UNIVERJ3ITY OF NAIR.

GEi
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS 2018/2019
\
FOURTH YEAR EXAMINATIONS F'OR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE·
IN CIVIL ENGINEERING -

FCE 411: GEOTECHNICAL ENGINERING II

DATE: FEBRUARY 22, 2019 TIME: 2.00 P.M ~ 4.00 P.M.
Instructions: Answer Question 1 from SECTION A and any other TWO Questions
from SECTION B

SECTION A - Mandatory

QUESTIO~ ~--

. (I) Explain four Assumptions used Y11hen calculating the stresses induced in a soil mass
due to surface loading from the t!-ieory of elasticity. (8 Marks)

(II) Explain the justification for use of the Theory of Elasticity by Gaotechnical Engineers in
the analysis of stressl;!s in soils e\en though soils are not truly elastic. (4 Marks)

(III) . Explain the Consolidation Process 'rJy use of a Spring Analogy

(8 Mark)
(IV) If the void ratio e is plotted as ord 'nate against effective stress a'as abscissa following
results of consolidation test of late rally confined soil specimen in laboratory, the chart in
Fig. Ql obtained.

1.0

0
.:
0.8
\
....Ill
-i,
0.6
~
·o
> 0.4

0.2
E

0 200 400 600 800 1000

· Effective stress
Fig. Ql

Explain the salient features of the consolidation process corresponding to ;

(a) Curve AB, (b) Point B, (c) Curve BC, (d) Curve CD and (e) Curve DE
(10 Mark)

Pag.~ I of2
I . (
• l

c · TWO questions
l;!:ECTION B Attempt any . . .b t"on diagrams due to point
. rtical pressure d1stn u ,
2. · (I) Sketch approximate shape of ve
load for the following planes; ,·
h z and different values of radius 1
< ept
e at a given j
I '
a) Along a Horizontal Pan ·
r, . a certain radius r, and different values of
· b) Along a vertical plane, acting at (10 Marks)
depth z.
. . rf e a uniform loaa of l00kPa covering a
(II) · An elastic medium carries at ~tsd s~eaiertical pressures at a depth of Sm below
rectangular area, 4m by 3m. Fin ~ Use Table Q2 to obtain the Influence
the centre and corner of the loade area . · (10 Marks)
Factors.
(12 Marks)
(I) Give brief notes on the three parts the total settlement of soil .
3.
During a pressure increment a test specimerl, 20mm thick, a~ined 50% primary
(II)
consolidation in 45 minutes. How long woulc: it take a 1 Om thick layer of the
same soil to reach the same degree of cons(llidation if;
a) The clay layer was drained on both surfaces
b) It was drained on the top surface on11,. (8 Marks}

4. (I) Sketch a well labelled portion of a Flow Net and define the terms used in
computation of.flow. Also explain the proper :ies of the flow net. (12 Marks}

(II) List four applications of flownets (8 Marks) .

Table Q2 : Influence Factor for Vertical pressure Under Corner iJf Uniformly Loaded Rectangular Area
n
m 0.1 0.2 · 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
0.10 0.0047 0.0092 0.0132 0.0168 0.0198 0.0222 0.0242 0.02S8 0.0270 0.0279
0.20 0.0092 0.0179 0.0259 0.0328 0.0387 0.0435 0.0473 0.0504 0.0528 0.0547
0.30 0.0132 0.0259 0.0374 0.0474 0.0559 0.0629: 0.0686 0.0731 0.0766 0.0794
0.40 0.0168 0.0328 0.0474 0.0602 0.0711 0.0801 0.0873 0.0931 0.0977 0.1013
0.50 0.0198 0.0387 0.0559 0.0711 0.0840 0.0947 0. 1034 0.1103 0. 1158__ OJ.202
0.60 0.0222 0.0435 0.0629 0.0801 0.0947 0.1069 0.1168 0.1247 0.1360
0. 1311
0.70 0.0242 0.0473 0.0686 0.0873 0.1034 0. 1168 0.1277 0.1491
0.1365 0.1436
0.80 0.0258 0.0504 0.0731 0.0931 0.1103 0.1247 - 0.1365 0.1598
0.1461 0. 1537
0.90 0.0270 0.0528 0.0766 0.0977 0. 1158 0. 1311 : 0.1436 0. 1537 0. 1618 0.1684
1.00 0.0279 0.0547 0.0794 0. 1013 0.1202 0. 1360 ; 0.1491 0.1598 0. 1684 0.1752
1.20 0.0293 0.0573 0.0832 0.1063 0.1263 0.143 l 0. 1570 0.1684 0.1777 0.1851
1.40 0.0301 0.0589 0.0856 0.1094 0.1300 0.1475 0. 1620 0.1739 0.1836 0.1914
1.60 0:0306 0.0599 0.0871 0. l 114 0.1324 0.1503 0.1652 0. 1774 0.1874 0.1955
1..80 ·0.0309 0.0606 0.0880 0. 1126 0.1339 0. 1521 0.1672 0.1797 0.1899 0.1981
2.00 0.0311 0.0610 0.0887 0.1134 0.1350 0.1533
- --- . 0.1686 0.1812
. 2.so 0.0314 0.0615 0.0895 0.1145 0.1915 0.1999
0.1363 0.1548 0.1704
S.00 0.0316 0.0620 0.0901 0.1832 0.1937 0.2024
0.1154 0.1374 0.1561 ·
0.0620 0.0902 0.1718 0.1849 0.1956 0.2044
10.00 -0.0316 0.1154 0.1374 0.1562 0.1720 0.1850
00 0.0316- 0.0620 0.0902 0.1154 0.1958 0.2046
0.1374 0.1562 0.1720 0.1850 0.1958 0.2046
 UNIVER.8ITY OF NAIROEI
SPEClAL/SUPPLEMEJ~TARY EXAMINATIONS 2018/2019

E9URTII YEAR EXAMINATIONS FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCJEN<;F;

IN en lL ENGINEERING
FCE 4 1t: GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING JI.

·oATE: MAy 2, lOt 9 TIME: 2.00 P.M. 4.00 P.M.

-
Instructions: Answer QueSlion 1 frc ,m SECTION A and any other TWO Question.\·
from g_CTION B ..
~CTION A~!1andatory

QUESTION 1
Explain four Assumptions used when calculating the stresses induced In a soil mass
{I)
due to surface loading from the theory of elasticity. ('8 Marks)

Explain the justification for use 01=the Theory of Elasticity by Geotechnical Engineers In
(II)
the~na1ysis of stres·ses in soils even though soil s are not truly elastic. ( 4 Marks)

(III) Explain the Consolidation Process by use of a Spring Analogy (8 Mark)

(IV) If the void ratio e is plotted as orclinate against effective stress a ' as abscissa following
results of consolidation test of latc irally confined soil specimen in laboratory, ttie chart in
Fig. Ql obtained .
1. 0
A
0.8 \

0
i 0.6 ~
L-
-c
·o
> 0.4

0.2 E

O 200 400 600 800 1000

Effective stress
Fig. Q1

Explain the salient features of the consolidation process corresponding to ;

(a) Curve AB, (b) Point B, (c) Curie BC, (d) Curve CD and (e) Curve DE
· (10 Mark)

Page I of 2
 I •

SECTION B Attempt any TWO oue stions ms due to point

ress~1re distribution d/agra
2. · {I) Sketch approximate shape of vertical P
load for the following planes; . lues of radius
. de th z and different va
a) Along a HorizontaJ plane, at a given p
r, . d. r. and different values of
b) Along a vertical plane, acti~g at a certain ra ius ' {10 Marks)
depth z.
. load of l00kPa covering a
(II) An elastic medium carries at its surface ~ uniform res at a depth of Sm below
rectangular area, 4m by 3m . Find the vertical p~e~~~ Q 2...to obtain the Influence
the centre and corner of the loaded area . Use a (10 Marks)
Factors.
{12 Marks)
3. (I) Give brief notes on the three parts the total settlement of soil .
. . m thick attained 50% primary
(II) During a pressure increment a test specimer:,_20 m ' . k I er of the
consolidation in 45 minutes. How long would 1t take a 10m thic ay
same soil to reach the same degree of conscHdation if;
a) The clay layer was drained on both surfaces
b) It was drained on the top surface only . (8 Marks)

4. (I) Sketch a well labelled portion of a Flow Net and define the terms used in .
computation of flow. Also explain the properties of the flow net. (12 Marks)

(II) List four applications of flownets (8 Marks)

Table Q2 : Influence Factor/or Vertical pressure Under Corner of Uniformly load<;d Rectangular Area
11

m 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
0.10 0.0047 0.0092 0.0132 0.0168 0.0198 0.0222 0.0242 0.0258 0.0270 0.0279
0.20 0.0092 0.0179 0.0259 0.0328 0.0387 0.0435 0.0473 0.0504 0.0528 ·- · ·0. 0547
0.30 0.0132 0.0259 0.0374 0.0474 0.0559 0.0629 . 0.0686 0.0731 0.0766 0.0794
0.40 0.0168 0.0328 0.0474 0.0602 0.0711 0.0801 0.0873 0.0931 0.0977 0.1013
0.50 . 0.0198 0.0187 0.0559 0.0711 0.0840 0.0947 0.1034 0. 1103 0. 1158 0.1202
0.60 0.0222 · 0.0435 0.0629 0.0801 0.0947 0.1069 0.1168 0.1247 0.1311 0.1360
0.70 0.0242 0.0473 0.0686 0.0873 0.1034 0.1168 0.1277 0.1365 0. 1436 0.1491
0.80 0.0258 0.0504 0.0731 0.0931 0.1103 0.1247 0.1365 0. 1461 0.1537 0.1598
0.90 0.0270 0.0528 0.0766 0.0977 0.1158 0.1311 0.1436 0.1537 0.1618 0. 1684
1.00 0.0279 0.0547 0.0794 0.1013 0.1202 0.1360 0.1491 0.1598 0.1684 0.1752
1.20 0.029). 0.0573 0.0832 0.1063 0.1263 0.1431 0.1570 0. 1684 0. 1777 0.1851
1.40 0.0301 0.0589 0.0856 0.1094 0.1300 0.1475 0. 1620
' 1.60
0. 1739 0. 1836 0. 1914
0.0306 0.0599 0.0871 0.1114 0.1324 0.1503 : 0.1652 0. 1774 0. 1874 0.1955
1..80 ·0.0309 0.0606 0.0880 0.1126 0.1339 0.1521 0. 1672
2.00 o'.0311 0. 1797 0.1899 0.1981
0.0610 0.0887 0.1134 0.1350 0.1533 \ 0. 1686
2.50 0. 1812 0. 1915 0. 1999
O.D314 0.0615 0.0895 0.1145 0.1363 0.1S48 0. 1704
5.00 0.0316 0. 1832 0. 1937 0.2024
0.0620 0.0901 0. 11 !54 0.1374 0.1561 0.1718
10.00 0.0316 0.0620 0. 1849 0. 1956 0.2044
0.0902 0.1154 0.1374 0.1562 0.1720
0.0316 0.0620 0.0902 0.1850 0. 1958 0.2046
00 0.1154 0.1374 0.1562 ' 0.1720 0. 1850 0.1958 0.2046

Page 2 of 2
 ' I

UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
UNr\~ERSITY EXAMINATIONS 2016/2017

FOURTH YEAR EXAMINATIONS FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF

- SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

. . ~

FCE 411: GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

DATE: AUGUST 25, 2016 . TIME: 2.00 P.M. - 4.00 P.M .

INSTRUCTIONS :
Answer Question One from SECTION A and any other TWO Questions from
SECTIONB

SECTION A: MANDATORY

Question One

(I)" Define
.(2 Il?arks)
(a) ·-··· I~obar
(2 marks)
(b) Pressure bulb

(In Plot an isobar for intensify O.1Q ·due to point load Q using Boussinessq Equation.
Illustrate clearly the procedure. '. ( 1ff marks)

(III) . Explain the justification for use of the Theory of Elasticity by Geotechnical
Engineers in the analysis of stresses in soil~ even though soils are not truly elastic.
· · .(4 marks)
(IV) · Explain the consolidation process by use of a spring Anal~gy. Use neat diagrams .
(12 marks)
 • I

. · QUESTIONS
SECTION B: ATTEl\rlPT ANY_
rwo .
Question Two
· . . ressure distribution diagrams due to point
(I) Sketch approximate shape of vertica1P
load for the follo,:ving planes
. t given depth z and different values of radiu
(a) • Along a Horizontal plane, a a s
r;
. ti'ng at a certain radius r, and different values of
(b) A Iong a vert1ca1p 1ace, ac , ( 1oma
depth z. ~- rks)
1
(II) A load of I 600 KN is distributed unifonnly on . a 2in square area on the surface.
Compute the vertical pressure 21n and 6m belo·;v th~ centre of_the area. Also
determine the vertical pressures at the same points if the load IS assumed to act as
a point load at the centre of the area. i

Use Table Q2 to obtain the Influence factors fer vertical pressure under comer of
uniformly Loaded Rectangular Area. , ( 10 mark~)

Question Three

(I) Define soil settlement and give brief notes on t1e three parts of the total settlement
of soil; · ( 10 marks)

(II) During a pressure increment, a test specimen, 20mm thick, attained 50% primary
consolidation in 45 minutes . How long would it take a 10 1n thick layer of the
same soil to reach tl:ie same degree of consolidation if; ·--··•·- · .

(a) The clay layer was drained on both surfaces ·

. '
(b) It ~·as drained on the top surface only. (10 marks)
Question four

(I) · Derive Laplace equation for two-dimensional flow through isotropic soil medium.
· : (IO marks)
(II) · Draw a ~ ell labelled flow-net and list four of its applications . (10 marks)
 . .
r1,hk ~l,• .• lntluru,
· ·,· /.'d, ·t, ,,. ·1; >,. J 'r•r t,'i ·,z/ ,,r,·.,·sur« · l l11dcr ( 'orncr ff Un?formly Loaded Rectangular
.P '(,l .
_.,.,.,- 11
f
H- ~

~ -.\-\ ' l )..t ..

(l.i
,

I
'

() ••
l t' .l)l)\) ~
"t
O.J
{),{)13 ~
t) • •j

0 .01 M,
0.5
(',()}l)8
0.6
_..__
{) . ( }'Y ')")
0.7
0.0242
0.8
0.0258
0.9 1.0
- 0 .0270 0 .0279
.ll\ \' )t),>2 j t) ,t ll 7'> O.d ..~~ l) O.UJ ~S ( .OJ S7 0.04 35 0.04 73 0.0504 0 .0528
, , l\ t .t _) - 0 .0547
\.• "
l\ \) l ·' • t . -·
l)t)°''\l tUU 7•l o.o. i 7 ..i t ·, (} ) :=;l} 0.06 2 () 0.0686 0.0731 0 .0766 0 .0794
) ~l)
\.. .
, , , -- --
\ l' 1(',\ , ()t)
. . , ... ~
I t) , l)-+ 7 4 t) . ()(,() 2 (.'. 0 7 11 0.0801 0 .0873 0 .0931 0 .0977
l ~t\ ' . , . ' , .., 0 .1013
. \ .. \,)1 ,)S , 0 . l) .,~ I () _() )~ l) l).07 11 ll .OS40 0.0047 0 .1034 0.1 i03 0 .1158 0 .1202
ll
..' t' t.
l', ,,,,...
.l __ J l).l).t_,:"
t ., -
lU)t, 2 l) tLOSO I U.0<>47
- --- -
0 . 106() 0.1168 0.1247
- 0 .1311
t).OM,<) U.OS 7J 0. 1()J-.:i
il. t,{l 0 .1360
l.) .. tl
) , ' 42
l .l . 1tl.l)473
- - - 0.1168 0.1277 0.1365 0 .1436 0 .1491
l).t); ~~ t). l):it)-4 lU) 7Jl U.Ol)J\ 0. 11 OJ 0 .1247 0.1365
ll.~ll
, -) 1 t) l)""S
t>ll \) .i.)_ . l ~- · ·-- '
t)
- -
lL t) 7 {l(, () _()q-77- 0. 1158
,
- 0 .1311 0 .1436
0 .1461
0 .1537
0 .1537 0 .1598
- 0 .1618
lL0 7l)~. u.101-- - 0 .1684
l ~tHl --· , l).1,12,_o l_t).l) ~~ 7 :~ 0 . 12 02 0. 1360
- l.~tl ~ 121.)> lU)5 7J
- -·- . - - ---- - 0 .1491 0.1598 0 .1684 0.1752
l) .l)8J ~ 0. l 063 ' () .12 ()3
- 1..mrt1.t)_;l1l n.o~~l) --- -- -- - - - 0 . 143 1 0.1570 0.1684 0 .1777 0.1851
0 .0~){) 0. I 0()4
l.NI-! O.t1.~00 I t),t)5l)l) -- - - --- --1) . 1300 0.1475 0 .1620 0.1739 0.1836 0 .1914
0.0~ 7 1 0.1 l 14 ).13 24 0 .1503 0.1652 0.1774 0.1874 0.1955
I.SO ().t)3()Q I t1.t)()()(, 0 .0SSO 0. 11 2 6 ,).1339 0 .1521 0 .1672 0.1797 0.1899
1.(l_(} O.tl.~11 1 (Ll){, 1 () () .08~ 7 0 .1 134 :_).13 50 0 .1981
0.1533 0.1686 0.1812 0 .1915 ·0 .1999
250 0.(131-+ 0.061S 0.()8l)5 0.1145 ·). 1363
='.00 0.()3] 6 ll0n20
0 .1548 0.1704 0.1832 0.1937
0.0()()1 0.1154 ) .13 74 0.2024
10.00 0 .1561 0 .1718 0.1849
(1.03]6 I 0.l)6~l) 0.0902 0. l 154 }1374
0.1956 0.2044
0 .1562 0.1720 0.1850
:'('
0.0316 I 0. 0620 0.0902, 0. 1154 ().1 3 7 4
0.1958 Q.2046
0.1562 0 .1720 0.1850 0.1958 0 .2.046