Nov/Dec-16 PG Examinations

R. V. COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
(Autonomous Institution affiliated to VTU, Belagavi)
III Semester M.Tech. (HIGHWAY TECHNOLOGY)
SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN ROAD CONSTRUCTION - 16MHT331
MODEL QUESTION PAPER
Time: 03 Hours Maximum Marks: 100
Instructions to candidates:
1. Answer FIVE full questions selecting one from each unit.
2. Each unit consisting of two questions of 20 marks each.

UNIT-1
1 a Define Marshy or swampy ground. List the methods of construction of
roads in marshy areas. Discuss critically the bog blasting method in
detail. 10
b A circular perforated drain pipe with diameter of 10 mm is to be
designed. The sieve analysis data of the foundation soil is given
below. Design the filer material
Sieve Size, mm 1.19 0.425 0.30 0150 0.075 0.053
%passing 100 93 85 56 15 8
10
2 a Discuss critically the methods to i) lower the water table ii) control of
seepage flow iii) control of capillary rise 10
b Describe in detail the ways in which water finds its ways into the
pavement with a neat diagrammatic representation. 10
UNIT-2
3 a Critically Explain the method of construction of sand drains

10
b An embankment is to be constructed over 10 m thick clay layer
overlying rock. Sand drains 0.4 m in diameter are installed in the clay
layer in a square pattern at a centre to centre spacing of 3.54m. For
the clay Cv= 4m2/year. Ch= 8m2/year. And mv=0.25m2/MN.
Determine the settlement of the clay layer in 6 months time
commencing from the middle of the construction period, if the
embankment increases the mean effective vertical pressure by
80kPa.What will be the settlement (a) if the drain spacing is doubled
(b) the drain diameter is doubled , keeping the spacing unchanged. 10
4 a Determine the spacing, in triangular pattern, of 65 mm diameter sand
wicks for installation in a 10 m thick clay layer underlain by an
impervious hard stratum such that the clay layer may undergo 91 %
consolidation in 5 months after being loaded.Assume suitably missing
data. 10
b Discuss the theory of three dimensional consolidation as applicable to
the design of sand drains 10
UNIT-3
5 a List and explain the common types of failures in high embankment,
with sketches.
10
b Explain Swedish slip circle method of stability analysis with sketches.
10
Nov/Dec-16 PG Examinations
6 a Discuss “the effective stress analysis” of stability of slope
embankment.
10
b A simple embankment in approach to a bridge is of 12 metre height
and has side slopes at 45 degrees. The soil is saturated and highly
impervious. At present the embankment is completely submerged due
to backwater flow from a river. Back waters suddenly recede in a
short time and eventually the water table recedes to an average level
somewhat below the toe of the slope. Laboratory tests on specimens
of soil in embankment gave the following soil characteristics :
Bulk Density = 2 Tonnes per cubic metre
C’ = 3 Tonnes per square metre
’ = 20 degrees
Determine the Factor of safety under different conditions using
Taylor’s Charts.
10
UNIT-4
7 a With sketch discuss various components of reinforced earth
structures 10
b List and discuss the major functions of geo-textiles. 10
8 a A vertical retaining wall of height 6.0 metres for a bridge approach
has to be constructed with soil having =30 degrees c=0 and
=21.0kNper cu. m. the approach has to carry a surcharge of 22 kN
per sq m. Design the wall using woven geo-fabric with a grab strength
of 75 kN per m. with a factor of safety = 1.5 for internal stability only 10
b For a National Highway with a sub-grade CBR = 1.0, it is proposed to
use a geo-textile reinforcement with E= 150kN per m. If the maximum
axle load is 100kN and tyre inflation pressure is 566kPa with 10,000
passes, estimate the savings in the thickness of pavement as per
Corps of Engineers recommendation given the geo-textile
reinforcement ratio as 2.50 10
9 a Discuss critically the various design methods for cell filled concrete
pavements 10
b Discuss critically the construction methods for cell filled concrete
pavements
10 a Define sand dunes. Discuss the formation of sand dunes with
sketches 10
b List and explain the guidelines for the design of roads in desert
regions 10

NOTE: There can be maximum of four subdivisions in each full question.