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CEL 321 : Geotechnical Engineering

Minor Test I (September 3, 2008)


Max Marks: 15 Time: 1 hr

Q.l State whether you agree or disagree with the following statements. If you disagree,
change the words and write the correct statement (underline the words changed):
(a) In Spectral Analysis of Surface Wave (SASW) method, velocity of S-waves is
measured.
(b) In earthquake prone areas, the clay core of dams should be compacted at the
optimum moisture content.
(c) In residual soil deposits, the clay content and the plasticity of the soil increase
with depth as the soil approaches the parent rock.
(d) Sands subjected to a higher pressure in the past as compared to the present
overburden are referred to as Overconsolidated soils. (4)

Q.2 A Soil Consultant gives the following recommendations for compaction of the clay
core of a dam. Identify the errors in his recommendations: (2)
"The soil to be used for construction is low plasticity clay. Standard Proctor
compaction test will be performed on the soil in the laboratory. In the field, steel
drum rollers will be used and the compaction will be done to achieve 95 % of the
relative density in layers of 25 cm thickness of soil."

Q.3 A 6 m high and 280 m long dam having the top width of 3 m and side slopes of
3H:1V is to be compacted using a sheepfoot roller. Only one roller can work at a
time. Can the roller indicated below complete the work in 14 days assuming no
break-down of the roller? (3)
Roller width = 1.8 m; Roller velocity = 2 km/hr; No. of passes = 6:
Working shift = 12 hours per day; Layer thickness = 45 cm; Idle time = 40 %

Q.4 Explain any three features of an open drive sampler that helps in minimizing the
sample disturbance. (1.5)

Q.5 How will your site investigation program differ in each of the following cases for a
building on 20 m x 30 m plan area, all other parameters being the same: (2)
(a) Soil is clay versus soil is sand,
(b) 2-storeyed building versus 6-storeyed building.

Q.6 Mark the errors with reasons in the flow net shown in Fig. 1 (2.5)

.s:;

we,...

,{l. 0 Cd<

Fi~ .1-

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