Geotechnical Test Assignment

Question (1):
The results of a standard Proctor test are given below. Determine the maximum dry unit weight of
compaction and the optimum moisture content.

Volume of proctor Weight of wet soil Moist Density Moisture content Dry Density
mold in the mold (lb/f t3) (%) (lb/f t3)
(ft3) (lb)

98.78 91.125
1/30 3.26 8.4
125.75 114.11
1/30 4.15 10.2
141.5 126
1/30 4.67 12.3
121.8 106.28
1/30 4.02 14.6
110 94.17
1/30 3.63 16.8

Solution:
Dry Density
(lb/f t3) Commented [MP1]: Explanation sentences are completely
missing.
140
130
120
110
100
90
80

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Moisture content (%) Commented [MP2]: Incomplete answer.
Commented [MP3]: Graph must be a curve and must be drawn
in excel or any other software.

Question (2):
A soil profile is shown in the figure below. Given H1  6 ft , H 2  3ft , H 3  6ft . Plot the
variation of  , u,and  ' with depth.

Solution:
1) Υd = (G Υw) /(1+e)
Υd = (2.65*9.81)/(1+.5) = 17.33 KN/m3
2) Υ = Υw (G + e Sr) /1+e
Υ =9.81(2.65 + (.5x.5) /(1+.5) =18.97 KN/m3
3) Wg = es
0.42x2.71 = e x 1
e = 1.138 (Full Saturation S = 100)
Υsat = (G +e)Υw /(1+e)
= 9.81 (2.71+ 1.138)/(1+1.135)
Υsat = 17.66 KN/m3
At Level A, σ = 100, μ = 0, σ’= 0
At Level B, σ = (Υd x H1)
= (17.33 x 1.83)
σ = 31.72 KN/m2
u = -( H2 x Υd)
= -(.91x 9.81)
u = -8.93 KN/m2
’
σ=σ–u
= σ – (-u)
= σ + u = 31.72 + 8.93
σ’= 40.65 KN/m2
At Level C, σ = (H1 xΥd) + (H2 xΥd)
σ = (1.83 x 17.33) + (.91 x 18.97)
σ = 48.98 KN/m2
At Level D, σ = (H1 xΥd) + (H2 xΥ) + (H3 xΥsat)
σ = (1.83 x 17.33) + (.91 x 18.97) + (1.83 x 17.66)
 σ = 81.29 KN/m2
u = (Υ3 x H3) = (9.81 x 1.83)
u = 17.95 KN/m2
σ ’= σ – u
= 81.29 – 17.95
σ’ = 63.34 KN/m2 Commented [MP4]: The solution is too clumsy to be understood
by the student, it must be presented more clearly by adding more
Due to effect of capillary action, the effective stress increases. steps, and explaining them.
Commented [MP5]: The variation of the stresses with depth
must be shown which is missing.
Commented [MP6]: The solution must be solved in the same
units as it is provided in the question as it will be easy for the student
to interpret.

Question(3):
For a laboratory consolidation test on a clay specimen (drained on both sides), the following were obtained:

Thickness of the clay layer  25 mm ,

Effective overburden pressure at the first point  '1 200 kN m2 ,
Effective overburden pressure at the second point  '2  400 kN m ,
2

Void ratio at the first point e1  0.73 ,

Void ratio at the second point e2  0.61 ,
Time for 50% consolidation t50  2.8 min
Determine the hydraulic conductivity of the clay for the loading range.

Thickness of clay layer = 25mm

σ1’ = 200KN/m2
(σ1’ +∆σ1’ ) σ2’ = 400KN/m2 (Drained on both sides H = ½ x H = 12.5mm)
e1 = 0.73
e2 = 0.61
t50 = 2.8min
Hydraulic Conductivity(K) = CV mV Υw
CV = H d1 2 *TV/t
TV = Π/4 * (U%/100) 2
T50 = 0.197
CV = (12.5/1000) 2 *0.197/2.8 Commented [MP7]: Explanation sentences are completely
missing.
CV =1.099 x 10-5m2/min
mV =∆e/∆σ’ (1+e0)
mV = (e1- e2)/200(1+.73)
mV =3.46 x 10-4m2/KN Commented [MP8]: While calculating the coefficient of volume
K = CV mV Υw compressibility e2 must be used but instead e1 is used.

K =3.46 x 10-4 x 1.099 x 10-5 x 9.81

K =3.73 x10-8m/min

Question (4):
 A consolidated-drained triaxial test was conducted on normally consolidated clay. The results were as
follows:
Effective confining stress  3  250 kN m2 ,
Deviator stress at failure   d  f  275 kN m 2
Determine:
a. Angle of friction, '
b. Angle  that the failure plane makes with the major principal plane
c. Normal stress,  ' , and shear stress,  f , on the failure plane.
Solution:
confining stress  3  250 kN m2
Deviator stress at failure   d  f  275 kN m 2
For Consolidated clay = C’ = 0
σ1 = σ3 +(∆ σd)f
= 250+275 = 575KN/ m2 Commented [MP9]: The sum is 525 not 575 due to this the
complete calculations in the solution went wrong.
1. sin θ’ = ((σ1 - σ3)/2)/ ((σ1 + σ3)/2)
sin θ’= .354
θ’ = 20.73 °
2. θ = 45 + θ’/2 = 55.36 °
3. σ’ = (σ1 + σ3)/2 + (σ1 - σ3)/2 Cos 2 θ
= 387.5+(-41.647)
σ’ =338.8 KN/ m2
4.  f =(σ1 - σ3)/2 Sin 2θ
 f =128.6 KN/ m2 Commented [MP10]: Explanation sentences are completely
missing.

Question (5):
Assume that the retaining wall shown in the figure below is frictionless. Determine the Rankine passive
force per unit length of the wall, the variation of lateral earth pressure with depth, and the location of the
resultant.

Kp Υh

Solution:
Υ = 15 KN/ m3
Kp = tan2(45+ θ /2) = 3
H = 44 4/3H
Commented [MP11]: Explanation sentences are completely
Pressure =
Kp Υh =2.67m missing in the answer.
Pressure
= 3x15x4 = 180 KN/ m2 R = 360KN/m2
Commented [MP12]: Show complete calculations.
Force = ½ x 180 x 4 1/3H
Ex:
= 360
KN/ m x 1m length =1.33m P  K pYh
= 360 KN
 3  15  4
Resultant load = 1/3 x H
Resultant force acts at a distance 2.67m from the top GL.  180 kN m 2
Commented [MP13]: Show complete calculations.
Ex:
1 
F   180  4   1 m length
2 
1 
   720 
2 
 360 kN