Problem 72 Geotechnical

Laboratory test on a soil sample yielded the following results:

Liquid limit = 54%
Plastic limit = 25%
Natural moisture content = 29%
% finer than 0.002 mm = 18%

Determine the activity number of the soil.

Solution:
P.I.
A=
% finer than 0.002 mm
54 - 25
A=
18
A = 1.61

Determine the liquidity index.

Solution:
W - PL
L.I. =
LL - PL
29 - 25
L.I. = = 0.138
54 - 25

Determine the consistency of the given soil.

a) stiff c) medium to soft
b) soft d) very soft

Problem 73 Geotechnical
An undistributed sample of saturated clay has a volume of 16.5 cc and weighs 35.1 g. After oven drying,
the weight of the sample reduces to 29.5 g.

Determine the void ratio of the soil sample.

Solution:
Wt. of H2O = 35.1 - 29.5 = 5.6 g
Saturated unit weight:
W
sat =
V
35.1
sat = = 2.127 g/cc Determine the moisture content of the soil
16.5 sample.
W Solution:
dry = d
V Gs
29.5 S=
dry = = 1.788 g/cc e
16.5 (2.7)
(G + e) w 1=
sat = s 0.51
1+e 8m
= 0.189
G e w = 18.9%
sat = s w +
1+e 1+e
e w A
sat = dry +
1+e
e(1)
2.127 - 1.788 =
1+e
0.339(1 + e) = e
0.339 + 0.339e = e
e = 0.51

Determine the sp.gr. of the soil sample.

Solution:
G
dry = s w
1+e
G s (1)
1.788 =
1 + 0.51
G s = 2.70
Problem 74 Geotechnical
From the given table of consistency index and an unconfined compressive strength of the soil.
Type of Soil Consistency Index Unconfined Compressive Strength (kPa)
Very Soft 0 25 < 25
Soft 25 50 25 50
Medium 50 75 50 100
Stiff 75 100 100 200
Very Stiff > 100 200 400
Hard > 100 > 400

Determine the unconfined compressive strength of a stiff soil having a consistency of 85.
Solution:
75 100
10 x
25 85 ? 100

100 200
10 x
=
25 100
x = 40 Unconfined compressive strength of stiff soil = 100 + 40 = 140 kPa

. Determine the consistency of a soft soil having a cohesion of 20 kPa.

Solution:
25 25
15 x
25 40 ? 25

50 50
15 x
=
25 25
x = 15 Consistency index = 25 + 15 = 40

Find the shear strength of a stiff soil at a depth of 8 m. if the soil has a consistency of 80%. Assume
angle of internal friction of the soil to be 32 and its unit weight is 18 kN/m3.
Solution: Unconfined compressive strength of
75 100 the soil = 100 + 20 = 120 kPa
5 x Cohesion of the soil = 120/2 = 60 kPa
25 80 ? 100
= c + v tan
100 200 v = 18(8) = 144
5 x = 60 + 144 tan 32
=
25 100 = 150 kPa
x = 10
Problem 75 Geotechnical
If excavation is carried out in a soil with a porosity of 0.40 and sp.gr. of 2.65, determine
the critical gradient.
Solution:
e G -1
=n Critical gradient = s
1+e e +1
e 2.65 - 1
= 0.40 Critical gradient =
1+e 0.667 + 1
0.40 + 0.4e = e Critical gradient = 0.99
0.6e = 0.40
e = 0.667

Determine saturated unit weight of the soil.

Solution:
(G + e)
sat = s w
1+e
(2.65 + 0.667)
sat = (9.81) = 19.52 kN / m3
1 + 0.667

If a 1.50 m. layer of the soil is subjected to an upward seepage head of 1.95 m., what
depth of coarse sand would be required above the soil to provide a factor of safety of 2.5.
Assume all soils have the same porosity and sp.gr. of solids as the soil.
water table
Solution:
PA = 9.81(1.95) seepage head at the bottom A x

PA = 19.13 kPa
Effective pressure at A : 1.5 m

(x + 1.5)(19.52 - 9.81) = (x + 1.5)9.71 A

(x + 1.5)(9.71)
F.S. = water table
19.13
9.71x + 14.565
2.5 =
19.13 sat =19.52 kN/m3
x = 3.42 m.
A
Problem 76 Geotechnical
A sample of clay was coated with paraffin wax and its mass including the mass of
wax, was found to be 697.5 g. The sample was immersed in water and the volume
of water displaced ws found to be 355 c.c. The mass of the sample without wax
was 690 g and the water content of the representative specimen was 18%. Sp.gr.
of the solid = 2.70 and that of wax is 0.89.

Determine the bulk density.

Solution:
mass of wax mass
Vol. of wax = Bulk density =
unit wt. of wax vol.
697.5 - 690 690
Vol. of wax = Bulk density =
0.89(1) 346.57
Vol. of wax = 8.43 cc Bulk density = 1.99 g / cc

Determine the dry density.

Solution:
Bulk density 1.99
dry = = = 1.69 g / cc
1+ 1 + 0.18

Determine the degree of saturation.

Solution:
G Gs
dry = s w S=
1+e e
2.7(1) 18(2.7)
1.69 = S=
1+e 0.60
e = 0.60 S = 81%





Problem 77 Geotechnical
A cone penetrometer test was conducted on a sample of soil for the
determination of the liquid limit and the following observations were
recorded.
Liquid limit = 58% Plastic limit = 34% Shrinkage limit = 12%

Compute the plasticity index.

Solution:
P.I. = LL PL
P.I. = 58 34 = 24

Compute the shrinkage index.

Solution:
Shrinkage index = PL SV
Shrinkage index = 34 12 = 22

Compute the shrinkage ratio if Gs = 2.70

Solution:
1 1
SL = -
SR G s
1 1
12 = -
SR 2.70
1
= 12.37
SR
SR = 0.081






Problem 78 Geotechnical
A soil has a liquid limit of 25% and a flow index of 12.5%. If the plastic limit
is 15% and shrinkage limit is 12%

Determine the toughness index.

Solution:
LL - PL
It =
If
25 - 15
It = = 0.80 = 80%
12.5

Determine the shrinkage index.

Solution:
S.I. = PL SL
S.I. = 15 12 = 3%

Determine the relative consistency if the water content in its natural

condition in the field is 20%.
Solution:
LL - W
Ic =
LL - PL
25 - 20
Ic =
25 - 15
Ic = 0.50 say 50%







Problem 79 Geotechnical
The water table in a deposit of uniform sand is located at 2 m. below the ground surface.
Assuming the soil above the water table is dry. The void ratio is 0.75 and sp.gr. of solids is
2.65.

Determine the total stress at a depth of 5 m. below the ground surface.

Solution:
G
dry = s w
1+e ground surface

2.65(9.81)
dry = 2m e = 0.75
1 + 0.75 water table
dry = 14.86 kN/m3
5m
(G + e) w Gs = 2.65
sat = s
1+e
(2.65 + 0.75)(9.81)
sat =
1 + 0.75 A
sat = 19.06 kN/m3
Total stress at A:
A = 14.86(2) + 19.06(3)
A = 86.90 kPa

Determine the effective stress of the depth of 5 m. below the ground.

Solution:
A = 14.86(2) + (19.06 9.81)(3)
A = 57.47 kPa

Determine the effective stress of the depth of 5 m. below the ground surface if the soil
above the water table is saturated by capillary action.
Solution:
A = 19.06(2) + (19.06 9.81)(3)
A = 65.87 kPa



Problem 80 Geotechnical
During a test for water content determination on a soil sample by pycnometer, the following
observations were recorded:
Mass of wet soil sample = 1000 g
Mass of pycnometer with soil and filled with water = 2000 g
Mass of pycnometer filled with water only 1480 g
Sp.gr. of solids = 2.67

Determine the water content.

Solution:
Ms
G=
Ms + M4 - M3
M s = 1000 M 4 = 1480
M 3 = 2000
Ws 1000 - 831.38
2.67 = Water content =
Ws + 1480 - 2000 831.38
2.67Ws - 1388.40 = Ws Water content = 0.2028
1.67Ws = 1388.40 Water content = 20.28%
Ws = 831.38

If the bulk density of the soil is 2.05 g/cc, determine the void ratio.
Solution:

dry =
1+
2.05 Determine the degree of saturation.
dry = = 1.7 g/cc Solution:
1 + 0.2028
Gs
Gs w S=
dry = e
1+e
20.28(2.67)
2.67(1) S=
1.7 = 0.57
1+e
S = 95%
e = 0.57
Problem 81 Geotechnical
A sand deposit is 10 m. thick and overlies a bed of soft clay. The ground water table is 3 m.
below the ground surface. The sand above the ground water table has a degree of saturation
of 45%. Void ratio is 0.70 with a sp.gr. of 2.65.
ground surface

Determine the bulk unit weight of the soil Sand

3m
above the water table. A water table
Solution:
(G + Se) w S = 45%
= s 7m
1+e e = 0.70
Gs = 2.65
2.65 + 0.45(0.7) (9.81)
=
1 + 0.70 B
= 17.11 kN / m3 Clay

Determine the effective stress at a depth of 10 m. below the ground surface.

Solution:
(G + e) w
sat = s
1+e
2.65 + 0.7 (9.81)
sat =
1 + 0.70
sat = 19.33 kN/m3
ground surface
B ' = 17.11(3) + (19.33 - 9.81)(7)
B ' = 117.97 kPa
A
=17.11 kN/m3
8m
Determine the increase in the effective stress
at a depth of 10 m. below the ground surface
when the water table is lowered by 5 m. Assume water table
that the soil above the water table has a
degree of saturation of 45 throughout. 2m sat=19.33 kN/m3
B
Solution:
B = 17.11(8) + (19.33 9.81)2
B = 155.92 kPa
Increase in effective stress = 155.92 117.97
Increase in effective stress = 37.95 kPa
Problem 82 Geotechnical
A soil profile consists of a surface layer of clay 4 m. thick ( = 19.5 kN/m3) and a
sand layer 2 m. thick ( = 18.5 kN/m3) overlying an impermeable rock. The water
table is at the ground surface. The water level in a standpipe driven into the sand
layer rises 2 m. above the ground surface. The 4 m. clay is above the sand layer.

2m
Determine the effective stress of the sand water table
at 4 m. below the ground surface.
Clay
Solution: 4m
=19.5 kN/m3
A = 19.5(4) 9.81(6)
A = 19.14 kPa A

2m Sand =18.5 kN/m3

B
Determine the effective stress of the clay
at 4 m. below the ground surface.
Solution:
A = 19.5(4) 9.81(4)
A = 38.76 kPa

When the water level in the standpipe is

reduced by 1 m., determine the effective
stress at the bottom of the sand 6 m.
below the ground surface. water table 1m

Solution: Clay
B = 19.5(4) + 18.5(2) 9.81(7) 4m
=19.5 kN/m3
B = 46.33 kPa
A

2m Sand =18.5 kN/m3

B
Problem 83 Geotechnical
The following index properties was determined for a soil sample.
Liquid limit = 65% Sp.gr. of solids = 2.70
Plastic limit = 25% Degree of saturation = 100%
Water content = 35%

Determine the number of clay particles that the soil contains iin %.
Solution:
No. of clay particles = 65 25 = 40%

Determine the void ratio of the soil sample
Solution:
Gs
S=
e
35(2.7)
100 =
e
e = 0.945

Determine the bulk density of the soil sample.
Solution:
G
dry = s w
1+e
2.7(9.81)
dry = = 13.62 kN/m3
1 + 0.945
Bulk density :
moist = dry (1 + )
moist = 13.62(1 + 0.35)
moist = 18.38 kN / m3
Problem 84 Geotechnical
A cylindrical specimen of a cohesive soil of 10 cm diameter and 20 cm
length was prepared by compaction in a mould. If the wet mass of the
specimen was 3.25 kg and its water content was 15%. Gs = 2.70


Determine the dry density.
Solution:
3250
wet =
1570.80 If the sp.gr. of the particles
wet = 2.069 g/cc is 2.70, find the degree of
wet = (1 + ) dry saturation.
Solution:
2.069 = (1.15) dry
Gs
dry = 1.8 g / cc S=
e

15(2.7)

S=
Determine the void ratio. 0.5
Solution: S = 81%
G
dry = s w
1+e
2.7(1)
1.8 =
1+e
e = 0.50









Problem 85 Geotechnical
A concentrated load 40 kN is applied vertically on a ground surface.
where: Q = point load
z = depth of interest at which stress is in use
r = horizontal distance from the line load

Using Boussinesq method, determine the vertical stress intensities at a depth of 2 m.

below the point of application of the load.
5/2

3Q 1
p =
2 z 2 1 + r ()
2

z
Solution:
5/2
3(40) 1
p = = 4.77 kPa
2(2)2 1 + 0

Using Boussinesq method, determine the vertical stress at a depth of 1 m. and at a

radical distance of 3 m. from the line of action of the load.
Solution:
r 3
= =3
z 1
5/2
5/2
3Q 1 3(40) 1
p = = = 0.06 kPa
()
2 z 2 1 + r
2
2(1)2 1 + (3)2
z

Determine the vertical stress intensity on a horizontal plane at a depth of 2 m. below the
base of the footing using Westergaard equation.
3/2

Q 1
p =
z 1 + 2 r ()
2 2

z
Solution:
3/2
3/2
Q 1 40 1
p = = = 3.18 kPa
()
z2 1 + 2 r (2)2 1
2

z
Problem 86 Geotechnical
The vertical stress at a point below the center of circular footing caused by a uniformly loaded flexible
circular are can be expressed as:
where : p = vertical stress at a point below the circular footing
1
p = q 1 - 3/2 q = intensity of pressure on the circular area of radius r
()
r 2 + 1
z
z = depth directly below the center of the circular footing

If the bearing pressure exerted by the footing having a diameter of 5 m. is 152.79 kPa, determine the
concentrated load imposed upon the circular footing.
Solution:
P
p=
A
P
152.79 =
2
(5)
4
P = 3000 kN
Determine the vertical stress at a depth equal to Determine the total vertical pressure at a
1.5 times the diameter of the footing if it carries a depth equal to 1.5 times the diameter of
concentrated load of 2500 kN. the circular footing if the unit weight of soil
Solution: supporting the footing is 16 kN/m3
Solution:
1 = 16(7.5) + 18.50
p = q 1 - 3/2
(r / z)2 + 1 = 138.50 kPa

P 2500
q= = = 127.32 2500
A 2
(5)
4
z = 1.5(5) = 7.5 depth below the footing
r 2.5 5m
= = 0.333
z 7.5 s=16 kN/m3
1.5 1.5
Let x = (r / 2)2 + 1 = (0.333)2 + 1
7.5 m

x = 1.17
1
p = q 1 -
x A
1
p = 127.32 1 - = 18.50 kPa
1.17
Problem 87 Geotechnical
A retaining wall has a height of 6 m. and is supporting a horizontal backfill which is level with
the top of the wall. The backfill has a unit weight of 16 kN/m3.

Compute the lateral force per unit length of wall if the wall is prevented from moving.
Use Poissons ratio of soil to be 0.36.
Solution:
1
Ko = P = Ko s h 2
1- 2
0.36 1
Ko = P = (0.5625)(16)(6)2
1 - 0.36 2
Ko = 0.5625 P = 162 kN

Compute the lateral force per unit length of wall if the soil has an over consolidated ratio
of 2 and a Poissons ratio of 0.36.
Solution:
1
Ko = 0.5625 OCR P = Ko s h 2
2
Ko = 0.5625 2 ( ) P=
(0.796)(16)(6)2
2
Ko = 0.796 P = 229.25 kN

If the angle of friction of the soil is 32, find the lateral active force acting on the wall.
Solution:
1 - Sin 32
Ka = = 0.307
1 + Sin 32
1
P = Ko s h 2
2
1
P = (0.307)(16)(6)2
2
P = 88.42 kN




Problem 88 Geotechnical
A soil profile consists of two layers of soil with the clay layer underlying the sand layer. The
sand layer has a unit weight of 20 kN/m3 having a thickness of 4 m. and the unit weight of
the 2.5 m. layer of clay is 18 kN/m3. Compression index of the clay is 0.22 with a void ratio of
1.30.

Compute the effective stress at the mid height of clay.

Solution:
Po = 20(4) + 18(1.25) ground surface

Po = 102.5 kPa
Sand
4m =20 kN/m3
Calculate the final settlement of the clay
layer due to an increase of pressure of 30
kPa at the mid-height of the clay.
Solution: 1.25 m
2.5 m Clay A
e = 1.30
HCc P + P =18 kN/m3 Cc = 0.22
S= log o
1+e Po
2.5(0.22) 102.5 + 30
S= log
1 + 1.30 102.50
S = 0.0263 m.
S = 26.3 mm

Calculate the settlement when the water table rises to the ground surface.
Solution:
Po = (20 - 9.81)(4) + (18 - 9.81)(1.25)
Po = 40.76 + 10.24
Po = 51 kPa
C cH P + P
S= log o
1+e Po
0.22(2.5) 51 + 30
S= log
1 + 1.30 51
S = 0.048 m.
S = 48 mm
Problem 89 Geotechnical
The saturated soil stratum of clay is 4 m. thick below the foundation of the new
Cebu-Cordova Bridge. It has a void ratio of 1.50 at an initial pressure of 150 kPa.
Compute the final settlement of the soil stratum due to an increase of stress of 50
kPa if Cc = 0.20.

Solution:
C cH P2
S= log
1+e P1
0.22(4000) 150 + 50
S= log
1 + 1.5 150

S = 40 mm

Problem 90 Geotechnical
There is a layer of soft clay of 4 m. thick under a newly constructed AVIDA
Condominium in Pasig City. The overburden pressure over the center of the clay
layer is 300 kPa. The water content of the deposit was found to be 50%. If there is
an increase in pressure due to construction of 100 kPa, determine the settlement
of the clay layer. Cc = 0.50 and sp.gr. of soil is 2.70.

Solution:
C cH P
Gs S= log 2
S= 1+e P1
e
50(2.7) 0.5(4000) 400
100 = S= log
e 1 + 1.35 300
e = 1.35 S = 106.3 mm
Problem 91 Geotechnical
A normally consolidated layer settles 20 mm when the effective stress is increased
from 80 to 160 kPa. When the effective stress is further increased to 320 kPa, the
further the settlement will be.

Solution:
HCc P2
S= log
1+e P1
HCc 320 320
20 = log S = 66.44 log
1+e 160 160
HCc
= 66.44 S = 20 mm
1+e


Problem 92 Geotechnical
A clay sample originally 25 mm thick at a void ratio of 1.120 was subjected to a
compressive load. After the clay sample was completely consolidated, its
thickness was measured to be 24 mm. Determine the final void ratio.

Solution:
H e
=
H 1 + eo
(25 - 24) e o - e1
=
25 1 + eo
1 e -e
= o 1
25 1 + 1.120
e(1.120 - e1 )(25) = 2.120

1.120 - e1 = 0.08480
e1 = 1.0352
Problem 93 Geotechnical
A tri-axial compression test on a cohesive sample cylindrical in shape yields the following
effective stress.
Major principal stress = 8 MN/m2
Minor principal stress = 2 MN/m2

Compute the angle of internal friction.

Compute the cohesion of the soil sample.
Compute the shear stress at the rupture plane.

Solution :
Angle of internal friction:

= 45 + 2

60 = 45 + 2
30
= 30
=30 r =3
Cohesion of soil: C
3 r =3 r =3
Sin 30 = 5 + x
x 3=2 6
x=1 5
c 1=8
tan 30 = x
c = (1) tan 30
c = 0.577 MN/m2

Check:

1 = 3 tan2 (45+ 2 ) + 2c tan (45+ 2 )
8 = 2 tan2 60 + 2c tan 60
c = 0.577 MN/m2

Shear stress at the rupture plane:

= 3 Cos 30
= 2.60 MN/m2


Problem 94 Geotechnical
A cohesive soil specimen has a shearing resistance equal to 28 and a cohesion
of 30 kPa. If the maximum shearing stress of the soil sample is equal to 70 kPa.

Compute the lateral pressure in the cell for a failure to occur.

Compute the maximum principal stress to cause failure.
Compute the normal stress at the point of maximum shear.

Solution:
Lateral pressure in the cell:
30
tan 28 = x
x = 56.42 r=70
70 28 c=30
Sin 28 =
56.42 + 3 + 70
x 3 70 70
3 = 22.68 kPa N
1
(lateral pressure in the cell)

Max. principal stress to cause failure:

1 = 3 + 70 + 70
1 = 22.68 + 140
1 = 162.68 kPa

Normal stress at the point of max. shear:

N = 3 + 70
N = 22.68 + 70
N = 92.68 kPa



Problem 95 Geotechnical
A cohesive soil with an angle of shearing resistance of 36, has a cohesion of 12 kPa and a
max. shear stress of 308 MPa.

Compute the confining pressure.

Compute the max. principal stress.
Compute the normal stress at the failure plane.

Solution:
Confining pressure: failure plane
12
tan 36 = x
x = 16.52 r=308
36
308 c=12
Sin 36 = =36 a
16.52 + 3 + 308
x 3 r=308 r=308
308 n
324.52 + 3 = Sin 36

3 = 199.48 kPa

Max. principal stress:

max = 199.48 + 308 + 308
max = 815.48 kPa

Normal stress:
a
Sin 36 = 308
a = 181.04
N = 199.48 + 308 - 181.04
N = 326.44 kPa