 – 2(0.406) = 3.188m

Fqd 1 + 2 tanφ’2(1-sin φ’2)2 (D/B’) = 1 + 0.315(1.5/3.188) = 1.148

Fcd = 1.148 – [(1-1.148)/ (14.83)(tan20)] = 1.175
Fyd = 1
Fci = Fqi = [(1-(uo/90o)]2

U = tan-1 (158.98/470.45) = 18.67o

So,

Fci = Fqi = (1-18.67/90)2 = 0

Hence,

qu = (40)(14.83)(1.175)(0.628) + (28.5)(6.4)(1.148)(0.628) + 0.5 (19)(5.93)(3.188)(1)(0)

= 437.7 + 131.50 + 0 = 569.2 kN/m2

FS Bearing capacity = qu / qtoe = 569.2 / 189.2 = 3.0.. OK

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Question 4

Q 4.1
As a newly appointed geotechnical engineer on a highway bridge project, you have been tasked in
preparing the geotechnical report. Briefly describe and discuss what information is required for the
preparation and presentation of the report.

A 4.1

 Information about the soil profile.

 Position of the water table.
 Existence and extend of rock.
 The expected engineering properties of soil.
 Be able to do profiling of test holes and interpret the results of boring logs during the drilling
operation.
 Sample representative soil samples for the relevant laboratory test.
 Be able to do all different in-situ tests together with the interpretation and the associated
design methods.

Q 4.2
Piles may be divided into two main categories according to their method of installation. Briefly
discuss these two categories in your own words.

A 4.2
Driven piles of steel or pre-cast concrete and piles formed by driving tubes or shells which are filled
with concrete after driving. Also included in this category are piles formed by placing concrete as the
driven tubes are withdrawn.

The second category consists of piles which are installed without soil displacement. The soil is
removed by boring or drilling to form a shaft.

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Q 4.3
The purpose of identifying the layers of deposits that underlie a proposed structure and their
physical characteristics is generally referred to as subsurface exploration. What are the key tasks you
will be required to undertake as the geotechnical engineer to obtain information for the subsurface
exploration?

A 4.3
1. The scope of investigation.
2. A description of the proposed structure for which the subsoil exploration has been conducted.
3. A description of the location of the site, including structures nearby, drainage conditions of the
site, nature of vegetation on the site and the area surrounding it, and any other features unique
to the site.
4. Geological setting of the site.
5. Details of the field exploration.
6. General description of the subsoil conditions as determined from soil specimens and from
laboratory tests.
7. Water table conditions.
8. Foundation recommendations including the type of foundation recommended, allowable
bearing pressure, and any special condition procedure that may be needed.
9. Conclusions and limitations of the investigation.

The following graphical presentations should be attached to the report:

1. Site location map.

2. A plan view of the location of the borings with respect to the proposed structures and those
existing nearby.
3. Boring logs.
4. Laboratory test results.
5. Other special graphical presentations.

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Conclusion

This report covers a wide range of problems. This allowed me to apply my theoretical knowledge,
concerning the behaviour of soils and rocks and the construction of load-bearing structures, to the
planning and construction of foundations for infrastructure.

It was concluded from this report that one of the most important factors would be to first consider
the kind of soil on which construction is to begin, allowing for the selection of the best material for
the job, taking into account variables such as the manner in which such materials would need to be
reinforced.

This field of engineering not only establishes the physical qualities and quantities needed for the
construction of foundations but establishes the necessary design parameters needed for such
construction. Such parameters are established by evaluating factors such as the bearing capacity of a
particular soil, allowable soil pressure, and the influence of slopes and adjacent foundations, among
others.

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References

Fundamentals of Geotechnical Engineering. Braja M Das. 4th Edition

Foundation Engineering IV. Study Guid I. J.C Engelbrecht. 1st Edition 2004

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