Openbook Test on Geotechnical Design 2017

Answer all the following questions (time allowed : 1hr 15 minutes)

1. For a 2x4m raft foundation (from (0,0) to (4,2)) with 300mm thickness, grillage
method is used for the analysis. Assume a grid spacing of 1m in both directions,
determine the I and J for the grillage members (5 members along Y directions and 3
members along X direction). Assume Winkler spring value Ks=12000 kN/m3,
determine the spring constants required for the computer modeling. If a load bearing
wall of 2m length is supported (from coordinates (1,1) to (3,1)), determine the
equivalent point loads to be applied if V=5000 kN and Mx=1200 kN-m (using 5 point
loads). (10 marks)

2. Two point loads act on a 4m long foundation. The point loads are 100 kN and 400 kN
respectively, acting at 0.6m from either ends of the foundation. Determine the bending
and shear force for the foundation. (6 marks)

3. A 7m high (including the thickness of base slab) 15m long L shape retaining wall
retains a level backfill. The thickness of the wall stem and base slab is 0.4m. The
bottom of the base slab is 1 m below ground level. The length of the heel slab is 4.2m
(total length of base slab is 4.6m). The soil parameters for the backfill are c = 0, ’ =
32 and  = 18 kN/m3. The soil parameters for the founding soil are c’ = 5 kN/m2, ’
= 36 and sat = 19.5 kN/m3. A surcharge of 10 kN/m2 is applied to the retained backfill
behind the wall. The density of concrete can be taken as 24 kN/m3. Evaluate the
bending moment and shear force on the base slab and the ultimate bearing capacity of
the founding soil according to GEO Guide (water is assumed at the base slab level and
is not required for the wall stem). (14 marks)