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GATE Previous Year Questions

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 Contents

SOIL MECHANICS
GATE Solved Questions

Sr. No. Topic Pages

1. Properties Of Soils ..................................................................................... 1 - 10

2. Index Properties Of Soils ........................................................................... 11 - 12

3. Soil Classifications ..................................................................................... 13 - 16

4. Permeability ................................................................................................. 17 - 29

5. Effective Stress .......................................................................................... 30 - 35

6. Seepage Analysis ........................................................................................ 36 - 43

7. Stress Distribution ..................................................................................... 44 - 50

8. Consolidation .............................................................................................. 51 - 69

9. Compaction ................................................................................................. 70 - 74

10. Shear Strength ........................................................................................... 75 - 91

11. Earth Pressure ............................................................................................ 92 - 108

12. Stability Of Slopes ...................................................................................... 109 - 120

13. Shallow Foundation .................................................................................... 121 - 133

14. Pile Foundation ........................................................................................... 134 - 147

15 Soil Exploration .......................................................................................... 148 - 154

Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
1

1
PROPERTIES OF SOILS
1. The void ratio and specific gravity of a soil are 0.65 and 2.72 respectively. The degree of saturation (in
percent) corresponding to water content of 20% is
(a) 65.3 (b) 20.9 (c) 83.7 (d) 54.4
[2 Marks : GATE-2001]
3
2. Soil has been compacted in an embankment at a bulk density of 2.15Mg/m and a water content of 12%.
The value of specific gravity of soil solids is 2.65. The water table is well below the foundation level.
Estimate the dry density, void ratio, degree of saturation and air content of the compacted soil.
[5 Marks : GATE-2002]
3. The ratio of saturated unit weight to dry unit weight of a soil is 1.25. If the specific gravity of solids (Gs)
is 2.65, the void ratio of the soil is
(a) 0.625 (b) 0.663 (c) 0.944 (d) 1.325
[1 Mark : GATE-2004]
4. A saturated soil mass has a total density of 22kN/m3 and a water content of 10%. The bulk density and
dry density of this soil are
(a) 12 kN/m3 and 20 kN/m3 respectively
(b) 22 kN/m3 and 20 kN/m3 respectively
(c) 19.8 kN/m3 and 19.8 kN/m3 respectively
(d) 23.2 kN/m3 and 19.8 kN/m3 respectively
[2 Marks : GATE-2005]
5. The water content of a saturated soil and the specific gravity of soil solids were found to be 30% and
2.70, respectively. Assuming the unit weight of water to be 10kN/m3, the saturated unit weight (kN/m3),
and the void ratio of the soil are
(a) 19.4, 0.81 (b) 18.5, 0.30 (c) 19.4, 0.45 (d) 18.5,0.45
[2 Marks : GATE-2007]
6. Deposit with flocculated structure is formed when
(a) Clay particles settle on sea bed
(b) Clay particles settle on fresh water lake bed
(c) Sand particles settle on river bed
(d) Sand particles settle on sea bed
[1 Mark : GATE-2009]
7. In its natural condition, a soil sample has a mass of 1.980 kg and a volume of 0.001 m3. After being
completely dried in an oven, the mass of the sample is 1.800 kg. Specific gravity G is 2.7. Unit weight
of water is 10 kN/m3. The degree of saturation of the soil is:
(a) 0.65 (b) 0.70 (c) 0.54 (d) 0.61
[1 Mark : GATE-2013]
 2 GATE Previous Solved Questions
8. A given cohesionless soil has emax = 0.85 and emin = 0.50. In the field, the soil is compacted to a mass
density of 1800 kg/m3 at a water content of 8%. Take the mass density of water as 1000 kg/m3 and Gs
as 2.7. The relative density (in %) of the soil is
(a) 56.43 (b) 60.25 (c) 62.87 (d) 65.71
[2 Marks : GATE-2014]
9. The clay mineral primarily governing the swelling behavior of Black Cotton soil is
(a) Halloysite (b) Illite (c) Kaolinite (d) Montmorillonite
[1 Mark : GATE-2014]
10. If the water content of a fully saturated soil mass is 100%. Void ratio of the sample is:
(a) less than specific gravity of soil
(b) equal to specific gravity of soil
(c) greater than specific gravity of soil
(d) independent of specific gravity of soil
[1 Mark : GATE-2015]
11. An earth embankment is to be constructed with compacted cohesionless soil. The volume of the embankment
is 5000 m3 and the target dry unit weight is 16.2 kN/m3. Three nearby sites (see figure below) have been
identified from where the required soil can be transported to the construction site. The void ratios (e) of
different sites are shown in the figure. Assume the specific gravity of soil to be 2.7 for all three sites.
If the cost of transportation per km is twice the cost of excavation per m3 of borrow pits, which site would
you choose as the most economic solution? (Use unit weight of water = 10 kN/m3)

(a) Site X (b) Site Y (c) Site Z (d) Any of the sites
[2 Marks : GATE-2015]
12. A 588 cm3 volume of moist sand weighs 1010 gm. Its dry weight is 918 gm and specific gravity of solids,
G is 2.67. Assuming density of water as 1 gm/cm3, the void ratio is _______.
[2 Marks : GATE-2015]
13. The porosity (n) and the degree of saturation (S) of a soil sample are 0.7 and 40%, respectively. In a
100m3 volume of the soil, the volume (expressed in m3) of air is_____
[2 Marks : GATE-2016]
 Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
3
14. The clay mineral, whose structural units are held together by potassium bond is
(a) Halloysite (b) Illite (c) Kaolinite (d) Smectite
[1 Mark : GATE-2018]
15. The percent reduction in the bearing capacity of a strip footing resting on sand under flooding condition
(water level at the base of the footing) when compared to the situation where the water level is at a depth
much greater than the width of footing, is approximately
(a) 0 (b) 25 (c) 50 (d) 100
[1 Mark : GATE-2018]
16. The width of a square footing and the diameter of a circular footing are equal. If both the footings are placed
on the surface of sandy soil, the ratio of the ultimate bearing capacity of circular footing to that of square
footing will be
(a) 4/3 (b) 1 (c) 3/4 (d) 2/3
[1 Mark : GATE-2018]
17. A soil has specific gravity of its solids equal to 2.65. The mass density of water is 1000kg/m3. Considering
zero air voids and 10% moisture content of the soil sample, the dry density (in kg/m3, round off to 1
decimal place) would be__________
[2019: 1M, Set-I]
18. The notation “SC” as per Indian Standard Soil Classification System refers to
(a) Silty clay (b) Clayey sand (c) Sandy clay (d) Clayey silt
[2019: 1M, Set-II]
19. Which one of the following statements is/are NOT correct?
(a) the cohesion of normally consolidated clay is zero when tri-axial test is conducted under consolidated
undrained condition
(b) in case of a point load, Boussinesq’s equation predicts higher value of vertical stress at a point directly
beneath the load as compared to Westergaard’s equation.
(c) the ultimate bearing capacity of a strip foundation supported on the surface of sandy soil increase in
direct proportion to the width of footing
(d) a clay deposit with a liquidity index greater than unity is in a state of plastic consistency.
[2020: 1M, Set-I]
20. Soil deposit formed due to transportation by wind is termed as
(a) lacustrine deposit (b) alluvial deposit (c) estuarine deposit (d) aeolian deposit
[2020: 1M, Set-II]
21. A soil has dry weight of 15.5kN/m3, specific gravity of 2.65 and degree of saturation of 72%. Considering
the unit weight of water as 10kN/m3, the water content of the soil (in %, round off to two decimal places)
is_________
[2020: 1M, Set-II]
 4 GATE Previous Solved Questions
22. A sample of 500g dry sand, when poured into a 2litre capacity cylinder which is partially filled with water,
displaces 188cm3 of water. The density of water is 1g/cm3. The specific gravity of the sand is
(a) 2.55 (b) 2.72 (c) 2.66 (d) 2.52
[2020: 1M, Set-II]
23. A constant head permeability test was conducted on a soil specimen under a hydraulic gradient of 2.5.
The soil specimen has specific gravity of 2.65 and saturated water content of 20%. If the coefficient of
permeability of the soil is 0.1cm/s, the seepage velocity (in cm/s, round off to two decimal places) through
the soil specimen is_______
[2020: 2M, Set-II]
24. A partially-saturated soil sample has natural moisture content of 25% and bulk unit weight of 18.5kN/m3.
The specific gravity of soil solids is 2.65 and unit weight of water is 9.81kN/m3. The unit weight of the soil
sample on full saturation is
(a) 21.12kN/m3 (b) 20.12kN/m3 (c) 18.50kN/m3 (d) 19.03kN/m3
[2021: 1M, Set-I]
25. From laboratory investigations, the liquid limit, plastic limit, natural moisture content and flow index, of a
soil specimen are obtained as 60%, 27%, 32% and 27 respectively. The corresponding toughness index
and liquidity index of the soil specimen, respectively, are
(a) 0.15 and 1.22 (b) 0.19 and 6.60 (c) 1.22 and 0.15 (d) 6.60 and 0.19
[2021: 2M, Set-II]
26. An uncompacted heap of soil has a volume of 10000m3 and void ratio of 1. If the soil is compacted to a
volume of 7500m3, then the corresponding void ratio of the compacted soil is_______. (round off to one
decimal place)
[2022: 1M, Set-I]
27. The specific gravity of a soil is 2.60. The soil is at 50% degree of saturation with a water content of 15%.
The void ratio of the soil is____________
(a) 0.35 (b) 0.78 (c) 0.87 (d) 1.28
[2023: 1M, Set-I]


 SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONSSOLUTIONS
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
5

SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
1. Ans. (c) 5. Ans. (a)
G Given w = 30%
e = S GS = 2.70
r
0.20  2.72  w = 10 kN/m3
0.65 = Sr
Sr = 1 or 100%
Sr = 0.837 = 83.7%
wG S 0.30  2.70
2. Solution: e=  = 0.81
Sr 1
Given  = 2.15 Mg/m3
 GS  e   2.70  0.81 
w = 12%  sat =  w   = 10  
 1 e   1  0.81 
G = 2.65, = 19.40 kN/m3
take w = 1 Mg/m3 6. Ans. (a)
 2.15 Marine clays, deposited in sea water containing
d = =  1.92 Mg m 2 a large amount of dissolved salt, may exhibit
1  1  0.12
flocculated structure
w  G 1  2.65
d = ; 1.92 = 7. Ans. (c)
1 e 1 e
e = 0.38 Vol. of soil, V = 0.001 m3

w.G 0.12  2.65 Weight of wet soil mass, W = 1.98 kg

e = S ; 0.38 = Sr Weight dry soil mass,
r
Sr = 0.837 or 83.7% W  Wd 1.98  1.80
Wd = Wd =
1.80
a c  Sr = 100
= 0.10 or 10%
ac = 100 – Sr = 16.3%
Bulk unit w.t. of soil,
3. Ans. (b)
W 1.98
 sat = 
Given V 0.001
 d = 1.25, Gs = 2.65
= 1980 kg m3
  Gs  e    Gs
 sat = ; d =  1980
1 e 1 e  d = =  1800 kg m3
 sat Gs  e 1 w 1  0.1
= = 18 kN/m3
d Gs
 Wd 1.8 
2.65  e  or  d    1800 kg m 3 
1.25 =  v 0.001 
2.65
e = 0.663  w Gs 10  2.70
d = ; 18 =
4. Ans. (b) 1 e 1 e
e = 0.5
 sat = 22 kN/m3,  = 10%
  bulk = 22 kN/m3 w.G s
e =
(equal to  sat since it is saturated) Sr
 22
d =  0.10  2.70
1   1  0.1 0.5 = Sr
= 20 kN/m2
 6 GATE Previous Solved Questions
Sr = 054 Assuming cost of excavation = C
 Degree of saturation, Therefore cost of transportation = 2C
Sr = 0.54 Now total cost for site
8. Ans. (d) x = 4800 C + 2 C × 140
emax = 0.85 emin = 0.5 = 5080 C
3
field = 18 kN/m y = 5100 C + 2 C × 80
w = 8% = 5380 C
w = 10 kN/m3 z = 4920 C + 2 C × 100
Cu = 2.7 = 5120 C
bulk density of soil Hence most economic option is option (a)
G w (1  w) 12. Solution:
 =
1 e 1010
2.7  10(1  0.08)  moist sand =  1.717 g/cc
18 = 588
1 e
 e = 0.62 918
 dry =  1.561 g/cc
e max  e 0.85  0.62 588
R.D. =   65.71%
emax  e min 0.85  0.5
G w
9. Ans. (d) d =
1 e
Montmorillonite
10. Ans. (b) 2.67  1
1.561 =
w = 100% 1 e
Sr × e = Gw
e  0.71
Sr = 1 since soil is fully saturated
1 × e=G×1 13. Solution:
e =G n = 0.7
Hence B, equal to specific gravity of soil. S = 0.4
11. Ans. (a) V = 100m3
Volume of solids will remain same in every case Vv
Vy
n =
Vembk Vx V V
=   z
1 eembk 1 e x 1 e y 1 e z
Vw
Given  d = 16.2 kN/m3 S =
Vv
Gw 2.7 10
Now d =   16.2
1 e 1 e Va
1-S =
e embk  0.667 Vv

5000 Va
VS 
1  0.667
 3000  n 1 - S =
Vv
Now
Va
Vx Vy Vz 0.7  0.6 =
3000 =   100
1  0.6 1  0.7 1  0.64
Va = 42m3
3
 V x = 4800 m
 Vy = 5100 m3
 Vz = 4920 m3
 Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
7
14. Ans. (b) 15. Ans. (b)
Illite clay minerals For strip footing on sand (C = 0)
 The structure of Illite is same as that of qu = DfNq + CNC + 0.5BN
montimorillonile but in silica sheet, more than In flood condition, the level of water levels to the
20% molecules have aluminimum atom in place base of footing so the 3rd term unit weight will
of silica atom. change and 2nd term unit weight will be
 One unit of Illite mineral is mode of 2 silica unaffected.
sheets and one gibbsite steet having thickness of qu = DfNq + 0.5BN
10A0.
 The structure such units are jointed together by 1
 '  γ sat
ionic bond in which potassium (K+) are used. 2
Since “Ionic Bond” is stronger than water bond Hence the 3rd term is reduced and second term
but weaker than hydrogen bond therefore these will be unaffected.
soils represent medium swelling and Shrinkage  % age reduction will not be 50%.
properties.
So accordingly there will reduction to only 25%.
Example: Alluvial soils
16. Ans. (c)
Footing placed on surface
 Df = 0
For square footing qu = CNC + DfNq + 0.4BN
For circle footing, qu = CNC + DfNq + 0.3BN
For sandy soil, C = 0

 q u circular 3
 =
 q u square 4

17. Ans. (2094.8)

w = 10% and has zero air voids
d =?
w = 1000kg/m3
G = 2.65
Zero air voids
 a = 0 and S = 1
 Se = wG
0.1×2.65
e= =0.265
1
Gγ w 2.65×1000
γd = =
1+e 1+0.265
= 2094.86kg/m3
 8 GATE Previous Solved Questions
18. Ans. (b)
SC  Clayey sand
19. Ans. (d)
A clay deposit with liquidity index greater then 1, will be in liquid stage of consistency.
w n -w p
 IL = >1
w L -w p

 wn > wL
20. Ans. (d)
Soil deposited by wind is Aeolian soil.
21. Ans. (19.28)

d
= 15.5kN/m3, G = 2.65, S = 72%
Gγ w 2.65×10
γd = =  15.5
1+e 1+e
e = 0.7096
Se 0.72×0.7096
w= = =0.1928
G 2.65
w = 19.28%
22. Ans. (c)
Weight of dry sand,
(Ws) = 500gm
Volume of water displaced,
(Vs) = 188cm3
Ws
γs =
Vs

γ s 500/188
Gs = = =2.66
γw 1
23. Ans. (0.72)
Void ratio,
Porosity,
Seepage velocity,
v Ki
Vs = =
n n
0.1×2.5
=
0.3464
= 0.72cm/sec
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
9

24. Ans. (d)

w = 0.25, t = 18.5kN/m3
Gs = 2.65, w = 9.81
G S γ w 1+w 
γt =
1+e
2.65×9.81×1.25
 e= -1
18.5
 e = 0.756
At full saturation,
S=1

 G S +e  γ w
 γ sat =
1+e
 2.65+0.756 ×9.81
γ sat =
1.756
= 19.03kN/m3
25. Ans. (c)
Flow index = 27
Plasticity index,
IP = WL – WP = 33
Toughness index,
IP 33
IT = = =1.22
If 27
Liquidity index,
Wn -Wp
IL = =0.151
WL -Wp

26. Ans. (0.5)

(Vs)heap = (Vs)compacted soil

 VT   VT 
   = 
 1+e  heap  1+e compacted soil

10000 7500
 =
1+1 1+e
 e = 0.5
27. Ans. (b)
Given: Specific gravity, G = 2.6
Degree of saturation, S = 0.5
10 GATE Previous Solved Questions
Water content, w = 0.15
As we know,
Se = Gw
 0.5  e = 2.6  0.15
2.6  0.15
 e=  0.78
0.5


Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
11

2
INDEX PROPERTIES OF SOILS
1. The following data were obtained from a liquid limit test conducted on a soil sample.
Number of blows 17 22 25 28 34
Water Content 63.8 63.1 61.9 60.6 60.5

The liquid limit of the soil is:

(a) 63.1% (b) 62.8% (c) 61.9% (d) 60.6%
[1 Mark : GATE-2002]
2. The void ratios at the densest, loosest and the natural states of a sand deposit are 0.2, 0.6, and 0.4
respectively. The relative density of the deposit is
(a) 100% (b) 75% (c) 50% (d) 25%
[1 Mark : GATE-2002]
3. The liquid limit (LL), plastic limit (PL) and shrinkage limit (SL) of a cohesive soil satisfy the relation
(a) LL > PL < SL (b) LL > PL > SL
(c) LL < PL < SL (d) LL < PL > SL
[1 Mark : GATE-2008]
4. As per Indian Standard Soil Classification System (IS: 1498 - 1970), an expression for A-line is
(a) Ip = 0.73 (wL – 20) (b) Ip = 0.70 (wL – 20)
(c) Ip = 0.73 (wL – 10) (d) Ip = 0.70 (wL – 10)
[1 Mark : GATE-2014]
5. A certain soil has the following properties: Gs = 2.71, n = 40% and w = 20%. The degree of saturation
of the soil (rounded off to the nearest percent) is __________
[1 Mark : GATE-2014]
6. A fine-grained soil has 60% (by weight) silt content. The soil behaves as semi-solid when water content
is between 15% and 28%. The soil behaves fluid-like when the water content is Than more 40%. The
‘Activity’ of the soil is
(a) 3.33 (b) 0.42 (c) 0.30 (d) 0.20
[1 Mark : GATE-2015]
7. The laboratory tests on a soil sample yields the following results: natural moisture content = 18%, liquid
limit = 60%, plastic limit = 25%, percentage of clay sized fraction = 25%.
The liquidity index and activity (as per the expression proposed by Skemption) of the soil, respectively,
are
(a) -0.2 and 1.4 (b) 0.2 and 1.4
(c) -1.2 and 0.714 (d) 1.2 and 0.714
[2 Marks : GATE-2017]
 12 GATE Previous Solved Questions

SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
1. Ans. (c) 7. Ans. (a)
Liquid limit is the water content corresponding to Natural Moisture Content (wn) = 18%
number of blows of 25.
Liquid Limit (wL) = 60%
2. Ans. (c)
Plastic Limit (wP) = 25%
Relative density or Density index,
Percentage of clay sized fraction = 25%
e max  e Liquidity Index (IL) is defined by
ID = e  100  50%
max  e min
3. Ans. (b) w n -w P 18-25
IL = =
w L -w P 60-25
Liquid limit > Plastic limit > Shrinkage limit
4. Ans. (a) -7
As per IS 1498 : 1970 IL = =-0.2
35
Ip = 0.73 (WL – 20) Activity Number as Per Skempton is
5. Solution : 81.0 to 81.5
IP
Given, G = 2.71, n = 0.4, w = 0.2, S = ? AC =
Percentage of clay sized fraction
n 0.4
e = 
1  n 0.6 IP = Plasticity Index = wL - wP

e  0.67 = 60 - 25
= 35%
Also,sr × e = w × G
0.2  2.71 35
Sr =  0.809 AC =  1.4
0.67 25
Sr = 81%
6. Ans. (c)
Ip = WL – Wp 
WL = 40%, WP = 28%
So Ip = 40 – 28 = 12%
Ip 12
& Activity =   0.3
Clay content 100  60
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
13

3
SOIL CLASSIFICATIONS
1. Data from a sieve analysis conducted on a given sample of soil showed that 67% of the particles passed
through 75 micron IS sieve. The liquid limit and plastic limit of the finer fraction was found to be 45 and
33 percents respectively. The group symbol of the given soil as per IS:1498-1970 is
(a) SC (b) MI (c) CH (d) MH
[1 Mark : GATE-2002]
2. A soil mass contains 40% gravel, 50% sand and 10% silt. This soil can be classified as
(a) silty sandy gravel having coefficient of uniformity less than 60.
(b) silty gravelly sand having coefficient of uniformity equal to 10.
(c) gravelly silty sand having coefficient of uniformity greater than 60.
(d) gravelly silty sand and its coefficient uniformity cannot be determined.
[2 Marks : GATE-2005]
Common Data for Question : 3 & 4
Laboratory sieve analysis was carried out on a soil sample using a complete set of standard IS sieves.
Out of 500g of soil used in the test, 200g was retained on IS 600u sieve, 250g was retained on IS 500µ
sieve and the remaining 50g was retained on IS 425u sieve.
3. The coefficient of uniformity of the soil is
(a) 0.9 (b) 1.0 (c) 1.1 (d) 1.2
[2 Marks : GATE-2006]
4. The classification of the soil is
(a) SP (b) SW (c) GP (d) GW
[2 Marks : GATE-2006]
5. Sieve analysis on a dry soil sample of mass 1000g showed that 980g and 270g of soil pass through 4.75mm
and 0.075mm sieve, respectively. The liquid limit and plastic limits of the soil fraction passing through 425
sieves are 40% and 18% respectively. The soil may be classified as
(a) SC (b) MI (c) CI (d) SM
[2 Marks : GATE-2007]
6. Group symbols assigned to silty sand and clayey sand are respectively
(a) SS and CS (b) SM and CS (c) SM and SC (d) MS and CS
[1 Mark : GATE-2008]
7. The laboratory test results of a soil sample are given below :
Percentage finer than 4.75 mm = 60 Percentage finer than 0.075 mm = 30
Liquid Limit = 35% Plastic Limit = 27%
The soil classification is
(a) GM (b) SM (c) GC (d) ML-MI
 14 GATE Previous Solved Questions
[2 Marks : GATE-2009]
8. A fine grained soil has liquid limit of 60 and plastic limit of 20. As per the plasticity chart, according to
IS classification, the soil is represented by the letter symbols
(a) CL (b) CI (c) CH (d) CL–ML
[1 Mark : GATE-2010]
9. As per the Indian Standard soil classification system, a sample of silty clay with liquid limit of 40% and
plasticity index of 28% is classified as
(a) CH (b) CI (c) CL (d) CL–ML
[1 Mark : GATE-2012]
10. A fine grained soil is found to be plastic in the water content range of 26-48%. As per Indian Standard
Classification System, the soil is classified as
(a) CL (b) CH (c) CL-ML (d) CI
[1 Marks : GATE-2016]
11. If the fineness modulus of a sample of fine aggregates is 4.3, the mean size of the particles in the sample is
between
(a) 150m and 300 m (b) 300 m and 600 m
(c) 1.18 mm and 2.36mm (d) 2.36 mm and 4.75 mm
[1 Mark : GATE-2019]
12. The notation “SC” as per Indian Standard Soil Classification system refers to
(a) Sandy clay (b) Silty clay (c) Clayey silt (d) Clayey sand
[1 Mark : GATE-2019]
13. As per the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), the type of soil represented by ‘MH’ is
(a) Inorganic silts of high plasticity with liquid limit more than 50%
(b) Inorganic silts of low plasticity with liquid limit less than 50%
(c) Inorganic clays of high plasticity with liquid limit less than 50%
(d) Inorganic clays of low plasticity with liquid limit more than 50%
[2021: 1M, Set-II]


Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
15

SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
1. Ans. (b) From the above table ;
Since more than 50% passes through 75 it is D60 = 600 ,
fine-grained soil. D10 = 500 
As wL(45%) is > 35%, it is ‘Intermediate’ D 60 600
Cu = D  500 = 1.2
compressible (I) 10

The ordinate of A-line(Ip) at WL of 45% is. Since Cu < 4 it is poorly graded

Since more than 50% of soil is finer than 4.75
IP = 0.73(WL – 20)
mm size, it is sand.
= 18.25%  Group symbol : SP
IP of soil = 45 – 33 = 12% 5. Ans. (a)
Since IP of soil lies below the A-line, it is silty soil 270
(M). % fines =  100  27%
1000
 Group symbol is MI Since % fines is < 50%,
it is coarse grained soil
2. Ans. (c)
As more than 50% of soil passes through 4.75mm
The major quantity is sand with gravel and silt sieve, it is sand.
particles in small quantities Ip = WL – WP = 22%
Gravel size is > 4.75 mm Since Ip is > 7% and Atterberg limits fall abovbe
Sand size is > 75  A-line, it is clayey soil
Size % Retained Cumulative% %Finer  Group symbol is SC.
4.75mm 40% 40 100–40 = 60 6. Ans. (c)
75 50% 40+50 = 90 100–90 = 10 Silty sand – SM
D60 = 4.75 mm; Clayey sand – SC
D10 = 75 = 0.075 mm 7. Ans. (b)
Since more than 50% retains on 0.075 mm sieve
D 60 4.75
Cu = D  0.075  63.33 it is a coarse grained soil. As more than 50% is
10
finer than 4.75mm, it is sand.
 The soil is gravelly silty sand with Cu>60 As the fines are > 12%, the soil may be either
3. Ans. (d) SM or SC
The Atterberg limits fall below A-line, hence is
4. Ans. (a)
"SM".
Common Data Solution: 8. Ans. (c)
Cumulative % L = 60%
Size % retained % finer
retained p = 20%
200 For Soil, Ip = L  P = 40%
 100 100 – 40
600 500 40%
= 60% IP of A-line ;
= 40%
Ip = 0.73 (L – 20)
250
 100 40 + 50 100 – 90 = 29.2%
500 500 = 90% = 10
= 50% IP of soil is plotted above A-line and hence it is
50
a clayey soil. As the L of soil is > 50%, it is
 100 40 + 50 +10 100– 100 highly compressible
425 500 = 100% =0
= 10% Therefore, the soil is “CH”.
 16 GATE Previous Solved Questions
9. Ans. (b) 11. Ans. (c)
Since liquid limit lies between 35 and 50 it is Seive size: 1.18 mm correspond to fireness
intermediate compressible (I) modulus 4. 2.36 mm correspond to fireness
Height of A-Line modulus 5 therefore fireness modulus 4.3 lies
between 1.18 mm and 2.36 mm
= 0.73 (WL–20) = 14.6%
12. Ans. (d)
Since IP of soil is more than 14.6%, it falls above
A-line, Hence it is clay (C) SC is clayey sand
 Soil is C I. 13. Ans. (a)
10. Ans. (d)
Ordinate of A-line = 0.73 (wL-20)
= 0.73 (48-20)
= 20.44%
Ip = wL - wp
= 48-20 = 28
Hence, the soil is CI.


Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
17

4
PERMEABILITY
1. (a) For what type of soils would you use falling head and constant head permeability tests to determine
the coefficients of permeability,
(b) Estimate the flow quantity (in litres per second) through the soil in the pipe shown below. The
pressure heads at two locations are shown in the figure. The internal diameter of the pipe is 1 m and
the coefficient of permeability of soil is 1 × 10–5 m/sec.

2m 10m

1.5 m
SOIL

[2 Marks : GATE-2001]
2. In a falling head permeability test the initial head of 1.0 m dropped to 0.35 m in 3 hours, the diameter
of the stand pipe being 5 mm. The soil specimen was 200 mm long and of 100 mm diameter. The
coefficient of permeability of the soil is:
(a) 4.86 × 10–5 cm/s (b) 4.86 × 10–6 cm/s
(c) 4.86 × 10–7 cm/s (d) 4.86 × 10–8 cm/s
[2 Marks : GATE-2002]
3. In a constant head permeameter with cross section area of 10 cm2, when the flow was taking place under
a hydraulic gradient of 0.5, the amount of water collected in 60 seconds is 600 cc. The permeability of
the soil is
(a) 0.002 cm/s (b) 0.02 cm/s (c) 0.2 cm/s (d) 2.0 cm/s
[2 Marks : GATE-2005]

Common data for Question : 4 & 5

Water is flowing through the permeability apparatus as shown in the figure. The coefficient of permeability
of the soil is K m/s and the porosity of the soil sample is 0.50.

0.4m

Soil 0.8m
R
0.4m

4. The total head, elevation head and pressure head in metres of water at the point R shown in the figure
are
(a) 0.8, 0.4, 0.4 (b) 1.2, 0.4, 0.8 (c) 0.4, 0,0.4 (d) 1.6, 0.4, 1.2
[2 Marks : GATE-2007]
 18 GATE Previous Solved Questions
5. What are the discharge velocity and seepage velocity through the soil sample?
(a) k, 2k (b) 2/3k, 4/3k (c) 2k, k (d) 4/3k, 2/3k
[2 Marks : GATE-2007]
6. An open ended steel barrel of 1m height and 1m diameter is filled with saturated fine sand having
coefficient of permeability of 10–2 m/s. The barrel stands on a saturated bed gravel. The time required
for the water level in the barrel to drop by 0.75m is
(a) 58.9s (b) 75s (c) 100s (d) 150s
[2 Marks : GATE-2010]
7. Two soil specimens with identical geometric dimensions were subjected to falling head permeability tests
in the laboratory under identical conditions. The fall of water head was measured after an identical time
interval. The ratio of initial to final water heads for the test involving the first specimen was 1.25. If the
coefficient of permeability of the second specimen is 5-times that of the first, the ratio of initial to final
water heads in the test involving the second specimen is
(a) 3.05 (b) 3.80 (c) 4.00 (d) 6.25
[2 Marks : GATE-2012]
8. The soil profile below a lake with water level at elevation = 0 m and lake bottom at elevation = –10 m
is shown in the figure, where k is the permeability coefficient. A piezometer (stand pipe) installed in the
sand layer shows a reading of +10 m elevation. Assume that the piezometric heads uniform in the sand
layer. The quantity of water (in m3/s) flowing into the lake from the sand layer through the silt layer per
unit area of the lake bed is:

Stand pipe
+10
0
Lake
Lake bottom
Elevation (m)

–10

Silt (k=10–6 m/s)

–30
Sand
(under artesian pressure)
–40
Rock

(a) 1.5 × 10–6 (b) 2.0 × 10–6 (c) 1.0 × 10–6 (d) 0.5 × 10–6
[2 Marks : GATE-2013]
9. Water is flowing at a steady rate through a homogeneous and saturated horizontal soil strip of 10 m length.
The strip is being subjected to a constant water head (H) of 5 m at the beginning and 1 m at the end.

d2H
If the governing equation of flow in the soil strip is  0 (where x is the distance along the soil strip),
dx 2
the value of H (in m) at the middle of the strip is ___________
[2 Marks : GATE-2014]
10. A non-homogeneous soil deposit consists of a silt layer sandwiched between a fine-sand layer at top and
a clay layer below. Permeability of the silt layer is 10 times the permeability of the clay layer and one-
tenth of the permeability of the sand layer. Thickness of the silt layer is 2 times the thickness of the sand
layer and two-third of the thickness of the clay layer. The ratio of equivalent horizontal and equivalent
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
19
vertical permeability of the deposit is ..............
[2 Marks : GATE-2015]
11. Seepage is occurring through a porous media shown in the figure. The hydraulic conductivity values (k1,
k2, k3) are in m/day.

Impervious

15m
P 10m

3m k1 = 2 k2 = 3 k3 = 1 3m

Q
20m 10m 20m 10m

The seepage discharge (m3/day per m) through the porous media at section PQ is
7 1 9 3
(a) (b) (c) (d)
12 2 16 4
[2 Marks : GATE-2016]
2
12. Water table of an aquifer drops by 100cm over an area of 1000 km . The porosity and specific retention of
the aquifer material are 25% and 5%, respectively. The amount of water (expressed in km3) drained out
from the area is_______
[1 Marks : GATE-2016]
13. Water flows from P to Q through two soil samples. Soil 1 and Soil 2, having cross sectional area of 80 cm2
as shown in the figure. Over a period of 15 minutes, 200 ml of water was observed to pass through any cross
section. The flow conditions can be assumed to be steady state. If the coefficient of permeability of Soil 1 is
0.02 mm/s, the coefficient of permeability of Soil 2 (expressed in mm/s) would be........

[2 Marks : GATE-2016]
14. A tracer takes 100 days to travel from Well-1 to Well-2 which are 100 m apart. The elevation of water
surface in Well-2 is 3m below that in Well-1. Assuming porosity equal to 15%, the coefficient of permeability
(expressed in m/day) is
(a) 0.30 (b) 0.45 (c) 1.00 (d) 5.00
[2 Marks : GATE-2016]
 20 GATE Previous Solved Questions
15. Three soil specimens (Soil 1, Soil 2 and Soil 3), each 150mm long and 100mm diameter, are placed in series
in a constant head flow set-up as shwon in the figure. Suitable screens are provided at the boundaries of the
specimens to keep them intact. The values of coefficient of permeability of Soil 1, Soil 2 and Soil 3 are 0.01,
0.003 and 0.03 cm/s, respectively.

The value of h in the set-up is

(a) 0mm (b) 40mm (c) 255mm (d) 560mm
[2 Marks : GATE-2018]
16. A confined aquifer of 15 m constant thickness is sandwiched between two aquicludes as shown in the figure
(not drawn to scale)

The heads indicated by two piezometers P and Q are 55.2 m and 34.1 m, respectively. The aquifer has a
hydraulic conductivity of 80 m/day and its effective porosity is 0.25. If the distance between the iezometers is
2500 m, the time taken by the water to travel through the aquifer from piezometer location P to Q (in days,
round off to 1 decimal place) is _________
[2 Marks : GATE-2019]
17. Constant head permeability test were performed on two soil specimens, SI and S2. The ratio of height of the
two specimens (LS1: LS2) is 1.5, the ratio of the diameter of specimens (DS1:DS2) is 0.5, and the ratio of the
constant head (hS1|:hs2) applied on the speciments is 2.0. If the discharge from both the speciments is equal, the
ratio of the permeability of the soil specimens (ks1: ks2) is ________
[2 Marks : GATE-2019]
 Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg. 21
18. Consider a two-dimensional flow through isotropic soil along x-direction and z-direction. If h is the
hydraulic head, the Laplace’s equation of continuity is expressed as

h h h h h h
(a) + + =0 (b) + =0
x x z z x z

2h 2h  2h 2h 2h

(c) + + =0 (d) + =0
x 2 xz z 2 x 2 z 2
[2019: 1M, Set-I]

19. An anisotropic soil deposit has coefficient of permeability in vertical and horizontal directions as kz and
kx, respectively. For constructing a flow net, the horizontal dimension of the problem’s geometry is
transformed by a multiplying factor of

kx kz kx kz
(a) k (b) kx (c) k (d) kx
z z

[2019: 1M, Set-II]

20. Constant head permeability tests were performed on two soil specimens, S1 and S2. The ratio of height
of the two specimens (Ls1: Ls2) is 1.5, the ratio of the diameter of specimens (Ds1: Ds2) is 0.5, and the
ratio of the constant head (hs1: hs2) applied on the specimens is 2.0. If the discharge from both the
specimens is equal, the ratio of the permeability of the soil specimens (ks1: ks2) is_________.
[2019: 2M, Set-II]
21. A confined aquifer of 15m constant thickness is sandwiched between two aquicludes as shown in the
figure (not drawn to scale)

The heads indicated by two piezometers P and Q are 55.2m and 34.1m, respectively. The aquifer has
a hydraulic conductivity of 80m/day and its effective porosity is 0.25. If the distance between the
piezometers is 2500m, the time taken by the water to travel through the aquifer from piezometer location
P to Q (in days, round off to 1 decimal place) is______
[2019: 2M, Set-II]
22. Velocity of flow is proportional to the first power of hydraulic gradient in Darcy’s law. The law is
applicable to
(a) transitional flow in porous media
(b) turbulent flow in porous media
(c) laminar as well as turbulent flow in porous media
 22 GATE Previous Solved Questions
(d) laminar flow in porous media
[2020: 1M, Set-I]
23. The soil profile at a site up to a depth of 10m is shown in the figure (not drawn to the scale). The soil
is preloaded with a uniform surcharge (q) of 70kN/m2 at the ground level. The water table is at a depth
of 3m below ground level. The soil unit weight of the respective layers is shown in the figure. Consider
unit weight of water as 9.81kN/m3 and assume that the surcharge (q) is applied instantaneously.

Immediately after preloading, the effective stresses (in kPa) at points P and Q respectively, are
(a) 36 and 126 (b) 36 and 90 (c) 54 and 95 (d) 124 and 204

[2020: 2M, Set-I]

24. Water flows in the upward direction in a tank through 2.5m thick sand layer as shown in the figure. The
void ratio and specific gravity of sand are 0.58 and 2.7, respectively. The sand is fully saturated. Unit
weight of water is 10kN/m3.

The effective stress (in kPa, round off to two decimal places) at point A, located 1m above the base of
tank, is________
[2020: 2M, Set-I]
25. Permeability tests were carried out on the samples collected from two different layers as shown in the
figure (not drawn to the scale). The relevant horizontal (kh) and vertical (kv) coefficients of permeability
are indicated for each layer.
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
23

The ratio of the equivalent horizontal to vertical coefficient of permeability, is

(a) 37.29 (b) 80.20 (c) 0.03 (d) 68.28
[2020: 2M, Set-II]
26. Four different soils are classified as CH, ML, SP and SW, as per the Unified Soil Classification System.
Which one of the following options correctly represents their arrangement in the decreasing order of
hydraulic conductivity?
(a) SW, SP, ML, CH (b) CH, ML, SP, SW (c) SP, SW, CH, ML (d) ML, SP, CH, SW
[2022: 1M, Set-I]
27. Let  represent soil suction head and K represent hydraulic conductivity of the soil. If the soil moisture
content  increases, which one of the following statements is TRUE?
(a)  decreases and K increases (b)  increases and K decreases
(c) both  and K decrease (d) Both  and K increase
[2022: 1M, Set-I]
28. A soil sample is underlying a water column of height h1, as shown in the figure. The vertical effective
stresses at point A, B and C ’A, ’B are ’C and respectively. Let sat and ’ be the saturated and
submerged unit weights of the soil sample, respectively and w be the unit weight of water. Which one of
the following expressions correctly represents the sum (’A + ’B + ’C)?
 24 GATE Previous Solved Questions
(a) (h1 + h2 + h3) sat (b) (2h2 + h3) ’ (c) (h2 + h3) (sat - w) (d) (h1 + h2 + h3) g’
[2022: 1M, Set-II]
29. A vertical sheet pile wall is installed in an anisotropic soil having coefficient of horizontal permeability,
kH and coefficient of vertical permeability, kV. In order to draw the flow net for the isotropic condition,
the embedment depth of the wall should be scaled by a factor of________, without changing the
horizontal scale.

kH kV kH
(a) k (b) kH (c) 1.0 (d) k
V V

[2023: 1M, Set-II]


Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
25

SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
1. (a)Falling head permeability test is used for fine Depth of water in a piezometer kept at point R
grained soils . Constant head permeability test is is = 0.8 + 0.4 – 0.8 = 0.4m
used for coarse grained soils.  Pressure head at point R is: 0.4m
(b)Using Darcy’s law : Q = K i. A Datum is not given. If datum is chosen at the
bottom of soil, then the elevation heat at point R
K = 1 × 10–5 m/sec
is : 0.4 m Total head
h 2  1.5
i=   0.05 = press. Head + elevation head
L 10
= 0.4 + 0.4 = 0.8m
 2 2
A = I  0.785m Hence answer is ‘a’ If datum is chosen at D/s
4
water level, then the elevation head at R is zero
Substituting the values in the above equation,
and answer will be ‘c’
Q = 3.925 × 10–7 m3/sec
5. Ans. (a)
= (3.925 × 10–7)103 = 3.925 × 10–4 lit/sec
Discharge velocity,
2. Ans. (b)
V = k.i  k  1  k
h1 = 1m = cm
Seepage velocity,
h2 = 0.35m = 35m
V k
t = 3 hours Vs =   2k
n 0.5

a =  0.5 2  0.196 cm 2 6. Ans. (b)
4
L = 200 mm = 20 cm
 2
A= 10  78.5cm 2
4
In a falling head test ; 1m dz
aL h1
k = A t log e h Z
2
= 0.0174 cm/hr = 4.86 × 10–6 cm/s
3. Ans. (d)
z decreases with increase in time
600 dz = -vdt
Q = 10 cm3 sec
60 dz = -kidt
i = 0.5
A = 10 cm2 z
dz = -k dt
z
Q =kiA
Substituting in the above equation, 0.25 t

10 = k × 0.5 × 10  dz = -  kdt
1 0
k = 2 cm/sec
0.75 = 10-2×t
4. Ans. (a), (c) t = 75 sec.
h 1.20
Hydraulic gradient, i =   1 Seepage
L 1.20
length upto point R is 0.8m Head loss upto point
R is: 0.8m × i = 0.8m
 26 GATE Previous Solved Questions
7. Ans. (a) Now, x = 5, H = –0.4 × 5 + 5 = 3m
aL h1 10. Solution: 10.96
t = Ak loge h
2 Given K1 = 10 K2 = 100 K3
1 h1 3
t  k log e h and 3H1 = H 2  H3
2 2
Since time interval is same K1H1  K 2 H 2  K 3H 3
K x= H1  H 2  H 3
1 h1 1 h3
 k log e h = k log e h 1 1
1 2 2 4 K1H1  K1  2H1  K1  3H1
K x= 10 100
h1 H1  2H1  3H1
Given h 2 = 1.25, k2 = 5k1
 2 3 
1    K1H1 123
Substituting the above values K x=  10 100   K1
6H1 600
k2 h1 h3 Ky =
 k log e h = loge h
1 2 4
H1  H 2  H3 6H1
h3 
5  log e 1.25 = loge h H1 H 2 H3 H1 2H1  10 3H1  100
   
4 K1 K 2 K 3 K1 K1 K1
h3
h 4 = 3.05 Ky =
6
K1
8. Ans. (d) 321

K = 10–6 m/s Kx 123 321

Head causing flow, K y = 600  6  10.967

hf = 10m 11. Ans. (b)

Seepage length Equivalent permeability coefficient (Ke)
Z = 30 – 10 = 20m
Z1 + Z2 + Z3
HBydraulic gradient, Ke =
Z1 Z Z
+ 2 + 3
hf 10 K1 K2 K3
i= =  0.5
Z 20
Using Darey's equation, 20 + 30 + 10 60
= = = 2m/day
20 30 10 30
Q = kiA + +
–6
2 3 1
= 10 × 0.5 × 1 = 0.5 × 10–6 m3/sec
9. Solution: 3.0 to 3.0 Q = Ke i A

d2H h
Given =0 = Ke A
dx 2 L
dH

dx
=k 15 - 10  1
=2× ×3×1=
60 2
 H = kx + c
At x = 0, H = 5,  c = 5 12. Solution:

At x = 10, H = 1,  k = 0.4 h = 100cm

So we have H = –0.4x + 5 A = 1000 km2
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
27
n = 0.25 K = 5 m/day
r = 0.05 15. Ans. (b)
Porosity (n) = Sy + Sr The above arrangement is in series i.e the flow
0.25 = Sy + 0.05 is perpendicular to the bedding plane.
S y = 0.2 Q will be same and headloss will be different
Amount of water drained out q = k1i1A1 = k2i2A2 = k3i3A3
= y × A × h
H 
= 0.2 × 1000 × 100 × 10-5 =k av  L  A
 L 
= 0.2 km3
13. Solution: Hi
(A1 = A2 = A3 = A) and i av =
L
200 × 10-6
Discharge =
15 × 60 H1 +H 2 +H 3 150+150+152
 k avg = =
-7
= 2.22 × 10 m /sec 3 H1 H 2 H 3 150 150 150
+ + + +
Q = Keq. i A K1 K 2 K 3 0.01 0.03 0.03

300  kavg = 0.0064

2.22 × 10-7 = K eq.   8010-4 
300 Total Head loss = HL = 560mm
Keq. = 2.78 × 10-5 m/s
h  560 
Since, the flow is perpendicular to bedding plane: K3× ×A=K avg  A
150  150+160+150 
H H H
= 1 + 2
K eq. K1 K2  h   560 
0.03×   =0.0064  
 150   450 
300 150 150 h = 40mm
= +
2.78  10-5
0.02  10-3
K2
16. Ans. (925.65days)
-5
K 2 = 4.56 × 10 m/s
length
K 2 = 0.045 mm/sec time 
ki
14. Ans (d)  velocity
n
Distance = 100m Time = 100 days
Seepage Velocity 2500  0.25

h
100 80 
= = 1m/day L
100
Now h = 55.2-34.1 = 21.1m
Discharge Velocity
L = 2500 m
= n × seepage velocity
= 0.15 × 1 = 0.15 m/day 2500  2500  0.25
time   925.65days
80  21.1
h 3
i= = = 0.03 17. Ans. (3)
L 100
Now discharge is same
V = Ki (where V is discharge velocity)
K1 Ii A1 = K2 i2 A2
0.15 = K × 0.03
 28 GATE Previous Solved Questions
21. Ans. (925.7)
h1 2 h
K1 d1  K 2 2 d 22
L1 L2 ki
V = ki, Vs =
n
2h 2 h
K1 (0.5d 2 ) 2  K 2 2 d 22  55.2-34.1 1  2500
1.5 2 L2 Vs =80×  × =
 2500 0.25  time
2  0.52 Time = 925.651 day
K1  K2
1.5 = 925.7 days
22. Ans. (d)
K1 1.5
 3 Darcy’s law is valid for laminar flow condition
K2 2  1
in porous media.
4
23. Ans. (c)
18. Ans. (d)

2h 2h
+ 0
x 2 z 2
19. Ans. (b)

kx
X=XT
kz

kz
Transformed horizontal dimension, XT =X k
x

20. Ans. (3)

Ls1 Ds
=1.5; 1 =0.5 Since, surcharge (q = 70kN/m2) is applied
Ls2 D s2 instantaneously, hence excess pore pressure (ui
= 70kPa) is developed at P and Q [GWT level
h s1 k s1 is at level P]
=2; =?
h s2 k s2 At point P:
Total stresss = q + 3g = 70 + 3 ´ 18
Discharge is same.
Pore water pressure
k1i1A1 = k2i2A2
= Hydrostatics pore pressure + Excess pore
h π h π pressure
k1 s1 × ×Ds21 =k 2 s2 × ×Ds22
Ls1 4 Ls2 4 = 0 + ui
= 0 + 70 = 70kN/m2
2
k s1 Ls1 h s2 D s2 Effective stress,
= × ×
k s2 Ls2 h s1 Ds21
σ = s - u = 54Kpa
2 At point Q:
1  1 
=1.5× ×   =3 Total stress, s = q + 3g + 4gsat
2  0.5 
= 70 + 3 ´ 18 + 4 ´ 20
Pore pressure,
u = Hydrostatics pore pressure + Excess pore
pressure
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
29
= 4gw + ui = 4 ´ 9.81 + 70
Effective stress,
= s - u = 94.76kPa
24. Ans. (8.939)
= 10.759
= Zgsub - iZgw
= 8.939kN/m2
25. Ans. (a)
26. Ans. (a)
K µ (dia.)2,
Diameter sizer of soil:
Sand > Silt > Clay
Permeability hydraulic conductivity
Sand > ML > CH
SW > SP > ML > CH
27. Ans. (a)
As we know,
\ As the soil moisture content increases, radius of meniscus ® increases which result decrease in height
of capillary rise (hc) and thus, suction head (y) decreases.
\ As the soil moisture, content increases, degree of saturation (S) increases resulting in increase in
hydraulic conductivity (K).
28. Ans. (b)
s’A = gwh1 - gwh1 = 0
s’B = gwh1 + gsath2 - gw (h1 + h2) = g’h2
s’C = gwh1 + gsat (h2 + h3) - gw (h1 + h2 + h3)
= g’ (h2 + h3)
s’A + s’B + s’C
= 0 + g’h2 + g’ (h2 + h3) = g’ [2h2 + h3]
29. Ans. (a)
A steady-state, homogeneous, anisotropic system can be mathematically transformed into an isotropic
system by coordinate transformation, creating what is sometimes called a transformed section.
The coordinates in the true anisotropic system are x and z in the transformed isotropic system, the
coordinates are X and Z, where
and
So, the embedment depth of wall should be scaled by factor of


 30 GATE Previous Solved Questions

5
EFFECTIVE STRESS
1. For the soil strata shown in figure, the water table is lowered by drainage by 2m and if the top 2m thick
silty sand stratum remains saturated by capillary action even after lowering of water table, the increase
in effective vertical pressure in kPa at mid-height of clay layer will be
Original GWT

G S
Zone of capillary
2m saturation after drainage
GWT after drainage
3
10m sat=22kN/m
Silty sand
3
7m Clay sat=19kN/m

(a) 0.2 (b) 2 (c) 20 (d) 200

[2 Marks : GATE-2003]
2. A 10m thick clay layer is underlain by a sand layer of 20m depth (see figure below). The water table
is 5m below the surface of clay layer. The soil above the water table is capillary saturated. The value
of sat is 19 kN/m3. The unit weight of water is w. If now the water table rises to the surface, the effective
stress at a point P on the interface will

10m Clay
P
20m Sand

(a) increase by 5 w (b) remain unchanged

(c) decrease by 5 w (d) decrease by 10 w
[1 Mark : GATE-2004]
3. Assuming that a river bed level does not change and the depth of water in river was 10 m,15 m and 8
m during months of February, July and December respectively of a particular year. The average bulk
density of the soil is 20 kN/m3. The density of water is 10 kN/m3. The effective stress at a depth of 10
m below the river bed during these months would be
(a) 300 kN/m2 in February, 350 kN/m2 July and 320 kN/m2 in December
(b) 100 kN/m2 in February, 100 kN\m2 July and 100 kN/m2 in December
(c) 200 kN/m2 in February, 250 kN/m2 July and 180 kN/m2 in December
(d) 300 kN/m2 in February, 350 kN/m2 July and 280 kN/m2 in December
[2 Marks : GATE-2005]
 Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & CivilFoundation Engg.
31
4. Which of the following statement is NOT true in the context of capillary pressure in soils?
(a) Water is under tension in capillary zone
(b) pore water pressure is negative in capillary zone
(c) Effective stress increases due to capillary pressure
(d) Capillary pressure is more in coarse grained soils
[1 Mark : GATE-2006]
Linked Answer Question : 5 & 6
The ground conditions at a site are shown in the figure below.

XXX Sand
Water table is at ground level
5m Water content = 20%
Specific gravity of solids=2.7
Unit weight of water =10kN/m2
P

5. The saturated unit weight of the sand (kN/m3) is

(a) 15 (b) 18 (c) 21 (d) 24
[2 Marks : GATE-2008]
2
6. The total stress, pore water pressure and effective stress (kN/m ) at the point P are, respectively
(a) 75, 50 and 25 (b) 90, 50 and 40
(c) 105, 50 and 55 (d) 120, 50 and 70
[2 Marks : GATE-2008]
Common Data for Question : 7 & 8
A sand layer found at sea floor under 20 m water depth is characterized with relative density = 40%,
maximum void ratio = 1.0, minimum void ratio = 0.5, and specific gravity of soil solids =2.67. Assume the
specific gravity of sea water to be 1.03 and the unit weight of fresh water to be 9.81kN/m3
7. What would be the effective stress (rounded off to the nearest integer value of kPa) at 30m depth into
the sand layer?
(a) 77 kPa (b) 273 kPa (c) 268 kPa (d) 281 kPa
[2 Marks : GATE-2011]
8. What would be the change in the effective stress (rounded off to the nearest integer value of kPa) at
30 m depth into the sand layer if the sea water level permanently rises by 2m?
(a) 19 kPa (b) 0 kPa (c) 21 kPa (d) 22 kPa
[2 Marks : GATE-2011]
9. Steady state seepage is taking place through a soil element at Q, 2m below the ground surface immediately
downstream of the toe of an earthen dam as shown in the sketch. The water level in a piezometer installed
at P, 500mm above Q, is at the ground surface. The water level in piezometer installed at R, 500mm below
Q, is 100mm above the ground surface. The bulk saturated unit weight of the soil is 18 kN/m3and the
unit weight of water is 9.81 kN/m3. The vertical effective stress (in kPa) at Q is
 32 GATE Previous Solved Questions

2m
P
Q
R
(a) 14.42 (b) 15.89 (c) 16.38 (d) 18.34
[2 Marks : GATE-2012]
10. Group I lists the type of gain or loss of strength in soils. Group II lists the property or process responsible
for the loss or gain of strength in soils.
Group-I Group-II
P. Regain of strength with time 1. Boiling
Q. Loss of strength due to cyclic loading 2. Liquefaction
R. Loss of strength due to upward seepage 3. Thixotropy
S. Loss of strength due to remolding 4. Sensitivity
The correct match between Group-I and Group-II is
(a) P-4, Q-1, R-2, S-3 (b) P-3, Q-1, R-2, S-4
(c) P-3, Q-2, R-1, S-4 (d) P-4, Q-2, R-1, S-3
[1 Mark : GATE-2017]
11. Three soil specimens (Soil 1, Soil 2 and Soil 3), each 150mm long and 100mm diameter, are placed in series
in a constant head flow set-up as shwon in the figure. Suitable screens are provided at the boundaries of the
specimens to keep them intact. The values of coefficient of permeability of Soil 1, Soil 2 and Soil 3 are 0.01,
0.003 and 0.03 cm/s, respectively.

The value of h in the set-up is

(a) 0mm (b) 40mm (c) 255mm (d) 560mm
[2 Marks : GATE-2018]
 Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil Foundation Engg.
33
12. At a construction site, a contractor plans to make an excavation as shown in the figure.

The water level in the adjacent river is at an elevation of +20.0m. Unit weight of water is 10kN/m3. The
factor of safety (up to two decimal places) against sand boiling for the proposed excavation is_______
[2 Marks : GATE-2018
13. In a soil specimen, the total stress, effective stress, hydraulic gradient and critical hydraulic gradient are ,
, i and ic, respectively. for initiation of quicksand condition, which one of the following statements is
TRUE?
(a) ’  0 and i = ic (b) ’ = 0 and i = ic
(c) ’  0 and i  ic (d)  = 0 and i = ic
[1 Mark : GATE-2019]]


 34 GATE Previous Solved Questions

SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
1. Ans. (c) same (100 kPa)
When W.T is at G.L 4. Ans. (d)
At mid–height of clay layer In coarse grained soils, the capillarity is
negligible.
 = [2 + 10]sat + 3.5 × sat
5. Ans. (c)
= 12 × 22 + 3.5×10 = 299kPa
u = [12 + 3.5] w .G 0.20  2.70
e= S =  0.54
= 15.5 × 10 = 155 kPa r 1
 =  – u = 299 – 155 = 144 kPa
G  e  2.7  0.54 
When W.T is lowered by 2m:  sat =  w   = 10 
 1 e   1  0.54 
 remains same since the top 2m of soil is still
= 21 kN/m3
in a saturated condition
6. Ans. (c)
  = 299 kPa
 =  sat  5  21  5  105 kPa
u = [10 + 3.5]w = 135 kPa.
 =  – u = 299 – 135 u =  w  5  10  5  50 kPa
= 164 kPa  =   u  105  50  55 kPa
 = 164 – 144 = 20 kPa 7. Ans. (c)
2. Ans. (c)
At point p: 20m Sea Water
Sea bed
(i)  = 5 × sat + 5 sat = 10sat
30m Sand
u = 5 × w
 = 10sat – 5w
emax = 1 emin = 0.5 Rd = 0.4
(ii) when W.T rises upto G.L
 = 10sat (remains same)
e max - e
Rd =
u = 10w e max - e min ,
 = (10sat – 10w)
 Change = (10 sat – 10w) where e is natural void ratio of soil
= –5 w (decrease)
1-e
3. Ans. (b) 0.4 =
1 - 0.5
Effective stress below the river bed doesn’t
depend on the depth of water present above bed e = 0.8
level. Therefore the effective stress below the
Gs is with respect to fresh water (w = 9.81 kN/
bed level V =  sub . Z m3) but the soil is submerged in sea-water (sea
= 9.81 × 1.03 = 10.1 kN/m3). Hence, specific
where Z = depth below the bed level
gravity of solid is adopted with respect to sea
 sub = sat – w = 20 – 10 = 10 kN/m3 water :
 V = 10 × 10 = 100Kpa
Gs 2.67
G's = = = 2.59
In all the three months given, the  V remains 1.03 1.03
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
35
or cyclic loading.
 G' - 1
γ sub =  s  γsea
 1 + e  P-3, Q-2, R-1, S-4 is correct
11. Ans. (b)
 2.592 - 1  The above arrangement is in series i.e the flow
=    10.1
 1 + 0.8  is perpendicular to the bedding plane.
Q will be same and headloss will be different
3
= 8.93 kN/m q = k1i1A1 = k2i2A2 = k3i3A3
Effective stress at 30m depth into sand layer
H 
=k av  L  A
 = sub × H = 8.93 × 30 = 268.02  L 

= 268 kN Hi
(A1 = A2 = A3 = A) and i av =
L
8. Ans. (b)
The effective stress below the bed level of sea H1 +H 2 +H 3 150+150+152
is independent of fluctuations of water levels in  k avg = =
H1 H 2 H 3 150 150 150
sea. Hence change in effective stress is zero. + + + +
K1 K 2 K 3 0.01 0.03 0.03
9. Ans. (b)
 kavg = 0.0064
average water pressure head at point
Total Head loss = HL = 560mm
2  2.10
Q is : h=  2.05m h  560 
2 K3× ×A=K avg  A
150  150+160+150 
 =   u
=  sat .2   w .h  h   560 
0.03×   =0.0064  
 150   450 
= 18  2  9.81  2.05 
h = 40mm
= 15.89 kPa
12. Ans. (1)
10. Ans. (c)
Thixotropy is the property of soil due to which Bouyant weight
Since F.O.S =
loss of strength (shear strength) on remoulding Seepage force
can be regained. If left undisturbed for same
time. Bouyant weight = sub10m

Sensitivity is the degree of disturbance achieved Seepage force = w10

on remoulding.
γsub ×10 γsub
Boiling is the condition when the upward seepage  FOS= =
γ w ×10 γ w
force becoms equal, to the bouyant weight, then
a soil losses all its shearing strength & the
γ sat ×γ w 20-10
effective stress in the soil becomes zero. = =
γw 10 = 1
Liquifaction is the Phenomenon when soil will
loose all its shear strength at larger rate of loading 13. Ans. (b)
thus developing a positive pore water pressure
0 = 0 i = ic for quickend condition
that will reduce effective stress and hence
strength. It occurs at high frequency of vibration 
 36 GATE Previous Solved Questions

6
SEEPAGE ANALYSIS
1. The coefficients of permeability of a soil in horizontal and vertical directions are 3.46 and 1.5 m/day
respectively. The base length of a concrete dam resting in this soil is 100 m. When the flow net is
developed for this soil with 1: 25 scale factor in the vertical direction, the reduced base length of the dam
will be
(a) 2.63 m (b) 4.00 m (c) 6.08 m (d) 5.43 m
[2 Marks : GATE-2001]
2. The specific gravity and in-situ void ratio of a soil deposit are 2.71 and 0.85 respectively. The value of
the critical hydraulic gradient is
(a) 0.82 (b) 0.85 (c) 0.92 (d) 0.95
[1 Mark : GATE-2002]

3. A masonry dam is founded on pervious sand having porosity equal to 45% and specific gravity of sand
particles is 2.65. For a desired factor or safety of 3 against sand boiling, the maximum permissible upward
gradient will be
(a) 0.225 (b) 0.302 (c) 1.0 (d) None of these
[2 Marks : GATE-2003]
4. An unit volume of a mass of saturated soil is subjected to horizontal seepage. The saturated unit weight
is 22 kN/m3 and the hydraulic gradient is 0.3. The resultant body force on the soil mass is
(a) 1.98 kN (b) 6.6 kN (c) 11.49 kN (d) 22.97 kN
[2 Marks : GATE-2004]
5. The figure below shows two flow lines for seepage across an interface between two soil media of
different co-efficient of permeability. If entrance angle  = 30º, the exit angle
k2 = 4.0×10–7m/s
k1 = 1.0×10–7 m/s 2
1

2
1

(a) 7.50º (b) 14.03º (c) 66.59º (d) 75.96º

[2 Marks : GATE-2004]
6. The range of void ratio between which quick sand condition occurs in cohesionless granular soil deposits
is
(a) 0.4 – 0.5 (b) 0.6 – 07 (c) 0.8 – 0.9 (d) 1.0 – 1.1
[1 Mark : GATE-2006]
7. To provide safety against piping failure, with a factor of safety of 5, what should be the maximum
permissible exit gradient for soil with specific gravity of 2.5 and porosity of 0.35?
(a) 0.155 (b) 0.167 (c) 0.195 (d) 0.213
[2 Marks : GATE-2006]
 Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
37
8. Quick sand condition occurs when
(a) the void ratio of the soil becomes 1.0
(b) the upward seepage pressure in soil becomes zero
(c) the upward seepage pressure in soil becomes equal to the saturated unit weight of the soil
(d) the upward seepage pressure in soil becomes equal to the submerged unit weight of the soil
[1 Mark : GATE-2010]
9. For a saturated sand deposit, the void ratio and the specific gravity of solids are 0.70 and 2.67, respectively.
The critical (upward) hydraulic gradient for the deposit would be
(a) 0.54 (b) 0.98 (c) 1.02 (d) 1.87
[2 Marks : GATE-2011]

Common Data for Question : 10 & 11

The flow net around a sheet pile wall is shown in the sketch. The properties of the soil are: permeability
coefficient = 0.09m/day (isotropic), specific gravity = 2.70 and void ratio = 0.85. The sheet pile wall and
the bottom of the soil are impermeable.
10m

1.5m
3m

10. The seepage loss (in m3 per day per unit length of the wall) of water is
(a) 0.33 (b) 0.38 (c) 0.43 (d) 0.54
[2 Marks : GATE-2012]
11. The factor of safety against the occurrence of piping failure is
(a) 3.55 (b) 2.93 (c) 2.60 (d) 0.39
[2 Marks : GATE-2012]
12. The ratio Nf/Nd is known as shape factor, where Nf is the number of flow lines and Nd is the number
of equipotential drops. Flow net is always drawn with a constant b/a ratio, where b and a are distances
between two consecutive flow lines and equipotential lines, respectively. Assuming that b/a ratio remains
the same, the shape factor of aflow net will change if the
(a) upstream and downstream heads are interchanged
(b) soil in the flow space is changed
(c) dimensions of the flow space are changed
(d) head difference causing the flow is changed
[1 Mark : GATE-2013]
 38 GATE Previous Solved Questions
13. The flow net constructed for the dam is shown in the figure below. Taking the coefficient of permeability
as 3.8×10–6 m/s, the quantity of flow (in cm3/s) under the dam per meter of dam is______________

50m

6.3m 1.6m

9.4m
17.2m

Impermeable stratum

[2 Marks : GATE-2014]
14. Which of the following is TRUE for the relation between discharge velocity and seepage velocity?
(a) Seepage velocity is always smaller than discharge velocity
(b) seepage velocity can never be smaller than discharge velocity
(c) seepage velocity is equal to the dischaller velocity
(d) No relation between velocity-and discharge velocity can be established
[1 Mark : GATE-2015]
15. A seepage flow condition is shown in the figure. The saturated unit weight of the soil sat = 18 kN/m3.
Using unit weight of water w = 9.81 kN/m3, the effective vertical stress (expressed in kN/m2) on plane
X-X is ____

3m

1m

5m
Soil
sat = 18 kN/m3

X X
1m

2m

[2 Marks : GATE-2016]
 Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil Foundation Engg. 39
16. The relationship between the specific gravity of sand (G) and the hydraulic gradient (i) to initiate quick sand
condition in the sand layer having porosity of 30% is
(a) G = 0.7i + 1 (b) G = 1.43i - 1
(c) G = 1.43i + 1 (d) G = 0.7i - 1
[Marks : GATE-2016]
17. The seepage occurring through an earthen dam is represented by a flownet comprising of 10 equipotential
drops and 20 flow channels. The coefficient of permeability of the soil is 3 mm/min and the head loss is 5m.
The rate of seepage (expressed in cm3/s per m length of the dam) through the earthen dam is_____
[Mark : GATE-2016]
18. A sheet pile has an embedment depth of 12 m in a homogeneous soil stratum. The coefficient of
permeability of soil is 10-6 m/s. Difference in the water levels between the two sides of the sheet pile
is 4 m. The flow net is constructed with five number of flow lines and eleven number of equipotential
lines. The quantity of seepage (in cm3/s per m, up to one decimal place) under the sheet pile is___________
[1 Mark : GATE-2017]
19. In a shrinkage limit test, the volume and mass of a dry soil pat are found to be 50cm3 and 88g, respectively.
The specific gravity of the soil solids is 2.71 and the density of water is 1g/cc. The shrinkage limit (in %, up
to two decimal places) is_______
[1 Mark : GATE-2018]
20. An anisotropic soil deposit has coefficient of permeability in vertical and horizontal directions as kz and kx,
respectively. For constructing a flow net, the horizontal dimension of the problem geometry is transformed by
a multiplying factor of

kz kx kx kz
(a) kx (b) kz (c) k (d) k
z x

[1 Mark : GATE-2019]
21. For the flow setup shown in the figure (not to scale), the hydraulic conductivities of the two soil samples,
Soil 1 and Soil 2, are 10mm/s and 1mm/s, respectively. Assume the unit weight of water as 10kN/m3 and
ignore the velocity head. At steady state, what is the total head (in m, rounded off to two decimal places)
at any point located at the junction of the two samples?

[2023: 2M, Set-II]


 40 GATE Previous Solved Questions

SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
1. Ans. (a) R  FH2  W2 
kx = 3.46 m/day
 32  222  22.2 kN
ky = 1 .5 m/day
5. Ans. (c)
Reduced horizontal dimension for the transformed
tan  2 k2
section ‘b’.
tan 1 = k1
ky 1.5 tan  2 4  107
b= B =  100  65.84m =
kx 3.46 tan 30 1  107
As the scale factor is 1 : 25, reduced base width  2 = 66.59º
to the scale given is 6. Ans. (b)
65.84 The quick sand condition occurs for critical
=  2.63m hydraulic gradient (ic)nearly 1.
25
2. Ans. (c) For sandy soils the specific gravity (Gs) ranges
G  1 2.71  1 from 2.6 to 2.70
ie =  = 0.924 Gs  1
1  e 1  0.85 Since iC =
3. Ans. (b) 1 e
Critical hydraulic gradient of a soil,  The range of void ratio (e) for ic to be 1 is 0.6
G 1 to 0.7
ic =   G  1 1  n  7. Ans. (c)
1 e
Given G = 2.65 GS = 2.5, n = 0.35
n = 45% = 0.45 Critical hydraulic gradient,
 ic =  2.65  1 1  0.45   G s  1
ic =
= 0.9075 1 e
critical hyd. gradient or ic =  G s  1 1  n 
F.O. safety = permissible hyd. gradient
ic ie =  G s  1 1  n 
F=
i
=  2.5  1 1  0.35   0.975
ic 0.9075
 i=  Factor of safety
F 3
= 0.3025 critical hyd. gradient
4. Ans. (d) = permissible exit gradient
Unit icr 0.975
Volume FH F= ;5
Hydraulic gradient i i
i = 0.3 i = 0.195
sat = 22 kN/m3 8. Ans. (d)
Quick sand condition occurs when the upward
W = sat × V = 22 kN seepage pressure in soil becomes equal to
Horizontal seepage force (F H) per unit volume submerged unit weight of the soil. This results
= i into effective stress equal to zero.
FH 9. Ans. (b)
i
v  Gs  1 2.67  1
FH  0.3  10  3kN iC = ; iC = = 0.98
1 e 1  0.70
Resultant force,
 Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
41
10. Ans. (b)
Loss of head for 5m seepage length
Seepage head,
H = 10 – 1.5 = 8.5m 3
= × 5 = 2.5m
Nf = 4 6
Nd = 8 Pore water pressure at
k = 0.09 m/d X - X = w (3 + 1 + 5 - 2.5)
Nf = w (6.5)
Q = kH N = 0.38 m2/day/m Total stress at X - X
d
11. Ans. (c) = sat × 5 + w × 4
H 8.5 Effective stress at X -X
H = N
  1.0625m = 18 × 5 + w(4 - 6.5)
d 8
L = 3m (given in the fig.) σ = 65.475 kPa
exit gradient, 16. Ans. (c)

H 1.0625 For quick sand condition :

i exit =   0.354
L 3 G-1
i cr =
Critical hydraulic gradient, 1+e
G  1 2.70  1 G = icr (1 + e) + 1
ic =   0.919
1  e 1  0.85
Porosity (n) = 30% = 0.3
Factor of safety against piping,
ic 0.919 n 0.3
F= i   2.60 e = = = 0.43
exit 0.354 1-n 1-0.3
12. Ans. (c) G = i (1 + e) + 1
If the flow space or flow channel dimension G = i (1.43) + 1
changes, the Nf changes and hence the shape
17. Solution:
factor changes.
Nd = 10
13. Solution:
Nf = 20
f N
Q = kH N K = 3mm/min.
d
Nf = no. of flow channels = 3 H = 5m

3 Nf
 3.8  106  6.3  q = KH
10 Nd

Nd = No. of equipotential drops = 10  3 s 

q m
= 7.182 cm2/sec/m  m 
14. Ans. (b)
V  3 × 10-3   20 
=   × 5 ×

 10 
We know, V s =
  60 
Since n<1
q = 5 × 10-4 m3/sec/m
Therefore Vs  V
q = 5 × 10-4 × 106 cm3/s per m length
15. Solution:
Total head loss = 3m
Total seepage length
= 6m
 42 GATE Previous Solved Questions
3
q = 500 cm /s per m length
18. Ans. (1.6)
Depth of embedment of sheet Pile = 12m ρ 1   1 1 
Coefficient of permeability (K) = 10-6 m/sec.  ws =  w -  =  - 
 ρd G   1.76 2.71 
Difference in the water levels between two sides
of the sheet pile = 4m = 0.1990  19.9%
i.e. Total head, to be last (H) = 4m 20. Ans. (a)
No. of flow lines = 5
2h 2h
No. of Equipotential lines = 11. Kx  K 2 0
x 2 z 2
 No. of flow channels (Nf) = 5 - 1 = 4
K x  2h  2 h
No. of Equipontential drops (Nd) = 11 - 1 = 10  0
K z x 2 z 2
The quantity of seepage per meter length

Nf Kz
=K H Now if we put x1 =x K
Nd x

eq. becomes
-6 4
=10 m/sec× ×4m
10 2h 2h
 0
x12 z 2
m3 /sec
=16  10-7
m
kz
x1 =x multiplying factor
cm3 /sec kx
=16  10-7  106
m 21. Ans. (4.54m)

cm3 /sec
=16  10-1
m

cm3 /sec
=1.6
m
19. Ans. (19.90)
Md, Dry soil mass = 88gm
Vd, Volume of dry soil = 50cm3
gwhw = 10kPa
Md
Dry density of soil mass ρ d = hw = 1m
Vd
(TH)entry = D.H + P.H = 3 + 2
Md = 88gm, Vd = 50cm3 = 5m
(T.H)middle = (TH)entry – hL1
88
 ρg = =1.76gm/cm3 Now, soil is in series,
50

 1 1
Z i H  hL
×  L  ×A=k1× 1 ×A
Since shrinkage limit w s =  -  So,  Z i  L  Total L1
 ρd /ρ w G  k i
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
43

1+1  5  hL
×   ×A=10× 1 ×A
1 1 2 1
+
10 1

h L1  0.4545
(T.H)middle = 5 – 0.4545
= 4.54m


 44 GATE Previous Solved Questions

7
STRESS DISTRIBUTION
1. A 25 kN point load acts on the surface of an infinite elastic medium. The vertical pressure intensity in
kN/m2 at a point 6.0 m below and 4.0 m away from the load will be
(a) 132 (b) 13.2 (c) 1.32 (d) 0.132
[1 Mark : GATE-2003]
2. There are two footings resting on the ground surface. One footing is square of dimension ‘B’. The
other is strip footing of width ‘B’. Both of them are subjected to a loading intensity of q. The pressure
intensity at any depth below the base of the footing along the centerline would be
(a) equal in both footings
(b) large for square footing and small for strip footing
(c) large for strip footing and small for square footing
(d) more for strip footing at shallow depth (B) and more for square footing at large depth (>B)

[1 Mark : GATE-2005]
3. The vertical stress at some depth below the corner of a 2m × 3m rectangular footing due to a certain
load intensity is 100 kN/m2. What will be the vertical stress in kN/m2 below the centre of a 4m x 6m
rectangular footing at the same depth and same load intensity?
3m
2m
6m

4m
2m

3m
(a) 25 (b) 100 (c) 200 (d) 400
[1 Mark : GATE-2007]
2
4. A footing 2m × 1 m exerts a uniform pressure of 150kN/m on the soil. Assuming a load dispersion of
2 vertical to 1 horizontal, the average vertical stress (kN/m2) at 1.0 m below the footing is
(a) 50 (b) 75 (c) 80 (d) 100
[2 Marks : GATE-2008]
5. The vertical stress at point P due to the point load Q on the ground surface as shown in figure is z.
1
According to Boussinesq’s equation, the vertical stress at point P2 shown in figure will be
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
45
Q

z/2

z P2

P1
r
(a) z/2 (b) z (c) z (d) z
[2 Marks : GATE-2010]
6. Consider a square-shaped area ABCD on the ground with its centre at M as shown in the figure. Four
concentrated vertical loads of P = 5000 kN are applied on this area, one at each corner.

The vertical stress increment (in kPa, up to one decimal place) due to these loads according to the
Boussinesq’s equation, at a point 5 m right below M, is__________
[2 Marks : GATE-2017]
7. A uniformly distributed line load of 500 kN/m is acting on the ground surface. Base on Boussinesq’s
theory, the ratio of vertical stress at a depth 2 m to that at 4m, right below the line of loading, is
(a) 0.25 (b) 0.5 (c) 2.0 (d) 4.0
[1 Mark : GATE-2017]
8. A flownet below a dam consists of 24 equipotential drops and 7 flow channels. The difference between the
upstream and downstream water levels is 6m. The length of the flow line adjacent to the toe of the dam at exit
is 1m. The specific gravity and void ratio of the soil below the dam are 2.70 and 0.70, respectively. The
factor of safety against piping is
(a) 1.67 (b) 2.5 (c) 3.4 (d) 4
[1 Mark : GATE-2018]
9. Which one of the following statements is NOT correct?
(a) When the water content of soil lies between its liquid limit and plastic limit, the soil is said to be in plastic
state.
(b) Boussinesq’s theory is used for the analysis of stratified soil
(c) The inclination of stable slope in cohesive soil can be greater than its angle of internal friction.
 46 GATE Previous Solved Questions
(d) For saturated dense fine sand, after applying overburden correction, if the Standard Penetration Test
value exceeds 15, dilatancy correction is to be applied.
[1 Mark : GATE-2018]
10. A concentrated load of 500 kN is applied on an elastic half space. The ratio of the increase in vertical
normal stress at depths of 2 m and 4 m along the point of the loading, as per Boussinesq’s theory, would
be_____
[1 Mark : GATE-2019]

11. A 2 m4m rectangular footing has to carry a uniformly distributed load of 120 kPa. As per the 2:1 dispersion
method of stress distribution, the increment in vertical stress (in kPa) at a depth of 2 m below the footing is___
[2 Marks : GATE-2019]
12. A concentrated vertical load of 3000kN is applied on a horizontal ground surface. Points P and Q are
at depths 1m and 2m below the ground, respectively, along the line of application of the load. Considering
the ground to be a linearly elastic, isotropic, semi-infinite medium, the ratio of the increase in vertical
stress at P to the increase in vertical stress at Q is________ (in integer)
[2022: 1M, Set-I]
13. A concentrically loaded isolated square footing of size 2m ´ 2m carries a concentrated vertical load of
1000kN. Considering Boussinesq’s theory of stress distribution, the maximum depth (in m) of the pressure
bulb corresponding to 10% of the vertical load intensity will be_______ (round off to two decimal all
places).
[2022: 1M, Set-II]
14. Consider that a force P is acting on the surface of a half-space (Boussinesq’s problem). The expression
3P z3
σz = 5
for the vertical stress (sz) at any point (r, z) within the half-space is given as, 2π where,
r 2
+z 2  2
r is the radial distance, and z is the depth with downward direction taken as positive. At any given, r there
is a vertical of sz along z, and at a specific z, the value of sz will be maximum. What is the locus of the
maximum sz?

2 3 2 3 3 2 5 5 2 3 5 2
(a) z = r (b) z = r (c) z = r (d) z = r
2 2 2 2
[2023: 2M, Set-I]


Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
47

SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
1. Ans. (d) = 50 kN/m2
Given Q = 25KN, Z = 6m, r = 4m Using 5. Ans. (d)
Boussineq’s equation
r
Since the ratio, being same at points p1 and
5/2 Z
Q 3  1 
z =   2
Z2 2
 1   r  
1
p2,  z 
  Z   z2
As the depth is reduced to half, the stress
= 0.132 kPa
increases to 4z.
2. Ans. (c)
6. Ans. (190.4)
If p1, p2 and p3 are respectively the stresses at
Vertical stress due to a concentrated load is given
any depth below the centre of a strip, square and
by
circular footings (of equal width, B & equal load
intensity, q), then p1 > p2 > p3 Q
σ Z =K B
3. Ans. (d) Z2

Since the 4 m × 6 m rectangle consists 4 no’s of

5/2
2m × 3m rectangles as shown in the fig.  
Therefore z at centre of 4 × 6 m rectangle is  
3  1 
where, K B 
4 times of stress at corner of 2 × 3m rectangle. 2π   r  2 
 z = 4 × 100  1+   
  Z 
= 400Kpa
4. Ans. (a) Where KB = Boussinesq’s Influence factors
Q = Concentrated load
Z = Vertical distance of a point from a load
Q
r = radial distance of a point from a load in
horizontal plane.
B
In our question, the loading is symmetrical w.r.t
2 Z point M. So, we calculate the vertical stress for
1 one load and multiply it by 4.

0.5z B 0.5z Q = 500 kN, r= 22 +22 = 8=2 2m

(B+Z)
Z = 5m
Total load Q = 1  2 150
5/2
= 300 kN  
B = 1m  
3 1 
L = 2m KB =  2 
π 2 2 
Z = 1m 1+  5  
   
load
Stress = dispersed area
KB = 0.238
Q
z = 
B  Z  L  Z 
 48 GATE Previous Solved Questions

5000 2.7-1
σ Z =0.238× =47.6kN/m 2 and i c = =1 ..(1)
25 1+0.7
The vertical stress due to all 4 loads is
 H 
47.6 kN/m2  4 = 190.4 kN/m2  
N
or 190.4 KPa Also exit gradient iexit = h =  D 
 
7. Ans. (c)
Vertical Stress due to line load is given by-  6 
  1
24
2 = =
  1 4
 
2q  1 
σz =
πz   x  2  ic 1
1+     F.O.S= = =4
 z  i 1
4
q = Uniformly distributed line load
9. Ans. (b)
x = Horizontal distance of the point.
When water content lies between wP and wL, soil
z = Vertical distance of the point is in plastic state
As we have to determine the vertical stress below
the line of loading.
 x = 0

2q
 σz =
πz

2q
σ 2m =
2π

2q
σ 4m =
4π wP = Plastic limit water content
wL = Liquid limit water content
σ2m 2q/2π
= =2
σ4m 2q/4π wL - wP = IP = Plasticity index
(2) Boussines’s theory is used for the analysis of
8. Ans. (d)
isotropic & homogeneous soils only and not for
Equipotential drops Nd = 24, G = 2.7 stratified soils
Flow channels Nf = 7, e = 0.7 Case - For cohesive soils (C- soils)
Head Loss H = 6m (a) For Dry soils

G-1 In cohesive soils, failure of the slope is also being

Also critical hydroulic gradient ic = resisted by the inherent cohesion of the soil.
1+e
where G = specific gravity of soil particles Shear strength
For Cohesive soils F.O.S 
e = void ratio of soil Shear stress
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
49

τ f C+σtan C+γzcos 2 itan 3 Q

 F  O  S= = =  σ z Q =
τ τ γz cosi sini 2π  2 2

In cohesive soils, if slope angle is less than the

3 Q
frictional angles, failure of the slope does not
takes place. But if slope angle is greater than
 σ z p 2π 12
= =4
frictional angle, failure of the soil does not takes  σ z q 3 Q
place uptoan extent that for given value, normal 2π  2  2
stress, shear stress is less than or equal to shear
strength of the soil. But if for the same value of 13. Ans. (4.37)
normal stress if shear stress exceeds the shear Q
strength of the soil, failure of the slope takes Given, σ z =0.1× … (i)
2×2
place.
As per Boussinesq’s theory,
10. Ans. (4)
Q
1 σ z =k B … (ii)
Normal  2 (for z  0) Z2
z
5/ 2
ration at 2m and 4m depth  
 
3 1
42 kB =  
 4 Where, 2π   r  2 
22 1    
 Z  
11. Ans (40 hpa)
For maximum depth,
r=0

3
kB = … (iii)
2π
At 2m below footings From equation (i), (ii) and (iii), we get
width = 2+2 = 4 m
Q 3 Q
Length = 4 + 2 = 6 cm 0.1× = 
4 2π Z2
120×2×4 Z = 4.37m
Stress= =40KPa
6×4 14. Ans. (a)
12. Ans. (4) At given r for maximum sz

5/2 dσ z
  =0
dZ
3  1  Q
σz =   (Taking r constant)
2π  r 2  Z2
 1+ 2 
 Z  3P Z3
σz =
2π  r 2 +Z2 5/2
 r =0
3 Q
σz =  2 2 5/2 2 3 5 2 2 3/2 
dσz 3P  
2π Z2 r +Z  3Z -Z   r +Z   2Z 
=  2
5 
 σ z p =
3 Q dZ 2π   r 2 +Z2  
2π 12  
50 GATE Previous Solved Questions
=0
2 2 3/2
Þ(r + Z ) Z [3 (r + Z ) – 5Z2 = 0
2 2 2

Þ 3r2 + 3Z2 – 5Z2 = 0

Þ 3r2 = 2Z2

3r 2
Þ Z2 =
2


Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
51

8
CONSOLIDATION
1. Identify the two FALSE statements from the following four statements.
1. The consolidation of soil happens due to the change in total stress.
2. When Standard Penetration Test are performed in fine sands below the water table, the dilation
correction is applied after the overburden correction is applied.
3. Over consolidated clays will have predominantly cohesive strength as compared to the frictional
strength.
4. Compaction of soils is due to expulsion of water
(a) 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 4
[2 Marks : GATE-2001]
2. The time for a clay layer to achieve 85% consolidation is 10 years. If the layer was half as thick, 10 times
more permeable and 4 times more compressible then the time that would be required to achieve the same
degree of consolidation is
(a) 1 years (b) 5 years (c) 12 years (d) 16 years
[2 Marks : GATE-2002]
3. A double draining clay layer; 6m thick, settles by 30 mm in three years under the influence of a certain
loads. Its final consolidation settlement has been estimated to be 120 mm. If a thin layer of sand having
negligible thickness is introduced at a depth of 1.5 m below the top surface, the final consolidation
settlement of clay layer will be
(a) 60 mm (b) 120 mm (c) 240 mm (d) None of these
[1 Mark : GATE-2003]
4. At a reclamation site for which the soil strata is shown in figure, a 3m thick layer of a fill material is to
be laid instantaneously on the top surface. If the coefficient of volume compressibility, mv for clay is 2.2
× 10–4 m2/kN, the consolidation settlement of the clay layer due to placing of fill material will be

3m 2
G.W.T bulk= 21 kN/m

4m sat= 20 kN/m2
Silty sand

10m sat= 18 kN/m2

Clay mv= 2.2×104 m2/kN

(a) 69.5 mm (b) 139 mm (c) 228 mm (d) 278 mm

[2 Marks : GATE-2003]
5. A 6m thick clay undergoes 90% consolidation four times faster under two-way drainage as compared to
one way drainage. In an identical clay layer of 15 m thickness, two-way drainage will be faster as
compared to one-way drainage by
(a) 8 times (b) 4 times (c) 2.5 times (d) 2 times
[2 Marks : GATE-2003]
 52 GATE Previous Solved Questions
Common Data for Question : 6 & 7
Figure shows the geometry of a strip footing supporting the load bearing walls of a three storied building
and the properties of clay layer.

G S
bulk = 18kN/m3
1m
Strip Footing
X GWT
1.2m
6m Clay layer
Cc = 0.08, e0 = 0.40
sat= 20 kN/m3
Hard Stratum
6. If the pressure acting on the footing is 40 kPa, the consolidation settlement of the footing will be
(a) 0.89 mm (b) 8.9 mm (c) 89.0 mm (d) None of these
[2 Marks : GATE-2003]
7. If the elastic modulus and the Poisson’s ratio of the clay layer are respectively 50 × l03 kPa and 0.4 and
if the influence factor for the strip footing is 1.75, the elastic settlement of the footing will be
(a) 0.41 mm (b) 1.41 mm (c) 14.1 mm (d) None of these
[2 Marks : GATE-2003]
8. Root time method is used to determine
(a) T, time factor (b) Cv, coefficient of consolidation
(c) av, coefficient of compressibility (d) mv, coefficient of volume compressibility
[1 Mark : GATE-2005]
Linked Answer Question : 9 & 10
The average effective overburden pressure on 10 m thick homogeneous saturated clay layer is 150kPa.
Consolidation test on an undisturbed soil sample taken from the clay layer showed that the void ratio
decreased from 0.6 to 0.5 by increasing the stress intensity from 100kPa to 300 kPa. (G = 2.65)
9. The initial void ratio of the clay layer is
(a) 0.209 (b) 0.563 (c) 0.746 (d) 1.00
[2 Marks : GATE-2006]
10. The total consolidation settlement of the clay layer due to the construction of a structure imposing an
additional stress intensity of 200 kPa is
(a) 0.10m (b) 0.25m (c) 0.35m (d) 0.50m
[2 Marks : GATE-2006]
Linked Answer Question : 11 & 12
The ground conditions at a site are as shown in the figure. The water table at the site which was initially
at a depth of 5m below the ground level got permanently lowered to a depth of 15m below the ground
level due to pumping of water over a few years. Assume the following data
(i) unit weight of water =10 kN/m3
(ii) unit weight of sand above water table =18 kN/m3
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
53
3
(iii) unit weight of sand and clay below the water table = 20 kN/m
(iv) coefficient of volume compressibility = 0.25 m2/MN

GL
5m
Original
water table 15m
20m
Lowered
water table 5m
Clay soil 5m

11. What is the change in the effective stress in kN/m2 at mid-depth of the clay layer due to the lowering
of the water table?
(a) 0 (b) 20 (c) 80 (d) 100
[2 Marks : GATE-2007]
12. What is the compression of the clay layer in mm due to the lowering of the water table?
(a) 125 (b) 100 (c) 25 (d) 0
[2 Marks : GATE-2007]
13. A saturated clay stratum draining both at the top and bottom undergoes 50 percent consolidation in 16
years under an applied load. If an additional drainage layer were present at the middle of the clay stratum,
50 percent consolidation would occur in
(a) 2 years (b) 4 years (c) 8 years (d) 16 years
[2 Marks : GATE-2008]
14. A saturated undisturbed sample from a clay strata has moisture content of 22.22% and specific gravity
of 2.7. Assuming w = 10 kN/m3, the void ratio and the saturated unit weight of the clay, respectively are
(a) 0.6 and 16.875 kN/m3 (b) 0.3 and 20.625 kN/m3
(c) 0.6 and 20.625 kN/m3 (d) 0.3 and 16.975 kN/m3
[2 Marks : GATE-2009]
15. Using the properties of the clay layer derived from the above questions, the consolidation settlement of
the same clay layer under a square footing (neglecting its self weight) with additional data shown in the
figure below (assume the stress distribution at 1H : 2V from the edge of the footing and w = 10 kN/m3)
is
200kN

G.W.T.
1.0m Saturated
sat= 18 kN/m3
2m×2m 1
1.0m 2

1.0m Stuff clay

Compression index (CC=0.4)
Dense sand
(a) 32.78mm (b) 61.75mm (c) 79.5mm (d) 131.13mm
[2 Marks : GATE-2009]
 54 GATE Previous Solved Questions
16. The e-log p curve shown in the figure is representative of

void ratio, e
log p
(a) Normally consolidated clay (b) Over consolidated clay
(c) Under consolidated clay (d) Normally consolidated clayey sand
[1 Mark : GATE-2010]
17. Identical surcharges are placed at ground surface at sites X and Y, with soil conditions shown alongside
and water table at ground surface. The silty clay layers at X and Y are identical. The thin sand layer at
Y is continuous and free - draining with a very large discharge capacity. If primary consolidation at X
is estimated to complete in 36months, what would be the corresponding time for completion of primary
consolidation at Y?

Uniform
Site X surcharge Site Y
Ground
surface
Water Water
table table

Isotropic
5m saturated
silty clay

Isotropic
saturated 10m Thin stand
silty clay layer

Isotropic
5m saturated
silty clay

Bedrock Bedrock

(a) 2.25 months (b) 4.5 months (c) 9 months (d) 36 months
[2 Marks : GATE-2011]
18. A layer of normally consolidated, saturated silty clay of 1m thickness is subjected to one dimensional
consolidation under a pressure increment of 20 kPa. The properties of the soil are: specific gravity = 2.7,
natural moisture content = 45%, compression index = 0.45, and recompression index = 0.05. The initial
average effective stress within the layer is 100 kPa. Assuming Terzaghi’s theory to be applicable, the
primary consolidation settlement (rounded off to the nearest mm) is
(a) 2 mm (b) 9 mm (c) 14 mm (d) 16 mm
[2 Marks : GATE-2012]
19. The following data are given for the laboratory sample.
0' = 175 kPa ; eo = 1.1 ; o' + o' = 300 kPa; e = 0.9
If thickness of the clay specimen is 25 mm, the value of coefficient of volume compressibility is
___________ ×10–4 m2/kN
[2 Marks : GATE-2014]
 Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & CivilFoundation Engg.55
20. A 20 m thick clay layer is sandwiched between a sily sand layer and a gravelly sand layer. The layer
experiences 30 mm settlement in 2 years.

 U 2
  
T   4 100
for U  60%
1.781  0.933log (100  U) for U  60%
 10

where Tv is the time factor and Uis the degree of consolidation in %.

If the coefficient of consolidation of the layer is 0.003 cm2/s, the deposit will expserience a total of 50
mm settlement in the next __________ years.
[2 Marks : GATE-2015]
21. A 4 m thick layer of normally consolidated clay has an average void ratio of 1,30. Its compression index
is 0.6 and coefficient of consolidation is 1 m2/yr If the increase in vertical pressure due to foundation load
on the clay layer is equal to the existing effective overburden pressure, the change in the thickness of
the clay layer is ______ mm
[2 Marks : GATE-2015]
22. A water tank is to be constructed on the soil deposit shown in the figure below. A circular footing of
diameter 3 m and depth of embedment 1 m has been designed to support the tank. The total vertical load
to be taken by the footing is 1500 kN. Assume the unit weight of water as 10 kN/m3 and the load
dispersion pattern as 2V; 1H. the expected settlement of the tank due to primary consolidation of the clay
layer is _________ mm.

GL
3
2m Silty Sand Bulk unit weght = 15 kN/m GWT
3
Sand Saturated unit weight = 18 kN/m
6m

Saturated unit weight = 18 kN/m3

Normally Compression index = 0.3
10 m consolidated
clay Initial void ratio = 0.7
2
Coefficient of consolidation = 0.00 cm/s
Dense Sand

23. An undisturbed soil sample was taken from the middle of a clay layer (i.e., 1.5m below GL), as shown
in figure. The water table was at the top of clay layer. Laboratory test results are as follows:
Natural water content of clay : 25%
Preconsolidation pressure of clay : 60 kPa
Compression index of clay : 0.50
Recompression index of clay : 0.05
Specific gravity of clay : 2.70
Bulk unit weight of sand : 17 kN/m3
A compacted fill of 2.5m height with unit weight of 20kN/m3 is placed at the ground level.
 56 GATE Previous Solved Questions

GL

Sand

1m
GWT

Clay

1m
Hard stratum

Assuming unit weight of water as 10 kN/m3, the ultimate consolidation settlement (expressed in mm) of
the clay layer is_____
[2 Marks : GATE-2016]
24. The results of a consolidation test on an undisturbed soil, sampled at a depth of 10m below the ground level
are as follows:
Saturated unit weight : 16 kN/m3
Pre-consolidation pressure : 90 kPa
The water table was encountered at the ground level. Assuming the unit weight of water as 10 kN/m3, the
over-consolidation ratio of the soil is
(a) 0.67 (b) 1.50 (c) 1.77 (d) 2.00
[1 Marks : GATE-2016]
25. A 3 m thick clay layer is subjected to an initial uniform pore pressure of 145 kPa as shown in the figure.

For the given ground conditions, the time (in days, rounded to the nearest integer) required for 90%
consolidation would be_______
[1 Mark : GATE-2017]
26. Dupuit’s assumptions are valid for
(a) artesian aquifer (b) Confined aquifer (c) leaky aquifer (d) unconfined aquifer
[1 Mark : GATE-2018]
27. The compression curve (void ratio, e vs, effective stress, σ'v ) for a certain clayey soil is a straight line in a
semi-logarithmic plot and it passes through the points (e = 1.2; σ'v =50kPa) and (e = 0.6, σ'v =800kPa). The
compression index (up to two decimal places) of the soil is______
[2 Marks : GATE-2018]
 Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & CivilFoundation Engg. 57
28. The void ratio of a soil is 0.55 at an effective normal stress of 140 kpa. The compression index of the soil is
0.25. In order to reduce the void ratio to 0.4, an increase in the magnitude of effective normal stress (in kPa,
up to one decimal place) should be_____
[2 Marks : GATE-2018]
29. Construction of a new building founded on a clayey soil was completed in January 2010. In January 2014, the
average consolidation settlement of the foundation in clay was recorded as 10 mm. The ultimate consolidation
settlement was estimated in design as 40 mm. Considering double drainage to occur at the clayey soil site, the
expected consolidation settlement in January 2019( in mm, round off to the nearest integer) will be_______
[1 Mark : GATE-2019]
30. A 10m thick clay layer is resting over a 3m thick sand layer and is submerged. A fill of 2m thick sand
with unit weight of 20kN/m3 is placed above the clay layer to accelerate the rate of consolidation of the
clay layer. Coefficient of consolidation of clay is 9 ´ 10-2m2/year and coefficient of volume compressibility
of clay is 2.2 ´ 10-4m2/kN. Assume Taylor’s relation between time factor and average degree of
consolidation.

The settlement (in mm, round off to two decimal places) of the clay layer, 10 years after the construction
of the fill, is______
[2020: 2M, Set-I]
31. A one-dimensional consolidation test is carried out on a standard 19mm thick clay sample. The oedometer’s
deflection gauge indicates a reading of 2.1mm, just before removal of the load, without allowing any
swelling. The void ratio is 0.62 at this stage. The initial void ratio (round off to two decimal places) of
the standard specimen is________
[2020: 1M, Set-II]
32. A footing of size 2m ´ 2m transferring a pressure of 200kN/m2, is placed at a depth of 1.5m below the
ground as shown in the figure (not drawn to the scale). The clay stratum is normally consolidated. The
clay has specific gravity of 2.65 and compression index of 0.3.
 58 GATE Previous Solved Questions
Considering 2:1 (vertical to horizontal) method of load distribution and gw = 10kN/m3, the primary
consolidation settlement (in mm, round off to two decimal places) of the clay stratum is_____
[2020: 2M, Set-II]
33. In an Oedometer apparatus, a specimen of fully saturated clay has been consolidated under a vertical
pressure of 50kN/m3 and is presently at equilibrium. The effective stress and pore water pressure
immediately on increasing the vertical stress to 150kN/m2, respectively are
(a) 50kN/m2 and 100kN/m2(b) 100kN/m2 and 50kN/m2
(c) 150kN/m2 and 0 (d) 0 and 150kN/m2

[2021: 1M, Set-I]

34. The soil profile at a construction site is shown in the figure (not to scale). Ground water table (GWT)
is at 5m below the ground level at present. An old well data shows that the ground water table was as
low as 10m below the ground level in the past. Take unit weight of water, gw = 9.81kN/m3.

The over consolidation ratio (OCR) (roundoff to two decimal places) at the mid-point of the clay layer
is_______
[2021: 2M, Set-I]
35. The soil profile at a road construction site is as shown in figure (not to scale). A large embankment is
to be constructed at the site. The ground water table (GWT) is located at the surface of the clay layer,
and the capillary rise in the sandy soil is negligible. The effective stress at the middle of the clay layer
after the application of the embankment loading is 180kN/m2. Take unit weight of water, gw = 9.81kN/
m3.
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & CivilFoundation Engg. 59
The primary consolidation settlement (in m, round off to two decimal places) of the clay layer resulting
from this loading will be_________
36. The void ratio of a clay soil sample M decreased from 0.575 to 0.510 when the applied pressure is
increased from 120kPa to 180kPa. For the same increment in pressure, the void ratio of another clay
soil sample N decreases from 0.600 to 0.550. If the ratio of hydraulic conductivity of sample M to sample
N is 0.125, then the ratio of coefficient of consolidation of sample M to sample N (round off to three
decimal places) is______
[2021: 2M, Set-II]
37. A clay layer of thickness H has a pre-consolidation pressure pc and an initial void ratio e0. The initial
effective overburden stress at the mid-height of the layer is p0. At the same location, the increment in
effective stress due to applied external load is Dp. The compression and swelling indices of the clay are
Cc and Cs respectively. If p0 < pc < (p0 + Dp), then the correct expression to estimate the consolidation
settlement (Sc) of the clay layer is

H  pc p0 +Δp  H  pc p0 +Δp 
(a) Sc = 1+e Cc log p +Cs log p  (b) Sc = 1+e Cs log p +Cc log p 
0  0 c  0  0 c 

H  p0 p0 +Δp  H  p0 p0 +Δp 
(c) Sc = 1+e Cc log p +Cs log p  (d) Sc = 1+e Cs log p +Cc log p 
0  c c  0  c c 
[2021: 2M, Set-II]
38. The correct match between the physical states of the soils given in Group-I and the governing conditions
given in Group-II is
Group-I Group-II
1. normally consolidated soil P. sensitivity > 16
2. quick clay Q. dilation angle = 0
3. sand in critical state R. liquid limit > 50
4. clay of high plasticity S. over consolidation ratio = 1
(a) 1-S, 2-P, 3-Q, 4-R (b) 1-Q, 2-S, 3-P, 4-R
(c) 1-Q, 2-P, 3-R, 4-S (d) 1-S, 2-Q, 3-P, 4-R
[2022: 2M, Set-I]
39. A raft foundation of 30m ´ 25m is proposed to be constructed at a depth of 8m in a sand layer. A 25m
thick saturated clay layer exists 2m below the base of the raft foundation. Below the clay layer, a dense
sand layer exists at the site. A 25mm thick undisturbed sample was collected from the mid-depth of the
clay layer and tested in a laboratory oedometer under double drainage condition. It was found that the
soil sample had undergone 50% consolidation settlement in 10 minutes.
The time (in days) required for 25% consolidation settlement of the raft foundation will be_______
(round off to the nearest integer)
[2022: 2M, Set-I]
40. A saturated compressible clay layer of thickness h is sandwiched between two sand layers, as shown
in the figure. Initially, the total vertical stress and pore water pressure at point P. Which is located at the
mid-depth of the clay layer were 150kPa and 25kPa respectively. Construction of a building caused an
additional total vertical stress of 100kPa at P. When the vertical effective stress at P is 175kPa, the
percentage of consolidation in the clay layer at P is_______ (in integer)
[2022: 1M, Set-II]

 60 GATE Previous Solved Questions

SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
1. Ans. (b) = 0.139m =139 mm
Consideration of soil is due to change in effective 5. Ans. (b)
stress. Hence statement I is False. Compaction Irrespective of thickness of clay, the two way
of soil is due to expulsion and compression of air. drainage is always four times faster compared to
Hence statement IV is false. one-way drainage
2. Ans. (a) 6. Ans. (d)

d2mv
t
k
2
t2  d 2   m v2   k1  G S
     k 2 
t1 =  d1   m v1  bulk = 18kN/m3
1m
Strip Footing
Initial conditions : d1, m v1 , k1, 4m X GWT
1.2m 1
t1 = 10 years 6m
Clay layer 2 C
Changed conditions : d2, m v2 , k2, t2 sat= 20 kN/m3 Cc= 0.08, e 0= 0.40
Given d2 = 0.5d1 Hard Stratum

k2 = 10k1
(Assuming load dispersion at 2V : 1H)
mv 2 = 4m v1
  Initial effective stress at the middle of clay layer
t2 2 1 (4 m from the ground surface)
 =  0.5   4 
10 10
  18 1 3  (20  9.81)  48.57 kN/m2
t2 = 1 year
1
3. Ans. (b) z = 1.2 + 2 × × 3 = 4.2 m
2
Pressure acting on the footing = 40 kPa
1.5m Increase in pressure at the centre of clay layer,
Clay 6m
4.5m   40  1.2  11.429kN / m2
4.2
The final consolidation settlement depends on the Settlement of footing,
total thickness of clay but not on the drainage
C cH 0    
path. Hence in the both cases, the final H  log  1
1  e0 10  1 
consolidation settlement remains same. However,
the rate of consolidation is faster in the second
case.
1 0.4 
 0.08  6000 log1 48.57  11.429
48 
4. Ans. (b)
= 31.5 mm
The fill weight will act like surcharge,
7. Ans. (b)
 = 3 × 21 = 63kPa E = 50 + 103 kPa
 Sf = m v .H o . Poisson’s ratio, µ = 0.4
–4
= 2.2 × 10 × 10 × 63 Influence factor, I f = 1.75
Elastic settlement,
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
61
= 5 × 18 + 15 [20 –10]
q
Si =  B 1   2   I + 2.5 [20 – 10]
E
= 265 kPa
40
=  1.20 1  0.4   1.75
2 If W.T. is lowered to 15m depth below G.L:
50  103
At centre of clay,
–3
= 1.41 × 10 m
 = 15  52  2.5
= 1.41mm
= 15 × 18 + 7.5 [20 – 10]
8. Ans. (b)
= 345 kPa
Taylor’s square root of time fitting method is
 change,
used to determine coefficient of consolidation Cv.
9. Ans. (b)  = 345  265  80 kPa
e 12. Ans. (b)
0.6 mv = 0.25  m 2 MN
CC
e = 0.25  10 3 m 2 / kN
CC
0.5
Ho = 5m,   80
log 
100 150 300 H = m v .H o .  100mm
13. Ans. (b)
0.6  0.5
 0.21 U1 = 50%
CC = log 300
10
100 U2 = 50%

CC = 0.21 t1 = 16 years
t2 = ?
e  0.5
0.21 = log 300 H 1H H
10 d1 = ; d2 =   
150 2 2 2  4
 e = 0.563 For same clay and same degree of consideration
10. Ans. (d) t  d2
Ho = 10 m 2
t2  d2 
eo = 0.563, t1 =  d1 
2
o = 150 kPa H
  4  
t2  
and  = 200 kPa = H
t1
 
 2 
cc      
Sr = H o log10  0  t2 1
1  eo   
 0  t1 =  4 
= 0.50m
t2 = 4 years
11. Ans. (c)
14. Ans. (c)
When W.T is at 5m depth below G.L:
Sr = 1 or 100%
At centre of clay layer,
 = 22.22%
 = 5 + 15 + 2.5 G = 2.70
 62 GATE Previous Solved Questions
 w = 10 kN/m3 2
t2  5
=  
G 0.222  2.70 36  10 
e = S  1
 0.60
r
t2 = 9 months
G  e  2.70  0.60  18. Ans. (d)
 sat = w   = 10 
 1 e   1  0.60 
wG 0.45  2.7
= 20.625 kN/m3 e0 = S   1.215
r 1
15. Ans. (b)
Cc = 0.45,
In-situ effective stress at centre of clay, 10
0 = 100 kPa,
10 = 2  1   0.51
 = 20 kPa,
= 2 18  10  0.5  20.625  10 H0 = 1m = 1000 mm
2
= 21.31 kN/m
Cc      
0
Increase in stress at the centre of clays, 1 For NCC, Sr = H 0 1  e log10  


0   0 
Q
1 =  B  Z  2
.45  100  20 
= 1000  log10 
for 1 H : 2V load dispersion 1  1.215  100 
where Z = distance between the bottom of footing = 16mm
and centre of clay layer
19. Solution
200 2
 16.33 kN m
1 =  2  1.5 2 10 = 175 kPa

CC  10  1  e 0 = 1.1 10  11  300kPa

H .
Settlement, Sr = 0 1  e log10  
 10
0   e = 0.9
0.4  21.31  16.33  Coefficient of volume compressibility
= 1 log10  
1  0.6  21.31 
= 0.06175 m = 61.75 mm av e
mv = 1  e  (1  e) 
16. Ans. (b)
For NCC, it is a single straight line
0.5
For OCC; it is curved upto c and there after, it 
(1  1.1)(300  175)
is a straight line.
17. Ans. (c) 0.2

For same degree of consolidation, 2.1  125
t  d2 = 7.62 × 10–4 m2/kN
t2  d2 
2 20. Solution : 4.43 years
 t1 =  d1 
Cv  t 0.003  86400  365  2
Tv =  = 0.189
Site x Site y d2  20 
2
 100 
d1 = 10m d2 = 2.5m for top half clay  2 
t1 = 36 d2 = 5m for bottom half clay
 d2 = 5m (higher value of considered.
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
63
Level of
 2 Foundation
Now Tv = u
4
1m
2m 3m
 2
0.189 = u  u = 0.49 or 49%
4
Final consolidation
6m
30 mm
=  61.22 mm
0.49
Now, degree of consolidation for 50 mm
settlement 5m
10 m
A
50 6m 3m 6m
U =  100%  81.7%
61.22
 Tv = 1.784 – 0.933 log10(100 – U) Dense land
Cv  t
 0.608 = 0.3  118  8.488 
d2 H =  10  log10  
1  0.7  118 
0.608  H 2 0.608  102
 t=  sec H = 0.05326 m
0.003  104 0.003  104
H  53.236 mm
 t = 202666667 sec.
23. Solution:
 t = 6.43 years
Gw = Se
Therefore additional number of years required
are e = 0.675

= 6.43 – 2 = 4.43 years G + e

Vsat = γ w   γw
21. Solution: 1+e 
Settlement of clay layer is given by
 2.7 + 0.675  3
Cc H      = 10   = 20.15kN/m
H = log10  0   1.675 
1 e   
0.6    0  σ0 at the centre of clay
  4log10  0 
1  1.3  0 
= 0.314 m = 314 mm = 1 × 17 + 0.5 ×  20.15 - 10 

22. Solution: 53.236 = 22.075 kN/m2

Settlement Applied load intensity
Cc H o      = 2.5 × 20
log  o 
H = 1  e () = 50 kN/m2
o  o 
At level A-A Final effective stress at the end of consolidation
at centre of clay;
o = 15 × 2 + (18 – 10) × 6 + (18 – 10) × 5
σ1  σ0  
o = 118kN/m2
= 22.075 + 50 = 72.075 kN/m2
1500
 o =  8.438 kN/m2
 / 4(3  6  6) 2
Preconsolidation pressure σc  
 64 GATE Previous Solved Questions
= 60KPa H = Drainage Path

Preconsolidation pressure lies between σ0 and σ1 It is the case of single drainage path with draining
only in upward direction.
Hence, consolidation takes place partly in OC H = 3m or 3000 mm
state and partly in NC state.
CV = 3mm2/min.
The ultimate consolidation settlement, Sf
Tv = 0.85
HC r  σ  HC c σ 
Sf = log10  C  + log10  1  mm 2
1+e0   σ  3 ×t  min 
 σ 0  1+e0  c min
0.85=
3000mm×3000mm
1×0.05  60  1×0.5  72.075 
Sf = log10  + log10  
1.675  22.075  1.675  60  3000×3000×0.85
t  min  =
3
Sf = 0.3677m
= 36.77mm t = 25,50,000 minutes.

24. Ans. (b) 25,50,000

or days
60×24

t=1770.833 days

rounded to the nearest integer

10m
= 1771 days.
γsat  16 kN / m3 26. Ans. (d)
 c  90 kPa Dupuit’s formula for Gravely well or unconfined
acquifer case

Over consolidation Ratio

σc

σ

σ = 10 × (16 - 10) πK  d 2 -h 2w 
Q=
= 10 × 6 = 60 kN/m3 R
2.3log10  
OCR =
90
= 1.5  rw 
60
K = coefficient of permeability
25. Ans. (1771)
d = saturated thickness of the aquifer
Time factor is defined as
Q = discharge
CV t R = radius of influence
TV =
H2
rw = radius of main pump well
CV = Coefficient of Consolidation
27. Ans. (0.49)
t = time required for consolidation
TV = Time factor
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
65

Δe U12 Tv1
Compression Index ec = 
σ  U 22 Tv 2
log  1 
 σ0 
U12 t1
 (tut)
e = 1.2 - 0.6 = 0.6 U 22 t 2
σ1 =800, σ 2 =50
U12 4

1.2-0.6 0.6 U 22 9
 Cc = =
 800  log16
log   (0.25) 2 4
 50  
U 22 9
0.6 U2 = 0.375
= =0.4982
1.204
Settlement in 9 years = 0.375  total settlement
28. Ans. (417.4) = 0.375 40
Given, initial void ratio e0 = 0.55 = 15 mm
Initial effective normal stress σ1 =140kPa 30. Ans. (18.8)

Compression index Cc = 0.25 Δσ=2×20=40kN/m 2

Final void ratio ef = 0.4 ΔH=m V ΔσH

Increase in effective normal stress = 2.2 ´ 10-4 ´ 40 ´ 10 ´ 103mm
= 88mm
σ1 =140kPa
C×t 9×10-2 ×10
Tv = = =0.036
Δe H2 52
Since C c =
 σ +Δσ 
log10  1  π
 σ1  Tv = U 2
4

0.036×4
  U= =0.214
 0.55-0.4  π
0.25=  
  140+Δσ   Dh after 10 years = 0.214 ´ 88 = 18.832mm
 log10  140  
   31. Ans. (0.82)
Oedometer reading = 2.1mm
  = 417.35kPa 16mm thick, ef = 0.62
29. Ans. (15mm)
ΔH Δe e 0 -ef
= =
Settlement in 4 years H 0 1+e 0 1+e 0
In 4 years V1 =
total settlement
2.1mm e0 -0.62
=
10 19mm 1+e 0
= =0.25
40
e0 = 0.82
Now In 9 years
 66 GATE Previous Solved Questions
32. Ans. (74.27)

For clay layer,

 G+e 
γ sat =   γw
 1+e 

 2.65+e  3
 10=17kN/m
 1+e 
e0 = 1.357
1. H0 = 1.5m

2.  σ0 c-c = [2gd + 0.5gsat + 0.75gsat] – 1.25gw

= (2 ´ 15 + 0.5 ´ 18 + 0.75 ´ 17) – 1.25 ´ 10
= 39.25kN/m2
33.

Force qB2
Δσ= =
Area  B+2nZ 2

200×2×2
= 2
=56.88kN/m 2
 1 
 2+2× ×1.75 
 2 
34.

H0CC  σ +Δσ 
ΔH= log  0 
1+e 0  σ0 
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
67

1.5  0.3  39.25  56.88 

 log  
1  1.357  39.25 
= 74.27mm
35. Ans. (a)
Stress is increased suddenly; hence entire change will be taken by water σ=ΔU=100kPa .
There will be no change in effective stress
σ=50kPa
36. Ans. (1.22)

σc
OCR=
σ0

σ c = Pre-consolidation stress

σ 0 = Present effective stress

σ c = 17.5 ´ 10 + (18.5 – 9.81) ´ 5 + (17 – 9.81) ´ 4

= 247.21kN/m2
σ 0 = 17.5 ´ 5 + (18.5 – 9.81) ´ 10 + (17 – 9.81) ´ 4
= 203.16kN/m2

247.21
OCR= =1.22
203.16
37. Ans. (0.33)
Primary consolidation settlement

CcH  σ +Δσ 
ΔH= log10  0 
1+e0  σ0 

σ 0  σ = Effective stress at the center of clay layer after embankment loading

= 180 kN/m2
= Effective stress at the center of clay layer before embankment loading
gsub of clay layer,
= 7.383kN/m3
= (18.5 ´ 2) + (7.383) ´ 3
= 59.149kN/m2
= 0.33m
38. Ans. (0.095)
(is same for both M and N)
 68 GATE Previous Solved Questions
39. Ans. (b)
40. Ans. (a)
For normally consolidated soil, OCR = 1
For quick clay, Sensitivity > 16
For sand in critical state, Dilation angle is zero.
For clay of high plasticity, wL > 50.
41. Ans. (1736)

t
 Tv 50% =Cv (from lab)
d2

π 10min
 0.5 2 =Cv × 2
4  25 -3 
 ×10 
 2 

π 2 2
 0.5  × 12.5×10-3 
Cv = 4 … (i)
10

t
 Tv 25% =C v (from field)
d2
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
69

π 2 t
 0.25  =Cv 2 … (ii)
4 12.5
Since the soil is same, therefore Cv is same
From equation (i) and (ii),

π 2 2

π  0.5  × 12.5×10-3  t
 0.25 = 4
2
× 2
4 10 12.5 
t = 2500000min = 1736 days
42. Ans. (50)
We know degree of consolidation,
Initial excess pore water pressure,
ui = 100 kPa
initial total stress,
s = 150kPa
Initial effective stress,
s’0 = s - u = 150 – 25 = 125kPA
Total stress after construction of building
= 150 + 100 = 250kPa
When the vertical effective stress at P is 175kPa, the change in effective stress is 175 – 125 = 50kPa,
so during this, the change in pore water pressure is
Ds = Ds’ + Du
Þ (250 – 150) = (175 – 125) + Du
Þ Du = 50kPa


 70 GATE Previous Solved Questions

9
COMPACTION
1. Compaction of an embankment is carried out in 500 mm thick layers. The rammer used for compaction
has a foot area of 0.05 sq.m and the energy imparted in every drop of rammer is 400 Nm. Assuming
50% more energy in each pass over the compacted area due to overlap, the number of passes required
to develop, compactive energy equivalent to Indian Standard light compaction for each layer would be
(a) 10 (b) 16 (c) 20 (d) 26
[2 Marks : GATE-2003]
3
2. A clayey soil has a maximum dry density of 16 kN/m and optimum moisture content of 12%. A contractor
during the construction of core of an earth dam obtained the dry density 15.2kN/m3 and water content
11%. This construction is acceptable because.
(a) the density is less than the maximum dry density and water content is on dry side of optimum.
(b) the compaction density is very low and water content is less than 12%,
(c) the compaction is done on the dry side of the optimum
(d) both the dry density and water content of the compacted soil are within the desirable limits

[1 Mark : GATE-2005]
3. In a standard proctor test, 1.8 kg of moist soil was filling the mould (volume = 944 cc) after compaction.
A soil sample weighing 23 g was taken from the mould and oven dried for 24 hours at a temperature of
110°C. Weight of the dry sample was found to be 20 g. Specific gravity of soil solids is G = 2.7. The
theoretical maximum volume of the dry unit weight of the soil at that water content is equal to
(a) 4.67 kN/m3 (b) 11.5kN/m3 (c) 16.26 kN/m3 (d) 18.85 kN/m3
[2 Marks : GATE-2006]
4. Compaction by vibratory roller is the best method of compaction in case of
(a) moist slity sand (b) well graded dry sand
(c) clay ol medium compressibility (d) silt of high compressibility
[1 Mark : GATE-2008]
5. In a compaction test, G, w, S and e represent the specific gravity, water content, degree of saturation and
void ratio of the soil sample, respectively. If w represents the unit weight of water and d represents the
dry unit weight of the soil, the equation for zero air voids line is

G w G w Gw Gw
(a)  d  (b)  d  (c)  d  1   S (d)  d 
1  Se 1  Gw w 1  Se
[1 Mark : GATE-2010]
6. Two series of compaction tests were performed in the laboratory on an inorganic clayey soil employing
two different levels of compaction energy per unit volume of soil. With regard to the above tests, the
following two statements are made.
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & CivilFoundation Engg.
71
(i) The optimum moisture content is expected to be more for the tests with higher energy.
(ii) The maximum dry density is expected to be more for the tests with higher energy.
The CORRECT option evaluating the above statements is
(a) Only (i) is TRUE (b) Only (ii) is TRUE
(c) Both (i) and (ii) are TRUE (d) Neither (i) nor (ii) is TRUE
[1 Mark : GATE-2012]
7. Following statements are made on compacted soils, wherein DS stands for the soils compacted on dry
side of optimum moisture content and WS stands for the soils compacted on wet side of optimum moisture
content. Identify the incorrect statement.
(a) Soil structure is flocculated on DS and dispersed on WS.
(b) Construction pore water pressure is low on DS and high on WS.
(c) On drying, shrinkage is high on DS and low on WS.
(d) On access to water, swelling is high on DS and low on WS.
[1 Mark : GATE-2013]
8. OMC-SP and MDD-SP denote the optimum moisture content and maximum dry density obtained from
standard Proctor compaction test, respectively. OMC-MP and MDD-MP denote the optimum moisture
content and maximum dry density obtained from the modified Proctor compaction test, respectively. Which
one of the following is correct ?
(a) OMC - SP < OMC - MP and MDD - SP < MDD - MP
(b) OMC - SP > OMC - MP and MDD - SP < MDD - MP
(c) OMC - SP < OMC - MP and MDD - SP > MDD - MP
(d) OMC - SP > OMC - MP and MDD - SP > MDD - MP
[2 Mark : GATE-2016]
9. Let G be the specific gravity of soil solids, w the water content in the soil sample, w the unit weight of
water, and d the dry unit weight of the soil. The equation for the zero air voids line in a compaction test
plot is

Gγ w Gγ w Gw Gw
(a) γ d = (b) γ d = (c) γ d = 1+γ (d) γd =
1-γ w
1+Gw Gw w

[1 Mark : GATE-2017]
10. A soil has specific gravity of its solids equal to 2.65. The mass density of water is 1000 kg/m3. Considering
zero air voids and 10% moisture content of the soil sample, the dry density (in kg/m3, round off to 1 decimal
place) would be______
[1 Mark : GATE-2019]
 72 GATE Previous Solved Questions
11. With reference to the compaction test conducted on soils, which of the following is INCORRECT?
(a) Peak point of the compaction curve gives the maximum dry unit weight and optimum moisture content
(b) With increase in the compaction effort, the maximum dry unit weight increases
(c) With increase in the compaction effort, the optimum moisture content decreases
(d) Compaction curve crosses the zero-air-voids curve
[2023: 2M, Set-I]

Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
73

SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
1. Ans. (d) = 18.85 kN/m2
IS light compaction test recommends the 4. Ans. (b)
following: Compaction by vibratory roller – well graded dry
weight of hammer sand
= 2.6 kg = 2.6 × 9.81 N 5. Ans. (b)
Height of fall = 31cm = 0.31m Dry unit weight,
Number of blows = 25 G s  G
d   s 
Number of layers = 3 1  e 1  wG
Total energy imparted in IS light compaction S
test: For zero air void line, degree of saturation =
= 2.6 × 9.81 × 0.31 × 25 × 3 100%
= 593 Joules/ 1 lit = 593 KJ/m3 i.e., S=I
The volume of soil influenced by the rammer G w
d 
= 0.05 × 0.5 = 0.025m3 1  Gw
6. Ans. (b)
Energy imparted per blow in the data given
400
=  16000 J m3 = 16kJ/m3
0.025
Net energy imparted due to overlap effect per Dry unit
weight Higher energy
each blow
= 16 × 1.5 = 24 KJ/m3 Lesser Energy
Number of passes required to develop energy OMC2 OMC1
equivalent to IS light compaction test water content %
593kJ Optimum moisture content decreases as the
= 24.7nos compactive effort (energy increases, compaction
24kJ
Nearest answer is 26nos. curve shifts to the top and left, however maximum
dry density is more for test with higher energy.)
2. Ans. (d)
Relative compaction 7. Ans. (c)
 d field The more the loss of water, the more the
=   100 = 5.2  100  95% shrinkage. On DS the available w.c is relatively
d max, lab 16 less and hence there will be low shrinkage. Hence
Relative compaction of the order of 90 to 95% option ‘C’ is wrong.
is acceptable. 8. Ans (b)
3. Ans. (d)
Theoretical maximum dry density, MDD - MP
G. w
 d max,th =
1  .G
MDD - SP
Ww Dry
Water content, w = W Density
d
23  20
=  0.15
20 OMC - MP OMC - SP
2.7  9.81
  d max,th =
1  0.15  2.7
 74 GATE Previous Solved Questions
9. Ans. (a) 10. Ans. (2094.8kg/m3 )
The dry unit weight can be related to water
G
content and degree of Saturation. d  G = 2.65, w = 1000 kg/m3
1 e
Gγ w Gγ w Also S = 1 at W < 0.1
γd = =
1+e 1+ wG
S WG = Se
e = 0.1  G = 0.265
For a given moisture content, max. dry unit weight
is obtained when no air voids are left. When 2.65  1000
zero air voids are achieved at a particular moisture d   2094.8kg / m 3
1.265
content degree of Saturation becomes 1. Hence,
at various moisture content zero air void density 11. Ans. (d)
can be achieved by putting S = 1
Zero air void line do not cross compaction
Gγ w curve.
Therefore, γ d =
1+wG
When this is plotted, we get zero air void line.

Alternatively,
d Can also be calculated as

1-n a  Gγ w
γd =
1+wG
na = Percentage air voids
For zero air voids, na = 0

Gγ w
Hence, γ d =
1+wG
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
75

SOLUTIONS
10
SHEAR STRENGTH
1. The following two statement are made with respect to different sand samples having the same relative
density. Identify if they are TRUE or FLASE.
I. Poorly graded sands will have lower friction angle than the well graded sand.
II. The particle size has no influence on the friction angle of sand.
(a) II is TRUE but I is FALSE (b) Both are FALSE statements.
(c) Both are TRUE statements. (d) I is TRUE but II is FALSE.
[1 Mark : GATE-2001]
2. A CU triaxial compression test was performed on saturated sand at a cell pressure of 100 kPa. The
ultimate deviator stress was 350 kPa and the pore pressure at the peak stress was 40 kPa (suction).
Estimate the total and effective stress shear strength parameters.
[2 Marks : GATE-2001]
3. Referring to consolidated-undrained (C-U) triaxial compression tests, sketch the total stress and the
corresponding effective stress Mohr circles along with failure envelopes for the following soils.
(i) normally consolidated clays
(ii) over consolidated clays
Clearly mark the total stress and the effective stress shear strength parameter on the figure. With respect
to the slope stability analysis of embankments, when are the total and effective stress parameters used.
[5 Marks : GATE-2001]
4. If the effective stress strength parameters of a soil are c = 10 kPa and  = 30°, the shear strength
on a plane within the saturated soil mass at a point where the total normal stress is 300 kPa and pore
water pressure is 150 kPa will be
(a) 90.5 kPa (b) 96.6 kPa (c) 101.5 kPa (d) 105.5 kPa
[2 Marks : GATE-2002]
5. In a triaxial test carried out on a cohesionless soil sample with a cell pressure of 20 kPa, the observed
value of applied deviator stress at the point of failure was 40 kPa. The angle of internal friction of the
soil is
(a) 10º (b) 15º (c) 25° (d) 30°
[2 Marks : GATE-2002]
6. The undrained cohesion of a remoulded clay soil is 10kN/m2. If the sensitivity of the clay is 20, the
corresponding remolded compressive strength is
(a) 5 kN/m2 (b) 10 kN/m2 (c) 20 kN/m2 (d) 200 kN/m2
[1 Mark : GATE-2004]
7. In an undrained triaxial test on a saturated clay, the Poisson’s ratio is.
 76 GATE Previous Solved Questions

3 3  1  3   1  3 
(a)  1  3  (b)  1  3  (c) (d)
3 3

[1 Mark : GATE-2004]
8. For a triaxial shear test conducted on a sand specimen at a confining pressure of 100kN/m2 under drained
conditions, resulted in a deviator stress at failure of 100kN/m2. The angle of shearing resistant of the soil
would be
(a) 18.43° (b) 19.47° (c) 26.56° (d) 30º
[2 Marks : GATE-2005]
9. A sample of saturated cohesionless soil tested in a drained triaxial compression test showed an angle of
internal friction of 30°. The deviatoric stress at failure for the sample at a confining pressure of 200 kPa
is equal to
(a) 200 kPa (b) 400 kPa (c) 600 kPa (d) 800 kPa
[2 Marks : GATE-2006]
10. A clay soil sample is tested in triaxial apparatus in consolidated-drained condition at a cell pressure of
100kN/m2. What will be the pore water pressure at a deviator stress of 40 kN/m2 ?
(a) 0 kN/m2 (b) 20 kN/m2 (c) 40 kN/m2 (d) 60 kN/m2
[1 Mark : GATE-2007]
11. A direct shear test was conducted on a cohesion-less soil (c = 0) specimen under a normal stress of 200
kN/m2. The specimen failed at a shear stress of 100 kN/m2. The angle of internal friction of the soil
(degrees) is
(a) 26.6 (b) 29.5 (c) 30.0 (d) 32.6
[2 Marks : GATE-2008]
12. For a sample of dry, cohesionless soil with friction angle, , the failure plane will be inclined to the major
principal plane by an angle equal to
(a)  (b) 45° (c) 45° – /2 (d) 45° + /2
[1 Mark : GATE-2011]
13. A field vane shear testing instrument (shown alongside) was inserted completely into a deposit of soft,
saturated silty clay with the vane rod vertical such that the top of the blades were 500 mm below the
ground surface. Upon application of a rapidly increasing torque about the vane rod, the soil was found
to fail when the torque reached 4.6 Nm. Assuming mobilization of undrained shear strength on all failure
surfaces to be uniform and the resistance mobilized on the surface of the vane rod to be negligible, what
would be the peak undrained shear strength (rounded off to the nearest integer value of kPa) of the soil?
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
77
Top view (plan)
Torque

Vane rod
Vane blade Torque

Vane rod

15mm
100mm

Elevation
50mm
(a) 5 kPa (b) 10 kPa (c) 15 kPa (d) 20 kPa
[2 Marks : GATE-2011]
14. The effective stress friction angle of a saturated cohesionless soil is 38°. The ratio of shear stress to
normal effective stress on the failure plane is
(a) 0.781 (b) 0.6 16 (c) 0.488 (d) 0.438
[1 Mark : GATE-2012]
15. For a saturated cohesive soil, a triaxial test yields the angle of internal friction () as zero. The conducted
test is
(a) Consolidated Drained (CD) test (b) Consolidated Undrained (CU) test
(c) Unconfined Compression (UC) test (d) Unconsolidated Undrained (UU) test
[1 Mark : GATE-2014]
16. Group I contains representative load-settlement curves for different modes of bearing capacity failures
of sandy soil. Group II enlists the various failure characteristics. Match the load-settlement curves with
the corresponding failure characteristics.

Load

J K L

Settlement

Group I Group II
P. Curve J 1. No apparent heaving of soil around the footing
Q. Curve K 2. Rankine’s passive zone develops imperfectly
R. Curve L 3. Well defined slip surface extends to ground surface
(a) P - 1, Q - 3, R - 2 (b) P - 3, Q - 2, R - 1
(c) P - 3, Q - 1, R - 2 (d) P - 1, Q - 2, R - 3
[2 Marks : GATE-2014]
 78 GATE Previous Solved Questions
17. Stress path equation for tri-axial test upon application of deviatoric stress is. q = 10 3  0.5 p The
respective values of cohesion, c (in kPa) and angle of internal friction.  are:
(a) 20 and 20o (b) 20 and 30o (c) 30 and 30o (d) 30 and 20o
[2 Marks : GATE-2015]
18. Which of the following statements is NOT correct?
(a) Loose sand exhibits contractive behavior upon shearing
(b) Dense sand when sheared under undrained condition, may lead to generation of negative pore
pressure
(c) Black cotton soil exhibits expansive behavior
(d) Liquefaction is the phenomenon where cohesionless soil near the downstream side of dams or sheet-
piles loses its shear strength due to high upward hydraulic gradient
[1 Mark : GATE-2015]
19. In an unconsolidated undrained triaxial test, it is observed that an increase in cell pressure from 150 kPa
to 250 kPa leads to a pore pressure increase of 80 kPa. It is further observed that, an increase of 50
kPa in deviatoric stress results in an increase of 25 kPa in the pore pressure. The value of Skempton’s-
pore pressure parameter B is:
(a) 0.5 (b) 0.625 (c) 0.8 (d) 1.0
[1 Mark : GATE-2015]
20. A drained triaxial compression test on a saturated clay yielded the effective shear strength parameters
as c = 15 kPa and  = 22. Consolidated Undrained triaxial test on an identical sample of this clay at
a cell pressure of 200 kPa developed a pore water pressure of 150kPa at failure. The deviator stress
(expressed in kPa) at failure is___

[2 Marks : GATE-2016]
21. In the consolidated undrained triaxial test on a saturated soil sample, the pore water pressure is zero
(a) during shearing stage only
(b) at the end of consolidation stage only
(c) both at the end of consolidation and during shearing stages
(d) under none of the above conditions
[1 Marks : GATE-2016]
22. Consider the following statements related to the pore pressure parameters, A and B:
P. A always lies between 0 and 1.0
Q. A can be less than 0 or greater than 1.0
R. B always lies between 0 and 1.0
S. B can be less than 0 or greater than 1.0
For these statements, which one of the following options is correct?
(a) P and R (b) P and S (c) Q and R (d) Q and S
[1 Mark : GATE-2017]
 Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg. 79
23. A soil sample is subjected to a hydrostatic pressure, . The Mohr circle for any point in the soil sample
would be
(a) a circle of radius  and center at the origin
(b) a circle of radius  and center at distance  from the origin
(c) a point at a distance  from the origin
(d) a circle of diameter  and center at the origin
[1 Mark : GATE-2017]

24.  
A consolidated undrained CU triaxial compression test is conducted on a normally consolidated clay at
a confining pressure of 100 kPa. The deviator stress at failure is 80 kPa, and the pore-water pressure
measured at failure is 50 kPa. The effective angle of internal friction (in degrees, up to one decimal place)
of the soil is_______
[2 Marks : GATE-2017]
25. The compression curve (void ratio, e vs, effective stress, σ'v ) for a certain clayey soil is a straight line in a
semi-logarithmic plot and it passes through the points (e = 1.2; σ'v =50kPa) and (e = 0.6, σ'v =800kPa). The
compression index (up to two decimal places) of the soil is______
[2 Marks : GATE-2018]
26. The total horizontal and vertical stresses at a point X in a saturated sandy medium are 170kPa and 300kPa,
respectively. The static pore-water pressure is 30kPa. At failure, the excess pore-water pressure is measured
to be 94.50kPa, and the shear stresses on the vertical and horizontal planes passing through the point X are
zero. Effective cohesion is 0 kPa and effective angle of internal friction is 360. The shear strength (in kPa, up
to two decimal places) at point X is______
[2 Marks : GATE-2018]
27. A conventional drained triaxial compression test was conducted on a normally consolidated clay sample under
an effective confining pressure of 200kPa. The deviator stress at failure was found to be 400kPa. An identical
specimen of the same clay sample is isotropically consolidated to a confining pressure of 200kPa and subjected
to standard undrained triaxial compression test. If the deviator stress at failure is 150kPa, the pore pressure
developed (in kPa, up to one decimal place) is______
[2 Marks : GATE-2018]
28. A 3m  3m square precast reinforced concrete segments to be installed by pushing them through an
existing railway embakment for making an underpass as shown in the figure. A reaction arrangement using
precast PCC blocks placed on the ground is to be made for the jacks.
 80 GATE Previous Solved Questions
At each stage, the jacks are required to apply a force of 1875 kN to push the segment. The jacks will react
against the rigid steel plate placed against the reaction arrangement. The footprint area of reaction
arrangement on natural ground is 37.5m2. The unit weight of PCC block is 24 kN/m3. THe properties of the
natural ground are: c = 17 kPa; and = 18 kN/m3. Assuming that the reaction arrangement has
rough interface and has the same properties that of soil, the factor of safety (round off to 1 decimal place)
against shear failure is______
[2 Marks : GATE-2019]

29. In a drained tri-axial compression test, a sample of sand fails at deviator stress of 150kPa under confining
pressure of 50kPa. The angle of internal friction (in degree, round off to the nearest integer) of the
sample, is______
[2020: 1M, Set-I]

30. The total stress paths corresponding to different loading conditions, for a soil specimen under the
isotopically consolidated stress state (O), are shown below:

The correct match between the stress paths and the listed loading conditions, is
(a) OP-I, OQ-II, OR-IV, OS-III (b) OP-III, OQ-II, OR-I, OS-IV
(c) OP-IV, OQ-III, OR-I, OS-II (d) OP-I, OQ-III, OR-II, OS-IV
[2020: 2M, Set-I]
31. Based on drained triaxial shear tests on sands and clays, the representative variations of volumetric strain
(V/V) with the shear strain () is shown in the figure.
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
81

Choose the correct option regarding the representative behaviors exhibited by Curve P and Curve Q.
(a) Curve P represents loose sand and normally consolidated clay, while Curve Q represents dense sand
and over consolidated clay.
(b) Curve P represents loose sand and over consolidated clay, while Curve Q represents dense sand and
normally consolidated clay
(c) Curve P represents dense sand and over consolidated clay while Curve Q represents loose sand and
normally consolidated clay
(d) Curve P represents dense sand and normally consolidated clay, while Curve Q represents loose sand
and over consolidated clay
[2021: 2M, Set-I]
32. The most appropriate triaxial test to assess the long-term stability of an excavated clay slope is
(a) consolidated undrained test (b) unconsolidated undrained test
(c) unconfined compression test (d) consolidated drained test
[2021: 1M, Set-II]
33. In a triaxial unconsolidated undrained (UU) test on a saturated clay sample, the cell pressure was 100kPa.
If the deviatoric stress at failure was 150kPa, then the undrained shear strength of the soil is______ kPa.
(in integer)
[2022: 2M, Set-II]
34. Match the following in Column X with Column Y:
Column-X
P. In a triaxial compression test, with increase of axial strain in loose sand under drained shear condition,
the volumetric strain
Q: In a triaxial compression test, with increase of axial strain in loose sand under undrained shear
condition, the excess pore water pressure
R: In a triaxial compression test, the pore pressure parameter “B” for a saturated soil clay, Terzaghi’s
bearing capacity factor (Nq) due to surcharge
 82 GATE Previous Solved Questions
Column-Y:
I. decreases II. Increase III. Remains same IV. Is always 0.0
V. is always 0.5
Which one of the following combinations is correct?
(a) (P)-(I), (Q)-(II), (R)-(V), (S)-(VI) (b) (P)-(I), (Q)-(III), (R)-(VI), (S)-(IV)
(c) (P)-(I), (Q)-(I), (R)-(IV), (S)-(V) (d) (P)-(I), (Q)-(II), (R)-(V), (S)-(V)
[2022: 1M, Set-II]
35. A drained direct shear test was carried out on a sandy soil. Under a normal stress of 50kPa, the test
specimen failed at a shear stress of 3kPa. The angle of internal friction of the sample is________ degree
(round off to the nearest integer)
[2023: 1M, Set-I]
36. An unconfined compression strength test was conducted on a cohesive soil. The test specimen failed at an
axial stress of 76kPa. The undrained cohesion (in kPa, in integer) of the soil is_________
[2023: 1M, Set-II]
37. In the given figure, Point O indicates the stress point of a soil element at initial non-hydrostatic stress
condition. For the stress path (OP), which of the following loading conditions is correct?

(a) v is increasing and h is constant (b) v is constant and h is increasing

(c) v is increasing and h is decreasing (d) v is decreasing and h is increasing
[2023: 2M, Set-II]
38. A consolidated drained (CD) triaxial test was carried out on a sand sample with the known effective shear
strength parameters, c’ = 0 and ’ = 30. In the test, prior to the failure, when the sample was undergoing
axial compression under constant cell pressure, the drainage valve was accidentally closed. At the failure,
360kPa deviatoric stress was recorded along with 70kPa pore water pressure. If the test is repeated
without such error, and no back pressure is applied in either of the tests, what is the deviatoric stress (in
kPa, in integer) at the failure___________?
[2023: 2M, Set-II]
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
83

SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
1. Ans. (d) CU test on NCC (effective stresses)
f
2. Solution:
Failure envelope
Given: 3 = 100 kPa;

d = 350 kPa,
u
u = –40 kPa
Cu
To find total stress shear strength parameters 
3 1
(Cu and u) :
CU test on OCC (Total stress)
Cu = 0 for sand f
2 u  Failure envelope
 1 = 3 . tan  45  
 2 
2 u 
100  350  = 100 tan  45   
 2 
 u = 39.52º C

3 1
To find effective stress shear strength parameters
CU test on OCC (effective stress)
(C' and ) :
C1 = 0 for sand In the case of slope stability analysis, the total
stress parameters (Cu and u) are used for short
1 2 1 
 11 = 3 tan  45   term stability analysis of clays. Where as the
 2
effective stress parameters (C and ) are used
2   for highly permeable soils (sands and gravel) and
 3   d  u  =  3 
  u tan 

45 
2

also for long term stability analysis of clays. In
100  350   40   other words, for undrained conditions, the total
 stress parameters are used and for drained
2
= 100   40   tan  45   conditions the effective stress parameters are
 2
used.
1 = 33.75º
4. Ans. (b)
3. Solution: The shear strength in terms of effective stress is
f
S = C1   tan 1
Failure envelope
= C1     u  tan 1 = 10   300  150  tan 30
= 96.6 kN/m2

Cu = 0
u 5. Ans. (d)

3 1 Given : 3 = 20 kN/m2
CU test on NCC (Total stress)
f d = 40 kN/m2
Failure envelope For cohesionless soils,
2 
1 = 1 tan  45  
 2
|
C= 0 u  
 
 (20 + 40) = 20 tan  45  
 3  1  2
 84 GATE Previous Solved Questions
 = 30º f = C   n tan 
6. Ans. (c) 100 = 0  200 tan 
Cu = 10 kN/m2,
 = 26.56º
Compressive strengths,
12. Ans. (d)
qu = 2CU = 20 kN/m2 .
(Sensitivity is not required in the present problem) For cohesionless soil, c = 0
Normal to
7. Ans. (a) failure plane Failure plane
8. Ans. (b)
11 = 100 kN/m2
1d = 100 kN/m2 (90+)
 Normal to major
11 = 13  1d  200 kN m 2 3 1 principal plane
For drained condition, Angle between major principal plane and failure
C1 = 0 for sands plane = f
from Mohr circle, 2qf = 90 + f
 11 = 13 tan 2 1f  2c tan 11

f  45 
 200 = 100 tan 2 f 2

 13. Ans. (b)


where  f =  45   T = 4.6 N-m
 2
 f = 54.73º d = 50mm = 0.05m
H = 100 mm = 0.1 m
1 = 19.47º
For both face; involving in shear,
9. Ans. (b)
2 H d
1 T = d C u   
C =0  2 6

1 = 30º 2  0.1 0.05 

4.6 =   0.05  C u  
 2 6 
13 = 200 kPa Cu = 10045 N/m2
1 2  1  = 10.045 kN/m2 = 10 kPa
11 = 3 tan  45  
 2 14. Ans. (a)
2 30 
11 = 200 tan  45   f =  tan 
 2 
= 600 kPa f
= tan 
1d = 11  13  400 kPa

= tan 38º = 0.781
10. Ans. (a)
15. Ans. (d)
In consolidated-drained test, no pore pressure
Saturated cohesive soil : Unconsolidated undrained
develops.
test is used for completely saturated cohesive
11. Ans. (a) soil. In this test, no drainage is permitted during
the first state as well as the second state.
C = 0,
16. Ans. (a)
 n = 200 KN/m2
P–1 Q–3 R–2
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
85
 3 = 200kPa u = 150 kPa
Load
σ3 = 200 - 150 = 50kPa

 '  '
Settlement
 
σ1  σ3 tan 2  45    2C' tan  45  
 2  2
J K
L
 22   22 
 50 tan 2  45    2  15 tan  45  
 2   2 

= 154.377 kPa
K = General share failure
L = Local shear failure σ1 = σ1 - u
J = Runching shear failure 154.377 =  - 150
17. Ans. (b)   = 304.377 kPa
Stress path equation      d
304.377 = 200 + d
1 2 1  2
= Ccos   sin 
2 2 σ d = 104.37 kPa

q = 10 3  0.5P 21. Ans. (b)

22. Ans. (c)
C cos  = 10 3 Pore Pressure coefficients are used to express
the response of Pore water pressure to change
q in total stress under undrained condition.
B U = B [ + A (  )]
U = B + AB (  )
Let U = U1 + U2
U1 = B 
P
ΔU1
B=
sin  = 0.5   = 30° Δσ3
C = 20 kN/m2 U1 = Change in Pore water pressure due to an
C = 20 increase in cell pressure.
 = 30  For fully saturated soil, change in total stress
18. Ans. (d) is equal to change in total stress is equal to change
Liquefaction happens due to frequent reversal in pore water pressure. Hence, value of B is 1.
of load stresses on soil, i.e., due to cyclic load For completely dry soil, change in total stress
application, not due to high hydraulic gradient. is equal to change in effective stress. Hence,
19. Ans. (c) change in pore water pressure is equal to zero.
Therefore, value of B is zero.
u 80
B=   100  0.8 Therefore, the value of B ranges from zero to 1.
3
U2 = Change in pore pressure due to increase
20. Solution: in deviator stress (  )
C = 15 kPa,  = 22 It is determined experimentally that value of A
 86 GATE Previous Solved Questions
may be as large as 2 to 3 for very loose saturated
fine sand & It can be -0.5 to 0 for heavily over
consolidated clays.
Hence, value of A can be less than 1 or It can
be greater than 1.
23. Ans. (c)
’

AC 40
sin'= 
OC 90
sin = 0.444
  = 26.40
 Effective angle of internal friction = 26.40
25. Ans. (0.49)

Δe
Compression Index ec =
σ 
log  1 
 σ0 

So, the Mohr Circle of the soil sample is a point e = 1.2 - 0.6 = 0.6
(of zero radius) at a distance  from the origin.
σ1 =800, σ 2 =50
24. Ans. (26.40)
To determine the effective angle of internal 1.2-0.6 0.6
friction, we have to use effective stress shear  Cc = =
 800  log16
strength parameters i.e, C &  log  
 50 
For Normally Consolidated Clay, C = 0
Confining Pressure (c) = 100 kPa 0.6
= =0.4982
Deviator stress at failure (a) = 80 kPa 1.204
Major stress = c + a = 180 kPa 26. Ans. (52.52)
Pore water pressure measured at failure
= 50 kPa
 Effective confining pressure ( σ c )
= 100 - 50 = 50 kPa
 Effective Major stress at failure ( σ1 )
= 180 - 50 = 130 kPa
Now, drawing the Mohr Circle
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
87

 σ +σ   σ v -σ n   
σn =  v n  + 2  cos2α  600=200 tan 2  45+   0
 2     2

 300+170   300-170     
 σn =   +  cos2α 3=tan 2  45+   tan  45+  = 3
 2   2   2  2

360 
α=450 + =630 45+  tan 1 3  60
2 2
 n = 196.79 kPa 
  60  45  15  =15×2=300
σ'n =σ n -u=196.279-  30+94.5  2
(b) Consolidation undrained test
σ'n =72.29N/mm2

=C+σ'n tan 
= 72.29 tan36 = 52.52N/mm2
27. Ans. (125)
This is the case of a normally consolidated clay
 (C = 0)
(a) Consolidated drained test

1 = 3 + d

2   
Now, σ1 =σ3 tan  45+  +2c tan  45+ 
 2  2

σ 3 =σ c -u=200-u, σ d =150kPa

Alos, σ1 =σ3 +σd =  200-u  +150

 σ1 =350-u

σ1 =σ 3 +σ d  
 (350 - u) = (200 - u) tan 2  45+  + 0
 2
d = 400kPa, σ 3 =200kPa
30
 σ1 =σ 3 +σ d  350 - u = (200 - u) tan 2  45+ 
 2 
= 200 + 400
= (200-u) tan2(600)
= 600kPa
= (200-u)3 = 600 - 3u
   ' 
Now, σ1 =σ3 tan 2  45+  +2c tan  45+   3u - u = 600 - 350
 2  2
 2u = 250
u = 125kPa
 88 GATE Previous Solved Questions
28. Ans. (1.9)

Shear Strength
F.O.S =
τ

C+ tan
=
τ
Now

1875 II. Compression unloading

τ= =50kN/m 2
37.5
Now

Shear strength = C+ tan

Weight of PCC
=
Area

7.5×375×24
= =168kN/m 2
37.5
III. Extension unloading
= 17 + 168 tan250
S = 95.34 KPa

S 95.34
F.O.S=   1.906  1.9
 50

29. Ans. (37)

Given: d = 150; 3 = 50; 1 = 200
For sand (C = 0);
  IV. Extension loading
 
σ1 =σ 3 tan 2  45   +2c tan  45  
 2  2

 
200  50 tan 2  45  
 2
 = 36.870
So, the angle of internal friction to the nearest
integer is 370.
30. Ans. (c)
I. Compression loading
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
89

31. Ans. (c)

32. Ans. (d)

33. Ans. (75)
Given: UU test for clay ( = 0),
d = 150kPa
3 = 100kPa
1 = 3 + d = 250kPa

2   
 σ1 =σ3 tan  45   +2C tan  45  
 2  2
 250 = 100 + 2C
 C = 75kPa
 Shear strength,
τ=C+σ n tan =75kPa
34. Ans. (d)
(P) Change in volume with axial strain

(Q) Change in pore water pressure with axial strain:

 90 GATE Previous Solved Questions
(R) Skempton parameter B value for saturated cohesive soil is 1.
(S) For clay, Nq = 1, Nc = 5.7 and N = 0
(  = 0)
35. Ans. (35)
Given, Normal stress, n = 50kPa
Shear stress,  = 35kPa
 = c + n tan
 35 = 50 tan
( c = 0, sandy soil)
 tan = 0.7
  = 350
36. Ans. (38)
 3 = 0 (UCS test)

2   
So, σ1 =σ 3 tan  45   +2c tan  45  
 2  2

 0 76
 76=2c tan  45+   c= =38MPa
 2 2
37. Ans. (a)

v
= Major principal stress
h = Minor principal stress

So, h is constant and v is increasing.

38. Ans. (500)

   
σ1 =σ3 tan 2  45   +2c' tan  45  
 2  2
 σ 3  σ 3  70
σ1  σ1  70  σ 3  σ d
-70 = (3 + 360 – 70)
 (3 + 360 – 70) = (3 – 70) tan (45 + 30/2) [c = 0]
 3 = 250kPa
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
91

Now, 1 = 3 tan2 (45 + /2) [ c = 0]

 (3 + d) = 3 tan2 (45 + 30/2)
 (250 + d) = 250  3
 d = 500kPa


 92 GATE Previous Solved Questions

SOLUTIONS
11
EARTH PRESSURE
1. A concrete gravity type retaining wall, shown below, retains granular soil having a friction angle of 35°
and dry and saturated unit weights of 16 kN/m3 and 20 kN/m3. The unit weight of concrete and water
are 24 kN/m3 and 10 kN/m3 respectively. The frictions factor at the base of the wall against lateral
sliding is 0.47. Calculate the following quantities for the retaining wall.
(i) Factor of safety against lateral sliding
(ii) Factor of safety against overturning, and

1m

Water
5m table
3m

3m
[5 Marks : GATE-2001]
2. A retaining wall with a stratified backfill and a surcharge load is shown in the following figure. Draw the
earth pressure diagram detailing the values at the critical points. Also estimate the resultant thrust on the
wall and its position
10kN/m3

XX
 = 15 kN/m3
3m  = 30º
C=0

3
 = 20 kN/m
3m  = 10º
C = 10 kPa

[5 Marks : GATE-2002]
3. A braced cut, 5 m wide and 7.5 m deep is proposed in a cohesionless soil deposit having effective
cohesion c = 0 and effective friction angle,  = 36°. The first row of struts is to be installed at a depth
of 0.5 m below ground surface and spacing between the struts should be 1.5 m. If the horizontal spacing
of struts is 3 m and unit weight of the deposit is 20 kN/m3, the maximum strut load will be
(a) 70.87 kN (b) 98.72 kN (c) 113.90 kN (d) 151.86kN
[2 Marks : GATE-2003]
4. An unsupported excavation is made to the maximum possible depth in a clay soil havingt = 18 kN/m3,
c = 100 kN/m2,  = 30°. The active earth pressure, according to Rankine’s theory, at the base level of
the excavation is
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
93
(a) 115.47 kN/m2 (b) 54.36 kN/m2 (c) 27.18 kN/m2 (d) 13 kN/m2
[2 Marks : GATE-2004]
5. A retaining wall of height 8 m retains dry sand. In the initial state, the soil is loose and has a void ratio
of 0.5, d =17.8 kN/m3 and  = 30°. Subsequently, the backfill is compacted to a state where void ratio
is 0.4, d = 18.8 kN/m 3 and
 = 35°. The ratio of initial passive thrust to the final passive thrust, according to Rankine’s earth pressure
theory, is
(a) 0.38 (b) 0.64 (c) 0.77 (d) 1.55
[2 Marks : GATE-2004]
6. A 3 m high retaining wall is supporting a saturated sand (saturated due to capillary action) of bulk density
18 kN/m and angle of shearing resistance 30°. The change in magnitude of active earth pressure at the
base due to rise in ground water table from the base of the footing to the ground surface shall
(w=10kN/m3)
(a) increase by 20 kN/m2 (b) decrease by 20 kN/m2
(c) increase by 30 kN/m2 (d) decrease by 30 kN/m2
[2 Marks : GATE-2005]
7. Figure given below shows a smooth vertical gravity retaining wall cohesion less soil backfill having an
angle of internal friction . In the graphical representation of Rankine’s active earth pressure for the
retaining wall shown in figure, length OP represents.

 
Mohr's
envelope

H Sand
P
 Ground
line

O 

(a) vertical stress at the base

(b) vertical stress at a height H/3 from the base
(c) lateral earth pressure at the base
(d) lateral earth pressure at a height H/3 from the base
[1 Mark : GATE-2006]
8. When a retaining wall moves away from the backfill, the pressure exerted on the wall is termed as
(a) passive earth pressure (b) swelling pressure
(c) pore pressure (d) active earth pressure
[1 Mark : GATE-2008]
9. If h, v, h and v represent the total horizontal stress, total vertical stress, effective horizontal stress
and effective vertical stress on a soil element, respectively, the coefficient of earth pressure at rest is given
by

h h v v
(a)  (b)  (c)  (d) 
v v h h

[1 Mark : GATE-2010]
10. A smooth rigid retaining wall moves as shown in the sketch causing the backfill material to fail. The
backfill material is homogeneous and isotropic, and obeys the Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion. The major
 94 GATE Previous Solved Questions
principal stress is
Initial wall Final wall
position position

Dry, granular,
cohesionless
backfill with
horizontal
top
surface

(a) parallel to the wall face and acting downwards

(b) normal to the wall face
(c) oblique to the wall face acting downwards
(d) oblique to the wall face acting upwards
[1 Mark : GATE-2012]
11. Two different soil types (soil 1 and soil 2) are used as backfill behind a retaining wall as shown in the
figure, where t is total unit weight, and c and  are effective cohesion and effective angle of shearing
resistance. The resultant active earth force per unit length (in kN/m) acting on the all is:

Retaining wall

Soil 1 :
2m


 t=15 kN/m;3 c=0; =  = 30º

Soil 2 :
2m

 
 t=20 kN/m;3 c=0; =  = 40º

(a) 31.7 (b) 35.2 (c) 51.8 (d) 57.0

[2 Marks : GATE-2013]
12. Surcharge loading required to be placed on the horizontal backfill of a smooth retaining vertical wall so
as to completely eliminate tensile crack is:

(a) 2 c (b) 2c k a (c) 2c k  (d) 2c/ k

[1 Mark : GATE-2015]
13. A6 m high retaining wall having a smooth vertical back face retains a layered horizontal backfill. Top
3m thick layer of the backfill is sand having an angle of internal friction f = 30° while the bottom layer
is 3 m thick clay with cohesion, c = 20 kPa. Assume unit weight for both sand and clay as 18 kN/m3.
The total active earth pressure per unit length of the wall (in kN/m) is:
(a) 150 (b) 216 (c) 156 (d) 196
[2 Marks : GATE-2015]
 Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil Foundation Engg. 95
14. A homogeneous gravity retaining wall supporting a cohesionless backfill is shown in the figure. The lateral
active earth pressure at the bottom of the wall is 40kPa.

Cohesion less
Gravity backfill
6m
Retaining
Wall

4m

The minimum weight of the wall (expressed in kN per m length) required to prevent it from overturning
about its toe (Point P) is
(a) 120 (b) 180 (c) 240 (d) 360
[2 Marks : GATE-2016]
15. A vertical cut is to be made in a soil mass having cohesion c, angle of internal friction , and unit weight
. Considering Ka and KP as the coefficients of active and passive earth pressures, respectively, the
maximum depth of unsupported excavation is

4c 2c K P 4c K a 4c
(a) γ K (b) (c) (d) γ K
P γ γ a

[1 Marks : GATE-2016]
16. The soil profile at a site consists of a 5m thick sand layer underlain by a c - soil as shown in figure. The
water table is found 1m below the ground level. The entire soil mass is retained by a concrete retaining wall
and is in the active state. The back of the wall is smooth and vertical. The total active earth pressure
(expressed in kN/m2) at point A as per Rankine’s theory is _______

[2 Marks : GATE-2016]
 96 GATE Previous Solved Questions
17. Consider a rigid retaining wall with partially submerged cohesionless backfill with a surcharge. Which one
of the following diagrams closely represents the Rankine’s active earth pressure distribution against this
wall?

[1 Mark : GATE-2017]
18. A 3m high vertical earth retaining wall retains a dry granular backfill with angle of internal friction of 300 and
unit weight of 20kN/m3. If the wall is prevented from yielding (no movement), the total horizontal thrust (in
kN per unit length) on the wall is
(a) 0 (b) 30 (c) 45 (d) 270
[2 Marks : GATE-2018]
19. A rigid smooth retaining wall of height 7m with vertical backface retains saturated clay as backfill. The
saturated unit weight and undrained cohesion of the backfill are 17.2kN/m3 and 20kPa, respectively. The
difference in the active lateral forces on the wall (in kN per meter length of wall, up to two decimal places),
before and after the occurrence of tension cracks is____
[2 Marks : GATE-2018]
20. A retaining wall of height H with smooth vertical backface supports a backfill inclined at an angle  with the
horizontal. The backfill consists of cohesionless soil having angle of internal friction . If the active lateral
thrust acting on the wall is Pa, which one of the following statements is TRUE?
(a) Pa acts at a height H/2 from the base of the wall and an angle with the horizontal
(b) Pa acts at a height H/2 from the base of the wall and at an angle  with the horizontal
(c) Pa acts at a height H/3 from the base of the wall and at an angle  with the horizontal
(d) Pa acts at height H/3 from the base of the wall and at an angle  with the horizontal
[1 Mark : GATE-2019]

21. A vertical retaining wall of 5m height has to support soil having unit weight of 18kN/m3, effective cohesion
of 12kN/m2, and effective friction angle of 300. As per Rankine’s earth pressure theory and assuming that
a tension crack has occurred, the lateral active thrust on the wall per meter length (in kN/m, round off to
two decimal places), is___________
[2020: 2M, Set-I]
22. A 5m high vertical wall has a saturated clay backfill. The saturation unit weight and cohesive of clay are
18kN/m3 and 20kPa, respectively. The angle of internal friction of clay is zero. In order to prevent
development of tension zone, the height of the wall is required to be increased. Dry sand is used as
backfill above the clay for the increased portion of the wall. The unit weight and angle of internal friction
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
97

of sand are 16kN/m3 and 300, respectively. Assume that the back of the wall is smooth and top of the
backfill is horizontal. To prevent the development of tension zone, the minimum height (in m, round off to
one decimal place) by which the wall has to be raised, is________
[2020: 2M, Set-II]
23. The cohesion (c), angle of internal friction () and unit weight () of a soil are 15kPa. 200 and 17.5kN/m3,
respectively. The maximum depth of unsupported excavation in the soil (in m, round off to two decimal
places) is_________
[2021: 1M, Set-I]
24. A retaining wall of height 10m with clay backfill is shown in the figure (not to scale). Weight of the
retaining wall is 5000kN per m acting at 3.3 from the toe of the retaining wall. The interface friction angle
between base of the retaining wall and the base soil is 200. The depth of clay in front of the retaining wall
is 2.0m. The properties of the clay backfill and the clay placed in front of the retaining wall are the same.
Assume that the tension crack is filled with water. Use Rankine’s earth pressure theory. Take unit weight
of water. w = 9.81kN/m3.

The factor of safety (round off to two decimal places) against sliding failure of the retaining wall after
ignoring the passive earth pressure will be_________
[2021: 2M, Set-I]

25. Let s’v and s’h denote the effective vertical stress and effective horizontal stress, respectively. Which one
of the following conditions must be satisfied for a soil element to reach the failure state under Rankine’s
passive earth pressure condition?
(a) ’v < ’h (b) ’v > ’h (c) ’v = ’h (d) ’v + ’h = 0
[2022: 1M, Set-I]
0
 
26. As per Rankine’s theory of earth pressure, the inclination of failure planes is  45   with respect to
 2
the direction of the minor principal stress. The above statement is correct for which one of the following
options?
(a) Only the active state and not the passive state
(b) Only the passive state and not the active state
 98 GATE Previous Solved Questions
(c) Both active as well as passive states
(d) Neither active nor passive state
[2022: 2M, Set-I]
27. A smooth vertical retaining wall supporting layered soils is shown in figure. According to Rankine’s earth
pressure theory, the lateral active earth pressure acting at the base of the wall is__________ kPa.
(round off to one decimal place).

[2023: 2M, Set-I]

28. A vertical trench is excavated in a clayey soil deposit having a surcharge load of 30kPa. A fluid of unit
weight 12kN/m3 is poured in the trench to prevent collapse as the excavation proceeds. Assume that the
fluid is not seeping through the soil deposit. If the undrained cohesion of the clay deposit is 20kPa and
saturated unit weight is 18kN/m3, what is the maximum depth of unsupported excavation (in m, rounded
off to two decimal places)?
[2023: 2M, Set-I]
29. The figure shows a vertical retaining wall with backfill consisting of cohesive-frictional soil and a failure
plane developed due to passive earth pressure. The forces acting on the failure wedge are P as the
reaction force between the wall and the soil, R as the reaction force on the failure plane, C as the
cohesive force along the failure plane and W as the weight of the failure wedge. Assuming that there is no
adhesion between the wall and the wedge, identify the most appropriate force polygon for the wedge.
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
99

[2023: 2M, Set-II]


 100 GATE Previous Solved Questions

SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
1. Solution: 1
= 1  5  1  c 
 2  5  c
1m 2
= 5 × 24 + 5 × 24
2m
= 120 + 120 = 240 kN/m
(i) Factor of safety against sliding,
W2 W1 3m .W 0.47  240
Fs = P =
a 91.88
Toe Heel
= 1.23
2m 2m
O (ii) Factor of safety against over turning, F0 :
1
Pa1 h1 = 3   2  3.67m
3
8.67 kPa
 46.40  2  8.67  3
h2 =  
 46.40  8.67  3
h1
Pa = 1.16m
Pa2
h Pa1 h1  Pa 2 .h 2
h2
h = Pa1  Pa 2
46.40kPa
pa-diagram
8.67  3.67  83.21  1.16
 = 35º =
8.67  83.21
1  sin  = 1.40m
ka =  0.271
1  sin 
Resisting moment due to self wt about toe
At top, pa = 0 Fe = Overturning moment due to lateral pressure about toe

At 2m depth,  v =   2  32 kN m 2 2
W1  2  0.5   W2   2
 F0 = 3
pa = 0.271  32  8.67 kN m 2 Pa .h
120  2.5  120  1.33
At 5m depth |v =   2  | 3 =
91.88  1.40
= 16  2   20  10  3 = 62 kN/m2 = 3.57
2. Solution:
pa = k a  |v   w .h
1  sin 30
2 K a1 =  0.333
= 0.271 × 62 + 10 × 3 = 46.80 kN/m 1  sin 30
Total active force, 1  sin10
Ka2 =  0.704
1  sin10
pa = Pa1  Pa 2
At top  V = q  10KPa
1 1
=  8.67  2   8.67  46.80   3 pa = K a1 .v  0.333  10  3.33  3.33 kPa
2 2
= 8.67 + 83.21 = 91.88 kN/m At 3m depth :

Total self weight,W = W1  W2  V = q  z = 10 + 15 × 3 = 55 kPa

Just above the 3m depth,
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
101

pa = K a1  v  2C1 K a1
.5m
= 0.333 × 55 – 0 = 18.32 kPa
1.5m
Just below the 3m depth 1.5m
1.5m
pa = K a 2 v  2C2 K a 2 1.5m

= 0.704  115  2  10 0.704 = 21.94 kPa 1m

3m p = 0.65 ka H
At bottom of wall.
Apparent earth pressure diagram for
 V = 10  3  15  3  20 = 115 kPa cuts in dense sand

pa = K a 2  V  2C 2 K a 2 Area covered by strut 1

= 0.704  55  2  10 0.704 = 64.18 kPa = (0.5 + 0.75) × 3

3.33 kPa = 3.75 m2
Area covered by strut 2
Pa1 = (0.75 + 0.75) × 3
18.32 kPa
h1 21.94 = 4.5 m2
Hence, maximum force will be carried by
Pa strut 2.

h Pa2
h2
64.18 kPa 1  sin 
ka =  0.2596
The active force calculations are shown below, 1  sin 

 3.33  18.32  For struct load calculation,

Pa1 =   3 = 32.48 kN/m
 2  Pressure intensity,
 18.32  2  3.33  3 p = 0.65 Ka H
x1 =   = 1.15m
 18.32  3.33  3 = 0.65 × 0.2596 × 20 × 7.5
 21.94  64.18  = 25.31 kN/m2
Pa 2 =   3 = 129.18 kN/m
 2  Max force on the strut 2
 64.18  2  21.94  3 P = A×p
x2 =   = 1.255m
 64.18  21.94  3
= 4.5 × 25.31
Resultant total active thrust,
= 113.90 kN
Pa = Pa1  Pa 2 = 32.48 + 129.18 4. Ans. (a)
= 161.66 kN/m 1  sin 
ka =  0.333
Resultant distance from base, 1  sin 
Max. possible unsupported vertical trench depth
Pa1  3  x1   Pa 2  x 2
h = (Hc)
Pa1  Pa 2
4C 4  100
= 1.84m HC =  K  18 0.333 = 38.5m
a
3. Ans. (c)
At a depth of HC,
Area of influence per strut
pa = K a H C  2c k a
= Horizontal spacing × vertical spacing
pa = 0.333  18  38.5  2  100 0.333
 102 GATE Previous Solved Questions
2
= 115.4 kN/m OB – Represents active, EP = Numerically equal
5. Ans. (c) to OB’
1  sin  In case of Passive EP
Kp =
1  sin  OB’ – represents z
For loose soil  = 30º, kp = 3 OA’ – Represent passive
for compacted soil,
EP = Numerically equal to OA
 = 35º, kp = 3.69 ;
8. Ans. (d)
H 2
Passive thrust = k p  When retaining wall moves away from the
2
backfill, the pressure exerted on the wall is termed
Initial passive thrust as – Active earth pressure.
 Final passive thrust
9. Ans. (b)
k p1   Coefficient of earth pressure at rest
3  17.8
= k  =  0.77
p2 2 3.69  18.8 'h
'v
Note: The void ratio given is not required since
the d values are available 10. Ans. (b)
6. Ans. (a) In passive earth pressure, major principal stress
H = 3m is horizontal, in active case, it is vertical.
 = 18 kN/m3 11. Ans. (a)
 = 30º 1  sin 30
k a1 =  0.333
1  sin  1  sin 30
Ka = = 0.33 ; 1  sin 40
1  sin 
ka 2 =  0.217
1  sin 40
sub =  sat   w  18  10 
At top, Pa = 0
Initial active earth pressure
At 2m depth,
P a = k a H
 v = 2  1  2  15 = 30 kN/m2
2
= 0.33 × 18 × 3 = 18 kN/m
(a) Just above the 2m depth,
Ifd W.T. rises to the ground surface, then
Pa = k a1 v = 0.333 × 30 = 10 kN/m2
Pa = k a 1H   w H
= 0.33(18–10) 3 + 10 × 3 = 38 kN/m2 (b) Just below the 2 m depth,

Change = 38 – 18 = 20 kN/m2 (increase) Pa = k a 2  v = 0.217 × 30 = 6.51 kN/m2

7. Ans. (a) At 4m depth,

 V = 2 × 15 + 2 × 20 = 70 kN/m2
 axis
pa = k a 2  v = 0.217 × 70 = 15.19 kN/m2

A
B'
O  axis
B
A'

OA – Represents vertical major stress z

Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
103
14. Ans. (a)

2m

6.51
10kPa
6m
F

2m
P 40 kPa
W
15.19 kPa
Resultant active force, Pa is equal to the area of 2m

the pressure diagram shown above

Total active force
1  6.51  15.19 
Pa =  10  2   2 1
2  2  = × 40 × 6 = 120kN
2
= 31.7 kN/m
12. Ans. (d) F×2 =w×2
W = F = 120 kN
K a z  2C Ka = 0
15. Ans. (d)
for zero tensite stress
p a = K a σ a - 2c K a
2C
Z = At Z = Z0 pa = 0
 Ka
Hence surcharge stress (load) to avoid tension 0 = K a  γZ 0  - 2c K a
cracks
2C 2c
 Z  Z0 =
Ka γ Ka
13. Ans. (a)
Maximum depth of unsupported excavation

A 4c
is 2Z0 =
γ Ka
 = 300 3m
3
 = 18kN/m 16. Solution:
B 14 18 1 - Sin24
 = 00 Ka = = 0.422
 = 18kN/m3 1 + Sin24
3m
c = 20 kPa
a = Ka (16.5 × 1 + (19 - 9.81) × 4
C 68
+ (18.5 - 9.81) × 3) - 2 × 25 K a

1 + 9.81 × 7
2
at B KaH =  18  3  18 kN/m
3 a = 0.422×79.33 - 50 0.422 + 9.81× 7

Below B KaH  2c Ka 2 a = 69.66 kN/m2

= 18 × 6 – 2 × 20
1 1
P=  18  3  (14  68)  3  150 kN/m2
2 2
 104 GATE Previous Solved Questions
17. Ans. (-)
2×20
For partially submerged Cohesionless backfill with = =2.33m
17.2
a surcharge, the Rankine’s active earth pressure
distribution against this wall

for clay,  = 0

1-sin 1-0
Therefore, no option matches with the correct  Ka = = =1
1+sin 1-0
answer.
18. Ans. (c) For Case-I: No crack development

1
Pa =  40+80.4 ×2.349=141.4098
2

For dry sand, K0 = Earth pressure at rest

= 1 - sin = 1 - sin300
= 0.5

1
Total horizontal thrust P0 = k 0 γH.H Case-II
2
After developement of cracks
1
 P0 = k 0 γH 2
2

1 2
= ×0.5×20× 3
2
= 45kN/m
19. Ans. (46.72)

Depth of Tension crack, = 2C

γ Ka
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
105
22. Ans. (2.5)
1
Pa = ×80.4×4.68=188.136
2
Difference = 188.136 - 141.4098
= 46.73 kN/m2
20. Ans. (c)

To prevent tension crack,

21. Ans. (21.7)
2c 2×20
q= = =40
ka 1

q = gdx = 40(x = min. height of raise)

40
x= =2.5m
16
23. Ans. (4.9)
Maximum depth of unsupported excavation,
After tension crack 4C
H=
γt ka

1  sin  1  sin 200

ka    0.49
1  sin  1  sin 200

4×15
H= =4.9m
17.5 0.49
24. Ans. (4.28)

1
Pa = ×16.144  5-2.309  =21.714kN/m
2

1  sin  1  sin 00
ka   1
1  sin  1  sin 00
Depth of tension crack is ‘Z0’
 106 GATE Previous Solved Questions

2C u 2×30
Z0 = = =3.488m
γ ka 17.2 1

Total active thrust due to soil and water

1 1
 γH-2Cu ×  H-Z0 ×1+ γ w Z0 ×Z0 ×1
2 2

1 1
= 17.2×10-2×30 × 10-3.488×1+ ×9.81×3.488×3.488kNm
2 2
= 424.347kN/m
(acting horizontally)
Frictional resistance
= N tand = W tand
= 5000 ´ tan200 = 1819.851

Resisting force 1819.581

FOS=   4.289
Actuating force 424.347
25. Ans. (a)
For passive earth pressure conditions,
Kp > 1 (Generally)

σh
Kp = >1
σv

s’h > s’v

26. Ans. (c)
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
107

27. Ans. (35.4)

Active earth pressure at base,

σ=k a  γz+q  -2C ka

1  sin  1  sin 250

Where, k a    0.406
1  sin  1  sin 250
q = 20 + 18 ´ 3 = 74kN/m2
gz = 19 ´ 4 = 76kN/m2
C = 20kN/m2 [ Given]
So, s = 0.406 ´ (76 + 74) – 2 ´ 20 ´ 0.406

=35.413kN/m 2  35.4kN/m2
28. Ans. (3.33)

Now, active pressure at depth z,

σ z =k a γz-2C k a -12z+kq
At z = 0
[ k = 1 for f = 00, q= 30kN/m2; C = 20kN/m2]
sz = -2 ´ C + q = 2 ´ 20 + 30
= -40 + 30 = -10kN/m2
 108 GATE Previous Solved Questions
At z0, sz = 0
18z0 – 40 – 12z0 + 30 = 0
6z0 – 10 = 0
z0 = 1.66m

At depth H, σ H =k a γH-2C k a -12H+k q

So, sH = 18H – 40 – 12H + 30
= 6H – 10
For unsupported depth of excavation, total active thrust must be zero.

1 1
So, ×10×1.66= ×  H-1.66 ×  6H-10 
2 2

10
H= =3.33m
3
Alternatively:
sv = q + gz
= 30 + 18z

p a =k a σ v -2c k a
pa = 30 + 18z – 2 ´ 20 = 18z – 10
For critical depth, pa = 0
18zc – 10 = 0

10
zc = m=0.556m
18
For the maximum depth of unsupported excavation, the active earth pressure force at that depth should
be zero.
1 1 1
pa = 18H c -10  H c -0.56  - 10×0.56- γf H c2
2 2 2

0 = (9Hc – 5) (Hc – 0.56) – 5 ´ 0.56 – 6 Hc2

0 = 3– 10.04Hc + 5 ´ 0.56 – 5 ´ 0.56
3 – 10.04Hc = 0
Hc = 0, 3.33m
Therefore, the maximum depth of unsupported excavation is 3.33m.
29. Ans. (c)


Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
109

SOLUTIONS

12
STABILITY OF SLOPES
1. With respect to a c- soil in an infinite slope, identify if the following two statements are TRUE or FALSE
I. The stable slope angle can be greater than .
II. The factor of safety of the slope does not depend on the height of soil in the slope.
(a) Both statements are FALSE (b) I is TRUE but II is FALSE
(c) I is FALSE but II is TRUE (d) Both statements are TRUE
[1 Mark : GATE-2001]
2. The critical slip circle for a slope is shown below along with the soil properties.

2.3m

 = 0; Cu = 30 kPa;  = 20 kN/m3
The length of the arc of the slip circle is 15.6 m and the area of soil within the slip circle is 82 m2.The
radius of the slip circles is 10.3m. The factor of safety against the slip circle failure is nearly equal to
(a) 1.05 (b) 1.22 (c) 0.78 (d) 1.28
[2 Marks : GATE-2001]
3. An infinite slope is to be constructed in a soil. The effective stress strength parameters of the soil are
c = 0 and  = 30°, the saturated unit weight of the slope is 20 kN/m3 and the unit weight of water is
10kN/m3. Assuming that seepage is occurring parallel to the slope, the maximum slope angle for a factor
of safety of 1.5 would be
(a) 10.89° (b) 11.30º (c) 12.48° (d) 14.73°
[2 Marks : GATE-2002]
4. A granular soil possesses saturated density of 20kN/m3. Its effective angle of internal friction is 35
degrees. If the desired factor of safety is 1.5, the safe angle of slope for this soil, when seepage occurs
at and parallel to the slope surface, will be
(a) 25° (b) 23° (c) 20° (d) 13°
[1 Mark : GATE-2003]
Common Data for Question : 5 & 6
A canal having side slopes 1:1 is proposed to be constructed in a cohesive soil to a depth of 10m below
the ground surface. The soil properties are:
u = 15°, Cu = 12 kPa, e = 1.0, Gs = 2.65.
5. If Taylor’s stability Number Sn is 0.08 and if the canal flows full, the factor of safety with respect to
cohesion against failure of the canal bank slopes will be
(a) 3.7 (b) 1.85 (c) 1.0 (d) None of these
[2 Marks : GATE-2003]
 110 GATE Previous Solved Questions
6. If there is a sudden drawdown of water in the canal and if Taylor’s Stability Number for the reduced
value of w is 0.126, the factor of safety with respect to cohesion against the failure of bank slopes will
be
(a) 1.85 (b) 1.18 (c) 0.84 (d) 0.53
[2 Marks : GATE-2003]
7. An infinite soil slope with an inclination of 35° is subjected to seepage parallel to its surface. The soil has
c = 100 kN/m2 and = 30°. Using the concept of mobilized cohesion and friction, at a factor of safety
of 1.5 with respect to shear strength, the mobilized friction angle is
(a) 20.02° (b) 21.05° (c) 23.33° (d) 30.00°
[2 Marks : GATE-2004]
8. Using u = 0 analysis and assuming planar failure as shown, the minimum factor of safety against shear
failure of a vertical cut of height 4m in a pure clay having Cu = 120 kN/m2 and sat = 20 kN/m2 is

4m
Potential failure
plane

(a) 1 (b) 6 (c) 10 (d) 20

[2 Marks : GATE-2004]
9. For two infinite slopes (one in dry condition and other in submerged condition) in a sand deposit having
the angle of shearing resistance 30°, factor of safety was determined as 1.5 (for both slopes). The slope
angles would have been
(a) 21.05° for dry slope and 21.05° for submerged slope
(b) 19.47° for dry slope and 18.40° for submerged slope
(c) 18.4° for slope and 21.05° for submerged slope
(d) 22.6° for dry slope and 19.47° for submerged slope
[2 Marks : GATE-2005]
10. List-I below gives the possible types of failure for a finite soil slope and List-II gives the reasons for these
different types of failure. Match the items in List-I with the items in List-II
List-I List II
A. Base failure 1. Soils above and below the toe have same strength
B. Face failure 2. Soil above the toe is comparatively weaker
C. Toe failure 3. Soil above the toe is comparatively stronger
Codes: A B C A B C
(a) 1 2 3 (b) 2 3 1
(c) 2 1 3 (d) 3 2 1
[2 Marks : GATE-2006]
11. The factor of safety of an infinite soil slope shown in the figure having the properties  = 35°, dry =16
kN/m3 and sat = 20 kN/m3 is
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
111

8m
30º

10m
(a) 0.70 (b) 0.80 (c) 1.00 (d) 1.20
[2 Marks : GATE-2007]
12. The soil profile above the rock surface for a 25° infinite slope is shown in the figure, where su is the
undrained shear strength and t is total unit weight. The slip will occur at a depth of

2
5m
/m 5m
N
0k 2
=4 /m
;S
u

m
3
0 kN
kN =6
6 ;S
u
=1
3
m Rock
:t kN
lA =2
0
S oi
t
B: 25º
il
So

(a) 8.83 m (b) 9.79 m (c) 7.83 m (d) 6.53 m

[2 Marks : GATE-2013]
13. A long slope is formed in a soil with shear strength parameters: c' = 0 and ' = 34º. A firm stratum lies
below the slope and it is assumed that the water table may occasionally rise to the surface, with seepage
taking place parallel to the slope. Use sat = 18 kN/m3 and w = 10 kN/m3. The maximum slope angle
(in degrees) to ensure a factor of safety of 1.5, assuming a potential failure surface parallel to the slope,
would be
(a) 45.3 (b) 44.7 (c) 12.3 (d) 11.3
[1 Mark : GATE-2014]
14. An infinitely long slope is made up of a c- soil having the properties: cohesion (c) = 20 kPa, and dry
unit weight (d) = 16 kN/m3. The angle of inclination and critical height of the slope are 40° and 5 m,
respectively. To maintain the limiting equilibrium, the angle of internal friction of the soil (in degrees) is
_________________
[2 Marks : GATE-2014]
15. In friction circle method of slope stability analysis, if r defines the radius of the slip circle, the radius of
friction circle is:
(a) r sin  (b) r (c) r cos  (d) r tan 
[1 Mark : GATE-2015]
 112 GATE Previous Solved Questions
16. For the construction of a highway, a cut is to be made as shown in the figure.

The soil exhibits c = 20 kPa, = 180, and the undrained shear strength = 80 kPa. The unit weight of
water is 9.81 kN/m3. The unit weights of the soil above and below the ground water table are 18 and
20 kN/m3, respectively. If the shear stress at Point A is 50 kPa, the factors of safety against the shear
failure at this point, considering the undrained and drained conditions, respectively, would be
(a) 1.6 and 0.9 (b) 0.9 and 1.6
(c) 0.6 and 1.2 (d) 1.2 and 0.6
[2 Marks : GATE-2017]
17. The infinite sand slope shown in the figure is on the verge of sliding failure. The ground water table
coincides with the ground surface. Unit weight of water w = 9.81 kN/m3.

The value of the effective angle of internal friction (in degrees, up to one decimal place) of the sand
is____
[2 Marks : GATE-2017]
18. The total horizontal and vertical stresses at a point X in a saturated sandy medium are 170kPa and 300kPa,
respectively. The static pore-water pressure is 30kPa. At failure, the excess pore-water pressure is measured
to be 94.50kPa, and the shear stresses on the vertical and horizontal planes passing through the point X are
zero. Effective cohesion is 0 kPa and effective angle of internal friction is 360. The shear strength (in kPa, up
to two decimal places) at point X is______
[2 Marks : GATE-2018]
 Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & CivilFoundation Engg. 113
3
19. A granular soil has a saturated unit weight of 20 kN/m and an effective angle of shearing resistance of
300. The unit weight of water is 9.81 kN/m3. A slope is to be made on this soil deposit in which the seepage
occurs parallel to the slope up to the free surface. Under this seepage condition for a factor of safety of 1.5,
the safe slope angle (in degree, round off to 1 decimal place) would be_____
[2 Marks : GATE-2019]

20. An earthen dam of height H is made of cohesive soil whose cohesion and unit weight are c and y, respectively.
If the factor of safety against cohesion is Fc, the Taylor’s stability number (Sn) is

H cFc c Fc H
(a) cF (b) (c) F H (d)
c H c c
[1 Mark : GATE-2019]
0
21. A fully submerged infinite sandy slope has an inclination of 30 with the horizontal. The saturated unit
weight and effective angle of internal friction of sand are 18kN/m3 and 380, respectively. The unit weight
of water is 10kN/m3. Assume that the seepage is parallel to the slope. Against shear failure of the slope,
the factor of safety (round off to two decimal places) is___________
[2020: 1M, Set-I]
22. A 10m high slope of dry clay soil (unit weight = 20kN/m3), with a slope angle of 450 and the circular
slip surface, is shown in the figure (not drawn to the scale). The weight of the slip wedge is denoted
by W. The undrained unit cohesion (Cu) is 60kPa.

The factor of safety of the slope against slip failure, is

(a) 0.58 (b) 1.84 (c) 1.57 (d) 1.67
[2020: 2M, Set-II]
23. An unsupported slope of height 15m is shown in the figure (not to scale), in which the slope face makes
an angle 500 with the horizontal. The slope material comprises purely cohesive soil having undrained
cohesion 75kPa. A trial slip circle KLM with a radius 25m, passes through the crest and toe of the slope
and it subtends an angle 600 at its center O. The weight of the active soil mass (W, bounded by KLMN)
is 2500kN/m, which is acting at a horizontal distance of 10m from toe of the slope. Consider the water
table to be present at a very large depth from the ground surface.
 114 GATE Previous Solved Questions

Considering the trial slip circle KLM, the factor of safety against the failure of slope under undrained
condition (round off to two decimal places) is___________
[2021: 2M, Set-I]
24. Three soil samples are taken from different locations (I, II and III) of the potential failure plane. Which
is the most appropriate shear strength test for each of the sample to identify the failure mechanism?
Identify the correct combination from the following options:
P: Triaxial compression test
Q: Triaxial extension test
R: Direct shear or shear box test
S: Vane shear test

(a) I-Q, II-R, III-P (b) I-R, II-P, III-Q(c) I-S, II-Q, III-R (d) I-P, II-R, III-Q

[2023: 1M, Set-I]

8. A soil having the average properties, bulk unit weight = 19kN/m3; angle of internal friction = 250 and
cohesion = 15kPA, is being formed on a rock slope existing at an inclination of 350 with the horizontal.
The critical height (in m) of the soil formation up to which it would be stable without any failure is______
(round off to one decimal place).
[Assume the soil is being formed parallel to the rock bedding plane and there is no ground water effect]
[2023: 2M, Set-I]


Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
115

SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
1. Ans. (a)  Fc = 1.85
2. Ans. (d) 6. Ans. (d)

C u .L.R For sudden draw down of water in canal;
F=
wx C
Cu = 30 Kn/m2 Sn = F  H
c sat

L = 15.6m 12
0.126 = F  17.9  10
R = 10.3m C

x = 2.3m FC = 0.53
7. Ans. (b)
W = a  1   = 82 × 1 × 20 = 1640 kN
F = 1.5
30  15.6  10.3
F=  1.28  FC = F = 1.5
1640  2.30
tan 
3. Ans. (a) F =
tan m
For seepage occuring parallel to slope in the case
tan 30º
of an infinite slope, for cohesionless soils, 1.5 = tan 
m
Factor of safety,
 sub tan 1  m = 21.05º
F= 
 sat tan i 8. Ans. (b)
Maximum possible vertical unsupported cut height
  =  sat   w   20  10   10
for clays with m = 0 is equal to critical height
 10  tan 30 (Hc)
1.5 =  
 20  tan i 4c
HC =
slope angle, i = 10.89º 
4. Ans. (d) 4  120
 HC =  24m
If seepage occurs parallel to the slope, the factor 20
of safety, Actual height given, H = 4m
 F.O. Safety,,
1 tan 1  20  10  tan 35
F= ; 1.5 =   H c 24
 sat tan i  20  tan i F=  6
H 4
slope angle, i = 13.13º 9. Ans. (a)
5. Ans. (b)
 = 30º, F.O.S. = 1.5
H = 10m,
tan 
Sn = 0.08 and canal flowing full F.O.S. =
tan i
w G  e 9.81 2.65  1  i = 21.05
 sat = =  17.9 kN m 3
1 e 11 [For both dry and submerged soils).
For canal flowing full condition; 10. Ans. (d)
C Face failure occurs when the soil in the upper
Sn = F 1H part of the slope is relatively weak. Toe failure
c
occurs, in steep slopes if soil above and below
12
0.08 = F  17.9  9.81  10 the base is homogeneous. This is the most
c
common mode of failure. Base failure occurs if
the slope is flat and the soil below the toe is
 116 GATE Previous Solved Questions
weak.
11. Ans. (a) Z
5m
Upper layer
5m
2
5m
/m
Lower layer
N 5m
0k 2
=4 m
3 ;S
u
N/
0k
Nm =6 To check failure in the low layer :
6k ;S
u
=1
3
m Rock
: t
N Su2
lA 0k
S oi =2 F = 5   z  5    cos i sin i
:  1 2
t

i lB 25º
So 60
= 
5  16  z  5  20  cos 25sin 25

Factor of safety At failure F = 1
Resisting force 60
= 1= 
Driving force 7.66Z  7.66 
Solving, Z = 8.83m
c +  tan Hence slip failure occurs in thelower layer at a
=
 depth of 8.83m.
13. Ans. (d)
o + γz cos2  tan
= c1 = 0  = 34
γz cos sin
sat = 18 kN/m3
w = 10 kN/m3
γdry  z  γsub.  8 cos2 30.tan35
= sub = 18 – 10 = 8 kN/m3
 γsat  8  γdry  2 cos 300 , sin 300
 sub tan 
F.O.S. =  tan   1.5
= 0.707 sat

12. Ans. (a) 8 tan 34

  1.5
At a given depth (z) in an infinite slope (angle i) 18 tan 

Shear stress,  = .z. cosi. sini tan  = 0.199

 = 11.30°
Normal stress,
 = .z.cos2i
Factor of safety,
S
F=

Su 
F=
.z.cos i.sin i 14. Solution: 21.0 to 23.0
At z = 5m, Given C = 20 KPa
40 d = 16 kN/m3
FOS = = 1.305
16  5  cos 25  sin 25
 = 40°, H = 5m, and  = ?
Since FOS > 1, no failure occurs in the upper
layer.
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
117
Hence, FOS in undrained condition is 1.6 & FOS
in drained condition is 0.9.

 17. Ans. (34.330)

C Factor of safety against the shear failure = τ f

We know H =  (tan   tan ) cos 2  τ
d

20 Where f = Shear strength of the soil at any

 5=
16(tan 40  tan )cos2 40 point at failure.
  = 22.44°  = Shear stress at that point.
15. Ans. (a) At the verge of sliming failure, FOS = 1
In friction circle method, radius of friction circle From Coulomb’s equation, τ f =C'+σ tan '
is r sin .
Where C & are effective stress shear strength
16. Ans. (a)
Parameters
τf For Sand, C = 0
Factor of safety against the shear failure =
τ
 τ f =σ tan '
Where, f = Shear strength of the soil at any 2 0
σ = (sat - w) cos 20  5m
point at failure
 = shear stress at that point  = sat cos200 sin200  5m
f = (sat - w) cos2200  5m tan
For undrained condition,
Undrained shear strength = 80 KPa  γ sat -γ w  cos2 200 ×5m×tan '
 FOS=1=
Shear stress at point A = 50 KPa γ sat cos200 sin200 ×5m

80
FOS=  1.6  21-9.81 cos200
50  1= tan '
21 sin200
For drained condition,
We use the parameters corresponding to effective 21  tan200
 tan '=
stream parameters i.e. C &  11.19
C = 20 KPa,  = 180  tan = 0.6823
From coloumb’s equation.   = 34.330
τ f =C'+σ tan '  Effective angle of internal friction = 34.330
σ = Effective stress at point A 18. Ans. (52.52)
σ = 18  2 + (20 - 9.81)  4
= 76.76 kN/m2
f = 20 + 76.76 tan180
f = 44.94 kN/m2 or 44.94 KPa
Shear stress at point A = 50 KPa

44.94
 FOS in drained condition 
50
= 0.899 or 0.90
118 GATE Previous Solved Questions
19. Ans. (11.1)
Now,

 ' tan 
 1.05
 tan 

10.21 tan 30
 1.5
20 tan 

= 11.10

20. Ans. (c)

Now

C
 σ +σ   σ v -σ n  H
σn =  v n  + 2  cos2α Sn (without factor of safety)
 2   
C
 300+170   300-170  H
 σn =   +  cos2α Fc Sn (If Fc is factor of safety)
 2   2 
C
0 360 Sn 
α=45 + =630 Fc H
2
Sn = Stablity no.
 n = 196.79 kPa
21. Ans. (0.601)
σ'n =σ n -u=196.279-  30+94.5 
γ' tan
F.O.S= 
σ'n =72.29N/mm 2 γ sat tan
0
=C+σ'n tan   18-10  tan38
=  0
 18  tan30
= 72.29 tan36 = 52.52N/mm2
= 0.601
22. Ans. (*)

Consider unit length of slope

Area of circular arc
θ
= ×πr 2 -Area of Δ
360
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
119

90 1
= ×π×102 - ×10×10
360 2
= 28.54m2
Height of wedge = Volume   = (Area  1)  
= 28.54  1  20 = 570.8kN
π
M R c×  rθ  ×r 60×10× ×10
FOS= = = 2 =3.68
M0 W×x 570.8×4.48
22. Ans. (1.96)

Resisting moment
FOS=
Actuating moment

C u lR
FOS=
wx
l = Length of ac KLM
x = Distance of ‘w’ from toe
60
75×2π×25× ×25
 FOS= 360
2500×10
 FOS = 1.96
23. Ans. (a)
24. Ans. (5)
For critical height of slope
C + HC cos2 tan = HC sin cos
 15 + 19  HC  cos2350 tan250
= 19  HC  sin350 cos350
 HC = 5.03m


 120 GATE Previous Solved Questions

SOLUTIONS
13
SHALLOW FOUNDATION
1. The width and depth of a footing are 2 and 1.5 m respectively. The water table at the site is at a depth
of 3 m below the ground level. The water table correction factor for the calculation of the bearing capacity
of soil is
(a) 0.875 (b) 1.000 (c) 0.925 (d) 0.500
[1 Mark : GATE-2001]
2. The following two statements are made with reference to the calculation of net bearing capacity of a
footing in pure clay soil ( = 0) using Terzaghi’s bearing capacity theory. Identity if they are TRUE or
False.
I. Increase in footing width will result in increase in bearing capacity.
II. Increase in depth of foundation will result in higher bearing capacity.
(a) Both statement are TRUE (b) Both statements are FALSE
(c) I is TRUE but II is FALSE (d) I is FALSE but II is TRUE
[1 Mark : GATE-2001]
3. A plate load test was conducted in sand on a 300 mm diameter plate. If the plate settlement was 5mm
at a pressure of 100 kPa, the settlement (in mm) of a 5m × 8m rectangular footing at the same pressure
will be
(a) 9.4 (b) 18.6 (c) 12.7 (d) 17.8
[2 Marks : GATE-2001]
4. In a plate load test conducted on cohesion less soil, a 600 mm square test plate settles by 15 mm under
a load intensity of 0.2 N/mm2. All conditions remaining the same, settlement of a 1m square footing will
be
(a) less than 15 mm (b) greater than 25 mm
(c) 15.60mm (d) 20.50 mm
[1 Mark : GATE-2003]
5. Two circular footings of diameters D1 and D2 are resting on the surface of the same purely cohesive soil.
The ratio of their gross ultimate bearing capacities is
(a) D1/D 2 (b) 1.0 (c) D12 D 22 D (d) D2/D 1
[1 Mark : GATE-2004]
6. The figure given below represents the contact pressure distribution underneath a

Footing

(a) rigid footing on saturated clay (b) rigid footing on sand

(c) flexible footing on saturated clay (d) flexible footing on sand
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
121
[2 Marks : GATE-2004]
7. A strip footing (8 m wide) is designed for a total settlement of 40 mm. The safe bearing capacity (shear)
was 150 kN/m2 and safe allowable soil pressure was 100kN/m2. Due to importance of the structure, now
the footing to be redesigned for total settlement of 25 mm. The new width of footings will be
(a) 5m (b) 8m (c) 12m (d) 12.8m
[2 Marks : GATE-2005]
8. The bearing capacity of a rectangular footing of plan dimension 1.5m × 3m resting on the surface of a
sand deposit was estimated as 600 kN/m2 when the water table is far below the base of the footing. The
bearing capacities in kN/m2 when the water level rises to depths of 3 m, 1.5 m and 0.5 m below the base
of the footing are
(a) 600, 600, 400 (b) 600, 450, 350
(c) 600, 500, 250 (d) 600, 400, 250

[2 Marks : GATE-2007]
9. A test plate 30 cm × 30 cm resting on a sand deposit settles by 10 mm under a certain loading intensity.
A footing 150 cm × 200 cm resting on the same sand deposit and loaded to the same load intensity settles
by
(a) 2.0 mm (b) 27.8 mm (c) 3.02 mm (d) 50.0 mm
[2 Marks : GATE-2008]
Linked Answer Questions : 10 & 11
A column is supported on a footing as shown in the figure below. The water table is at a depth of 10m
below the base of the footing.

Column

Sand
 = 18kN/m3 1.0m
Nq = 24
N= 20 Footing

1.5m×3.0m

10. The net ultimate bearing capacity (kN/m2) of the footing based on Terzaghi’s bearing capacity equations
(a) 216 (b) 432 (c) 630 (d) 846
[2 Marks : GATE-2008]
11. The safe load (kN) that the footing can carry with a factor of safety 3 is
(a) 282 (b) 648 (c) 945 (d) 1269
[2 Marks : GATE-2008]
12. A plate load test is carried out on a 300 mm × 300 mm plate placed at 2 m below the ground level to
determine the bearing capacity of a 2 m × 2m footing placed at same depth of 2 m on a homogeneous
sand deposit extending 10 m below ground level. The ground water table is 3 m below the ground level.
Which of the following factors does not require a correction to the bearing capacity determined based on
the load test?
 122 GATE Previous Solved Questions
(a) Absence of the overburden pressure during the test
(b) Size of the plate is much smaller than the footing size
(c) Influence of the ground water table
(d) Settlement is recorded only over a limited period of one or two days
[2 Marks : GATE-2009]
Linked Answer Questions : 13 & 14
The unconfined compressive strength of a saturated clay sample is 54 kPa.
13. The value of cohesion for the clay is
(a) Zero (b) 13.5 kPa (c) 27 kPa (d) 54 kPa
[2 Marks : GATE-2010]
14. If a square footing of size 4m × 4m is resting on the surface of a deposit of the above clay, the ultimate
bearing capacity of the footing (as per Terzaghi’s equation) is
(a) 1600 kPa (b) 316 kPa (c) 200 kPa (d) 100 kPa
[2 Marks : GATE-2010]
15. Likelihood of general shear failure for an isolated footing in sand decreases with
(a) Decreasing footing depth
(b) Decreasing inter-granular packing of the sand
(c) Increasing footing width
(d) Decreasing soil grain compressibility
[1 Mark : GATE-2011]
16. Two geometrically identical isolated footings, X (linear elastic) and Y (rigid), are loaded identically (shown
below). The soil reaction will

Uniform pressure Uniform pressure

Footing X Linear elastic Footing Y : rigid

Isotropic linear Isotropic linear

plastic soil elastic soil

(a) Be uniformly distributed for Y but not for X

(b) Be uniformly distributed for X but not for Y
(c) Be uniformly distributed for both X and Y
(d) Not be uniformly distributed for both X and Y
[1 Mark : GATE-2011]
17. An embankment is to be constructed with a granular soil (bulk unit weight = 20 kN/m3) on a saturated
clayey silt deposit (undrained shear strength = 25 kPa). Assuming undrained general shear failure and
bearing capacity factor of 5.7, the maximum height (in m) of the embankment at the point of failure is
(a) 7.1 (b) 5.0 (c) 4.5 (d) 2.5
[2 Marks : GATE-2012]
 Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
123
18. Four columns of a building are to be loacted within a plot size of 10m × 10m. The expected load on each
column is 4000 kN. Allowable bearing capacity of the soil deposit is 100 kN/m2. The type of foundation
best suited is
(a) isolated footing (b) raft foundation
(c) Pile foundation (d) Combined footing
[1 Mark : GATE-2013]
Linked Answer Questions :19 & 20
A multi story building with a basement is to be constructed. The top 4 m consists of loose silt, below which
dense sand layer is present up to a great depth. Ground water table is at the surface. The foundation
consists of the basement slab of 6 m width which will rest on the top of dense sand as shown in the figure.
For dense sand, saturated unit weight = 20 kN/m3, and bearing capacity factors Nq = 40 and N = 45.
For loose silt, saturated unit weight = 18 kN/m3, Nq = 15 and N= 20. Effective cohesion c’ is zero for
both soils. Unit weight of water is 10 kN/m3. Neglect shape factor and depth factor. Average elastic
modulus E and Poisson’s ratio . of dense sand is 60 × 103 kN/m2 and 0.3 respectively.
Ground surface

Loose slit
4m Loose slit
Basement
Foundation slab

6m
Dense sand
19. Using factor of safety = 3, the net safe bearing capacity (in kN/m2) of the foundation is:
(a) 610 (b) 320 (c) 983 (d) 866
[2 Marks : GATE-2013]
20. The foundation slab is subjected to vertical downward stresses equal to net safe bearing capacity derived
in the above question. Using influence factor If = 2.0, and neglecting embedment depth and rigidity
corrections, the immediate settlement of the dense sand layer will be:
(a) 58 mm (b) 157 mm (c) 126 mm (d) 179 mm
[2 Marks : GATE-2013]
21. The contact pressure for a rigid footing resting on clay at the centre and the edges are respectively
(a) maximum and zero (b) maximum and minimum
(c) zero and maximum (d) minimum and maximum
[1 Mark : GATE-2014]
22. A circular raft foundation of 20 m diameter and 1.6 m thick is provided for a tank that applies a bearing
pressure of 110 kPa on sandy soil with Young's modulus, Es' = 30 MPa and Poisson's ratio, vs = 0.3. The
raft is made of concrete (Ec = 30 GPa and vc = 0.15). Considering the raft as rigid, the elastic settlement
(in mm) is ___________
(a) 50.96 (b) 53.36 (c) 63.72 (d) 66.71
[2 Marks : GATE-2014]
23. Net ultimate bearing capacity of a footing embedded in a clay stratum
(a) increases with depth of footing only
(b) increases with size of footing only
(c) increases with depth and size of footing
 124 GATE Previous Solved Questions
(d) is independent of depth and size of footing
[1 Mark : GATE-2015]
24. A square footing (2 m x 2 m) is subjected to an inclined point load, P as shown in the figure below. The
water table is located well below the base of the footing. Considering one-way eccentricity, the net safe
load carrying capacity of the footing for a factor of safety of 3.0 is _________ kN.
The following factors may be used:
Bearing capacity factors: Nq = 33.3, Ny = 37.16; Shape factors: Fqs = Fys = 1.314; Depth factors: Fqd =
Fy = 1.113; Inclination factors: Fqi = 0.444, Fy = 0.02

GL
0
30
1m

0.85 m 3
Unit weight = 18 kN/m
Cohesion = 0
2m Friction angle = 35o

[2 Marks : GATE-2015]
25. A strip footing is resting on the surface of a purely clayey soil deposit. If the width of the footing is doubled,
the ultimate bearing capacity of the soil
(a) becomes double (b) becomes half
(c) becomes four-times (d) remains the same
[1 Mark : GATE-2016]
26. A 4m wide strip footing is founded at a depth of 1.5m below the ground surface in c - soil as shown in the
figure. The water table is at a depth of 5.5m below ground surface. The solil properties are : c’ = 35 kN/m2,
’= 28.63 0 ,
sat=19 kN/m3, bulk = 17 kN/m3 and w = 9.81 kN/m3. The values of bearing capacity factor for different ’
are given below :

' Nc Nq N
0
15 12.9 4.4 2.5
0
20 17.7 7.4 5.0
0
25 25.1 12.7 9.7
300 37.2 22.5 19.7
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
125
Using Terzaghi’s bearing capacity equation and a factor of safety Fs = 2.5, the net safe bearing capacity
(expressed in kN/m2) for local shear failure of the soil is...........
[2 Mark : GATE-2016]
27. The plate load test was conducted on a clayey strata by using a plate of 0.3  m 0.3 m dimensions, and
the ultimate load per unit area for the plate was found to be 180 kPa. The ultimate bearing capacity (in
kPa) of a 2 m wide square footing would be
(a) 27 (b) 180 (c) 1200 (d) 2000
[1 Mark : GATE-2017]
28. A strip footing is resting on the ground surface of a pure clay bed having an undrained cohesion Cu. The
ultimate bearing capacity of the footing is equal to
(a) 2Cu (b) Cu (c) ( + 1)Cu (d) ( + 2) Cu
[1 Mark : GATE-2017]
29. A square footing of 4 m side is placed at 1 m depth in a sand deposit. The dry unit weight () of sand is 15 kN/
m3. This footing has an ultimate bearing capacity of 600 kPa. Consider the depth factors: dq = d = 1.0 and the
bearing capacity factor : N= 18.75. This footing is placed at a depth of 2 m in the same soil deposit. For a
factor of safety of 3.0 as per Terzaghi’s theory, the safe bearing capacity (in kPa) of this footing would
be______
[2 Marks : GATE-2019]

30. A square footing of 2 m sides rests on the surface of a homogeneous soil bed having the properties: cohesion
c = 24 kPa, angle of internal friction = 250, and unit weight  = 18 kN/m3. Terzaghi’s bearing capacity factors
for  = 250 are Nc = 25.1, Nq = 12.7, N  = 9.7, Nc ‘ = 14.8, Nq’ = 5.6 and N  = 3.2. The ultimate bearing
capacity of the foundation (in kPa, round off to 2 decimal places) is _____
[2 Marks : GATE-2019]
31. In a soil investigation work at a site, Standard Penetration Test (SPT) was conducted at every 1.5m
interval up to 30m depth. At 3m depth, the observed number of hammers blows for three successive
150mm penetrations were 8, 6 and 9 respectively. The SPT-N-value at 3m depth, is
(a) 14 (b) 17 (c) 23 (d) 15
[2020: 1M, Set-I]
32. A rectangular footing of size 2.8m ´ 3.5m is embedded in a clay layer and a vertical load is placed with
an eccentricity of 0.8m as shown in the figure (not to scale). Take Bearing capacity factors: Nc = 5.14,
Nq = 1.0, and Ng = 0.0: Shape factors: sc = 1.16, sq = 1.0 and sg = 1.0; Depth factors: dc = 1.1, dq =
1.0 and dg = 1.0; and inclination factors: ic = 1.0 and iq = 1.0 and ig = 1.0.

Using Meyerhoff’s method, the load (in kN, round off to two decimal places) that can be applied on the
 126 GATE Previous Solved Questions
footing with a factor of safety of 2.5 is_____
[2021: 2M, Set-II]
33. Read the following statements:
(P): While designing a shallow footing in sandy soil, monsoon season is considered for critical design in
terms of bearing capacity,
(Q): For slope stability of an earthen dam, sudden drawdown is never a critical condition
(R): In a sandy sea beach, quicksand condition can arise only if the critical hydraulic gradient exceeds
the existing hydraulic gradient.
(S): The active earth thrust on a rigid retaining wall supporting homogeneous cohesionless backfill will
reduce with the lowering of water table in the backfill.
Which one of the following combinations is correct?
(a) (P)-False, (Q)-True, (R)-False, (S)-False (b) (P)-False, (Q)-True, (R)-True, (S)-True
(c) (P)-True, (Q)-False, (R)-False, (S)-False (d) (P)-True, (Q)-False, (R)-True, (S)-True
[2022: 1M, Set-II]
34. A square footing of size 2.5m ´ 2.5m is placed 1.0m below the ground surface on a cohesionless
homogeneous soil stratum. Considering that the groundwater table is located at the base of the footing,
the unit weights of soil above and below the groundwater table are 18kN/m3 and 20kN/m3, respectively,
and the bearing capacity factor Nq is 58, the net ultimate bearing capacity of the soil estimated as
1706kPa (unit weight of water = 10kN/m3)
Earlier, a plate load test was carried out with a circular plate of 30cm diameter in the same foundation
pit during a dry season, when the water table was located beyond the plate influence zone. Using
Terzaghi’s bearing capacity formulation, what is the ultimate bearing capacity (in kPa) of the plate?
(a) 110.16 (b) 61.20 (c) 204.00 (d) 163.20
[2023: 2M, Set-I]
35. A standard penetration test (SPT) was carried out at a location by using a manually operated hammer
dropping system with 50% efficiency. The recorded SPT value at a particular depth is 28. If an automatic
hammer dropping system with 70% efficiency is used at the same location, the recorded SPT value will
be
(a) 28 (b) 20 (c) 40 (d) 25
[2023: 1M, Set-II]
36. The reason(s) of the non-uniform elastic settlement profile below a flexible footing, resting on a cohesionless
soil while subjected to uniform loading, is/are:
(a) variation of friction angle along the width of the footing
(b) variation of soil stiffness along the width of the footing
(c) variation of friction angle along the depth of the footing
(d) variation of soil stiffness along the depth of the footing
[2023: 1M, Set-II]
 Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.127
37. A square footing is to be designed to carry a column load of 500kN which is resting on a soil stratum
having the following average properties: bulk unit weight = 19kN/m3; angle of internal friction = 00 and
cohesion = 25kPa. Considering the depth of the footing as 1m and adopting Meyerhoff’s bearing capacity
theory with a factor of safety of 3, the width of the footing (in m) is________ (round off to one decimal
place)
[Assume the applicable shape and depth factor values as unity; ground water level at greater depth]
[2023: 2M, Set-II]


 128 GATE Previous Solved Questions

SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
1. Ans. (a) Hence ratio is 1.
B = 2, D = 1.5 6. Ans. (a)
From the figure given aside For rigid footing, settlement is uniform. For rigid
footing, the contact pressure is more at edges
Z w 2 = 3  1.5  1.5m compared to centre, in the case of clay.
7. Ans. (d)
D=1.5 Here, the settlement controls the allowable b.c
3m of soil.
B=2m
ZW2 Hence qna = 100 kPa.
Load on footing
W.T correction factor, Q = (B × 1)qna = 8 × 1 × 100
 Z2   1.5  = 800 kN
R 2 = 0.5  1   = 0.5  1   q  settlement (Peck-Henson formula)
 B   2 
= 0.875 q2 S2
 q1 = S1
2. Ans. (b)
The net bearing capacity of clay is independent at S1 = 40mm, q1 = 100 kPa
of footing width and depth. at S2 = 25mm, q2 = ?
3. Ans. (d) q2 25
=
In the case of sand, the relationship is as follows, 100 40
where BF & Bp are to be used in ‘m’ q2 = 62.5 kPa
2 Q
SF  BF  BP  0.3   Area = q
=   2
SP  BP  B F  0.3   800
B2  1 =
2 62.5
SF   0.3  0.3 
=   B2 = 12.8 m
5  0.3  5  0.3  
8. Ans. (a)
SF = 17.80mm

4. Ans. (d)
For cohesionless soil,
1.5m
2
Sf  BF  Bp  0.30   1.5m
Sp =  
 Bp  Bf  0.30   If water table is at a depth  B, below the base
2 width of footing there is no effect of water table
Sf  1 0.6  0.3  
=   on B.C. of soil. So, according to options we can
15  0.6 1  0.3   chose answer directly.
Sf = 19.97 mm If WT is at a depth of 3m, B.C is 600 kN/m2
If WT is at a depth of 1.5 m,
5. Ans. (b)
BC = 600 kN/m2
The bearing capacity of a pure clayey soil If WT is at a depth of 0.5 m, BC will be < 600
doesn’t depend on the diameter of footing. kN/m2
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
129
Therefore, option (a) is correct. qu = 1.3 CNC (Here D = 0)
= 1.3 × 27 × 5.7 = 200 kPa
9. Ans. (b)
2 15. Ans. (b)
Sf  BF  BP  0.3 
=   General shear failure criteria is associated with
Sp
 BP  BF  0.3  dense sand. If intergranular packing of sand
where Bp and BF are in m decreases, sand will behave as loose sand.
Hence, likelihod of general shear failure will
Bp = Test plate width = 0.3 m decrease.
BF = width of footing = 1.50m 16. Ans. (b)
2
Sf  1.5  0.3  0.3   For linear elastic or flexible type of footing, soil
=   pressure or soil reaction will be uniform
10  0.3 1.5  0.3  
irrrespective of the type of soil. But if the footing
Sf = 27.78 mm
is rigid then settlement of footing will be uniform
10. Ans. (c) and pressure distribution at the base of footing
will depend upon type of soil.
For a rectangular footing in cohesion less
soils, (1) 17. Ans. (a)
Cu = 25 kN/m2 ; Nc = 5.7;
 B
qnu = D  N q  1  0.5BN   1  0.2  ultimate bearing capacity,
 L
qn = CN C
1.5 
= 18  1 24  1 0.5  18  1.5  20  1  0.2  
qn = CNC = 25 × 5.7 = 142.5 kN/m2
 3  Maximum vertical stress due to embankment
= 657 kN/m2 ; = H ;
Nearest answer is 630 kN/m2 where  = unit wt of embankment
11. Ans. (c) and H = Height
Equating, qn = H
Safe load that be carried carry by footing
Height of embankment,
 q nu   630  142.5
=   B L =    1.5  3 H =  7.1m
 F   3  20
18. Ans. (c)
= 945 kN
Column load, Q = 4000 kN
12. Ans. (d)
Allowable bearing capacity of soil,
In sand immediate settlement occurs which takes qa= 100kN/m2
short duration to complete. Hence, no correction
Area of each footing,
is required for settlement.
Q 4000 2
13. Ans. (c) A = q  100  40m
a
Unconfined compressive strength qu = 54 kPa Total required area for four footings
= 4 × 40 = 160m2
q u 54 Therefore, isolated foundation can not be used
Cohesion, Cu    27kPa
2 2 as the total required area of footings is more
14. Ans. (c) than the plot area (i.e 10 m × 10m = 100m2). If
raft foundation is used, the total load carrying
Nc = 5.7,
capacity is
Nq = l and N = 0 10 × 10 × 100 = 10,000 kN
As per Terzaghi, for a clay the ultimate b.c, which is less then the total load on the four
 130 GATE Previous Solved Questions
columns (4 × 4000 = 16000 kN). B = 20 m,
Hence it is also not suitable.  = 0.3
Therefore, pile foundation is to be used. E s = 30 GPa = 30 × 103 kN/m2
19. Ans. (d)
Elastic settlement of rigid footing
20. Ans. (b)
Linked Question Solution :  qB(1   2 ) 
S= 0.8  
Since D < B, it can be treated as shallow  E 
foundation and Terzaghi ‘s equation can be used. 110  20  (1  0.09) 
 0.8    53.38mm
Terzaghi neglects the shear strength of the soil  30  103
present above the base of footing and that soil is 23. Ans. (d)
replaced by an equivalent surcharge (Df or Df).
Net ultimate bearing of footing
Hence the properties of loose silt present above
the base of footing are not considered here except qau = qu – Df
the self weight. qu = CNc + qNq + 0.5BNf
1 from Terzaghi theory
qns = CN C  11  N q  1  0.512 BN  
F qnu = CNc + q(Nq – 1) + 0.5BN
C=0 for pure clay
11 =  sat1     =0 Nq = 1 N = 0

= 18 – 10 = 8 kN/m3 q nu  CN c

12 =  sat2     20  10 Hence net utilimate bearing capacity is

= 10 kN/m3 independent of footing size.

1
=  0  8  4  40  1  0.5  10  6  45 24. Solution: 446.7
3
= 866 kN/m2
2m
Immediate settlement,

qn
Si = E B 1    I
2

S 2m

866
= 3
 6  1  0.32   2
60  10
1.7m Top View
= 0.157 = 157mm
21. Ans. (d)
Due to one way ecentricity
Rigid (e = 1 - 0.85 = 0.15)
Footing
Net width of footing is reduced as (B - 2ex)
G.L.
CLAY B’ = 2 - 2 × 0.15
Min
at center
= 1.7 m
MAX MAX
at at qnu = cN c  (N q  1) d f  0.5BN 
edge edge
22. Ans. (b) As cohesion = 0; c = 0

Given q = 110 kN/m2, qnu = (N q  1) df  0.5BN 

Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
131
1 2
qns = (N q  1)df  0.5BN  
FOS  qnu =
3
× 35 × 17.7 + 17 × 1.5 ×
qns =
1 1
( d f (Nq  1)Fqs Fqd Fqi  0.5BN   Fs  Fd  Fi ) (7.4 - 1) + × 4 × 17 × 5
3 2
1 qnu = 746.2 kN/m2
qns = (18 × 1 × (33.3 – 1) × 1.314 × 1.113
3
746.2
× 0.444 + 0.5 × 18 × 1.7 × 37.16 × 1.314 q ns = = 298.48 kN/m 2
2.5
× 1.113 × 0.02)
1 27. Ans. (b)
qns =(377.53 + 16.63) kN/m2 The Ultimate Bearing Capacity of purely cohesive
3
394.16 soil or clayey soil is given as below-
qns = = 131.38 kN/m2 qu = CNC + q (q = Df)
3
Reduced area Thus, the bearing capacity of a footing on purely
= 2 × 1.7 = 3.4 m 2 cohesive soil is mainly dependent on the cohesion
(c) of the soil and independent of the width of
Load carrying capacity
footing.
= 131.38 × 3.4
So, the ultimate Bearing capacity is same & is
= 446.7 kN equal to 180 KPa
25. Ans. (d) 28. Ans. (d)
26. Solution: The ultimate bearing capacity of a soil is given
The water tables is at a depth of 4m from the by
base of footing. Hence, there is no effect of water
table on the bearing capacity. 1
qu = CNc + q Nq + BN
2
2
cm = c' For Pure Clay ( = 0)
3
The corresponding bearing capacity factors are
2 Nc = 5.14
tanm = tan  '
3 Nq = 1

2  N = 0
m = tan -1  tan 28.630  = 200
 3  qu = 5.14C + q (q = Df)
Footing is resting on the ground surface,
Corresponding to
Then depth of foundation (Df) = 0
 m = 200
N c = 17.7, Nq = 7.4, Nr = 5  q = 0

Hence,  qu = 5.14C
q nu C = Cu = Undrained Cohesion.
q ns =
FOS  qu = 5.14 Cu
( + 2) = 3.14 + 2 = 5.14
2 1
q nu = c' N c + q  N q 1 + BrNr
3 2
 132 GATE Previous Solved Questions
 or qu = ( + 2) Cu 32. Ans. (440.7)
29. Ans. (55)
Given data: 2.8  3.56, e = 0.8, Df = 1.5m
Now,
Nc = 5.14, Nq = 1, Nr = 0
qu = dq q Nq + 0.4 Ny dy (C=0)
Sc = 1.16,Sq = 1, Sr = 1.0
600 = 15Nq + 0.4  4  15  1875  1
dc = 1.1,dq = 1, dr = 1.0
Nq = 10
ic = 1, iq = 1, ir = 1.0
Now,  = 18.2, c = 40kN/m2
For depth = 2m B’ = B – 2ex = 2.8 – 2(0.8) = 1.2m
qu = 15 10  2 + 0.4  4  15  18.75  10 L’ = L = 3.5
= 750 kN/m2 Ultimate bearing capacity,
qnu = 750 - q qu = CNcScdcic + DfNqSqdqiq + 0.5B’NrSrdr
= 750 - 2  15 = 720 qu = 40 ´ 5.14 ´ 1.16 ´ 1.1 + 18.2 ´ 1.5 ´ 1 + 0
qnu = qu - Df = 262.346kN/m2
720
q ns = =240 q nu
3 q ns = =104.938kN/m2
F
qs = qns +  = 240 + 30 = 270 KPa
q nu
30. Ans. (353.9KPa) Net safe load = qns  A = ×  B'×L 
F
Now = 250 ( Local shear falure) = 104.938  1.2  3.5kN
2 2 Load applied on the footing = 440.740kN
C  C   24  16h6a
3 3 33. Ans. (c)
Q = 1.3 CNC + 0.4 Bal, * Stability of slope will definitely be affected by
( q = 0 ( on ground (square footng) sudden drawdown condition. Even, it is one of
the reasons of failure of slope.
= 1.316 (14.8) + 0.4183.22
* Active thrust decrease, when water table is
= 353.9KPa lowered.
31. Ans. (d) For e.g.: When water table is at ground level,
then active pressure at base is kag’H + gwH and
No. of blows for each 150mm penetration 8, 6 when there is no water table than active thrust
and 9. at base is kagH.

We will not consider first 150mm number of * Quick sand condition will not occur if ic > i.
34. Ans. (a)
blows.
Since soil is cohesionless, c = 0
Hence, for last 300mm, number of blows are
q nu =q u -σ=q u -γDf
15.
 1706 = {1.3CNC + DfNq + 0.4BN} - Df
Hence, observed SPT number = 15
Þ 1706 = 18 ´ 1 ´ 58 + 0.4 ´ 2.5 ´ (20 – 10) Ng
- 18 ´ 1
 N = 68
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
133

For Plate: [Surcharge at the plate level is zero]

qu = 1.3CNc + DfNq + 0.3BNy
 qu = 0 + 0.3  0.3  18  68
 qu = 110.16kPa
35. Ans. (b)
1 1
Efficiency  
Number of blows SPT value
 1N1 = 2N2
 0.5  28 = 0.7  N2
0.5×28
 N2 = =20
0.7
36. Ans. (b)
37. Ans. (3.4)
As per Meyerhoff’s theory,
qu = CNcScdcic + qNqSqdqiq + 0.5BNSdi
For  = 0, Nc = 5.14, Nq = 1 and N = 0
Also, considering shape, depth and inclination factor as 1, we get
 qu = 5.14  25 + Df
 qnu = qu - Df = 5.14  25
q ns 5.14×25
 qn = = =42.83kN/m 2
FOS 3
Also, Qns = 500kN = qns  B2
 42.83  B2 = 500
 B = 3.4167m  3.4m


 134 GATE Previous Solved Questions

SOLUTIONS
14
PILE FOUNDATION
1. Identify the two TRUE statements from the following four statements.
I. Negative skin friction is higher on floating piles than on end bearing piles.
II. All other things being the same in footings on sand, the footing with smaller width will have lower
settlement at the same net pressure.
III. The void ratio of soil is always less than 1.0
IV. For determining the depth of embedment of anchored sheet piles, net moment at the anchor elevation
is set to zero.
(a) I & IV (b) I & III (c) II & IV (d) II & III
[2 Marks : GATE-2001]
2. A group of 16 piles (4 in each row) was installed in a layered clay soil deposit shown below. The diameter
of each pile is 500 mm and their c/c distance is 1m. The length of the pile group is 18m. Estimate the
safe load capacity of the group with a factor of safety of 2.50. The adhesion factors () between the pile
and soil in each soil layer are shown in the figure.

8m, Cu= 25kPa,

 = 0,0  = 1.0
8m
16m, Cu40 kPa,
 = 0º,  = 0.7 ;
10m
Soil profile

Plan view of pile group

[5 Marks : GATE-2001]
3. A group of 16 piles (diameter = 50 cm, length =14 m, center to centre spacing =lm) arranged in a square
pattern passes through a recent fill (thickness = 3m) overlying a soft clay deposit (thickness = 5m) which
is consolidating under the fill load and rest is a stiff clay strata. All the strata are saturated. The soil
properties of different strata are
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
135

Unit Weight (y) Strength Parameters

Type of Sole Adhesion Parameter()
(kN/m3) Cu(kPa) u
Fill 16 50 0 0.60
Soft Clay 17 20 0 0.40
Stiff Clay 21 70 0 0.45
Estimate the ultimate load carrying capacity (Qg) of the pile group.
4×4 pile group
Qs
G.L.
3m Fill

5m Soft clay

6m Stiff clay

1m 1m 1m
[5 Marks : GATE-2002]
4. For the (3 × 3) pile group shown in the figure, the settlement of pile group, in a normally consolidated
clay stratum having properties as shown in the figure, will be
500kN

200 mm dia
G S
Normally
consolidated clay 0.5m
5m
7m 3 ;
sat= 20 kN/m
CC = 0.027
e0 = 1.05
0.5m
Hard Stratum
(a) 13.2 mm (b) 12.775 mm (c) 7.345 mm (d) None of these
[2 Marks : GATE-2003]

Common Data for Question: 5 & 6

A group of 16 piles of 10m length and 0.5 m diameter is installed in a 10m thick stiff clay layer underlain
by rock. The pile-soil adhesion factor is 0.4; average shear strength of soil on the sides is 100 kPa;
undrained shear strength of the soil at the base is also 100kPa.
5. The base resistance of a single pile is
(a) 40.00 kN (b) 88.35 kN (c) 100.00 kN (d) 176.71 kN
[2 Marks : GATE-2004]
6. Assuming 100% efficiency, the group side resistance is
(a) 5026.5 kN (b) 10000.0 kN (c) 10053.1kN (d) 20106.0 kN
[2 Marks : GATE-2004]
 136 GATE Previous Solved Questions
7. For the soil profile shown in figure below, the minimum number of precast concrete piles of 300 mm
diameter required to safely carry the load for a given factor of safety of 2.5 (assuming 100% efficiency
for the pile group) is equal to 5000 kN
5000kN

Medium stiff clay

10m
Cu= 100 kPa
 = 0.57

Stiff clay
Cu= 150kPa
(a) 10 (b) 15 (c) 20 (d) 25
[2 Marks : GATE-2006]
8. Negative skin friction in a soil is considered when the pile is constructed through a
(a) fill material (b) dense coarse sand
(c) over consolidated stiff clay (d) dense fine sand
[1 Mark : GATE-2005]
9. Match List - I with List - II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-I List-II
A. Constant head permeability test 1. Pile foundation
B. Consolidation test 2. Specific gravity
C. pycnometer test 3. Clay soil
D. Negative skin friction 4. Sand
Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 4 3 2 1 (b) 4 2 3 1
(c) 3 4 2 1 (d) 4 1 2 3
[2 Marks : GATE-2007]
10. What is the ultimate capacity in kN of the pile group shown in the figure assuming the group to fail as
a single block?

0.4m diameter piles

10m clay soil
Cu = 40 kN/m3

1.2m c/c

1.2m c/c
(a) 921.6 (b) 1177.6 (c) 2438.6 (d) 3481.6
[2 Marks : GATE-2007]
 Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & CivilFoundation Engg.137
11. A pile of 0.50 m diameter and length 10 m is embedded in a deposit of clay. The undrained strength
parameters of the clay are cohesion = 60 kN/m2 and the angle in internal friction = 0. The skin friction
capacity (kN) of the pile for an adhesion factor of 0.6, is
(a) 671 (b) 565 (c) 283 (d) 106
[2 Marks : GATE-2008]
12. A precast concrete pile is driven with a 50 kN hammer falling through a height of 1.0m with an
efficiency of 0.6. The set value observed is 4mm per blow and the combined temporary compression
of the pile, cushion and the ground is 6 mm. As per Modified Hiley Formula, the ultimate resistance
of the pile is
(a) 3000 kN (b) 4285.7 kN (c) 8333 kN (d) 11905 kN
[2 Marks : GATE-2009]
Common Data for Question :13 & 14
Examine the test arrangement and the soil properties given below

5m 5m

Rigid steel
beam
Concrete block
1.5 × 1.0 × 0.6m high
G.W.T.

Saturated dense
sand 500mm diameter bored pile
3
 sat= 18kN/m 5m Angle of friction = 24º
 = 35º
c = 0 kPa Earth pressure coefficient K = 1.5
N= 40
3
 w = 10kN/m

13. The maximum pressure that can be applied with a factor of safety of 3 through the concrete block,
ensuring no bearing capacity failure in soil using Terzaghi’s bearing capacity equation without considering
the shape factor, depth factor and inclination factor is
(a) 26.67 kPa (b) 60 kPa (c) 90 kPa (d) 120 kPa
[2 Marks : GATE-2009]
14. The maximum resistance offered by the soil through skin friction while pulling out the pile from the ground
is
(a) 104.9 kN (b) 209.8 kN (c) 236 kN (d) 472 kN
[2 Marks : GATE-2009]
 138 GATE Previous Solved Questions
15. The ultimate load capacity of a 10 m long concrete pile of square cross section 500mm × 500mm driven
into a homogeneous clay layer having undrained cohesion value of 40kPa is 700 kN. If the cross section
of the pile is reduced to 250 mm × 250 mm and the length of the pile is increased to 20 m, the ultimate
load capacity will be
(a) 350 kN (b) 632.5 kN (c) 722.5 kN (d) 1400 kN
[2 Marks : GATE-2010]
16. A singly under-reamed, 8-m long, RCC pile (shown in the adjoining figure) weighing 20 kN with 350 mm
shaft diameter and 750 mm under-ream diameter is installed within stiff, saturated silty clay (undrained
shear strength is 50 kPa, adhesion factor is 0.3, and the applicable bearing capacity factor is 9) to
counteract the impact of soil swelling on a structure constructed above. Neglecting suction and the
contribution of the under-ream to the adhesive shaft capacity, what would be the estimated ultimate tensile
capacity (rounded off to the nearest integer value of kN) of the pile?

8000 mm

400mm

350
750

(a) 132kN (b) 156kN (c) 287 kN (d) 301 kN

[2 Marks : GATE-2011]
17. The action of negative skin friction on the pile is to
(a) increase the ultimate load on the pile
(b) reduce the allowable load on the pile
(c) maintain the working load on the pile
(d) reduce the settlement of the pile
[1 Mark : GATE-2014]
18. A single vertical friction pile of diameter 500 mm and length 20 m is subjected to a vertical compressive
load. The pile is embedded in a homogeneous sandy stratum where: angle of internal friction () = 30°,
dry unit weight (d) = 20 kN/m3 and angle of wall friction () = 2/3. Considering the coefficient of lateral
earth pressure (K) = 2.7 and the bearing capacity factor (Nq) = 25, the ultimate bearing capacity of the
pile (in kN) is _______________
[2 Marks : GATE-2014]
 Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil Foundation Engg.139
19. A pile of diameter 0.4 m is fully embedded in a clay stratum having 5 layers, each 5 m thick as shown-
in the figure below. Assume a constant unit weight of soil as 18 kN/m3 for all the layers. Using  - method
 = 0.15 for 25 m embedment length) and neglecting the end bearing component, the ultimate pile
capacity (in kN) is ___________,
G S

Pile Dia. = 0.4 m, L = 25 m

c = 40 kPa

c = 50 kPa
3
= 18 kN/m
for all layers c = 60 kPa

c = 70 kPa

c = 80 kPa
[2 Marks : GATE-2015]
20. Two identical concrete piles having the plan dimensions 50 cm  50 cm are driven into a homogeneous
sandy layer as shown in the figures. Consider the bearing capacity factor Nq for  = 300 as 24.

If QP1 and QP2 represent the ultimate point bearing resistance of the piles under dry and submerged
conditions, respectively, which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) QP1 > QP2 by about 100% (b) QP1 < QP2 by about 100%
(c) QP1 > Qp2 by about 5% (d) Qp1 < Qp2 by about 5%
[1 Mark : GATE-2017]
21. It is proposed to drive H-piles up to a depth of 7 m at a construction site. The average surface area of
the H-pile is 3 m2 per meter length. The soil at the site is homogeneous sand, having an effective friction
angle of 320. The ground water table (GWT) is at a depth of 2m below the ground surface. The unit
weights of the soil above and below the GWT are 16 kN/m3 and 19 kN/m3, respectively. Assume the earth
pressure coefficient, K = 1.0, and the angle of wall friction,  = 230. The total axial friction resistance
(in kN, up to one decimal place) mobilized on the pile against the driving is______
[2 Marks : GATE-2017]
22. A 0.5m  0.5m square concrete pile is to be driven in a homogeneous clayey soil having undrained shear
strength, cu = 50kPa and unit weight, = 18.0 kN/m3. The design capacity of the pile is 500kN. The adhesion
factor is given as 0.75. The length of the pile required for the above design load with a factor of safety of
2.0 is
(a) 5.2m (b) 5.8m (c) 11.8m (d) 12.5m
[2 Marks : GATE-2018]
 140 GATE Previous Solved Questions
23. A timber pile of length 8 m and diameter 0.2 m is driven with a 20 kN drop hammer, falling freely from a
height of 1.5 m. The total Penetration of the pile in the last 5 blows is 40 mm. Use the Engineering News
Rocord expression. Assume a factor of safety of 6 and empirical factor (allowing reduction in the theoretical
set, due to energy losses) of 2.5 cm. The safe load carrying capacity of the pile (in kN, round off to 2 decimal
places) is ___________
[2 Marks : GATE-2019]
24. A reinforced concrete circular pile of 12 m length and 0.6 m diameter is embedded in stiff clay which has
an undrained unit cohesion of 110 kN/m2. the adhesion factor is 0.5. The net ultimate pullout (uplift) load for
the pile (in kN, round off to 1 decimal place) is___________
[2 Marks : GATE-2019]

25. At a site, Static Cone Penetration Test was carried out. The measured point (tip) resistance qc was
1000kPa at a certain depth. The friction ratio (fr) was estimated as 1% at the same depth.
The value of sleeve (side) friction (in kPa) at that depth was__________ (in integer)
[2022: 1M, Set-I]
26. A square concrete pile of 10m length is driven into a deep layer of uniform homogeneous clay. Average
unconfined compressive strength of the clay, determined through laboratory tests on undisturbed samples
extracted from the clay layer, is 100kPa. If the ultimate compressive load capacity of the driven pile is
632kN, the required with the pile is_________ mm. (in integer)
(Bearing capacity factor Nc = 9; adhesion factor a = 0.7)
[2022: 2M, Set-I]
27. A group of total 16 piles are arranged in a square grid format. The center-to-center spacing (s) between
adjacent piles is 3m. the diameter (d) and length of embedment of each pile are 1m and 20m, respectively.
The design capacity of each pile is 1000kN in the vertical downward direction. The pile group efficiency

θ   n-1 m+  m-1 n 
hg is given by ηg =1- 90  mn
 where m and n are number of rows and columns in the plan
 

-1  d 
grid of pile arrangement, and θ=tan   . The design value of the pile group capacity (in kN) in the
s
vertical downward direction is______ (round off to the nearest integer)
[2022: 2M, Set-II]
28. A group of 9 friction piles are arranged in a square grid maintaining equal spacing in all directions. Each
pile is of diameter 300mm and length 7m. Assume that the soil is cohesionless with effective friction angle
f’ = 320. What is the center-to-center spacing of the piles (in m) for the pile group efficiency of 60%?
(a) 0.582 (b) 0.486 (c) 0.391 (d) 0.677
[2023: 1M, Set-I]
29. A circular pile of diameter 0.6m and length 8m was constructed in a cohesive soil stratum having the
following properties: bulk unit weight = 19kN/m3; angle of internal friction = 00 and cohesion = 25kPa.
The allowable load the pile can carry with a factor of safety of 3 is________ kN (round off to one
decimal place).
[Adopt: Adhesion factor, a = 1.0 and Bearing capacity factor, Nc = 9.0]
[2023: 2M, Set-II]


Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
141

SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
1. Ans. (c) as well as soft clay. Hence the strength of piles
is estimated considering only stiff clay. The net
2. Solution:
strength is arrived by subtracting the negative
B0 = 3s +d = 3 × 1 + 0.5 = 3.5 m skin friction component.
Take NC = 9 for u = 0 (i)Group capacity based on individual pile failure
(I)Ultimate group capacity based on individual mode:
pile failure mode : Qgi = n[Ab.C.Nc + As  C]
Qgi = n  A b CN C  As ..C   2 
=  0.5  70  9    0.5  6  0.45  70 
 2 4 
= n  d .Cu 2 .NC  d8.1Cu1 d10. 2 Cu 2 
4 = 6726 kN
 2 (ii)Group capacity based on block failure mode:
= 16  0.5  40  9  0.5  8  1  25
4
Qgb = AB.C.NC + AS.C
0.5  10  0.7  40 
= B02 .C.N C  4B0 .L.C.
= 16  70.65  314  439.6  = 13188 kN
= 3.52 × 70 × 9 + 4 × 3.5 × 6 × 70
(II)Ultimate group capacity based on block failure
= 13597.5 kN
mode.
 Group capacity Qg is the smaller of Qgi and
Qgh = A B .CN C  AS .C.
Q gb
= B02 .Cu 2 .N C  4B0  8  Cu1 4B0  10  Cu 2  Qg = 6726kN
= 3.52 + 40 × 9 + 4 × 3.5 × 8 Negative skin friction, Qnf :
× 25 + 4 × 3.5 × 10 × 40 (i)Based on in individual pile failure mode:
= 12810 kN Qnfi = n.d.L.  C
Actual group capacity. = 16 × (0.5) × 3 × 0.6 × 50 + 16 ×  × 0.5
Qg = smaller of Qgi and Qgb × 5 × 0.4 × 20 =3265.60 kN
= 12810 kN (ii)Based on block mode:
 Safe group capacity Qnfb = pg.L.C + Ag.L.
Qg12810 = 4 × 3.5 × 3 × 50 + 4 × 3.5 × 5 × 20 + 3.52
= =  5124 kN × 3 × l6 + 3.52 × 5 × l7
F 2.5
3. Solution: = 5129kN
Negative skin friction is higher of the above two
B0 = 3s +d values (Qnfi and Qnft)
= 3×1+0.5=3.50m Qnf = 5129kN
Net load carrying capacity
= Qg – Qnf = 6726 – 5129 = 1597 kN
s 4. Ans. (d)

B0

Note: Negative skin friction occurs due to the fill

 142 GATE Previous Solved Questions
where Q = Total ultimate group capacity
Qi = ultimate capacity of individual
500kN pile
2/3L=3.33m Load bearing = As    C
level 5m
1/3L=1.66m 7m Q
1 100% = 16  A  C  100
s
H0=3.667m 10 1 2 Q
2m 1=  
H0/2 16   0.5 10  0.4  100
Q = 10053.1 kN
In the case of friction piles, the load is assumed
1 7. Ans. (c)
to be acting at L from base of pile, for dia = 300 mm
3
computing settlement, i.e. Load bearing level is F.O.S = 2.5
1
chosen at L from base as shown in fig.  g = 100%
3
Thickness of clay undergoing consolidation,
H0 = 3.667 m Qgs
g =
n.Qis
 0 at centre of clay layer undergoing
Qgs = total safe load on the group
consolidation
= 500 kN
 3.667 
= 3.33   20 = 103.3 kPa
 2  Qis = safe load capacity of individual
pile
Q 500 n = no. of piles
 =  B0  Z  2 =
1.2  1.833 2
1
= 54.35 kN/m2 Qis =  Ab .Cu Nc  As  Cu 
F
(B0 = 2S + d = 1.2m)
H0 1    0.32 
Z=  1.833m =   150  9   0.3  10  0.57  100
2 2.5  4 
H 0Cc      
0 = 252.93 kN
Sf = 1  e log10  


0   0  Since g = 1, n.Qis = Qgs
3.667  0.027  103.3  54.35 
= log10   Qgs
1  1.05  103.3
n=
= 0.00886 m = 8.86 mm Qis

5. Ans. (d) 5000

n= = 19.77
Length, L = 10 m, dia = 0.5m, 252.93
 = 0.4, Cu = 100kPa  20 no. of pile
Qb = Ab.CNC----{base Resistance} 8. Ans. (a)
  0.52 Negative skin friction occurs if the settlement of
=  100  9 = 176.71 kN
4 the surrounding soil is more than that of the pile.
6. Ans. (c) Recently filled up soils, soft clays and other loose
Q soils cause negative skin friction.
g =  100
n.Qi 9. Ans. (a)
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
143
Constant head permeability test – Used for the 14. Ans. (a)
soil of high permeability i.e., sand
Skin friction Qf = dL.k1a tan 
Consolidation Test – Used for clayed soil
Pycnometer Test – For determination of specific where 1a = average effective vertical
gravity and water content stress along the length of pile
Negative skin friction – Phenomenon associated 1 1 1 2
with pile foundation when settlement of =  0   L  =  0  8  5  20 kN m
2 2
surrounding soil is more, then direction of friction
on the pile is in downward direction and friction  Qf = 0.5  5  1.5  20  tan 24º
is known as negative skin friction. = 104.9 kN
10. Ans. (d)
15. Ans. (b)
Ultimate capacity of pile group as a single block
Take Nc = 9 for clay.
Qgs,
If pile size is 500 × 500 mm and
Qb = A b .C.N c  A s .C ;
L = 10m,
NC = 9
Qu = A b .C.N C  A s ..C
2
= 1.2  0.4   40  9 4  1.2  0.4   10  40 700 = 0.52 × 40 × 9 + (4 × 0.5 × 10) ×  × 40
Qg = 3481.6 kN   = 0.7625 (adhesion factor
11. Ans. (b) If pile size = 0.25 × 0.25 m and
Skin friction of pile. length = 20m
Qf = A s  C  d.L..C. Qu = 0.252 × 40 × 9 + (4 × 0.25 × 20)
=   0.50  10  0.6  60 = 565 kN × 0.7625 × 40
12. Ans. (b) Qu = 632.5 kN
W = 50 kN 16. Ans. (d)
H = 1m Tensile capcity of under-remed pile
 = 0.6  2 2 1
S = 4mm = 0.004 m, T=  D b  d  CN C  dL C
4
C = 6 mm = 0.006m + weigh to pile,
Hiley's formula : T

WH h b 50  1  0.6
Qu = =
 C  0.006 
S    0.004  
 2  2 
   b  b  0.6 
Qu = 4285.7 kN
13. Ans. (b)
1 =  sat   w = 18  10  8 kN m 3
Without considering shape and depth factor, safe
bearing capacity, qs
W
1 1 1
qs =  0.5 BN   =  0.5  8  1  40  Db = 750 mm = 0.750m
F 3
d = 0.350m
= 53.34 kN/m2
C = 50 kPa,
Nearest answer is 60 kN/m2
 144 GATE Previous Solved Questions
NC = 9 20. Ans. (a)
 = 0.3 As per IS code unit point bearing resistance in
1
L = (L – under ream dimension) case of sand is given as below
= 8000 – 400 = 7600mm 1
= 7.6 m q pu =σ N q + BγN γ
2

 T= 0.7502  0.3502  50  9 Where σ = Effective over burden pressure at
4
the tip of the pile
  0.35  7.6  0.3  50  20 Nq, N = Bearing capacity factors.
= 300.86 kN B = width or diameter of pile.
Say 301 kN
 = Effective unit weight of soil.
17. Ans. (b)
Negative skin friction reduce the allowable load Ultimate point bearing resistance (QP)
in the pile. = qpu Ab
18. Solution: 6150 to 6190 Where Ab = Area of base of pile.
For friction pile we have Q p1 =q pu1 A b1
Q u = fs As ...(1)
1  1  2
where fs =v k tan  Q p1 = 18×20 ×24+ ×0.50×18N γ   0.5
2  2 
As = surface area of pile = DL
Q p 2 =q pu 2 A b 2
We have  v = d × L
= 20 × 20 = 400 kN/m2  1  2
Q p2 =  9×20 ×24+ ×0.50×9N γ   0.5
 2 
K = 2.7
2  2 
tan= tan     cos   30   0.364  1  2
3  3  2 9×20×24+ ×0.50×9N γ   0.5
Q p1 2
1   
so fs = × 400 × 2.7 × 0.364 Q p2  1  2
2 9×20×24+ 2 ×0.50×9N γ   0.5
= 196.56 kN/m2
so Qn = (196.56) ×  × D × L Qp1
= 6175 kN  2
Q p2
19. Ans. 1620.0 to 1630.0
Pile capacity  Qp1 > Qp2
Q =  (v avg + 2Cu) × dL
Qp1 -Q p2  Qp 
40 + 50 + 60 + 70 + 80  ×100=  1 -1 ×100=100%
Cu = Qp2  Qp2 
5
Cu = 60 kPa Therefore Qp1 > Qp2 by about 100%.
Q = 0.15 (18×12.5 + 2×60)××0.4×25
Q = 1625.77 kN
 Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
145
21. Ans. (390.8 kN)
32+77.95
The axial frictional resistance mobilized on the σavg = =54.975kN/m2
2
pile against the driving is given by
QFBC = (1  54.975 tan230)ASBC
QF = (K σ avg  tanδ )AS
ASBC = 3  5 = 15m2
Where K = Earth pressure coefficient  QFBC = 54.975  15  tan230
σavg = Effective stress average  QFBC = 350.03 kN
QF = QFAB + QFBC = 40.75 + 350.03
 = angle of wall friction.
= 390.78 kN
AS = Surface Area of Pile
22. Ans. (c)

Pile

Given: Cu = 50kPa,  = 0.75

 = 18kN/m3
N
Desing capacity P = 500kN
FDS = 2

 QUP = 9C  B2 + αC (4BL)
= 9  50 (0.5)2 + 0.75  50 (4  0.5  L)
N
Q UP
Now, FOS=
QDesign

For Part AB,  FOS QDesign = QUP

= 2  500kN = QUP
K = 1,  = 230, σ avg =16kN/m 2
1000 kN = QUP
QFAB = (1  16  tan230) ASAB
2
1000 = 9  50  (0.5)2 + 0.75  50 (40 
ASAB = 3  2 = 6m 0.52)
 QFAB = (16  tan230)  6
L = 11.83m
 QFAB = 40.75 kN
For Part BC,
K = 1,  = 230,
 146 GATE Previous Solved Questions
23. Ans. (151.51) 632kN = 9 ´ 50 ´ B2 + 0.7 ´ 50 (4B ´ 10)
B = 0.4m
Wh
Qs  B = 400mm
6(S  2.5)  Co 2
27. Ans. (11085)
20  1.5 Pile group efficiency,

6(S  2.5)  102
θ  m  n-1 +n  m-1 
ηg =1-  
40mm 90  mn 
Set   8mm  0.8cm
5
-1  d  -1  1  0
Where, θ=tan   =tan   =18.43
20  150 s
  3
 
  151.51KN
6(0.8  2.5) Pile group efficiency is also given by
24. Ans. (1244.1)
Q ug
ηg =
nQ up

Qug = hg n Qup

 18.43  4  4  1  4  4  1  
Q ug  1   
 90  4 4  
(16 ´ 1000) = 11085kN
28. Ans. (*)
Now pull out load is given by = Cu dl By Converse – Labarre formula

= 0.5  110   0.6  12 = 1244.1kN  θ  m  n-1 +n  m-1  

ηg = 1-    ×100
25. Ans. (10)  90  mn  
Friction ratio,
θ  3×2+3×2 
q 0.6=1-  
f r = s =1% 90  3×3 
qt
Where, qs = Sleeve friction θ  6+6 
   0.4
90  9 
qt = Tip friction
q = 270
qs 1
=  q t =1000kPa 
q t 100

1000
qs = =10kPa
100
26. Ans. (400)
d
Now, tanθ=
q u 100 S
Cu = = =50kN/m 2
2 2 Where d is diameter and S is spacing.
Qup = qbAb + qsAs
d 0.3
2 So, Spacing, S= = =0.589
Q up =9×CB +αC  4BL  tanθ tan270
Alternatively,
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
147

Q ug
Group efficiency =
nQ us

1
 γl  tanδ  2S+d ×l×4
0.6= 2
1
9×  γl  tanδ  pdl 
2

 2S+d ×4
0.6=
9×πd

1  0.6×9×π×0.3 
S=  -0.3 =0.486
2 4 
29. Ans. (146.9)

π 
Qap =9c  D 2  +αc  πDL 
4 

π 2
=9×25  ×  0.6   +1×25  π×0.6×8
4 
Qup = 440.608kN
Q up
440.608
Allowable load = Q ap = =
FOS 3
= 146.869kN  146.9kN


 148 GATE Previous Solved Questions

SOLUTIONS

15
SOIL EXPLORATION
1. The observed value of the standard penetration number (N) at 10 m depth of a silty sand deposit is 13.
The unit weight of the soil is 16 kN./m3. The N value after correcting for the presence of fines will be
(a) 12 (b) 13 (c) 14 (d) 15
[1 Mark : GATE-2002]
2. Match the List - I (Boring methods) with List - II (Field conditions) and select the correct answer using
the codes given below the lists:
List-I List-II
A. Auger boring 1. Below water table in all soil types except hard soils and rocks
B. Wash Boring 2. Large diameter boreholes over 150 mm in size
C. Percussion Drilling 3. Explorations for shallow foundations and highways
D. Rotary Drilling 4. Bouldery and gravelly strata
Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 3 1 4 2 (b) 1 2 4 3
(c) 2 3 4 1 (d) 3 1 2 4
[2 Marks : GATE-2003]
3. Match the items of List - I with List -II and select the correct answer using the codes given below the
lists
List-I List-II
A. Modulus of subgrade reaction 1. Cyclic pile load test
B. Relative density and strength 2. Pressure meter test
C. Skin friction and point bearing 3. Plate load test
resistance
D. Elastic constants 4. Standard penetration test
5. Dynamic cone penetration test
Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 1 3 2 5 (b) 1 2 4 3
(c) 2 5 1 3 (d) 3 4 1 2
[2 Marks : GATE-2003]
4. In the context of collecting undisturbed soil samples of high quality using a spoon sampler, following
statement are made.
(I) Area ratio should be less than 10%
(II) Clearance ratio should be less than 1 %
With reference to above statements, which of the following applies?
(a) Both the statements are true (b) Statement II is true but I is false
(c) Statement I is true but II is false (d) Both the statements are false
[2 Marks : GATE-2004]
 Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil Foundation Engg.
149
5. During the subsurface investigations for design of foundations, a standard penetration test was conducted
at 4.5m below the ground surface. The record of number of blows is given below.
Penetration depth No. of blows
(cm)
0- 7.5 3
7.5-15 3
15-22.5 6
22.5 - 30 6
30-37.5 8
37.5-45 7
Assuming the water table at ground level, soil as fine sand and correction for overburden as 1.0, the
corrected ‘N’ value for the soil would be
(a) 18 (b) 19 (c) 21 (d) 33
[2 Marks : GATE-2005]
6. The number of blows observed in a Standard Penetration Test (SPT) for different penetration depths are
given as follows.
Penetration of sampler Number of blows
0-150 mm 6
150-300 mm 8
300 - 450 mm 10
The observed N value is
(a) 8 (b) 14 (c) 18 (d) 24
[1 Mark : GATE-2007]
7. Dilatancy correction is required when a strata is
(a) cohesive and saturated and also has N value of SPT > 15
(b) saturated silt/fine sand and N value SPT < 10 after the overburden correction
(c) saturated silt/fine sand and N value (SPT)>15 after the overburden correction
(d) coarse sand under dry condition and N value of SPT < 10 after the overburden Correction
[1 Mark : GATE-2009]
8. The degree of disturbance of the sample collected by the sampler is expressed by a term called the "area
ratio". If the outer diameter and inner diameter of the sampler are Do and Di respectively, the area ratio
is given by

Do2  Di2 Di2  D2o Do2  Di2 Di2  D2o

(a) (b) (c) (d)
Di2 Di2 Do2 Do2

[1 Mark : GATE-2014]
9. Group I enlists in-situ field tests carried out for soil exploration, while Group II provides a list of parameters
for sub-soil strength characterization. Match the type of tests with the characterization parameters.
Group I Group II
P. Pressuremeter Test (PMT) 1. Menard’s modulus (Em)
 150 GATE Previous Solved Questions
Q. Static Cone Penetration Test (SCPT) 2. Number of blows (N)
R. Standard Penetration Test (SPT) 3. Skin resistance (fc)
S. Vane Shear Test (VST) 4. Undrained cohesion (cu)
(a) P - 1; Q - 3; R - 2; S - 4 (b) P - 1; Q - 2; R - 3; S - 4
(c) P - 2; Q - 3; R - 4; S - 1 (d) P - 4; Q - 1; R - 2; S - 3
[2 Marks : GATE-2014]
10. Which of the following is TRUE for degree of disturbance of collected soil sample?
(a) Thinner the sampler wall, lower the degree of disturbance of collected soil sample
(b) Thicker the sampler wall, lower the degree of disturbance of collected soil sample
(c) Thickness of the sampler wall and the degree of disturbance of collected soil sample are
(d) The degree of disturbance of collected soil sample is proportional to the inner diameter of the
sampling tube
[1 Mark : GATE-2015]
11. The contact pressure and settlement distribution for a footing are shown in the figure

The figure corresponds to a

(a) rigid footing on granular soil
(b) flexible footing on granular soil
(c) flexible footing on saturated clay
(d) rigid footing on cohesive soil
[1 Mark : GATE-2018]
12. A group of nine piles in a 3  3 square pattern is embedded in a soil strata comprising dense sand underlying
recently filled clay layer, as shown in the figure. The perimeter of an individual pile is 126cm. The size of pile
group is 240cm  240cm. The recently filled clay has undrained shear strength of 15kPa and unit weight of
16kN/m3.
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil Foundation Engg.
151
The negative frictional load (in kN, up to two decimal places) acting on the pile group is____
[2 Marks : GATE-2018]
13. A core cutter of 130mm height has inner and outer diameters of 100mm and 106mm, respectively. The area
ratio of the core cutter (in %, up to two decimal places) is______
[1 Mark : GATE-2018]
14. For the following statements:
P - The lateral stress in soil while being tested in an oedometer is always at rest.
Q- For a perfectly rigid strip footing at deeper depths in a sand deposit, the vertical normal contact stress at
the footing edge is greater than that at its centre.
R- The corrections for overburden pressure and dilatancy are not applied to measured SPT-N values in case
of clay deposits.
The correct combination of the statements is
(A) P-TRUE; Q-TRUE; R-TRUE
(B) P-FALSE; Q-FALSE; R-TRUE
(C) P-TRUE; Q-TRUE; R-FALSE
(d) P-FALSE; Q-FALSE; R-FALSE
[2 Marks : GATE-2019]

15. The dimensions of a soil sampler are given in the table.

Parameter Cutting edge Sampling tube

Inside diameter(mm) 80 86
Outside diameter(mm) 100 96

For this sampler, the outside clerance ratio (in percent, round off to 2 decimal places) is_____
[2 Marks : GATE-2019]
16. The internal (di) and external (do) diameters of a Shelby sampler are 48mm and 52mm, respectively. The
area ratio (Ar) of the sampler (in %, round off to two decimal places) is_________
[2021: 1M, Set-II]
17. The inside diameter of a sampler tube is 50mm. The inside diameter of the cutting edge is kept such that
the inside Clearance Ratio (ICR) is 1.0% to minimize the friction on the sample as the sampler tube
enters into the soil. The inside diameter (in mm) of the cutting edge is___________, (round off to two
decimal places)
[2022: 2M, Set-II]


 152 GATE Previous Solved Questions

SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
1. Ans. (b) of blows for the last 30cm of penetration
Correction for fines (Dilatancy correction):  NR = 6 + 6 + 8 + 7 = 27
As the N  15, no correction is required The corrected value of N for over burden pressure
is :
 Ne = N R
NR × Correction factor for overburden.
= 13
= 27 × 1
2. Ans. (a)
Auger boring: It is used for soft soils which can N = 27
stand unsupported. These are well suited for Since the soil is fine sand and present below the
explorations where the required depth of W.T, it requires correction for dilatancy.
explorations is relatively small. Useful for shallow Corrected N-value,
foundations, useful high ways and borrow pits.
 N  15   27  15 
Wash boring: Water is forced under pressure NC = 15    = 15     21
 2   2 
through a hollow drill bit rod which is rotated 6. Ans. (c)
inside a casing pipe. It can be used even below
N = 8 + 10 = 18
the water table in practically all types of soils
except hard soils or rock. N-value is taken as the sum of blows for the last
300 mm of penetration.
Percussion Drilling: This is the only method
suitable for drilling boreholes in boundary and 7. Ans. (c)
gravelly strata. Dilatancy correction is to be applied when N’
Rotary drilling: This method can be used for sands, obtained after overburden correction, exceeds 15
clays and rocks. Bore holes of diameter 50 mm in saturated fine sands and silts
to 200mm can be made by this method. when, N’ > 15  N” = 15 + 1/2(N’ –15)
3. Ans. (d) N’ > 15 is an indication of dense sand. In such
 Cyclic pile load test – Skin friction and point a soil, the fast rate of application of shear through
bearing resistance. the blows of drop hammer is likely to induce
negative pore water pressure in a saturated fine
 Pressure meter test – Is an insitu test, used
sand under undrained condition of loading.
to achieve a quick and easy measure of
Consequently, a trainsient increase in shear
stress strain relationship of soil which
resistance will occur, leading to a SPT value
provides parameter such as Elastic
higher than the actual one.
Constant.
8. Ans. (a)
 Plate load test – For modulus of subgrade
reaction. D02  D12
Area ratio,
 Standard penetration test – Relative density D12
and strength D0 = outer dia
 Dynamic cone penetration test – Soil D1 = inner dia
Resistance 9. Ans. (a)
4. Ans. (c) 10. Ans. (a)
For collecting undisturbed samples, the area ratio Thickness of sampler is directly proportional to
must be less than 10% and the clearance ratio disturbance.
shall be from 1 to 3%. 11. Ans. (a)
5. Ans. (c) (1) Rigid Foundations
The recorded N-value is taken as the total number
Case (A) - For Sands (-soil)
Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
153
13. Ans. (12.36%)

Area outer -Area inner

Area Ratio = ×100
Area inner

π π 2
Area outer = D02 = 106  ...(1)
4 4

Case (B) - For Clays (C-soil) π π 2

Area outer = D02 = 106  ...(2)
4 4

π 2 2
 106  - 100  
Area ratio = 4
π 2
100 
4
Case (C) - For Silts (C- soils)
2 2

=
106  - 100  ×100
2
100 

 11236-10000 
= ×100
 10000 

12. Ans. (472.32) 1236

= ×100=12.36%
It is a 3  3 pile group 10000
Negative skin friction for group 14. Ans. (a)

=αC  4BL  + weight of soil in negative skin All the statments are correct

friction zone 15. Ans. (11.11)

Outside clearance ratio - outside dia
αC  4BL  +γ  Area+length 
= outside dia ( cutting edge) (sampling tube)
= 1  15[4  2.4  2] + 16[2.42  2]
Dx  D0
= 472.32kN/m2 ...(1)   100
D0
Negative skin friction in individual action
100  90
=n  αC  perimeter       100
90
= 9[0.5151.262] = 170.1 kN/m2 ...(2) = 11.11%
Negative skin friction is maximum of above (1) 16. Ans. (17.36)
and (2) Outside diameter = 52mm
2
 Qnf = 472.32 kN/m Inside diameter = 48mm

π 2 π 2
 D 2  -  D1 
Ar = 4 4 ×100
π 2
 D1 
4
 154 GATE Previous Solved Questions
2 2
 52    48 
Ar = 2
×100  17.36%
 48 
17. Ans. (49.50)

Inside clearance ratio,

D3 -D1
Ci = ×100
D1

50-D1
1-= ×100
D1
D1 = 49.50mm


Soil Mechanics Soil Mechanics & Civil
Foundation Engg.
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