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CVE 530 FE Slope - Stability 3
CVE 530 FE Slope - Stability 3
CVE 530 FE Slope - Stability 3
SLOPE STABILITY
When slope failures are investigated it is often found that failure occurs by
a rotational slip along an approximately circular failure surface, as shown
below. This observation provides a basis for several methods used to
assess the stability of slopes.
Shallow failure
Deep-seated failure
To determine the factor of safety we assume that only some part of the
frictional and cohesive forces have been mobilised, so that on the
assumed failure plane the soil is not at a state of failure.
τ = c + σ tan φ
At stress states remote from failure the mobilised shear stress, τ mob, is
assumed to be given by
c tan φ
τ mob = + σ
F F
or
τ m ob = c m + σ tanφ m
c
where cm (= ) is known as the mobilised cohesion
F
−1 tan φ
φm (= tan ) is known as the mobilised friction angle
F
For clayey soils that remain undrained in the short term, and that have
strength parameters c = cu, φ = φu = 0, the analysis is straightforward.
Consider the slope shown below and assume that the shear strength has
been reduced by a factor F, so that c = cu/F. Failure will then occur along a
circular arc of radius R as indicated in the figure.
θ
R x
W τ = cu
rearranging we obtain
R θ cu
2
Resisting Moment
F = =
Wx Disturbing Moment
For soils which have φ ≠ 0 a more elaborate analysis is required. The same
general method can be used for both undrained (total stress) and effective
stress analysis.
Let us consider the effective stress analysis of the slope shown below
R
Wi
Ti
Ni
θi
∆ xi
Xi
U ii E ′i E ′i + 1 U ii + 1
Xi + 1
∆ li
Ti
N ′i
Ui
Noting that the internal forces between the slices will cancel when taking
moments we obtain
n
R e s to rinmg o m e n t= R ∑ Ti
i=1
c′i ∆ li t a φ n′i
n
= ∑R [ + N′i ]
i=1 F F
n
O v e rtu rng inm o m e n=t R ∑ Wi s in θ i
i=1
The factor of safety F is then given by
Re sisting Moment ∑ [ c ′ ∆l
i i + N ′i tan φ ′i ]
F = = i =1
n
Overturning Moment
∑ W sin θ
i =1
i i
n
c u i ∆ li ta nφ u i
= R∑ [ + Ni ]
i=1 F F
In this method it is assumed that the resultant of the interslice forces acts
in a direction perpendicular to the normal force N.
Substitution of the expression for Ni into the equation for the factor of
safety gives
n
∑i=1
[ c ′i ∆ l i + ( Wi c o sθ i - Ui ) ta n φ ′i ]
Effective stress analysis F = n
∑
i=1
Wi s inθ i
Undrained analysis
n
∑
i=1
[ cu i ∆ l i + Wi c o sθ i t a n φ u i ]
F = n
∑
i=1
Wi s inθ i
Example – Swedish method
Determine the short term stability of the slope shown below, given that the
slope was initially submerged with water and that the water level has now
been drawn down to the level of the top of the sand.
Initially the centre and radius of the failure plane must be assumed. The
calculations presented below are for one such assumption. However, to find
the factor of safety of the slope, a number of centres and radii will need to
be considered to find the combination that gives the minimum factor of
safety.
θ
R = 5.83
1m
6 7 8 Clay
φu = 0
cu = 25 kPa
γ sat = 15
kN/m3
1 2 3 4 5
z
∆l Sand
φ´ = 30o
c´ = 0
γ sat = 20
kN/m3
Example calculations for slice 6
θ ∆l u U W N N´ C Wsinθ T
( ο) (m) (kPa) (kN/m (kN/m (kN/m (kN/m (kN/m (kN/m) (kN/m
) ) ) ) ) )
1 -25.4 1.10 2.62 2.91 5.35 4.84 1.93 - -2.30 1.11
7 8 0 7 5
2 -14.9 1.03 6.22 6.64 12.7 12.2 5.82 - -3.77 3.36
5 7 6 0 7 2 2
3 -4.93 1.00 7.94 7.97 23.6 23.6 15.6 - -2.03 9.02
4 2 4 9 0 3 4
4 4.93 1.00 7.94 7.97 38.6 38.5 30.5 - 3.317 17.6
4 2 4 9 4 7 5
5 14.8 1.03 6.22 6.64 42.7 41.2 34.8 - 10.98 20.1
9 5 7 6 0 6 1 0
6 25.4 1.11 2.62 2.92 35.3 31.9 29.0 - 15.17 16.7
8 6 4 2 5
7 36.8 1.25 - - 24.9 19.9 - 31.2 14.98 31.2
7 0 6 6 5 5
8 50.5 1.57 - - 10.6 6.75 - 39.3 8.20 39.3
3 2 2 5 0 0
where
U = u ∆l N = W cos θ N´ = N - U
F =
Re sisting Moment
=
∑T =
138 .56
= 311
.
Disturbing Moment ∑W sin θ 44 .54
If a load of 100 kN/m is placed on top of slice 6, only the calculations for
slice 6 are affected and these become
N = W cos θ = 122.47
N´ = N - U = 119.36
W sin θ = 58.06
T = N´ tan φ´ = 68.9
F =
∑T =
190 .7
= 2.18
∑W sin θ 87.44
3.1.3.2 Bishop's simplified method of slices
In this method it is assumed that the vertical interslice forces, Xi, Xi+1, are
equal.
R sin θ i
θi
∆ xi
Xi
U ii E ′i E ′i + 1 U ii + 1
Xi + 1
∆ li
Ti
N ′i
Ui
Wi - ui ∆ x i - ( 1/ F )c ′i ∆ x i t a nθ i
N ′i =
ta nφ ′ ta nθ i
c o sθ i 1 + i
F
tan φ′i
Let M i (θ) = cos θ i [ 1 + tan θ i ]
F
Then substitution of the expression for N´i into the equation for the factor
of safety, F, that is
Re sisting Moment
∑ [ c ′ ∆l
i i + N ′i tan φ ′i ]
F = = i =1
n
Overturning Moment
∑ W sin θ
i =1
i i
gives
n
1
∑ ( c ′i ∆ x i + ( Wi - ui ∆ x i ) ta n φ ′i )
F =
i=1 M i (θ )
n
∑i=1
Wi s in θ i
Note that in the Bishop's simplified method the factor of safety appears in
both sides of the equation, as it is included also in the M i (θ) term. Thus to
obtain solutions an iterative approach is needed. This means that you
need to assume a value for the factor of safety before evaluating the
summations to give a new factor of safety. It is found that the factor of
safety converges rapidly.
1.2
_ 0.6
--------φ
-tan --
F 0.4
1.0
0 0.2
0.2
0.8
0.4 _ 0
tan φ
0.6 -----------
F
0.6
0.8
1.0
0.4
-40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Values of θ
n
1
∑ ( cu i ∆ x i + Wi ta n φ u i )
F =
i=1 M i (θ )
n
∑i=1
Wi s in θ i
where
tan φ ui
M i (θ ) = cos θ i [ 1 + tan θ i ]
F
• Numerical analyses are required to determine the most critical slip circle
• Both the Swedish and Bishop’s methods can be used for undrained (total
stress) analysis, and for effective stress (usually drained) analysis. In
many situations the slope analysis requires combinations of drained and
undrained analyses. For instance, the short term stability of a slope
containing layers of clay and sand would require a total stress
(undrained) analysis in the clay and an effective stress (drained) analysis
in the sand.
• For submerged slopes, such as shown below, the water must be included
in the analysis
Water
There are two basic options
2. Use the submerged unit weight γ´ (= γ sat - γ w ) for all the soil below the
surface of the water. This approach can only be used in a total stress
analysis if φu = 0.
• The factor of safety is very sensitive to pore pressures in the ground. The
pore pressures may be determined from
For the same slope and slices as used before the calculations for slice 6
become
The results for all the slices can be similarly evaluated and tabulated as
shown below
F =
∑T*
M =
143 .3
= 3.22 .
∑Wsin θ 44 .54
Then using the updated F=3.22 re-evaluate M and T*/M until the solution
converges. In this problem this gives F = 3.25.
3.2 Multiple wedge failure mechanisms
If the soil profile contains weak, usually clay, layers the failure plane may
coincide with the weak layer, and analysis of circular failure mechanisms
may be inappropriate. In this situation it is often assumed that the failure
mechanism consists of wedges of soil moving relative to one another. For
example, with a weak horizontal layer the 2 wedge mechanism shown
below is a possible failure mechanism:
Weak layer
2
1
When the slope fails the strength mobilised between the two wedges is
given by the failure criterion of the soil. However, when the slope is
remote from failure the mobilised strength between the two wedges is
likely to be different from the mobilised strength on the base of the
wedges. The mobilised strength between the wedges may range from
zero to that given by the parameters cm, φm, giving the mobilised strength
on the base of the wedges.
For practical calculations for soil structures that are remote from failure it
is often assumed that a median value between 0 and cm, φm is
appropriate, so that between the wedges
cm φm
c* = φ* =
2 2
Now if a value of F is assumed the forces acting on the two wedges are as
shown below
X1
C2
φ´m
W2
C12
W1
C12
φ´m
C1 φ´m
R2
R1 φ´mc X2
X1
R2
X2
R1
C12
W2
W1
C2
C1 C12
To construct these polygons a factor of safety was assumed. This
assumption affects the magnitude of the cohesion forces C1, C12, C2 and
the mobilized angles of friction.
X1 - X2
Note:
The figure below shows a slope that has been created by dumping a
clayey sand (γ bulk = 18 kN/m3) onto a soil whose surface has been
softened to create a thin soft clay layer. If the shear strength parameters
of the clayey sand are c´ = 0, φ´ = 30o, and the undrained strength of the
softened clay layer is 40 kPa, determine the short term factor of safety of
the slope. Assume that the failure mechanism is as shown below.
2
1 15
2 m
1
60o 50o
20
m
1. Calculate areas:
A1 = 86.6 m2 A2 = 115.6 m2
F=2
3. Calculate c, φ parameters
C1 = 20 × 20 = 400 kN/m
X1
16.1 W2
16.1
W1
16.1 R2
60 o
X2 60 o
50o
C1
R1
For Block 1: Resolving horizontally gives X1 cos (16.1+30) =
C1
X1 = 576.9 kN/m
F = 1.18
For long slopes another potential failure mechanism is a failure plane, usually at relatively small
depths, parallel to the soil surface. This situation is demonstrated below.
b Soil Surface
α
os
b/c Water Table
W
Assumed
d dw failure
surface
T
2
dwcos α
N’
dwcos α
U
α
If the failure surface is very long then the inter-slice forces must cancel out, and then
considering equilibrium we can write (assuming the unit weight is the same above and below
the water table):
N = W cos α = γ b d cos α
N
σ = = γ d cos2 α
b
cosα
T
τ = = γ d sinα cosα
b
cosα
The water pressure can be determined from consideration of the flow (from the flow net)
u = γ w d w cos2 α
and the force due to the water pressure on the failure surface is
U = u b cosα = γ w b d w cosα
Because a flow net is being used an effective stress analysis is required and therefore the failure
criterion is given by
τ = c ′ + σ′ tan φ′
or in terms of forces by
T = C ′ + N ′ tan φ′
and σ ′ = σ − u = ( γ d − γ w d w ) co s2 α
If the soil is dry above the assumed failure plane then the factor of safety becomes
tan φ′cs
F =
tan α
For dry slopes the friction angle is equal to the angle of repose. φ´cs
If dw = d, that is the soil is saturated and water is flowing parallel to the slope then at failure
(F=1)
γ
tan α = 1 − w tan φ ′cs
γ
Typically for sand φ´cs = 35o and γ sat = 20 kN/m3 which gives α = 19.3o at
failure.
Solutions are available for some common slope geometries and ground
water conditions.
Where c = cohesion
γ = bulk unit weight
H = height of the cut
If two slopes are geometrically similar they will have the same factor of
safety provided the stability numbers are the same, that is
c1 c2
= i
i γ 1 H1 γ 2 H2
A Chart presented by Taylor is shown below (see also p29 in Data Sheets).
The solutions assume circular failure surfaces, and soil strength given by
the Mohr-Coulomb criterion. They ignore the possibility of tension cracks.
0.35
H (A)
Zone B
Where full lines do not appear, this case is not
Zone A
appreciably different from Case 2
Stability Number c /γHF
φ= 0 , D= ∞ 5
0.05
1
,
D=
0°
φ=
,
5°
φ=
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Slope Angle i (degrees)
8m
30o
From the stability chart above for i = 30o and φ = 5o we obtain
c
= 0.11
γHF
c 20
hence F = = = 15
.
γHN 15 × 8 × 0.11
For the correct solution a factored φ∗ = tan-1[(tan φ)/F] should be used. So having
determined F an iterative procedure is required using the updated φ* to determine the correct
factor of safety.
Regions on the chart indicate the mode of failure; whether it will be shallow
or deep-seated. In this example the failure is in zone B, indicating a deep-
seated failure mechanism The zone on the chart has no influence on the
factor of safety determined provided that the soil layer is sufficiently deep
for the implied mechanism to occur.
The influence of a finite depth below the base of the slope can be
determined from a second chart produced by Taylor shown below (also on
p29 in Data Sheets). This chart is limited to the case of φu = 0.
0.19
For i > 54 ° use Companion Fig. with Zone A φ= 0
i= 53 °
0.18
°
45
0.17 30
°
n=
3
°
.5
22
0.16
Stability Number c /γHF
2
°
15
0.15
1
0.14
5°
7.
nH
0.13
H
DH
0
0.11
H
DH
0.09
1 2 3 4
Depth Factor D
8m
30o
c
= 0.155
γHF
This indicates that for a deep seated failure reductions in the depth of soil
below the bottom of the slope result in increases in the factor of safety
A number of charts have been published for effective stress analyses but
they are usually limited to very specific conditions, such as for the
construction of large embankments. One of the more useful charts has
been presented by Hoek and Bray for a range of relatively common
groundwater conditions. These charts are in the Data Sheets p 224 - 229
and some of them are reproduced below. In deriving the solutions it is
assumed that:
.01
.02
.03
.04
.05
2.0
.06
CIRCULAR FAILURE CHART NUMBER 1
.07
.08
.09
.10
1.8
.11
2
.1
3
.1
c/ γH.tanφ
4
1.6
.1
5
.1
.1 6
.1
7
8
.1 9
1.4 .1 0
.2
1.2 .25
tan φ/F
.30
1.0
90
.35
(°)
gle .4 0
0.8
e An
op .45
Sl
.50
0.6 80
.60
70 .70
60 .80
0.4 .90
50 1.0
40
30 1.5
0.2 20 2.0
10 4.0
0 ∞
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
30
00
02
04
06
08
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
32
34
c/ γ HF
0
.01
.02
.03
.04
.05
2.0
.06
.08
.09
.10
1.8
.11
2
.1
3
.1
c/ γH.tan φ
4
1.6
.1
5
.1
.1 6
.1
7
8
.1 9
1.4 .1 0
.2
1.2 .25
tan φ/F
90 .30
1.0
.35
(°)
gle .40
0.8 An
o pe
Sl .45
.50
80
0.6 .60
70
.70
60 .80
0.4 50 .90
40 1.0
30
20 1.5
0.2 2.0
4.0
0 ∞
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
30
00
02
04
06
08
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
32
34
c/ γHF
Example
10
20 o m
When using Hoek and Bray charts it is important that effective strength
parameters c´ and φ´ are used.
• Determine the appropriate chart from the known position of the water
table. In this example it is Chart 3
c 2
• Calculate γ H tan φ = 16 ×10 × tan 25 = 0.027
c
either = 0.0139
γHF
tan φ
or = 0.518
F
Note that in practice it is likely in any detailed design that a computer slope
stability program will be used. However, the speed and simplicity of using
charts such as these make them suitable for checking the sensitivity of the
factor of safety to a range of values of the soil parameters and slope
geometries.
For instance in the example above if the water table is lowered and chart 2
is appropriate the factor of safety will increase to F ≈ 1.1
Note also that chart 1 which is shown for a fully drained (dry) slope is
equivalent to Taylor’s charts. That is chart 1 can be used for a total stress
(undrained) analysis. This is because in the analysis of a dry slope the total
and effective stresses are the same. The analysis is only concerned with
the values of c, φ, γ . Solutions will be slightly different to those from
Taylor’s chart because slightly different assumptions are made in the two
analyses.
Tutorial Problems – Slope Stability
a) φ = 25 o b) φ = 10 o c) φ=0
What would be the answer in each case using Hoek and Bray’s charts
2. Use Taylor’s curves to determine the factor of safety and depth of critical circle of a
wide cutting 12 m deep of 7.5 o slope in a clay for which φ u = 0, c u = 40 kN/m2 and γ =
16 kN/m3. Assume
c) A hard stratum at 22 m
d) A hard stratum at 12 m
e) A hard stratum at 6 m
Repeat cases a to e for a narrow cutting where the toes of the two slopes coincide
3 Determine the factor of safety against immediate shear failure along the slip circle
shown in Figure 1 below:
The soil properties are cu = 40 kN/m2, φu = 0. The weight of the sliding mass of soil, W
= 1325 kN/m, and the horizontal distance of the centroid of this mass from the centre of
the circle, d = 5.9 m. The radius of the slip circle, R = 17.4 m, and the angle θ = 67.4o.
(You do not need to use the method of slices).
Figure 1
4 A wide cutting of slope 45o is excavated in a silt of unit weight γ sat = 19 kN/m3. When
the cut is 12 m deep a rotational slip occurs which is estimated to have a radius of 17 m
and to pass through the toe and a point 5.5 m back from the upper edge of the slope.
Shear tests on undisturbed samples give variable values for cu. Assuming φu = 10o
estimate an average value of cu round the failure surface by using
Calculate the factor of safety that the slope would have against a wedge type failure by
using the two wedges that are shown in the figure.
Figure 2
6 Determine the factor of safety of a long (infinite) slope as a function of the slope angle,
α, if the water flows horizontally out of the slope. Take c' = 0.
a) φ = 25 o b) φ = 10 o c) φ=0
What would be the answer in each case using Hoek and Bray’s charts
2. Use Taylor’s curves to determine the factor of safety and depth of critical circle of a wide
cutting 12 m deep of 7.5 o slope in a clay for which φ u = 0, c u = 40 kN/m2 and γ = 16 kN/m3.
Assume
c) A hard stratum at 22 m
d) A hard stratum at 12 m
e) A hard stratum at 6 m
3 Determine the factor of safety against immediate shear failure along the slip circle
shown in Figure 1 below:
(a) when there is a the tension crack of depth z = 4.32 m that is empty of water
The soil properties are cu = 40 kN/m2, φu = 0. The weight of the sliding mass of soil, W
= 1325 kN/m, and the horizontal distance of the centroid of this mass from the centre of
the circle = 5.9 m. The radius of the slip circle, R = 17.4 m, and the angle θ = 67.4o.
(You do not need to use the method of slices).
4 A wide cutting of slope 45o is excavated in a silt of unit weight γ sat = 19 kN/m3. When
the cut is 12 m deep, a rotational slip occurs which is estimated to have a radius of 17
m and to pass through the toe and a point 5.5 m back from the upper edge of the slope.
Shear tests on undisturbed samples give variable values for cu. Assuming φu = 10o
estimate an average value of cu round the failure surface by using the
5 Determine the factor of safety of a long (infinite) slope as a function of the slope angle,
α, if the water flows horizontally out of the slope. Take c' = 0.
Calculate the limiting value of α if φ' = 30o, and γ sat = 20 kN/m3.
θ
R x
W τ = cu
Figure 1
1. Discuss the compressibility of soils. Describe briefly the oedometer test for
determining the consolidation properties of a saturated clay soil.
4. Define compression index. What effect does sample disturbance have on the
compression index?
Pressure (Kg/cm2) 0.0 0.13 0.260 0.52 1.04 2.08 4.16 8.32
Dial
Reading (mmx10-2) 0.0 28 55 98 186 338 508 669
8. The sample of Problem 7 was taken from a clay layer which is 4m thick.
How long will it take the clay layer to experience 50% of its final primary
consolidation? Assume similar drainage and loading conditions for both the
laboratory specimen and the field stratum.
9. In the clay of problem 8, the vertical pressure was increased from 150kN/m2
to 200kN/m2. Calculate the pore-water pressure and the vertical effective stress
at the middle of the layer when it is (a) 40% consolidated; (b) 75% consolidated.
10. A deposit of soft clay is 8.0m thick. It is overlain by a layer of sand 10.0m
thick and underlain by an impervious bedrock. The water table at the site is
3.5m below the ground surface. The unit weight of the sand above the water
table is 17.27 kN/m3 while the saturated unit weight is 20 kN/m 3. The clay soil is
normally consolidated with a Liquid Limit of 50% and water content of 40%. The
specific gravity of solids of the clay soil is 2.70. Determine the settlement of the
clay layer due to an increase of 65 kN/m2 in vertical stress at the middle of the
clay layer.
12. For the clay of problem 11, how long will it take the same clay in the field to
achieve (a) 40% and (b) 60% consolidation if the thickness of the layer is 5m
and the boundary drainage conditions are the same?
13. A soil has a compression index cc of 0.25. Its void ratio at a stress level of
1.25kg/cm2 is 1.04 while its permeability is 3.5x10-8cm/sec. Determine the
following: (a) The change in void ratio if the pressure on the soil is increased to
2.00kg/cm2; (b) the settlement in (a) if the soil is 5m thick; and (c) the
coefficient of consolidation.
14. A laboratory consolidation test was performed on a specimen of clay
2.54cm thick. The sample was drained at both top and bottom. The time
required for 50% consolidation of the sample was 15 minutes. (a) Determine the
coefficient of consolidation of the sample; (b) Compute the time required for
50% and 90% consolidation of the clay deposit 5m thick with the same drainage
conditions.
15. A normally loaded clay soil has a compression index of 0.20. If the
overburden pressure is 1kg/cm2 and the stratum is 3m thick, how high can the
pressure on the clay become before the ultimate settlement is 2.0cm? The
average initial void ratio of the soil stratum is 0.90.
16. The coefficient of consolidation of a clay soil is 60x10 -4cm2/sec. If the clay
layer is 4m thick with double drainage, determine the time required for the layer
to reach 50% consolidation.
Bearing Capacity
2. State and discuss the assumptions in deriving Terzaghi's equation for the
bearing capacity of a shallow strip foundation. Determine the allowable load of a
rigid foundation in a coheionless soil at a depth of 2m if the foundation is (a)
3mx3m; (b) 3mx5m; (c) 4m in diameter. The unit weight of the soil is 19.5 kN/m 3
while the angle of internal friction is 30o. Assume a factor of safety of 3.
7. A strip footing is 2.0m wide and founded at a depth of 2.5m below the
ground surface. Find the bearing capacity of the footing using a factor of safety
of 3. The cohesion of the foundation soil c = 70kN/m 2, the density γ = 18kN/m3
and ϕ = 0.
a) φ = 25 o b) φ = 10 o c) φ=0
What would be the answer in each case using Hoek and Bray’s charts
2. Use Taylor’s curves to determine the factor of safety and depth of critical circle of a wide
cutting 12 m deep of 7.5 o slope in a clay for which φ u = 0, c u = 40 kN/m2 and γ = 16 kN/m3.
Assume
c) A hard stratum at 22 m
d) A hard stratum at 12 m
e) A hard stratum at 6 m
3 Determine the factor of safety against immediate shear failure along the slip circle
shown in Figure 1 below:
(a) when there is a the tension crack of depth z = 4.32 m that is empty of water
The soil properties are cu = 40 kN/m2, φu = 0. The weight of the sliding mass of soil, W
= 1325 kN/m, and the horizontal distance of the centroid of this mass from the centre of
the circle = 5.9 m. The radius of the slip circle, R = 17.4 m, and the angle θ = 67.4o.
(You do not need to use the method of slices).
4 A wide cutting of slope 45o is excavated in a silt of unit weight γ sat = 19 kN/m3. When
the cut is 12 m deep, a rotational slip occurs which is estimated to have a radius of 17
m and to pass through the toe and a point 5.5 m back from the upper edge of the slope.
Shear tests on undisturbed samples give variable values for cu. Assuming φu = 10o
estimate an average value of cu round the failure surface by using the
5 Determine the factor of safety of a long (infinite) slope as a function of the slope angle,
α, if the water flows horizontally out of the slope. Take c' = 0.
Calculate the limiting value of α if φ' = 30o, and γ sat = 20 kN/m3.
θ
R x
W τ = cu
Figure 1
1. Discuss the compressibility of soils. Describe briefly the oedometer test for
determining the consolidation properties of a saturated clay soil.
4. Define compression index. What effect does sample disturbance have on the
compression index?
Pressure (Kg/cm2) 0.0 0.13 0.260 0.52 1.04 2.08 4.16 8.32
Dial
Reading (mmx10-2) 0.0 28 55 98 186 338 508 669
8. The sample of Problem 7 was taken from a clay layer which is 4m thick.
How long will it take the clay layer to experience 50% of its final primary
consolidation? Assume similar drainage and loading conditions for both the
laboratory specimen and the field stratum.
9. In the clay of problem 8, the vertical pressure was increased from 150kN/m2
to 200kN/m2. Calculate the pore-water pressure and the vertical effective stress
at the middle of the layer when it is (a) 40% consolidated; (b) 75% consolidated.
10. A deposit of soft clay is 8.0m thick. It is overlain by a layer of sand 10.0m
thick and underlain by an impervious bedrock. The water table at the site is
3.5m below the ground surface. The unit weight of the sand above the water
table is 17.27 kN/m3 while the saturated unit weight is 20 kN/m 3. The clay soil is
normally consolidated with a Liquid Limit of 50% and water content of 40%. The
specific gravity of solids of the clay soil is 2.70. Determine the settlement of the
clay layer due to an increase of 65 kN/m2 in vertical stress at the middle of the
clay layer.
12. For the clay of problem 11, how long will it take the same clay in the field to
achieve (a) 40% and (b) 60% consolidation if the thickness of the layer is 5m
and the boundary drainage conditions are the same?
13. A soil has a compression index cc of 0.25. Its void ratio at a stress level of
1.25kg/cm2 is 1.04 while its permeability is 3.5x10-8cm/sec. Determine the
following: (a) The change in void ratio if the pressure on the soil is increased to
2.00kg/cm2; (b) the settlement in (a) if the soil is 5m thick; and (c) the
coefficient of consolidation.
15. A normally loaded clay soil has a compression index of 0.20. If the
overburden pressure is 1kg/cm2 and the stratum is 3m thick, how high can the
pressure on the clay become before the ultimate settlement is 2.0cm? The
average initial void ratio of the soil stratum is 0.90.
16. The coefficient of consolidation of a clay soil is 60x10 -4cm2/sec. If the clay
layer is 4m thick with double drainage, determine the time required for the layer
to reach 50% consolidation.
Bearing Capacity
2. State and discuss the assumptions in deriving Terzaghi's equation for the
bearing capacity of a shallow strip foundation. Determine the allowable load of a
rigid foundation in a coheionless soil at a depth of 2m if the foundation is (a)
3mx3m; (b) 3mx5m; (c) 4m in diameter. The unit weight of the soil is 19.5 kN/m 3
while the angle of internal friction is 30o. Assume a factor of safety of 3.
7. A strip footing is 2.0m wide and founded at a depth of 2.5m below the
ground surface. Find the bearing capacity of the footing using a factor of safety
of 3. The cohesion of the foundation soil c = 70kN/m 2, the density γ = 18kN/m3
and ϕ = 0.