Proceedings of Slope 2015, September 27-30th 2015

ANALYSIS OF INCREASING SHEAR STRENGTH OF SOIL TO SLOPE

STABILITY AFTER CONSOLIDATION SETTLEMENT COMPLETED WITH
VARIOUS METHOD
1 2
Yudhi Lastiasih , Putu Tantri, K.S

ABSTRACT: Stage construction of embankment is often obstructed by low bearing capacity of soil because
of that critical height of embankment is smaller than final height of embankment design. Height of embankment
construction will always be greater than final height requirement because of the settlement of soil. Due to the
problems mentioned above, it is conducted the installation of PVD for accelerate consolidation settlement to
reach the final height of the embankment with stable condition. The shear strength will be increased if the
settlement consolidation completed so that the soil bearing capacity will also be increased.

This study aims to analyze how much shear strength increase if settlement consolidation completed. By case
study in Teluk Lamong, Indonesia where the soil is normally consolidated will look how much increase shear
strength that occurs by using the Mohr method coulombs, Ardana & Mochtar (1999) and changes in volume
method. Expected outcomes of this research are obtain a) new shear strength value on various condition of stage
construction of embankment, b) Provide the method that are suitable for looking for increasing shear strength.

Keywords: shear strength, normally consolidated soil

INTRODUCTION the existing problems, it is necessary to do

Reclamation embankment which is often
carried out always has problems at the
requirement embankment final height. The
causes include the settlement that occurs,
height of embankment implementation and
embankment sliding. Therefore, three
things must be controlled. The main
priority of the soil settlement under
embankment problems is the amount of
compression itself and the time of
completion the consolidation settlement.
Problems on the height embankment of
implementation is occurring when the
settlement is large enough then the
implementation of the required height of
embankment is also higher than the final
height of embankment. The above
conditions can cause new problems
regarding their overall stability. To resolve
an effort to accelerate the consolidation
that is by performing the installation of
PVD. If the consolidation settlement
occurs, the soil will be denser and have
high shear strength than the original so that
the soil bearing capacity will be increased.
If soil bearing capacity increased so that
the overall stability increased too and the
height design embankment can be reached.
Under these conditions it is necessary to
know how to increase the value of soil
parameter especially shear strength
parameter value like as cohesion if
consolidation settlement has occurred
Increased parameters need to be known in
order to proceed the next stage to reach
design height embankment. To achieve
these objectives, the analysis by taking
case study of reclamation in the Gulf

1
Lecturer,Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology, yudhi.lastiasih@gmail.com, Indonesia
2
Lecturer, Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology, tantrigeoteknik@gmail.com, Indonesia

1
Lamong and degree of consolidation that is
used as the analysis is 95%. If consolidation settlement occurs in soft
soil due to working loads, such as
REVIEW STUDY embankment, will reduce the excess pore
From previous observation and research water pressure and the void ratio on soft
result can be seen the relationship between soil so that the density and effective
un-drained shear strength (=Cu) with vertical stress would increase. As a result,
vertical effective soil stress (=σp') working undrained shear strength and safety factor
on the clay. would increase. Increased soil shear
Some studies that have been done for the strength is a function of the degree of
normally consolidated clays (NC-Soil) to consolidation, as shown in Equation 9.
increase the value of Cu are as follows: Therefore the speed of embankment must
a. Based on Jamiolkowski et al. (1985) be controlled so that sufficient
C  consolidation occurs, with the result that
 u   0.23  0.04 (1) the shear strength can be achieved. This
 ' 
 p  method should be considered when height
b. Based on Mesri (1975) & of embankment design exceeds the critical
Balasubramaniam (1991) height that can be safely supported by the
C  subgrade.
 u   0.22 (2)
 '  Change in magnitude of soil strength can
 p 
be taken approximately the same with
c. Based on Skempton dan Henkel (1953)
embankment load. For normally
C 
 u   0.11  0.0037PI  (3) consolidated clay a factor are ranging from
 '  0.20 to 0.40. The full increase shear
 p 
d. Based on Ardana dan Mochtar (1999) strength will only occur just below the
highest embankment area and down to the
- For Plasticity Index PI < 120 %. toe of embankment.
Cu (kg/cm2) = 0,0737 + (0,1899 - 0,0016 An estimate shown in Figure 1 is sufficient
PI) σp' (4) for the purposes of stability analysis.
- For Plasticity Index PI > 120 %
Cu (kg/cm2) = 0,0737 + (0,0454 - 0,00004
PI) σp' (5)

Where:
σp': Vertical Effective Stress of Soil
(kg/cm2). Figure 1. Increase Shear Strength Due to
IP: Plasticity Index Consolidation
The value of vertical effective stress (σp ')
changes with time during consolidation. Increased shear strength on soft soil take
Vertical Effective Stress of Soil (σp ') can place gradually in line with the process of
be searched with the following formulation consolidation of soft soil. As for the soil
consolidation can be calculated using
U
 p'   '  Equation 7
 p '   o p  . po ' (6)
 p 'o 

2
 TH
2 using Table 2 and then new Cohesion un-
t  v dr (7) drained (Cu) can be obtained.
Cv
where
Table1. Soil Parameter Correlation (Biarez,
U 
2

U  60%, Tv    (8) et all, 1976)

4  100 
U  60%, T  1.781  0.933 log100  U 
v
Besides the relationship un-drained shear
strength (Cu) with a soil effective vertical
stress (= σp '), there is a relationship Mohr
circle with the addition of stress due to the
addition of embankment load to the shear
strength value as shown in equation as
follow
cbaru  cawal  a (9) Table2. Correlation between NSPT and
Un-drained shear strength increment (Cu) other soil parameters (Bowles,
due to the consolidation process can be 1992)
simply estimated from triaxial CU test Notes Cohesionless Soil
results of effective parameters as shown in N (blows) 0-3 4-10 11-30 31-50 > 50
equation 10. 
3
(kN/m ) - 12-16 14-18 16-20 18-23
Cu  U tan  '  v (10) 0
 ( ) - 25-32 28-36 30-40 > 35
a  U tan  ' (11) very Very
State loose loose Medium Dense Dense
Where:
Dr (%) 0-15 15-35 35-65 65-85 85-100
U = degree of consolidation
’ = effective internal friction angle Notes Cohesive Soil
0 N (blows) <4 4-6 6-15 16-25 > 25
()
3
v = strength increase (kN/m2)  (kN/m ) 14 - 18 16 – 18 16 - 18 16 - 20 > 20

A = coefficient Qu (kPa) < 25 20 - 50 30 - 60 40 - 200 > 100

Consistency
There is a relationship of volume change to
very soft soft medium stiff hard
the increase in cohesion un-drained soil
parameters, namely from changes in the
value of the void ratio with the relationship ANALYSIS AND RESULT
between parameters with Biarez it can be
seen that there is cu value after Input data of soil parameters is based on
compression is complete. results analysis for the calculation can be
The stage is undertaken to get a new Cu as seen in Table 3.
follows
1. After had the new void ratio ( e ) then by
using Table 1 new weight of volume (t)
can be obtained,
2. From new weight of volume (t) and

3
 Table 3. Soil layer parameters for the
calculation of data input

Depth mLWS 0 s/d 6 6 s/d 25 25 s/d 62 Uavg= 95% Tv= 1.13, Hdr = 22 m, t =
Thickness m 6 19 37
NSPT 4 12 23 6 month, so
Jenis Tanah
Tv  H dr
Silt & Clay Silt & Clay Silt & Clay 2
sat t/m3 1.6 1.733 1.91 Cv 
cu t/m2 1 2.5 8.22
t
 0
3 11 21 1.13  2200 2
Cv 
e0 1.85 1.34 0.87 6  30  24  3600
cm2/s
Cv 0.0004 0.000657 0.00095
Cv  3.51 10 3 cm 2 / s
w % 68.55 49.56 32
Cc 0.50 0.33 0.17 With the increasing soil density, the shear
E t/m2 138 250 1500 strength parameters (Cu) will be increased
n 0.2 0.2 0.2
as shown in Table 4. Increased shear
From soil parameter on Table 3, strength parameters in Table 4 is based on
embankment with slope 1:1.5 only H = 3 m the stages construction of embankment as
can be reached as seen in Figure 2, so we high as 3 m at each stage with a waiting
must soil improvement. In this cases, soil time of 8 weeks.
improvement is used PVD. PVD is Table4. Increasing Shear Strength
construction with spacing 1.4 m, and length Parameter (Cu)
(L) = 25 m
Stage 1
New Cu after consolidation (t/m2 )

In Figure 2 shows that direct stage Depth (m) 2

Initial Cu (t/m )
Ardana
Mesri &
Balasubramaniam
Volume Mohr
Mochtar Jamiolkowski Skempton Change Coulomb
construction of embankment as high as 3 m 0-6
6 - 25
1
2.5
1.24
2.45
0.91
4.08
0.74
3.32
0.68
4.35
2.00
2.67
1.06
2.97

has a safety factor (SF) = 1,086 (Critical) Stage 2

New Cu after consolidation (t/m ) 2

Depth (m) Initial Cu (t/m2 ) Ardana Mesri & Volume Mohr

Mochtar Jamiolkowski Balasubramaniam Skempton Change Coulomb
0-6 1 1.98 2.24 1.83 1.68 2.67 1.15
6 - 25 2.5 4.28 8.47 6.90 9.02 5.56 3.58
Stage 3
New Cu after consolidation (t/m2 )
Depth (m) Initial Cu (t/m2 ) Ardana Mesri & Volume Mohr
Mochtar Jamiolkowski Balasubramaniam Skempton Change Coulomb
0-6 1 2.84 3.79 3.09 2.83 6.44 1.24
6 - 25 2.5 6.18 12.99 10.58 13.84 7.00 4.24

Table 4 has shown an increase in each

Figure 2. Isodensity zone from output of method, except in theory Jamiolkowski,
plaxis on height of Mesri & Skepton beginning of stages
embankement (H) =3m and construction of embankment looks smaller
slope 1:1.5 than Cu initial.

After the stage construction of embankment Table 5. Safety Factor For Initial Condition
about 3 m and then installed PVD. and Increasing Shear Strength
Installation of PVD in the zone Container
Yard can resolve the consolidation (Uavarage
Initial Ardana Mohr Volume
= 95%) which occurs in this zone within 6 Method

SF
Condition
1.29
Jamiolskwi

1.39
Mesri

1.39
Skempton

1.05
Mochtar
1.52
Coulomb
1.48
Change
2.12

months. After installation of PVD, vertical

consolidation coefficient (Cv) into Table 5 shows safety factor on initial
condition only 1.29, it is mean the

4
construction stage method can’t be
Chart 1
Sum-Msf
1.4

continued and with increasing shear strength 1.3

only Mohr Coulomb and Ardana Mochtar 1.2

theory can be continued on next 1.1

construction stage.
1
0.95 0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99 1
Sum-Marea

At this stage with increasing cu condition as Figure5. Safety Factor on First Stage
shown in Table 4 and in implementing the Construction of Embankment
Plaxis, actually to Mohr coulomb theory with Mesri
with waiting time of 8 weeks is still not
enough to increase the height of Sum-Msf
Chart 1

1.06

embankment, while the Ardana & Mochtar 1.04

theory is not enough for stage 3 but if the 1.02

volume change theory can continue stage 1

0.98

costruction until design height of 0.96

embankment. This can be seen from the 0.94

0.95 0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99 1
Sum-Marea

PLAXIS results that simulate stage

construction of embankment with improved Figure6. Safety Factor on First Stage
soil parameters in accordance mohr Construction of Embankment
coulomb theory, Ardana Mochtar and with Skempton
volume change. Chart 1

By using PLAXIS can be known the process Sum-Msf

1.6

of stage construction of embankment can be 1.5

accomplished by increasing Cu. 1.4

1.3

Chart 1
1.2
Sum-Msf
1.3

1.1
1.25

1.2 1
0.95 0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99 1

1.15
Sum-Marea

1.1

1.05
Figure7. Safety Factor on First Stange
1
0.95 0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99 1
Construction of Embankment
Sum-Marea

with Ardana Mochtar Theory

Figure3. Safety Factor on First Stage Sum-Msf
Chart 1

Construction of Embankment 1.5

with initial condition 1.4

Chart 1
Sum-Msf 1.3
1.4

1.2
1.3

1.2 1.1

1.1 1
0.95 0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99 1
Sum-Marea
1
0.95 0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99 1
Sum-Marea

Figure8. Safety Factor on First Stage

Figure4. Safety Factor on First Stage Construction of Embankment
Construction of Embankment with Mohr Coulomb Method
with Jamiolskwi

5
For the Ardana & Mochtar and Mohr settlement plate. Because from the
Coulomb method was not able to proceed to settlement plate result shown after the first
next stage construction of embankment and stage construction of embankment in height
thus require a longer time to continue the equal 3m can be continued to the next stage
next stage. after 87 day  12 weeks, so Mohr Coulomb
method is closely with field result.
Chart 1
Sum-Msf
2.4

2.1

1.8 CONCLUSION
1.5 Based on comparative analysis carried out
1.2 by using Plaxis and the results of field
0.9
0.95 0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99 1
observations in this case study can be
Sum-Marea

summarized as follows:
Figure9. Safety Factor on First and Second 1. That the Mohr Coulomb method is
Stage Construction of the most closely method with the
Embankment with Volume condition of the field with SF = 1.48
Change Method 2. Of the six methods of looking for an
increase in the value of Cu after the
Figure 9 shows safety factor for stages consolidation, which gives the
construction of embankment after waiting smallest value increase is the method
for the first stage with the volume change mohr coulomb.
method. From Figure 9, third stage
construction of embankment has been Reference
unable to proceed because it is failure. Ardana, Made Dodiek dan Indrasurya B.
Mochtar (1999), Pengaruh Tegangan
Chart 1
Sum-Msf
2.8
Overburden Efektif dan Plastisitas Tanah
2.4
terhadap Kekuatan Geser Undrained Tanah
2
Lempung berkonsistensi sangat lunak
1.6
sampai kaku yang terkonsolidasi normal,
Thesis S-2 di Jurusan Teknik Sipil FTSP –
1.2

ITS.
0.8
0.95 0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99 1
Sum-Marea

Biarez J, Favre J.L (1976), Correlation de

Figure10. Safety Factor on First, Second
Parameters en Mecanique de Sols, Ecole
and Third Stage Construction of
Centrale de Paris.
Embankment with Volume
Change Method
Bowles J.E (1992), Analisis dan Desain
Pondasi, Jilid 2, Erlangga Surabaya.

From the Figure 10, the stage construction

Jamiolkowski, M., Ladd, C. C., Germaine, J.
of embankment up to design height of
and Lancellotta, R.(1985), New
embankment can be achieved.
developments in field and laboratory testing
Method of approaching field conditions is a
of soils. Proc. 11th Int. Conf. on Soil Mech.
Mohr Coulomb method if the PLAXIS
Found. Engng, San Francisco, 1, 57–153.
analysis when compared with the results of

6
Mesri, G. (1975). Discussion: new design
procedure for the stability of soft clays.
ASCE J. Geotech. Engng 101, No. 4,
409–412.

Pedoman Kimpraswil No : Pt T-10-2002-B,

2002, Panduan Geoteknik 4 Desain &
Konstruksi, Departemen Permukiman dan
Prasarana Wilayah

Skempton, A. W. (1957). Discussion:

further data on the c/p ratio in normally
consolidated clays. Proc. Inst. Civil Eng. 7,
No. 2,305–307.