CE427

Foundation
Engineering
by:
Engr. Vera Karla Caingles
Engr. Christian Linares
 CE427
Week 1 CE427
Foundation
Engineering
1. Introduction to course
2. Review on:
a. Index classification of soil
b. Soil classification
by:
Engr. Vera Karla Caingles
Engr. Christian Linares
WHAT IS SOIL?
CE427
CE427
SOIL is defined as the Foundation
Engineering
uncemented aggregate of
mineral grains and decayed
organic matter (solid particles)
along with the liquid and gas
by:
that occupy the empty spaces Engr. Vera Karla Caingles
Engr. Christian Linares
between the solid particles.
WHAT IS FOUNDTION ENGINEERING?
CE427
Foundation engineering is the CE427
Foundation
application and practice of the fundamental
principles of soil mechanics and rock Engineering
mechanics (i.e., geotechnical engineering) in
the design of foundations of various structures.
These foundations include those of columns
and walls of buildings, bridge abutments,
embankments, and others. It also involves the
analysis and design of earth-retaining
by:
Engr. Vera Karla Caingles
structures such as retaining walls, sheet-pile Engr. Christian Linares
walls, and braced cuts.
WHAT IS FOUNDTION ENGINEERING?
CE427
Foundation engineering is a CE427
Foundation
clever combination of soil Engineering
mechanics, engineering
geology, and proper
judgment derived from past by:
experience. To a certain extent, Engr. Vera Karla Caingles
Engr. Christian Linares

it may be called an art.

The design of foundations of structures such as
buildings, bridges, and dams generally requires a CE427
knowledge of such factors as: CE427
Foundation
(a) the load that will be transmitted by the superstructure Engineering
to the foundation system,

(b) the requirements of the local building code,

(c) the behavior and stress-related deformability of soils

that will support the foundation system, and by:
Engr. Vera Karla Caingles
Engr. Christian Linares
(d) the geological conditions of the soil under
consideration.
 The geotechnical properties of a soil can be CE427
assessed through:
CE427
Foundation
Proper laboratory testing Proper field testing Engineering
✓ grain-size distribution, ✓ Field density test,
✓ plasticity, ✓ Borehole test,
✓ compressibility, ✓ Plate load test, etc..
✓ shear strength, etc..

by:
Engr. Vera Karla Caingles
Engr. Christian Linares
 CE427
CE427
Foundation REVIEW:
Engineering

GEOTECHNICAL
PROPERTIES
OF SOIL
by:
Engr. Vera Karla Caingles
Engr. Christian Linares
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL CE427
Foundation
Engineering
INDEX PROPERTIES OF SOILS
The various properties of soil which would be
considered as index properties are:

1. The specific gravity -vkis.caingles

-c.linares
2. The size and shape of particles
3. The relative density or consistency of soil
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL CE427
Foundation
1. Grain-Size Distribution Engineering

The grain-size distribution of coarse-

grained soil is generally determined by
means of sieve analysis. For a fine- -vkis.caingles
-c.linares
grained soil, the grain-size distribution
can be obtained by means of
hydrometer analysis.

-vkis caingles
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL CE427
Foundation
1. Grain-Size Distribution Engineering

❑ sieve analysis
Sieve analysis is conducted by taking a measured
amount of dry, well-pulverized soil and passing it
through a stack of progressively finer sieves with a pan -vkis.caingles
-c.linares
at the bottom. The amount of soil retained on each
sieve is measured, and the cumulative percentage of
soil passing through each is determined. This
percentage is generally referred to as percent finer.
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL CE427
Foundation
1. Grain-Size Distribution Engineering

❑ sieve analysis

-vkis.caingles
-c.linares
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL CE427
Foundation
1. Grain-Size Distribution Engineering

❑ hydrometer analysis
Hydrometer analysis is based on
the principle of sedimentation of -vkis.caingles
soil particles in water. This test -c.linares

involves the use of 50 grams of

dry, pulverized soil. A
deflocculating agent is always
added to the soil.
 Geotechnical Properties of SOIL CE427
Foundation
❑ Distribution Curve Engineering
A particle-size distribution curve can be used to determine the
following four parameters for a given soil:

1. Effective size (D10): This parameter is the

diameter in the particle-size distribution curve corresponding
to 10% finer. The effective size of a granular soil is a good
-vkis.caingles
measure to estimate the hydraulic conductivity and drainage -c.linares
through soil.

2. Uniformity coefficient (Cu): This parameter

is defined as:

where D60 = diameter corresponding to 60% finer.

 Geotechnical Properties of SOIL CE427
Foundation
❑ Distribution Curve Engineering

3. Coefficient of gradation (Cc):

This parameter is defined as:

-vkis.caingles
-c.linares
4. Sorting coefficient (S0): This parameter is
another measure of uniformity and is generally encountered
in geologic works and expressed as:
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL CE427
Foundation
❑ Distribution Curve Engineering

1. Curve I represents a type of

soil in which most of the soil grains are
the same size. This is called poorly
graded soil.
-vkis.caingles
-c.linares

2. Curve II represents a soil in which the

particle sizes are distributed over a wide range,
termed well graded. A well-graded soil has a
uniformity coefficient greater than about 4 for gravels
and 6 for sands, and a coefficient of gradation
between 1 and 3 (for gravels and sands). A flat S-
curve represents a soil which contains the particles
of different sizes in good proportion.
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL CE427
Foundation
❑ Distribution Curve Engineering

3. Curve III represents a soil

might have a combination of two
or more uniformly graded
fractions. This type of soil is
termed gap graded. A curve with -vkis.caingles
a hump in which some of the -c.linares
intermediate size particles are
missing.
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL CE427
Foundation
2. Size Limits for Soil Engineering

Several organizations have attempted to develop the size limits for gravel,
sand, silt, and clay on the basis of the grain sizes present in soils.

-vkis.caingles
-c.linares
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL CE427
Foundation
3. Atterberg Limits Engineering

Albert Atterberg
- a swedish scientist, developed a method to describe the
consistency of fine-grained soils with varying moisture contents.

-vkis.caingles
✓ At a very low moisture content, soil -c.linares
behaves more like a solid.
✓ When the moisture content is very high,
the soil and water may flow like a liquid.
✓ The behavior of soil can be divided into
four basic states: solid, semisolid,
plastic, and liquid
✓ Atterberg limits are the limits of water
content used to define soil behavior.
 CE427
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL
Foundation
Engineering
4. Liquidity Index
The relative consistency of a cohesive soil in the natural state can be
defined by a ratio called the liquidity index, which is given by

-vkis.caingles
-c.linares
The in situ moisture content for a sensitive clay may be greater than the
liquid limit. These soils, when remolded, can be transformed into a
viscous form to flow like a liquid.

Soil deposits that are heavily overconsolidated may have a natural moisture content less than the
plastic limit. In this case
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL CE427
Foundation
5. Activity Engineering

Skempton (1953) observed that the plasticity index of a soil

increases linearly with the percentage of clay-size fraction (%
finer than 2 mm by weight) present. The correlations of PI with
the clay-size fractions for different clays plot separate lines.
This difference is due to the diverse plasticity characteristics of
-vkis.caingles
the various types of clay minerals. On the basis of these -c.linares

results, Skempton defined a quantity called activity, which

is the slope of the line correlating PI and % finer than 2 mm.
This activity may be expressed as:
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL CE427
Foundation
5. Activity Engineering

-vkis.caingles
-c.linares
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL CE427
Foundation
6. Volume-weight Relationship Engineering

-vkis.caingles
-c.linares

(a) Soil element in natural state; (b) three phases of the soil element
 -vkis.caingles
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL -c.linares CE427
Foundation
6. Volume-weight Relationship Engineering
 CE427
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL
Foundation
Engineering
7. SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS

The two major classification systems

presently in use are:
-vkis.caingles
(1)American Association of State Highway -c.linares

and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

System

(2) Unified SoilClassification System (also

ASTM).
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL CE427
Foundation
7. SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS : AASHTO Engineering

- Originally proposed by the Highway Research Board’s Committee on

Classification of Materials for Subgrades and Granular Type Roads (1945)

- Soils can be classified according to eight major groups, A-1 through

-vkis.caingles
A-8, based on their grain-size distribution, liquid limit, and plasticity -c.linares
indices.

Soils listed in groups A-1, A-2, and A-3 are coarse-grained materials, and those in
groups A-4, A-5, A-6, and A-7 are fine-grained materials.

- Peat, muck, and other highly organic soils are classified under A-8. They are
identified by visual inspection
-vkis caingles
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL CE427
Foundation
7. SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS: AASHTO Engineering

For qualitative evaluation of the desirability of a soil as a

highway subgrade material, a number referred to as the
group index has also been developed. The higher
the value of the group index for a given soil, the weaker -vkis.caingles
-c.linares
will be the soil’s performance as a subgrade. A group
index of 20 or more indicates a very poor
subgrade material.
 -vkis.caingles
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL -c.linares CE427
Foundation
7. SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS: AASHTO Engineering
 -vkis.caingles
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL -c.linares CE427
Foundation
7. SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS: AASHTO Engineering
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL CE427
Foundation
7. SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS: USCS Engineering

- Originally proposed by A. Casagrande in 1942 and was later

revised and adopted by the United States Bureau of Reclamation
and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

- The system is currently used in practically all -vkis.caingles

-c.linares
geotechnical work.
Geotechnical Properties of SOIL CE427
Foundation
7. SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS: USCS Engineering

-vkis.caingles
-c.linares
 CE427
Foundation
Engineering

-vkis.caingles
-c.linares
 CE427
Foundation
Engineering

-vkis.caingles
-c.linares
 CE427
CE427
Foundation Historical Perspective of
Engineering
Soil Mechanics and
Geotechnical
Engineering
by:
Engr. Vera Karla Caingles
Engr. Christian Linares
 Historical Perspective of Soil Mechanics and CE427
Geotechnical Engineering Foundation
Engineering

The record of the first use of soil as a construction

material by mankind is lost in antiquity. In true
engineering sense, there is no ‘Geotechnical
Engineering’ prior to the 18th Century. One of the -vkis.caingles
-c.linares
most famous example of problems related to soil
bearing capacity and foundations in the construction
of structures prior to 18th century is the Leaning
Tower of Pisa in Italy. The construction of the Tower
began in 1173 A.D. and last over 200
years.
Historical Perspective of Soil Mechanics and CE427
Geotechnical Engineering Foundation
Engineering

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy.

Morning, 1 March 2004.
SW view -vkis.caingles
Height: 54 m; -c.linares
Max tilt: 5 m out of plumb
Tilt direction: E, N, W, and S.
Weight: 15,700 tons;
Base: φ = 20 m;
Reason: a weak clay layer at 11 m depth
Solution: excavation of soil from north
side for about 70 tons
 Historical Perspective of Soil Mechanics and CE427
Geotechnical Engineering Foundation
Engineering

-vkis.caingles
-c.linares

Tilting of Garisenda Tower (Left) in Bologna, Italy (Built in 12th Century)

 Historical Perspective of Soil Mechanics and CE427
Geotechnical Engineering Foundation
Engineering

Study of soil behavior in a more methodical manner in the area of

geotechnical engineering started in the early part of the 18th
century, and last to 1927.

The development of soil mechanics can be divided into four

phases, according to Skempton(1985): -vkis.caingles
-c.linares
1. Preclassical period (1700-1776)
- rough classification of soils
2. Classical soil mechanics Phase I (1776-1856)
- started from French scientist Coulomb’s presentation on
determining the sliding surface in soil behind a retaining wall;
ended by the publication of Rankine’s paper on earth lateral
pressure. Rankine’s theory is a simplification of Coulomb’s
theory.
 Historical Perspective of Soil Mechanics and CE427
Geotechnical Engineering Foundation
Engineering

3. Classical soil mechanics –Phase II (1856-1910)

- started from the publication of a paper on the permeability of
sand filters by French engineer Darcy in 1856.

4. Modern soil mechanics (1910-1927) -vkis.caingles

- marked by a series of important studies and publications -c.linares

related to the mechanic behavior of clays, most noticeable,

> Atterberg(1911) on consistency of clayey soils, the Atterberg
limits;
> Bell (1915) on lateral pressure and resistance of clays;
> Terzaghi(1925) on theory of consolidation for clays.
 Historical Perspective of Soil Mechanics and CE427
Geotechnical Engineering Foundation
Engineering

Geotechnical Engineering after 1927

The development of Geotechnical Engineering as a

branch of Civil Engineering is absolutely impacted by one
single professional individual –Karl Terzaghi(1883-1963). -vkis.caingles
-c.linares
His contribution has spread to almost every topic in soil
mechanics and geotechnical engineering covered by the
test book:
> Effective stress
> Elastic stress distribution
> Consolidation settlement
> Shear strength
Historical Perspective of Soil Mechanics and CE427
Geotechnical Engineering Foundation
Engineering

KARL TERZAGHI
-vkis.caingles
Born: October 2, 1883 in Prague -c.linares
Died: October 25, 1963 in Winchester, Massachusetts
He was married to Ruth D. Terzaghi, a geologist.
He won the Norman Medal of ASCE four times (1930,
1943, 1946, and 1955).
He was given nine honorary doctorate degrees from
universities in eight different countries.
He started modern soil mechanics with his theories of
consolidation, lateral earth pressures, bearing
capacity, and stability.
 Historical Perspective of Soil Mechanics and CE427
Geotechnical Engineering Foundation
Engineering

“Few people during

Terzaghi’s lifetime
would have disagreed
that he was not only the
guiding spirit in soil -vkis.caingles
mechanics, but that he -c.linares

was the clearing house

for research and
application throughout
the world.”
Ralph B. Peck is an eminent civil engineer
specializing in soil mechanics. He was awarded the
-Ralph B. Peck National Medal of Science in 1975
 CE427
References: Foundation
Engineering
Das, B. (2016). Principles of Foundation
Engineering, 8th edition. Cengage Learning

Murthy, V. (2007). Advanced Foundation

Engineering. CBS Publishers & Distributors, New
Delhi -vkis.caingles
-c.linares