(d) COMPRESSIBILITY AND CONSOLIDATION

D1. A normally consolidated clay has the following void ratio e versus
effective stress σ′ relationship obtained in an oedometer test.

(a) Plot the e - σ′ curve.

(b) Plot the e - log σ′ relationship and calculate the compression index.

Effective Stress σ′ (kN/m2) : 50 100 150 200 300

Void ratio, e : 0.97 0.91 0.85 0.81 0.75

D2. A 6-m deep layer of sand overlies a 4m thick clay layer. The clay layer is
underlain by sandy gravel. The water table is at the ground surface and the saturated
unit weight for both the sand and the clay is 19 kN/m3. A 3-m thick layer of fill (unit
weight 20 kN/m3) is to be placed rapidly on the surface over an extensive area.
Assume that the data given in Problem 1 corresponds to that of a representative
sample from the clay, whose coefficient of consolidation is 2.4 m2/year.

(a) Calculate the total and effective vertical stresses and the pore water
pressure at the centre of the clay layer before the fill is placed, immediately after the
fill is placed, and after the clay has consolidated under the vertical stress increment
due to the fill.

(b) Without subdividing the clay layer, calculate the final consolidation
settlement due to the placement of the fill using
(i)
∆H ∆e
= ;
H 0 1 + e0

(ii) coefficient of volume compressibility;

(iii) compression index.

(c) What is the degree of consolidation Uz at the centre of the clay layer when
the pore water pressure at that depth is equal to 125 kN/m2? What is the effective
stress at that depth at that time?

(d) How long will it take to reach 50 % average degree of consolidation U?

(e) What is the settlement at the end of 20 months?

(f) What time is required for 40 mm settlement?

4
(e) SHEAR STRENGTH (For this section, take g = 9.81 m/s2)

E1. Samples of compacted clean dry sand were tested in a 63 mm dia. shear
box, and the following results obtained.
Normal load (kgf) : 16 32 48
Peak shear load (N) : 133.4 287.4 417.7
Ultimate shear load (N) : 85.7 190.1 268.1
Determine the angle of shearing resistance of the sand (a) in the dense, and (b) in the
loose state.

E2. In a mixed series of unconsolidated - undrained and consolidated -

undrained triaxial tests with pore pressure measurement on the unsaturated, stiff,
fissured Ankara Clay (average degree of saturation = 97 %), the following results
have been obtained at failure.

Test no. 1 2 3 4 5 6
Pore pressure (kPa) -17 75 -17 -14 -2 -5
Cell pressure (kPa) 53 220 81 178 158 201
Deviator stress 234 210 374 378 450 462
(σ1− σ3) (kPa)

Determine the shear strength parameters in terms of effective stress (a) by

drawing the average tangent to the Mohr circles; (b) by calculation from the modified
shear strength envelope. State which method is preferable for such variable test
results, and why.

E3. (a) By considering the torque on the curved (cylindrical) surface, and
integrating the torque on ring-shaped elements on the two circular ends (neglecting
the presence of the vane rod) of the sheared cylinder of soil, derive the following
equation for the torque T required to shear a soft, saturated clay of shear strength cu,
using a vane with rectangular blades of height h and diameter of circumscribing circle
d.
§ d 2h d 3 ·
T = π cu ¨ + ¸
© 2 6 ¹

(b) A vane 75 mm in diameter and 150 mm long was used to measure the
undrained shear strength of a soft clay. A torque of 50 Nm was required to shear the
soil. The vane was then rotated rapidly to remould the soil completely. The ultimate
torque recorded was 19 Nm. Determine the undrained shear strength of the clay in the
natural and remoulded states, and hence find the sensitivity of the clay.

(c) If a 36 mm dia. undistributed specimen of the same clay as in Part (b)

were tested in an unconfined compression test, what would be the axial load at failure,
if the initial height is 72 mm and the specimen fails at an axial strain of 18 % ?

E4. If a cylindrical specimen of saturated clay of initial height h0 and initial

cross-sectional area A0 is subjected to an axial load under undrained conditions(either
in the unconfined compression or in the triaxial compression test), it will undergo an
axial shortening δh and its average cross-sectional area will increase to A, but its
volume will remain unchanged. By equating the initial volume of the specimen to its
intermediate volume, prove the relationship
5
 § 1 ·
A = Ao ¨ ¸
©1 − ε a ¹
where εa = axial strain.

E5. In an unconfined compression test on a saturated clay, the maximum

proving ring dial reading recorded was 240x10-3 mm, when the axial shortening of the
specimen, having an initial height of 70 mm and an initial diameter of 36 mm, was 12
mm. If the calibration factor of the proving ring was 3.2 N/10-3 mm, calculate the
unconfined compressive strength and the undrained shear strength of the clay.

E6. The total vertical stress at a point P in a nearly saturated clay is 400 kPa
and the pore pressure at P is 50 kPa. The pore pressure coefficients A and B of the
clay have been measured as 0.4 and 0.8 respectively. Assuming the principal stress
directions to remain horizontal and vertical, calculate the available shear strength on a
horizontal plane at P when the load due to a structure results in an increase in total
vertical stress at P of 80 kPa and an increase in total horizontal stress at P of 60 kPa.
The shear strength parameters of the clay in terms of effective stress are c′ = 8 kPa;
φ′ = 24o .

(f) LATERAL EARTH PRESSURE

F1. The depth of soil behind a retaining wall is 8 m, and the soil properties
are given in the figure below. A surcharge of 20 kN/m2 is applied on the horizontal
ground surface. Using the Rankine theory, plot the active pressure distribution behind
the wall, and determine the total active thrust per m length of the wall.

F2. A 7-m deep trench to be dug in a uniform, silty sand is supported by steel-
sheet piling driven on either side of the trench, and supported by struts as shown.
Such a system is normally in equilibrium if the total compression in the struts
balances the active earth thrust, but if the compression in the struts continues to be
increased, the sides may fail in passive resistance. The water table lies 3 m below the
ground surface. The bulk unit weight of the soil is 16 kN/m3 above and 18 kN/m3
below the water table; the effective angle of friction φ′ = 35o and cohesion c′ = 12
kPa.

Plot the passive pressure distribution, and calculate the resultant compressive
force in the struts per m length of the trench, for the sides to fail in passive resistance.

6
 F3. Determine the total active thrust on the retaining wall shown in the figure
below according to the Coulomb theory for the given trial failure plane. The unit
weight of the soil is 20 kN/m3; the appropriate shear strength parameters are cu = 10
kN/m2 and φu = 25o; the angle of friction between the soil and the wall is 20o, and the
wall adhesion is the same as cu.

(Take unit weight of water as 9.8 kN/m3)

G1. A landslide has occurred along a slip surface parallel to the ground
surface which was inclined at 15o to the horizontal. The slip surface is at a vertical
depth of 4 m, and the length of the slip measured along the slope is 200 m. Water in
the soil may be assumed to extend to the ground surface and to be flowing parallel to
it. The bulk unit weight of the soil is 18.5 kN/m3 .

(a) Working from first principles, calculate the value of φ′ if c′ is assumed as

zero.
(b) What would have been the factor of safety if the soil had, in addition,
c′ = 5 kPa?

G2. A 30-degree slope is to be cut in sand having an angle of friction of 33o

and a unit weight of 17.5 kN/m3. There is no water table in the sand, but at a depth of
16 m below the horizontal ground surface there is a soft clay layer with an undrained
shear strength of 14 kPa. The toe of the slope will lie 12 m below the ground surface.
(a) Calculate the factor of safety of the slope against the possibility of a
translational slide along the top of the clay.

7
CE 363 Soil Mechanics Department of Civil Engineering
Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Old Homework Solution Key

(D1)
Normally Consolidated Clay
Effective Stress (kPa) 50 100 150 200 300
Void Ratio 0.97 0.91 0.85 0.81 0.75
a)
e vs σ’
1
0.95
0.9
Void Ratio, e

0.85
0.8
0.75
0.7
0.65
0.6
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
Effective Stress, σ’ (kPa)

b)
e vs
− logσ’
−

 = =  =
0 1

1 log (1/0) log ( )

0.95
0.9
Void Ratio, e

0.85
0.8
0.75
0.7
0.65
0.6
10 100 1000
Effective Stress, σ’ (kPa)

• By using two effective stress values, that are on the linear portion of the curve, for example 200 and 300 kPa:
∆ ..
C = = = = 0.341
e0-e1

∆ log σ1 - log σ0 log( )
!

Prepared by Course Assistant Okan Koçkaya, Fall 2012

CE 363 Soil Mechanics Department of Civil Engineering
Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Old Homework Solution Key

(D2)
3
3m thick layer of fill (γ= 20 kN/m )

Sand
6m
γsat= 19 kN/m3

Clay 2m
4m 3
γsat= 19 kN/m

Sandy Gravel

Increase in stress due to rapidly placed fill = ∆σ=3x20=60 kPa ∆u=60 kPa in clay

a) At the center of the clay layer;

(i) Before the fill is placed:
 = 6'19 + 2'19 = 152 ,-
. = 8'10 = 80 ,-
 ′ =  − . = 152 − 80 = 72 ,-

(ii) Immediately after the fill is placed:

 = 152 + 3'20 = 212 ,-
. = . + .12 = 80 + 60 = 140 ,-
 ′ =  − . = 212 − 140 = 72 ,- (unchanged)
.: =initial pore water pressure
.12 =initial excess pore water pressure
• For the "immediately after" case, the change in total stress should be applied to previous pore pressure values of
clay (before the fill is applied). For example, before the fill is applied, the hydrostatic pore pressure at the center
of the clay was 80 kPa, we apply the total stress change of 60 kPa to this value.

(iii) Long after the fill is placed:

 = 152 + 3'20 = 212 ,-
. = . = 80 ,-
 ′ =  − . = 212 − 80 = 132 ,- ;<  ′ = 72 + 60 = 132 ,-

b)
(i) at the center of the clay layer;
′ = 72,- →  = 0.944
By using interpolation or from e vs log σ’ graph
′ = 132,- →  = 0.872

Prepared by Course Assistant Okan Koçkaya, Fall 2012

CE 363 Soil Mechanics Department of Civil Engineering
Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Old Homework Solution Key

Ho = 4 m
∆> ∆  − 
= =
> 1 +  1 + 

0.944 − 0.872
? = ∆> = 4 ∗ = 0.148 A = 148 AA
1 + 0.944

? = consolidation settlement

(ii) mv for the pressure range of σ′o=72 kPa and σ′1=132 kPa;

1  −  1 0.944 − 0.872 D
AE
AB = ∗ = ∗ = 6.17*10
1 +  ∆ ′ 1 + 0.944 132 − 72 ,F

? = AB ∗ > ∗ ∆ ′ = (6.17 ∗ 10D ) ∗ 4 ∗ (132 − 72) = 0.148 A = 148 AA

(iii)

 'G;H(′ ⁄′ ) 0.341'G;H(132⁄72)
? = x> = '4 = 0.185 A = 185 AA
1 +  1 + 0.944

• The result is different because pressure range of σ′o=72 kPa and σ′1=132 kPa is not on the straight line portion
of e vs log σ’ graph for which compression index (Cc) is used.

c)
. = . + .2 = 125 ,-

. = 80 ,-

.2 = 125 − 80 = 45 ,-

. =initial pore water pressure

.2 =excess pore water pressure at any time during consolidation process

.12 =initial excess pore water pressure= ∆σ = 60 kPa

MNOONPQN;R (ST<O) NR 'TOO P;< P<OO.< Q QNA "Q"
KL =
VRNQNG 'TOO P;< P<OO.<
WXY WY ZD
KL = = = 0.25 = 25% (Degree of consolidation at the center of the clay layer at that time)
WXY Z

 ′ =  − . = 212 − 125 = 87 ,- (at the center of the clay layer)

Prepared by Course Assistant Okan Koçkaya, Fall 2012

CE 363 Soil Mechanics Department of Civil Engineering
Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Old Homework Solution Key

d) For K = 50% → \B = 0.197 (From Degree of Consolidation Handout)

d= max length of drainage path. For 2-way drainage path, d=4/2=2 m

B =2.4 m2/year

]^ ∗_ a^ ∗` ! .b∗E!
\B = →Q= = = 0.328 c< =
d 4 A;RQℎO
`! ]^ E.D
3
3m thick layer of fill (γ= 20 kN/m )

Sand
6m
γsat= 19 kN/m3
Permeable Layer

Clay 2m
4m 3
γsat= 19 kN/m

Sandy Gravel Permeable Layer

e)
!
]^ ∗_ E.D∗f h
\B = = g!
= 1.0 → K ≅ 93% (From Degree of Consolidation Handout)
`! E!

Q = 20 months = 20/12 year

j;< 100% T;RO;GNSQN;R, OQQGARQ = ? = 0.148 A
j;< 93% T;RO;GNSQN;R, OQQGARQ = ? = 0.93 ∗ ? = 0.93 ∗ 0.148 = 0.138 A = 138 AA

f)
lB2mno2 ]:pqm2rr1:s n_ _1p2 "_" D
K= = =0.27 = 27%
a:_nt u1snt ]:pqm2rr1:s D

For K = 27% → \B ≅ 0.06 (From Degree of Consolidation Handout)

\B ∗ SE 0.06 ∗ 2E
Q= = = 0.1 c< = 1.2 A;RQℎO

B 2.4

Prepared by Course Assistant Okan Koçkaya, Fall 2012

 CE 363 Soil Mechanics Department of Civil Engineering

Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Old Homework Solution Key

(E1) Compacted Clean Dry Sand

∗ ∗.

Area of Shear Box,
=

= = 3.117 ∗ 10m2

 ∗.  
Normal Stress,  = =
.∗
= 3147 ∗ 

= 3.147 ∗ 



! !  
Shear Stress, = = = 320.8 ∗ $ = 0.3208 ∗ $
 .∗  
Normal Load, Peak Shear Load, Ultimate Shear Load,
Normal Stress, Peak Shear Stress, Ultimate Shear Stress,
P (kgf) Sp (N) Sult (N)
σ (kPa) τp (kPa) τult (kPa)
(given) (given) (given)
16 50.4 133.4 42.8 85.7 27.5
32 100.7 287.4 92.2 190.1 61.0
48 151.1 417.7 134 268.1 86.0

σ versus τ
160

140 151,1; 134,0

120
y = 0.8926x
Shear Stress, τ (kPa)

100
100,7; 92,2

80
151,1; 86,0

60 y = 0,578x
50,4; 42,8
100,7; 61,0
40

20 50,4; 27,5

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Normal Stress, σ (kPa)

Peak State Ultimate State

Linear (Peak State) Linear (Ultimate State)

Since this is a clean sand, the c′=0. The shear strength envelope of the sand for the peak and
ultimate states are drawn by using excel.
Equation of the peak state (dense) is y=0.8926x.
Equation of the ultimate state (loose) is y=0.5780x.

Prepared by Course Assistant Okan Koçkaya, Fall 2012

CE 363 Soil Mechanics Department of Civil Engineering

Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Old Homework Solution Key

From those equations the angle of shearing resistance for two states are calculated below.
φ′dense = arctan (0.8926) = 41.8°
φ′loose = arctan (0.5780) = 30.0°

Note: If you would like to measure the friction angle φ′ directly from the Normal stress and Shear
Stress plot, using a protractor, the horizontal and vertical axes should be drawn with the same scale
(e.g. the distance between [0-20] kPa in x-axis should be the same distance in y-axis for [0-20] kPa.)

In dense sand, the resisting shear increases with shear displacement until it reaches a failure stress
τf. This τf is called the peak shear strength. After failure stress is attained, the resisting shear stress
gradually decreases as shear displacement increases until it finally reaches a constant value called
ultimate shear strength.

In loose sand, the resisting shear stress increases with shear displacement until a failure shear τf is
reached. After that, shear resistance remains approximately constant for any further increase in shear
displacement.
Shear Stress, τp

Dense

τpeak
Loose
τult

Shear Displacement, ∆l

Prepared by Course Assistant Okan Koçkaya, Fall 2012

CE 363 Soil Mechanics Department of Civil Engineering

Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Old Homework Solution Key

(E2) Unconsolidated – Undrained (UU) and Consolidated Undrained (CU) Triaxial Tests
Stiff Fissured Ankara Clay Sr = 97%
 ′ +  ′ 4 − 67 + 4 − 67  + 
%&'(&) *+ ,*ℎ) %.)/0&1 = = = −6
2 2 2
; −  ′ 4 − 67 − 4 − 67  − 
89:.61 *+ ,*ℎ) %.)/0&1 = = =
2 2 2
u = Pore Pressure
 = Cell Pressure
 =  −  = Deviator Stress

u   −  ; + ; ; − ;
  ′  ′
Test No 4kPa7 4kPa7 4kPa7 2 2
4kPa7 4kPa7 4kPa7
4given7 4given7 4given7 4kPa7 (kPa)

1 -17 53 234 287 70 304 187 117

2 75 220 210 430 145 355 250 105
3 -17 81 374 455 98 472 285 187
4 -14 178 378 556 192 570 381 189
5 -2 158 450 608 160 610 385 225
6 -5 201 462 663 206 668 437 231
a) By drawing the average tangent to the Mohr circles;

∅; =28°

0 ; =36kPa

Shear strength parameters in terms of effective stress are 0 ; = 36K9 and ∅; = 28°

Prepared by Course Assistant Okan Koçkaya, Fall 2012

 CE 363 Soil Mechanics Department of Civil Engineering

Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Old Homework Solution Key

b) From the modified shear strength envelope with regression analysis to the 6 stress points,

OPQ OQ
4kPa7
S 250 437; 231
y = 0.5027x + 14.373 385; 225
R² = 0.8067

200 285; 187 381; 189

150
187; 117
250; 105
100

N ;=26.7°
50

9; =14.4kPa
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 OPQ ROQ
4kPa7
S

A general representation of stress condition is in the below figure.
; − ;
2
Modified failure envelope

N′
Stress Point

9; 45° 45°

; + ;
2

For x=0; y=14.373 from the equation (y = 0.5027x + 14.373) obtained by applying regression to
the 6 stress points. With the help of the equation (y = 0.5027x + 14.373), the modified shear
strength parameters can be calculated.

Prepared by Course Assistant Okan Koçkaya, Fall 2012

CE 363 Soil Mechanics Department of Civil Engineering

Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Old Homework Solution Key

For x=0, 9; =14.4kPa and N ; =arctan (0.5027) = 26.7°

0 ; and ∅; can be calculated by:

∅; = sin-1(tan 9; ) = sin-1(tan 26.7) = 30.2°

TQ .
0 ; = UVW ∅Q = = 16.7K9
XYZ .S

Method (b) is preferable because it enables the use of statistical curve fitting techniques like
linear regression.

(E3) Vane Shear Test

a)

T = MS + MT + MB
T = Maximum torque
MS = Resisting moment at the sides of the cylindrical
shear surface
MT = Resisting moment at the top circular shear
surface
MB = Resisting moment at the bottom circular shear
surface

a) Resisting moment at the sides of the cylindrical surface:

MS = shear strength * area * moment arm
π   \
= cu * πdh * d/2 = 0[ ∗
S
Resisting moment at the top:
MT = shear strength * area * moment arm
_ π 
= cu * ] 2^):) * d/2 = 0[ ∗
S
Resisting moment at the bottom is equal to MT
π 
MB = 0[ ∗
S
π   \ π  π  :2 ℎ :3
T = MS + MT + MB = 0[ ∗ + 0[ ∗ + 0[ ∗ = ^06 ( + )
S S S 2 6

Prepared by Course Assistant Okan Koçkaya, Fall 2012

CE 363 Soil Mechanics Department of Civil Engineering

Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Old Homework Solution Key

b) d = 75 mm = 0.075 m
h = 150 mm = 0.15 m
T = 50 Nm = 0.050 kNm (natural state)
Tult = 19 Nm = 0.019 kNm (remolded state)
Shear strength of the soil in the natural state:
:2 ℎ :3
T = ^06 ( + )
2 6

.` ∗.` .`

0.050 = ^0[ ( S
+

0[ = 32.34 kPa (natural state)

Shear strength of the soil in the remolded state:
:2 ℎ :3
T = ^06 ( + )
2 6

.` ∗.` .`

0.019 = ^0[ a S
+

0[ = 12.29 kPa (remolded state)

cd_Tedf Wg_fdhg\ ed g\f dTg[_Ti WgTgf S.
Sensitivity = cd_Tedf Wg_fdhg\ ed g\f _fVif WgTgf = S.S = 2.6

c) Undisturbed clay specimen in an unconfined compression test

do = 36 mm = 0.036 m (initial diameter)
ho = 72 mm = 0.072 m (initial height)
εf = 18% = 0.18 (axial load at failure)
A0 = (π*d2)/4 = 1.02 ∗ 10 jS (initial area)
 (m∗.
 )/
k
Af = l = .
= 1.24 ∗ 10 jS (corrected area at failure)

σ1 τ
φu=0

σ3=0 cu

σ3=0 σ1 σ
qu
Prepared by Course Assistant Okan Koçkaya, Fall 2012
CE 363 Soil Mechanics Department of Civil Engineering

Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Old Homework Solution Key

qu = 2*cu = 2*32.34 = 64.68 kPa (compressive strength in an unconfined compression test)

The value of cu = 32.3 kPa is calculated in the part b.
o[ =  −  → 64.68 = σ1 – 0 → o[ =  = 64.68 kPa
P = s ∗
s = 64.68 ∗ 1.24 ∗ 10 = 0.0802 Kt = 80.2 t (axial load at failure)

(E4) Saturated Clay

initial volume = intermediate volume (since its volume remains unchanged)

Ao * ho = A* h
A = Ao * (ho/h)
To obtain (lo/l):
uT = axial strain
v\ \w \ \ \ \w 
uT = = = 1 − → = 1 − uT → =
\w \w \w \w \  lx

Then;
1
A = Ao * (ho/h) = Ao * (1− u )
9

(E5) Unconfined compression test on a saturated clay

do = 36 mm = 0.036 m (initial diameter)

ho = 70 mm = 0.070 m (initial height)
δh = 12mm = 0.012 m (axial shortening at failure)
Cp = 3.2 N/10-3mm (calibration factor of the proving ring)
Dial reading = 240*10-3 mm (maximum proving ring dial reading)
εf = δh/ho = 12/70 = 0.17 = 17% (axial load at failure)

Prepared by Course Assistant Okan Koçkaya, Fall 2012

CE 363 Soil Mechanics Department of Civil Engineering

Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Old Homework Solution Key

A0 = (π*d2)/4 = (π*0.0362)/4 = 1.018*10-3 m2 (initial area)

Paxial = Dial reading * Cp = 240*10-3 * 3.2 N/10-3 = 768 N (axial force at failure)
1 −3 1
A = Ao * a1− u b = 1.018 ∗ 10 ∗ a1−0.17b = 1.227 ∗ 10−3 j2 (corrected area at failure)
9

σf = Paxial / A = 768 / (1.227*10-3) = 625917 Pa = 625.9 kPa

Unconfined compressive strength = σ1 = qu = 625.9 kPa
Undrained shear strength = σ1 / 2 = cu = 313.0 kPa

(E6) Nearly saturated clay

@ point P:
σv = 400 kPa u = 50 kPa
∆σ1 = 80 kPa ∆σ3 = 60 kPa
0 ; = 8kPa ∅; = 24ᴼ
A = 0.4 B = 0.8
Pore pressure coefficients are used to express the response of pore water pressure to changes
in total stress under undrained conditions.
In fully saturated soils, z → 1 and in partially saturated soils, z < 1. In this problem, B = 0.8.
∆u1 = A*B*∆σ1 ∆u3 = B*∆σ3
∆u = ∆u3 + ∆u1
= B[∆σ3 + A*( ∆σ1 - ∆σ3)] = 0.8[60 + 0.4*(80-60)] = 54.4 kPa
ufinal = u + ∆u = 50 + 54.4 = 104.4 kPa
σv(final) = σv + ∆σ1 = 400 + 80 = 480 kPa
@ point P:
;
|(sedTi) = σv(final) – ufinal = 480 -104.4 = 375.6 kPa
τ = 0 ; +  ; (9'∅; = 8 + 375.6*tan24ᴼ = 175.2 kPa

Prepared by Course Assistant Okan Koçkaya, Fall 2012

CE 363 Soil Mechanics Department of Civil Engineering
Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Old Homework Solution Key

(F1)
20 kPa

-4.8 kPa
Z0 = 0.7m
cı = 10 kPa
4m Φı = 280 SOIL 1
ϒ = 19 kN/m3
22.56 kPa
23.04 kPa
cı = 0 kPa SOIL 2
4m Φı = 380
ϒ = 18 kN/m3
30.72 kPa
Pw = 40 kPa

1  sin 
KA 
1  sin 

K A1  0.36

K A2  0.24

PA  K A x(z  q)  2 xcx K A

Soil Depth (m) Active Pressure (kN/ )

1 0 (0+20)*0.36-2*10*(0.36)0.5=-4.8
1 4 (20+4*19)*0.36-2*10*(0.36)0.5=22.56
2 4 (20+4*19)*0.24-0=23.04
2 8 ((20+4*19)+4*(18-10))*0.24=30.72

Depth of Tension Crack: PA  K A x(z  q)  2 xcx K A1

2 xcx K A1  K A1 xq
For PA=0 z 0   0.7m
xK A

“or can be calculated from the pressure diagram.”

Total active thrust:

PAtotal  PA  P

PAtotal  0.5 x(22.56x3.3)  4 x 23.04  0.5 x 4 x(30.72  23.04)  0.5 x 4 x 40  224.74kN / m

(into the page.)
CE 363 Soil Mechanics Department of Civil Engineering
Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Old Homework Solution Key

(F2)

1  sin  ' 1  sin 35

KP    3.69
1  sin  ' 1  sin 35

Passive pressure is given by

PP  K P xxz  2 xc' x K P 

3.69x[16x3  (18  10) x4]  2 x12x 3.69  341.3

Note that, silty sand will be in drained condition below the water table, effective shear strength
parameters and buoyant unit weights are used.

Depth (m) Passive Pressure ( )

0 0  2 x12x 3.69  46.10
3 3.69 x16x3  2 x12 x 3.69  223.22
7 3.69x[16x3  (18  10) x4]  2 x12x 3.69  341.3

Total Passive Re sis tan ce  Area(1)  Area(2)  Area(3)

46.10  .223.22 223.22  341.3 40

T 3x  4x  4x  1613kN / m into the page.
2 2 2
CE 363 Soil Mechanics Department of Civil Engineering
Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Old Homework Solution Key

(F3)

20kN/m3 Cu 10kN/m2 u 25 KA 0.406 20

Depth of tension cracks,

2 Cu
z0
KA

Assume tension zone extends as shown in the figure below:

Pl 50kN / m

Ccd Cu xCD 10x10.29 102.9kN / m

Ccb Cu xCB 10 x6.43 64.3kN / m

WABCDE AABCDE

AABCDE A1 A2 A3 A4 = [6.3x8/2] + [2x2/2] + [2x4.3] + [(2 + 1.57)/2x0.3] = 36.34 m2

WABCDE 36.34x 20 726.84kN / m

Pl=50 kN/m

2m z0=1.57 m
A 45
D
B
WABCDE
Ccd=CuxCD
Ccb=CuxCB
3 4
2
8m 20 25
1

P R

25 85 55 60
C
CE 363 Soil Mechanics Department of Civil Engineering
Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Old Homework Solution Key

(a)
Analytical Solution:
Fx 0
P cos 25 Ccd cos 55 R cos 60 Ccb cos 85 0
0.5R 0.906P 102.9 cos55 64.3cos85 53.42 (1)
Fy 0
W Pl P sin 25 Ccd sin 55 R sin 60 Ccb sin 85 0
0.423P 0.866R 726.84 50 102.9 sin 55 64.3sin85 628.49 (2)
Solving (1) and (2);
P= 269 kN/m
R= 594.5 kN/m

(b)
Graphical Solution:

25
P=269

W=726.84
R=594.5

60
85 Ccb =64.3

35
Pl =50 Ccd =102.9
CE 363 Soil Mechanics Department of Civil Engineering
Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey Old Homework Solution Key

The total active thrust on the wall (Pa) is equal to the vectorial sum of the P and Ccb forces in the
opposite direction:

P=269

Pa = 297 kN/m
Ccb =64.3

So Pa is calculated as:

370

Pa = 297 kN/m