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100 Solved Problems in SOIL Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering

This document provides details on 100 solved problems related to soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering. The problems cover various topics including index properties, Atterberg limits, permeability, flow nets, soil stresses, compressibility and consolidation, shear strength of soil, soil exploration, shallow foundations, and soil classification. Specifically, it provides 44 multiple choice problems with solutions related to calculating properties of soils such as void ratio, porosity, degree of saturation, dry unit weight, and plasticity index. It also includes problems related to soil compaction and suitability as a backfill material.

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100% found this document useful (2 votes)
4K views23 pages

100 Solved Problems in SOIL Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering

This document provides details on 100 solved problems related to soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering. The problems cover various topics including index properties, Atterberg limits, permeability, flow nets, soil stresses, compressibility and consolidation, shear strength of soil, soil exploration, shallow foundations, and soil classification. Specifically, it provides 44 multiple choice problems with solutions related to calculating properties of soils such as void ratio, porosity, degree of saturation, dry unit weight, and plasticity index. It also includes problems related to soil compaction and suitability as a backfill material.

Uploaded by

Excel Migs
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 23

CE DEPARTMENT

HOLY ANGEL UNIVERSITY

100 Solved Problems in SOIL


MECHANICS AND
GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
 INDEX PROPERTY (p. 1-3)
 ATTERBERG LIMITS (p. 3-4)
 PERMEABILITY (p. 4-6)
 FLOW NET (p. 6-7)
 SOIL STRESSES (p. 8-10)
 COMPRESSIBILITY AND CONSOLIDATION (p. 10-11)
 SHEAR STRENGTH OF SOIL (p. 11)
 SOIL EXPLORATION (p. 11)
 SHALLOW FOUNDATION II (p. 11)
 SOIL CLASSIFICATION (p.12)
Page |2
HOLY ANGEL UNIVERSITY – CE DEPARTMENT

SOIL MECHANICS AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

Index Properties

A soil sample has a porosity of 40% the specific gravity of solids 2.70,

1. Solve for the void ratio

a. 0.5667 b. 0.7667 c. 52.06 d. 56.06

2. Solve for the dry unit weight

a. 15.89 kN/m³ b. 14.89 kN/m³ c. 15.98 kN/m³ d. 14.98 kN/m³

3. Solve for the unit weight if the soil is 50% saturated

a. 17.85 kN/m³ b. 17.58 kN/m³ c. 17.03 kN/m³ d. 17.30 kN/m³

4. Solve for the unit weight if the soil is completely saturated

a. 18.82 kN/m³ b. 19.82 kN/m³ c. 20.82 kN/m³ d. 21.82 kN/m³

In its natural condition, a soil sample has a mass of 2290 g and a volume of 1.15 × 10−3
m3. After being completely dried in an oven, the mass of the sample is 2035 g. The value
of Gs for the soil is 2.68.

5. Solve for the bulk density

a. 1891.30 kg/m³ b. 1791.30 kg/m³ c. 1691.30 kg/m³ d. 1991.30 kg/m³

6. Solve for the unit weight

a. 19734.70 kN/m³ b. 19634.70 kN/m³ c. 19434.70 kN/m³ d. 19534.70 kN/m³

7. Solve for the water content

a. 12.53 % b. 11.53 % c. 13.53 % d. 10.53 %

8. An undisturbed sample of soil has a volume of 100 cm³ and mass of 190.g. On oven
drying for 24 hrs, the mass is reduced to 160 g. If the specific gravity grain is 2.68,
Determine the water content.

a. 18.01 % b. 18.30 % c. 18.50 % d. 18.75 %

9. A soil has a bulk unit weight of 20.11 KN/ m3 and water content of 15%. Calculate the
water content if the soil partially dries to a unit weight of 19.42 KN/ m³.

a. 11.99 % b. 11.03 % c. 12.99 % d. 12.03 %

In its natural state, a moist soil has a volume of 9340 cc. and weighs 177.6 N. The oven
dried weight of the soil is 153 N. If Gs = 2.67, Calculate:

10. Moisture Content


a. 0.1607 b. 0.1606 c. 0.1608 d. 0.1605
Page |2
11. Moist Unit Weight
a. 19.01 kN/m³ b. 19.10 kN/m³ c. 20.10 kN/m³ d. 20.01 kN/m³

12. Dry Unit Weight


a. 18.81 kN/m³ b. 16.38 kN/m³ c. 15.51 kN/m³ d. 17.56 kN/m³

13. Void Ratio


a. 0.70 b. 0.60 c. 0.65 d. 0.75

14. Porosity
a. 0.40 b. 0.39 c. 0.38 d. 0.37

15. Degree of Saturation


a. 0.72 b. 0.73 c. 0.69 d. 0.68

The specific gravity of soil solids is equivalent to 2.74, the moist unit weight is 131 pcf, a volume
of 1.52 ft3 and the moisture content is 16.6%. Determine the following:

16. Void Ratio


a. 0.53 b. 0.42 c. 0.52 d. 0.43

17. Degree of Saturation


a. 0.84 b. 0.85 c. 0.86 d. 0.87

18. The weight of water to be added in lbs., for the soil to reach 100% degree of saturation
a. 4.82 lbs b. 4.28 lbs c. 4.81 lbs d. 4.18 lbs

19. A borrow material has a volume of 191,000 m3 and void ratio of 1.2. After compaction its new void
ratio is 0.7. What is the corresponding volume?
a. 147,590.9 m3 b. 148, 590.9 m3 c. 147, 950.9 m3 d. 148, 950.9 m3

An embankment for a highway 30 m wide and 1.5 m thick is to be constructed from sandy soil, trucked in
from a borrow pit .The water content of the sandy soil in the borrow pit is 15% and its void ratio is
0.69. Specifications require the embankment to compact to a dry weight of 18 KN/m3. Determine- for 1 km
length of embankment-the following:

20. The dry unit weight of sandy soil from the borrow pit to construct the embankment, assuming that
Gs = 2.7.
a. 15.76 kN/m3 b. 15.67 kN/m3 c. 15.89 kN/m3 d. 15.98 kN/m3

21. The number of 10 m3 truckloads of sandy soil required to construct the embankment.
a. 4168.3 truck b. 3168.1 truck c. 5168.2 truck d. 6168.4 truck

22. The weight of water per truck load of sandy soil.


a. 23.6 kN b. 23.3 kN c. 23.5 kN d. 23.8 kN

23. The degree of saturation of the in-situ sandy soil.


a. 56.7% b. 59.7% c. 58.9% d. 58.7%

The field weight of soil sample is 1900 kg/m3 and the unit weight of the soil particle is 2660 kg/m3.

24. Compute Dry Unit Weight if the water content of the soil is 11.5%.
a. 18.72 kN/m3 b. 16.72 kN/m3 c. 20.72 kN/m3 d. 22.72 kN/m3

25. Compute the Void Ratio.


a. 0.561 b. 0.562 c. 0.563 d. 0.564

26. Compute the Degree of Saturation.


a. 0.4537 b. 0.7456 c. 0.6289 d. 0.5453

27. Compute the Air Void Ratio.


a. 0.1734 b. 0.1643 c. 0.1634 d. 0.1743
Page |3

28. If a soil sample has a dry unit weight of 19.5 KN/m3, moisture content of 8% and a specific
gravity of solids particles is 2.67. Calculate the moisture unit weight.
a. 21.07 KN/m3 b. 21.06 KN/m3 c. 21.05 KN/m3 d. 21.04 KN/m3

In its natural state, a moist soil has a volume of 0.009 m3 and weighs 180 N. The oven dry weight
of the soil is 150 N. If the soil has a specific gravity of 2.70, compute the following:

29. Moisture Content.


a. 0.20 b. 0.30 c. 0.40 d. 0.50

30. Void Ratio.


a. 0.5892 b. 0.2354 c. 0.6817 d. 0.7906

31. Degree of Saturation


a. 0.2165 b. 0.9156 c. 0.9165 d. 0.2156

Atterberg Limits

A soil was determined in the laboratory to have a liquid limit of 45% and Plastic Limit of 21%. If
the water content is 29%,

32. Solve for the Plasticity Index

a. 22 % b. 23 % c. 24 % d. 25 %

33. Solve for the Liquidity Index

a. 0.3333 b. 0.4444 c. 0.5555 d. 0.2222

34. Determine the Characteristic of the soil

a. PLASTIC LIMIT b. LIQUID LIMIT c. PLASTIC d. LIQUID

A silty clay has a plastic limit of 25 and a plasticity Index of 30. If the clay has a liquidity
index of 0.20.

35. Solve for the water content

a. 30 % b. 31 % c. 32% d. 33 %

36. Compute the degree of saturation if the specific gravity of the clay is 2.70 and a void ratio of
0.92.

a. 90.98 % b. 93.98 % c. 97.98 % d. 99.98 %

37. Compute the moist unit weight of the clay if the void ratio is 0.92, Gs = 2.70

a. 18.82 kN/m³ b. 18.07 kN/m³ c. 19.82 kN/m³ d. 19.07 kN/m³

Following are the results of a shrinkage limit test:


Initial volume of soil in a saturated state = 24.6 cm³
Final volume of soil in a dry state = 15.9 cm³
Initial mass in a saturated state = 44 g
Final mass in a dry state = 30.1
Sp.gr = 2.70

38. Solve for the shrinkage limit of the soil

a. 14.28 % b. 15.28 % c. 16.28 % d. 17.28 %

39. Solve for the saturated unit weight if e = 0.467

a. 20.18 kN/m³ b. 20.81 kN/m³ c. 21.18 kN/m³ d. 21.81 kN/m³

40. Solve for the dry unit weight

SOIL MECHANICS AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING


Page |4

a. 18.06kN/m³ b. 19.06 kN/m³ c. 20.06 kN/m³ d. 21.06 kN/m³

A soil sample was determined in the laboratory to have liquid limit of 41% and a plastic limit of
21.1%. if the water content is 30%,

41. Solve for the plastic limit

a. 19.9 % b. 18.9 % c. 17.9 % d. 16.9 %

42. Solve for the liquidity Index

a. 0.227 b. 0.337 c. 0.447 d. 0.557

43. Determine the Characteristic of the soil

a. Brittle soli b. Plastic c. Liquid d. Nota

Soil Compaction

Following are the details for the backfill material used in a vibroflotation project:
D10 = 0.36 mm
D20 = 0.52 mm
D50 = 1.42 mm

44. Determine the suitability number SN.

a. 5.1 b. 6.1 c. 7.1 d. 8.1

45. What would be its rating as a backfill material?

a. Excellent b. Good c. Fair d. Poor

Permeability

A layered soil is shown in the figure. Given:

H1 = 2.5m K1 = 12-4 cm/sec


H2 = 4m K2 = 5.3x10-2 cm/sec
H3 = 1.7m K3 = 2.4x10-3 cm/sec

46. Calculate the equivalent hydraulic conductivity using parallel flow.


a. 0.0531 b. 0.0264 c. 0.0967 d. 0.0385

47. Calculate the equivalent hydraulic conductivity using series flow.


a. 2.5582x10-4 b. 5.5582x10-4 c. 3.5582x10-4 d. 1.5582x10-4

48. Estimate the ratio of equivalent hydraulic conductivity


a. 7.9024x10-3 b. 9.9024x10-3 c. 3.9024x10-3 d. 5.9024x10-3

49. A constant-head permeability test gives these values:


L=35
A= area of the specimen = 187 cm²

SOIL MECHANICS AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING


Page |5

Constant head difference = 55 cm


Water collected in a period 5 min = 350 cc
Calculate the hydraulic conductivity in cm/sec.

a. 3.09 x 10−3 b. 2.97 x 10−3 c. 3.09 x 10−3 d. 3.97 x 10−3

50. For a falling-head permeability test, the following values are given:
Length of specimen = 250 mm
Area of soil specimen = 1000 mm²
Area of standpipe = 40 mm²
Head difference at time t=0 = 500 mm
Head difference at time t=180 sec = 300 mm
Determine the hydraulic conductivity of the soil in cm/sec.

a. 0.099 b. 0.028 c. 0.081 d. 0.056

A sand sample of 35 cm2 cross sectional area and 20 cm long was tested in a constant head
permeameter. Under a head of 60 cm, the discharge was 120 ml in 6 min. The dry weight of sand used
for the test was 1 120 g, and Gs = 2.68.

51. Determine the hydraulic conductivity in cm/sec

a. 2.17 x 10−3 b. 3.17 x 10−3 c. 4.17 x 10−3 d. 5.17 x 10−3

52. Determine the discharge velocity in cm/sec

a. 6.51 x 10−3 b. 7.51 x 10−3 c. 8.51 x 10−3 d. 9.51 x 10−3

53. Calculate the value of k of a sample of 2.36 in. height and 7.75 in2 cross-sectional area, if a
quantity of water of 26.33 in3 flows down in 10 min under an effective constant head of 15.75 in.

a. 0.84 x 10−5 b.0.84 x 10−4 c. 0.84 x 10−3 d. 0.84 x 10−2

54. Calculate the co-efficient of permeability of a soil sample, 6 cm in height and 50 cm2 in
cross-sectional area, if a quantity of water equal to 430 ml passed down in 10 min. Under an
effective constant head of 40 cm.

a. 2.15 x 10−3 cm/s b. 2.51 x 10−3 cm/s c. 3.15 x 10−3 cm/s d. 3.51 x 10−3 cm/s

55. A layer of sand 6 m thick lies beneath a clay stratum 5 m thick and above abed thick shale. In
order to determine the permeability of sand, a well was driven to the top of the shale and water
pumped out at a rate of 0.01 m3/sec. Two observation wells driven through the clay at 15m and 30 m
from the pumping well and water was found to rise to levels of 3m and 2.4 m below the ground water
surface. Calculate the permeability of soil.
a. 2.2 m/hr b. 2.1 m/hr c. 1.2 m/hr d. 1.1 m/hr

A permeability pumping test was carried out in a confined aquifer with the piezometric level
before pumping is 2.18 m below the ground surface. The aquiclude (impermeable layer) has a
thickness of 5.7 m measured from the ground surface and the confined aquifer is 7.6 m deep until
it reaches the aquiclude at the bottom. At a steady pumping rate of 15.6 cu.m/hr the drawdown in
the observation wells were respectively equal to 1.62 and o.47 m. The distances of the observation
wells from the center of the test well were 15 m. and 32 m. respectively.

56. Compute the total head in aquifier before pumping


a. 3.05 m b. 5.30 m c. 0.53 m d. 3.53 m

57. Compute the total head inside well casing during pumping
a. 2.90 m b. 3.90 m c. 1.90 m d. 4.90 m

58. Compute the coefficient of permeability


a. 7.1658 m/day b. 6.5180 m/day c. 5.1658 m/day d. 8.6805 m/day

SOIL MECHANICS AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING


Page |6

59. Compute the transmissibility of the impermeable layer.


a. 37.4820 m/day b. 39.2597 m/day c. 40.8503 m/day d. 36.1739 m/day

A constant-head permeability test gives these values:


L = 20 cm
A = area of the specimen = 165 sq. cm
Constant head difference = 45 cm
Water collected in a period 5 min = 375 cc

60. Calculate the hydraulic conductivity in cm/sec


a. 3.37x10-3 cm/sec b. 4.37x10-3 cm/sec c. 7.37x10-3 cm/sec d. 8.37x10-3 cm/sec

For falling-head permeability test, the following values are given:


Length of specimen = 360 mm
Area of soil specimen = 1200 sq. mm
Area of standpipe = 35 sq. mm
Head difference at time t = 5sec = 400mm
Head difference at time t = 200sec = 170mm

61. Determine the hydraulic conductivity of the soil in cm/sec.


a. 4.6074 cm/sec b. 4.3712 cm/sec c. 4.4329 cm/sec d. 4.0581 cm/sec

Flow Net

62. In the figure shown below, calculate the factor of safety against heave (γsat=19KN/m3).

a. 1.9 b. 2.9 c. 3.9 d. 4.9

63. How much does the capillary water is rise above the water table in a very fine sand (d = 0.1 mm)
if the surface tension force is To = 0.064 N/m with an  =3°?

SOIL MECHANICS AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING


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a. -0.25 b. -0.26 c.- 0.27 d. -0.28

For the shown flow net:

64. Calculate the uplift force at the base, per foot of length Point A and B at the corners of the
concrete dam.
a. 186.8 kips/ft b. 189.8 kips/ft c. 187.8 kips/ft d. 188.8 kips/ft

65. Calculate the driving head at line 5..


a. 13.5 ft b. 12.6 ft c. 15.9 ft d. 14.8 ft

66. Calculate the driving head at line 12.


a. 5 ft b. 6 ft c. 3 ft d. 4 ft

67. For the flow net shown below, Calculate the flow rate per unit length.

a. 2.668 × 10−5 m3/s/m c. 3.564 × 10−5 m3/s/m


b. 2.786 × 10−5 m3/s/m d. 3.654 × 10−5 m3/s/m

SOIL MECHANICS AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING


Page |8

Soil Stresses

68. Calculate the Effective Stress at point A.

a. 0 b. 1 c. 2 d. 3

69. Calculate the Effective Stress at point B.

a. 97 kPa b. 98 kPa c. 99 kPa d. 100 kPa

70. Calculate the Effective Stress at point C.

a. 211.72 kPa b. 221.72 kPa c. 231.72 kPa d. 241.72 kPa

Refer to the soil profile shown in figure below:

71. Calculate the Effective Stress at point A.

a. 0 b. 1 c. 2 d. 3

72. Calculate the Effective Stress at point B.


a. 75.75 kPa b. 85.85 kPa c. 95.95 kPa d. 105.105 kPa
73. Calculate the Effective Stress at point C.

a. 110.21 kPa b. 120.21 kPa c. 130.21 kPa d. 141.21 kPa

For the stressed soil element shown determine:

SOIL MECHANICS AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING


Page |9

74. Major principal stress


a. 157.08 lb/in² b. 167.08 lb/in² c. 177.08 lb/in² d. 187.08 lb/in²

75. Minor principal stress


a. 42.29 lb/in² b. 42.92 lb/in² c. 52.29 lb/in² d. 52.92 lb/in²

76. Normal stress


a. 60 lb/in² b. 61 lb/in² c. 62 lb/in² d. 63 lb/in²

77. Shear stress

a. 30 lb/in² b. 31 lb/in² c. 32 lb/in² d. 33 lb/in²

78. A soil element is shown. The magnitudes of stresses are x = 2000 lb/in², τ = 800 lb/in², y =
2500 lb/in², and  = 20°.

79. Major principal stress

a. 3088.15 lb/ft² b. 3188.15 lb/ft² c. 3288.15 lb/ft² d. 3388.15 lb/ft²

80. Minor principal stress


a. 1211.85 lb/ft² b. 1311.85 lb/ft² c. 1411.85 lb/ft² d. 1511.85 lb/ft²

81. Normal stress


a. 1627.28 lb/ft² b. 1727.28 lb/ft² c. 1827.28 lb/ft² d. 1927.28 lb/ft²

82. Shear stress


a. 753.53 lb/ft² b. 763.53 lb/ft² c. 773.53 lb/ft² d. 783.53 lb/ft²

83. A sample was obtained from point A in the submerged clay layer shown below. It was determined that
it had a w = 54%, and a Gs = 2.78. What is the effective vertical stress at A?
a. 109 k b. 107 kPA c. 105 kPa d. 103 kPa

SOIL MECHANICS AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING


P a g e | 10

The City of Houston, Texas has been experiencing a rapid lowering of its phreatic
surface (draw- downs) during the past 49 years due to large volumes of water pumped
out of the ground by industrial users.
84. What was the effective vertical stress at a depth of 15 m in 1960?
a. 142 kPa b. 127 kPA c. 138 kPa d. 113 kPa

85. What is the effective stress at the same depth in 2009?


a. 180 kPa b. 230 kPA c. 420 kPa d. 360 kPa
A soil particle is found to be subjected to a maximum stress of 14.6 kN/m 2, and a minimum
stress of – 4.18 kN/m2. (Hint: Using Mohr’s Circle)
86. Find the σ on the plane of θ = 50° with respect to the major principal stresses.
a. 3.6 kN/m2 b. 2.7 kN/m2 c. 1.9 kN/m2 d. 4.5 kN/m2

87. Find the on the plane of θ = 50° with respect to the major principal stresses.
a. 8.4 kN/m2 b. 6.9 kN/m2 c. 5.8 kN/m2 d. 9.2 kN/m2

88. Determine the ultimate bearing capacity of a mat foundation measuring 45 feet long
by 30 feet wide placed 6.5 feet below the surface and resting upon a saturated clay
stratum with cu = 1,950 lb/ft2 and φ = 0º.
a. 10 ksf b. 14 ksf c. 12 ksf d. 16 ksf

Compressibility and Consolidation

Given the figure below:

89. How high will the water rise in the piezometer immediately after the application of
the surface load of 3 ksf?
a. 49.4 ft b. 46.3 ft c. 48.1 ft d. 50.2 ft

90. What is the degree of consolidation from the 3 ksf at point A, when h =15 ft.?
a. 49 % b. 79 % c. 59 % d. 69 %

91. A recently completed fill was 32.8 ft thick and its initial average void ratio was 1.0. The fill
was
loaded on the surface by constructing an embankment covering a large area of the fill. Some

SOIL MECHANICS AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING


P a g e | 11

months after the embankment was constructed, measurements of the fill indicated an average void
ratio of 0.8. Estimate the compression of the fill.

92. a. 2.8 ft b. 3.8 ft c. 4.8 ft d. 5.8 ft

Shear strength of soil

93. At a depth of 6 m below the ground surface at a site, a vane shear test gave a torque value of
6040 N-cm. The vane was 10 cm high and 7 cm across the blades. Estimate the shear strength of the
soil.

a. 64 kN/m b. 65 kN/m c. 66 kN/m d. 67 kN/m

Soil Exploration

The following dimensions are given for a shelby tube sampler:


External diameter = 51 mm
Internal diameter = 48 mm
94. Determine the area ratio
a. 10.9 % b. 11.9 % c. 12.9 % d. 13.9 %

Stability of Slopes

Find the factor of safety of a slope of infinite extent having a slope angle = 25°. The slope is
made of cohesionless soil with Ø = 30°.

a. 1.24 b. 2.24 c. 3.24 d. 4.24

Shallow Foundation II: Safe Bearing Pressure and Settlement Calculation

95. A plate load test using a plate of size 30 x 30 cm was carried out at the level of a prototype
foundation. The soil at the site was cohesionless with the water table at great depth. The plate
settled by 10 mm at a load intensity of 160 kN/m2. Determine the settlement of a square footing of
size 2 x 2 m under the same load intensity.

a. 30.24 mm b. 31.24 mm c. 32.24 mm d. 33.24 mm


Consider a small 10-foot tall and 3 feet thick concrete retaining wall. The backfill behind
the wall will be from local sandy gravel with a dry unit weight of 115 pcf and an angle of
internal friction of 30 degrees. The wall will not have to retain water.
96. Estimate the lateral force on the wall from the backfill in an active pressure condition.
a. 1.9 kips per foot of wall c. 2.6 kips per foot of wall
b. 4.2 kips per foot of wall d. 3.7 kips per foot of wall

97. Compute its stability against overturning


a. 2.07 b. 1.07 c. 2.70 d. 1.70

SOIL MECHANICS AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING


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Soil Classification

Determine AASHTO soil classifications for each soil sample.

98. For sample 1

99. For sample 2

100. For sample 3

SOIL MECHANICS AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING


P a g e | 13

ANSWER KEY

1. c 28. b 55. b 82. b


2. a 29. a 56. a 83. b
3. a 30. a 57. d 84. a
4. b 31. c 58. a 85. d
5. d 32. a 59. c 86. c
6. d 33. c 60. c 87. b
7. a 34. b 61. b 88. a
8. d 35. a 62. a 89. c
9. b 36. b 63. a 90. a
10. c 37. d 64. c 91. a
11. a 38. c 65. d 92. j
12. b 39. a 66. a 93. h
13. b 40. a 67. c 94. j
14. d 41. c 68. a 95. b
15. a 42. b 69. b 96. a
16. c 43. b 70. a 97. b
17. d 44. a 71. b 98. a-3
18. d 45. b 72. b 99. a-2-4
19. a 46. d 73. d 100. a-2-7
20. b 47. d 74. d
21. c 48. d 75. a
22. c 49. b 76. a
23. d 50. b 77. a
24. b 51. d 78. c
25. a 52. c 79. d
26. d 53. a 80. c
27. c 54. c 81. c

SOIL MECHANICS AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING


P a g e | 14

SOLUTIONS

𝑛
1. e=
1−𝑛

0.40
e=
1−0.40

e = 0.6667

𝐺
2. d = w
1+𝑒

2.70
d = 
1+0.6667

d = 15.89 kN/m³

𝐺+𝑠𝑒
3. = w
1+𝑒

2.70+(0.50)(0.6667)
= 
1+0.6667

= 17.85 kN/m³

𝐺+𝑒
4. sat= w
1+𝑒

2.70+0.6667
= 
1+0.6667

= 19.82 kN/m³

𝑀
5. 
𝑉
2290
 1000

1.15 × 10−3
kg/m³

𝑊
6. 
𝑉
2290
(9.81)
 1000

1.15 × 10−3


𝑀𝑤
7. 
𝑀𝑠
2290−2035
 x 100
2035


8. Mw = 190-160= 30 g
Md = 160 g
𝑀𝑤

𝑀𝑑
30 𝑔
 x 100
160 𝑔

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= 18.75 %

9. = d (1+)
d =/(1+)
d =/(1+)
d =kN/m³

/d) -1
/) -1 x 100
= 11.03 %
𝑊𝑤 𝑊−𝑊𝑠 177.6−153
10. w = = = = 0.1608
𝑊𝑠 𝑊𝑠 153
177.6
𝑊
11. ү = = 1000
9340 = 19.01 kN/m³
𝑉
1003
153
𝑊𝑠
12. ү𝑑 = = 1000
9340 = 16.38 kN/m³
𝑉
1003
𝑉𝑣
13. e =
𝑉𝑠
𝑊𝑠
ү𝑠
Gs = = 𝑉𝑠
ү𝑤 ү𝑤
153/1000
2.67 = 𝑉𝑠
; Vs = 5.8413x10-3 m3
9.81
9340
Vv = V – Vs = – 5.8413x10-3 = 3.4987x10-3 m3
1003
3.4987x10−3
e = = 0.60
5.8413x10−3
𝑉𝑣 3.4987x10−3 m3
14. 5. n = = 9340 = 0.37
𝑉
1003
𝑉𝑤
15. 6. s =
𝑉𝑣
177.6−153
𝑊𝑤
ү𝑤 = = 1000
= 9.81
𝑉𝑤 𝑉𝑤
Vw = 2.5076 x10-3 m3
2.5076 x10−3
s = = 0.72
3.4987x10−3
𝑉𝑣 𝑉−𝑉𝑠 1.52−1
16. 7. e = = = = 0.52
𝑉𝑠 𝑉𝑠 1
𝑉𝑤 0.45
17. 8. s = = = 0.87
𝑉𝑣 0.52
18. VA = Vv – Vw
VA = 0.52 – 0.45 = 0.0670 ft3
𝑊𝑤(𝑎𝑑𝑑)
ү𝑤 = = 62.4 lb/ ft3
0.0670
19. Ww(add) = 4.18 lbs
𝑉1−𝑉𝑠 191,000 − 𝑉𝑠
20. e1 = = = 1.2
𝑉𝑠 𝑉𝑠
Vs = 86818.18 m3
𝑉2−𝑉𝑠 𝑉2−86818.18
e2 = = = 0.7
𝑉𝑠 86818.18
21. V2 = 147,590.9 m3
𝐺𝑠∗ү𝑤 2.7∗9.81
22. ү𝑑 = = = 15.67 kN/m3
1+𝑒 1+0.69
𝐺𝑠∗ү𝑤 2.7∗9.81
23. ү𝑑 = = = 18 ; e = 0.4715
1+𝑒 1+𝑒
𝑉−𝑉𝑠 45,000−𝑉𝑠
e = = 0.4715 = ; Vs = 30,581 m3 (maintained)
𝑉𝑠 𝑉𝑠
𝑉−𝑉𝑠 𝑉−30,581
e = = 0.69 = ; V = 51,682 m3 (borrow)
𝑉𝑠 30,581
𝑉 51,682
24. # of trucks = = = 5168.2 trucks
10 10
25. Wdry = 10 x 15.67 = 156.7 kN
𝑊𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
w =
𝑊𝑑𝑟𝑦
𝑊𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
0.15 =
156.7
Wwater = 23.5 kN
2.7 𝑥 15
26. s(in-situ) = Gsw = = 0.587 = 58.7%
0.69
𝑊 𝑊𝑤+𝑊𝑠
27. ρ1 = 1900 kg/m3 18.693 kN/m3 = ү = =
𝑉 𝑉
𝑊𝑠
ρ2 = 2660 kg/m3 26.0946 kN/m3 = үs =
𝑉𝑠

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Assume Vs = 1
𝑊𝑠
ү𝑠 26.0946
Gs = = 𝑉𝑠
= = 2.66
ү𝑤 ү𝑤 9.81
𝑊𝑠 𝑊𝑠
2.66 = 𝑉𝑠
= 1
; Ws = 26.0946 kN
ү𝑤 9.81
𝑊𝑤 𝑊𝑤
w = = 0.115 = ; Ww = 3.000879 kN
𝑊𝑠 26.0946
3.000879 +26.0946
18.639 =
𝑉
V = 1.561 m3
𝑊𝑠 26.0946
ү𝑑 = = = 16.72 kN/m3
𝑉 1.561
𝑉𝑣 𝑉−𝑉𝑠 1.561−1
28. e = = = = 0.561
𝑉𝑠 𝑉𝑠 1
𝑉𝑤 0.3059
29. s = = = 0.5453
𝑉𝑣 0.561
𝑊𝑤 3.000879
30. ү𝑤 = = = 9.81
𝑉𝑤 𝑉𝑤
Vw = 0.3059 m3
𝑉𝐴 𝑉𝑣−𝑉𝑤 0.561−0.3059
avr = = =
𝑉 𝑉 1.561
avr = 0.1634
31. ү𝑠 = ү𝑑 (1 + w) = 19.5 (1 + 0.08) = 21.06 KN/m3
𝑊𝑤 𝑊−𝑊𝑠 180−150
32. w = = = = 0.20
𝑊𝑠 𝑊𝑠 150
𝑉𝑣
33. e =
𝑉𝑠
𝑊𝑠 150
ү𝑠
Gs = = 𝑉𝑠
= 1000
𝑉𝑠 = 2.7
ү𝑤 ү𝑤
9.81
-3 3
Vs = 5.6632x10 m
Vv = V – Vs = 0.009 - 5.6632x10-3 = 3.3368x10-3 m3
3.3368x10−3
e = = 0.5892
5.6632x10−3
𝑉𝑤
34. s =
𝑉𝑣
𝑊𝑤
ү𝑤 =
𝑉𝑤
180−150
9.81 1000
𝑉𝑤
Vw = 3.0581x10-3 m3
𝑉𝑤 3.0581x10−3
s = = = 0.9165
𝑉𝑣 3.3368x10−3

35. PI = LL – PL
PI = 45 – 21
PI = 24%

ω−PL
36. LI =
𝐿𝐿−𝑃𝐿
29−21
LI =
45−21
LI = 0.3333

37. 0<LI<1
0<0.3333<1
PLASTIC

ω−PL
38. LI =
𝑃𝐼
ω−25
0.20 =
30


39. GsSe
2.70 x 31=S x 0.92
S = 90.98%

𝐺(1+ω)
40. = w
1+𝑒
2.70(1+0.31)
= (9.81)
1+0.92

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= 18.07 kN/m³

𝑀₁−𝑀₂ 𝑉𝑖−𝑉𝑓
41. SL = ( ) (100) − ( )(w)(100)
𝑀₂ 𝑀₂
44−30.1 24.6−15.9
SL = ( ) (100) − ( ) (1)(100)
30.1 30.1
SL = 17.28%

𝐺+𝑒
42. sat= w
1+𝑒

2.70+0.467
= 
1+0.467

= 21.18 kN/m³

𝐺
43. d = w
1+𝑒

2.70
d = 
1+0.467

d = 18.06 kN/m³

44. PI = LL – PL
PI = 41 – 21.2
PI = 19.9 %

ω−PL
45. LI =
𝑃𝐼
30−21.1
LI =
19.9
LI 

𝐻1(𝑘1)+𝐻2(𝑘2)+𝐻3(𝑘3) 2.5(12−4 )+4(5.3𝑥10−2)+1.7(2.4𝑥10−3)


46. kH(eq) = = = 0.0264
𝐻 (2.5+4+1.7)
𝐻 (2.5+4+1.7)
47. kV(eq) = 𝐻1 𝐻2 𝐻3 = 2.5 4 1.7 = 1.5582x10-4
+ + + +
𝑘𝑣1 𝑘𝑣2 𝑘𝑣3 12−4 (5.3𝑥10−2) (2.4𝑥10−3)
𝑆𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 1.5582x10−4
48. Ratio = = = 5.9024x10-3
𝑃𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙 0.0264

49. LI < 0 Brittle solid
LI < 1 Plastic
LI > 1 Liquid
0.447 < 1,Plastic
Soil Compaction

3 1 1
50. SN = 1.17√ + +
(D₅₀)2 (D₂₀)2 (D₁₀)2

3 1 1
SN = 1.17√ + +
(1.42)2 (0.52)2 (0.36)2

SN = 6.1

51. 0-10 Excellent


10-20 Good
20-30 Fair
30-50 Poor
>50 Unsuitable
SN = 6.1, Excellent

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Permeability

𝑉𝐿
52. K =
𝐴ℎ𝑡
(350)(35)
K=
(187)(55)(300)
K = 3.97 x 𝟏𝟎−𝟑 cm/s

𝑎𝐿 ℎ₁
53. k = ln( )
𝐴𝛥𝑡 ℎ₂
(40)(250) 500
k= ln( )
(1000)(180−0) 300
k = 0.028 cm/s

𝑉𝐿
54. K =
𝐴ℎ𝑡
(120)(20)
K=
(35)(60)(360)
K = 3.17 x 𝟏𝟎−𝟑 cm/s

55. v = ki
Δh
v = k( )
L
60
v = 3.17 x 10−3 x ( )
20
v = 9.51 x 𝟏𝟎−𝟑 cm/s

𝑉𝐿
56. K =
𝐴ℎ𝑡
(26.33)(2.36)
K=
(7.75)(15.75)(600)
K = 0.84 x 𝟏𝟎−𝟑 cm/s

𝑉𝐿
57. K =
𝐴ℎ𝑡
(430)(6)
K=
(50)(40)(600)
K = 2.15 x 𝟏𝟎−𝟑 cm/s

58. HT = 5m + 6m = 11m
h1 = HT – d1 = 11m – 2.4m = 8.6m
h2 = HT – d2 = 11m – 3m = 8m
Hsand = 6m
𝑟1 30
𝑞 𝑥 𝑙𝑜𝑔(𝑟2) 36 𝑥 𝑙𝑜𝑔(15)
K = = = 1.1 m/hr
2.727 𝑥 𝐻 𝑥 (h1−h2) 2.727 𝑥 6 𝑥 (8.6−8)
59. h1 = 5.7m – (2.18m + 0.47m) = 3.05m
60. h2 = 5.7m – (2.18m + 1.62m) = 1.90m
𝑟1 32
𝑄 𝑥 𝑙𝑛(𝑟2) 15.6 𝑥 𝑙𝑛(15)
61. K = = (24) = 5.1658 m/day
2𝜋 𝐻(h1−h2) 2𝜋 (7.6)(3.05−1.90)
𝑟1 32
𝑞 𝑥 𝑙𝑛(𝑟2) 15.6 𝑥 𝑙𝑛(15)
62. T = = (24) = 39.2597 m/day
2𝜋 (z2−z1) 2𝜋 (1.62−0.47)
𝑉𝐿 (375)(20)
63. k = = = 3.37x10-3 cm/sec
𝐴ℎ𝑡 (165)(45)(300)
𝑎𝐿 ℎ1 (35)(360) 400
64. k = ln ( ) = ln ( ) = 4.6074 cm/sec
𝐴𝛥𝑡 ℎ2 1200(200−5) 170

65. γ′=γsat−γw=19−9.81=9.19 KN/m³


ΔH=10−2=8m, Nd,number=12 D = 10 m
𝛥𝐻 8
i=Nd,value= = =0.667
𝑁𝑑,𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 12
hdriving,A=8−0.667×8=2.664m
hdriving,B=8−0.667×8.8=2.13m
hdriving,A+hdriving,B 2.664+2.13
hav= = = 2.397m
2 2
γ′ 9.19
F.S = = = 3.9
iav×γw 0.2397×9.81

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0.064
−4Tocos −4( 1000 )cos3
66. hc = = = -0.26
dw (10−4 )(9.81)

𝛥𝐻 21
67. i = = = 1.5 ft
𝑁𝑑 14
hpressure(A) = (30 + 8) – 1 x 1.5 = 36.5 ft.
UA = hpressure(A) x ү𝑤 = 36.5 x 62.4 = 2277.6 lb/ft2
hpressure(B) = (30 + 8) – 8.5 x 1.5 = 25.25 ft.
UB = hpressure(B) x ү𝑤 = 25.25 x 62.4 = 1575.6 lb/ft2
1
Fuplift = (2276.6 + 1575.6) x 98
2
Fuplift = 188.8 kips/ft
68. h5 = 𝚫H – losses = 21 – (5 x 1.5) = 13.5 ft
69. h12 = 𝚫H – losses = 21 – (12 x 1.5) = 3 ft
𝛥𝐻 8
70. i = = = 0.6667 ft
𝑁𝑑 12
𝛥𝐻
q = k*( )*Nf*n = 1x10-5*(0.6667)*4*1 = 2.668 × 10−5 m3/s/m
𝑁𝑑

71.  = wh
 = 9.81x 0 = 0
 = h
 = 16.5 x 0 = 0
’ =  - 
’ = 0 - 0
’ = 0

72.  = wh
 = 9.81x 0 = 0
 = h
 = 16.5 x 6 = 99 kPa
’ =  - 
’ = 99 - 0
’ = 99 kPa

73.  = wh
 = (9.81 x 13) + 0 = 127.53 kPa
 = h
 = (19.25 x 13) + 99 = 349.25 kPa
’ =  - 
’ = 349.25 – 127.53
’ = 221.72 kPa

Gs×γw 2.66×9.81
74. γdry= = = 17.17 KN/m³
1+e 1+0.52
Se 1x1
= = = 0.364
Gs 2.75
𝐺+𝑒 2.75+1
sat= w= =18.4 KN/m³
1+𝑒 1+1

 = wh
 = 0x 0 = 0
 = h
 = 17.17 x 0 = 0
’ =  - 
’ = 0 - 0
’ = 0

75.  = wh

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=0x5=0
 = h
 = 17.17 x 5 = 85.85 kPa
’ =  - 
’ = 85.85 - 0
’ = 85.85 kPa

76.  = wh
 = 9.81 x 4 = 39.24
 = h
 = 17.17 x 5 + 4 x 18.4 = 159.45 kPa
’ =  - 
’ = 159.45 - 39.24
’ = 120.21 kPa

y+ x (y− x) 2


77. ₁ = + √[ ] + τ²xy
2 2

150+ 90 (150− 90) 2


₁ = + √[ ] + (−60)²
2 2
₁ = 187.08 lb/in²

y+ x (y− x) 2


78. ₃ = − √[ ] + τ²xy
2 2

150+ 90 (150− 90) 2


₃= − √[ ] + (−60)²
2 2
₃= 52.92 lb/in²

y+ x y−x
79. n = + cos2 + τxysin2
2 2
150+ 90 150−90
n = + cos2(45) + (−60)sin2(45)
2 2
n = 60 lb/in²

y−x
80. τn = sin2 − τxycos2
2
150−90
τn = sin2(45) − (−60)cos2(45)
2
𝛕n = 30 lb/in²

y+ x (y− x) 2


81. ₁ = + √[ ] + τ²xy
2 2

2500+ 2000 (2500− 2000) 2


₁ = + √[ ] + (−800)²
2 2
₁ = 3088.15 lb/ft²

y+ x (y− x) 2


82. ₃ = − √[ ] + τ²xy
2 2

2500+ 2000 (2500− 2000) 2


₃= − √[ ] + (−800)2
2 2
₃= 1411.85 lb/ft²

83. Gsw = se ; s = 1 because the soil is 100% saturated


E = (0.54)(2.78)
(𝐺𝑠+𝑒)ү𝑤 (2.78+(0.54)(2.78)9.81
σ = ү′ℎsoil = (( ) − ү𝑤 ) ℎsoil = (( ) − 9.81)(15) = 105 kPA
1+𝑒 1+(0.54)(2.78)
84. σ = (үℎ + ү′ℎ′)sand + (ү′ℎ′)silt + (ү′ℎ′)clay
where ү′ = үsat - ү𝑤
σ = [(20.4)(3) + (18.8 – 9.81)(3)] + [(14.9 – 9.81)(6)] + [(12.6 – 9.81)(3)]
σ = 127 kPA

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85. σ = [(20.4)(6) + (16.5)(6)] + [(12.6 – 9.81)(3)] = 230 kPa

σ1+σ3 σ1−σ3
86. σn = ( ) + ( )cos2θ
2 2
14.6−4.18 14.6+4.18
= ( ) +( )cos2(50°)
2 2
σn = 3.6 kN/m2

σ1−σ3
87. = ( )sin2θ
2
14.6+4.18
= ( )sin2(50°)
2
= 9.2 kN/m2

0.195B 0.4Df
88. q = 5.14cu(1 + )(1 + )
𝐿 𝐵
0.195(30) 0.4(6.5)
q = 5.14(1.95)(1 + )(1 + ) =
45 30
12 ksf

y+ x y−x
89. n = + cos2 + τxysin2
2 2
2500+ 2000 2500−2000
n = + cos2(20) +
2 2
(−180)sin2(20)
n = 1927.28 lb/ft²

y−x
90. τn = sin2 − τxycos2
2
2500−2000
τn = sin2(20) − (−180)cos2(20)
2
𝛕n = 773.53 lb/ft²

Δ𝑒
91. 𝝙H = 𝐻₀
1−𝑒₀
1.0−0.8
𝝙H = (32.8)
1−1.0
𝝙H = 3.28 ft

T
92. cu= 2
2𝜋𝑟 2 [𝐿+(3)𝑟]
6040
cu= 2
2𝜋3.52 [10+(3)3.5]

cu= 6.4 N/cm


cu= 64 kN/m

d2 ₀− d²ᵢ
93. Ar=
d²ᵢ
51²− 48²
Ar=
48²
Ar = 0.129 = 12.9%
Ar = 12.9%

tanØ
94. Fs=
tanβ
tan30
Fs=
tan25
Fs= 1.24

B(bp+0.3)
95. Sf =Sp( )²
bp(B+0.3)
2(0.3+0.3)
Sf =10( )²
0.3(2+0.3)
Sf = 30.24 mm

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P a g e | 22

ϕ 30°
96. K = tan2(45 - ) = tan2(45 - ) = 0.33
2 2
P = үℎ𝐾 = (0.115 kcf)(10 ft)(0.33) = 0.38 ksf
1 1
F = (Ph) = (0.38)(10) = 1.9 kips per foot of wall
2 2
resisting moment (3)(10)(1)(0.150)(1.5)
97. Factor of Safety (FS) = = 10 = 1.07
overturning moment (1.9)( 3 )

98. – 100.

SOIL MECHANICS AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

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