PHSC 1001 Earth Science

Date: Name:
Terzaghi, K.  (1961). “Past and Future of Applied Soil Mechanics.”  Journal of the Boston
Society of Civil Engineers, Vol. 48.
Purpose: The paper critically looks into the broad patterns of response of different types of clay
to compaction and clearly demonstrates the value of the Atterberg limits as quantitative
index properties of clay. About thirty-three years ago, in a paper published by
Yorkshire Geological Society, a significant field data emerged the compaction of clay
soil. It also confirms the founding of the printed paper and relates the effect with geology
based on laboratory experiments
Key points: The discussed data testifies an answer popular in the laboratories, that is the relation
between e0 and log p0 is mainly aligned for any available clay, although at very maximum
pressures the lines will likely become curved asymptotes to the axis of zero void ratios.
There is also an evident that the void ratio of a normally consolidated clay, at a given
overburdened pressures depends upon the nature of the clay minerals present, as
indicated by the liquid limit. Indeed, it is possible in the figures to define approximate
boundaries between of clay of low, medium and high plasticity. Again a critical check on
the positions in the various clay in the bands reveal that those with high sensitivity have a
relatively low liquidity index.
Summary: The paper shows correlations which then, could readily be derived from void ratio,
pressure Atterberg limits, and sensitivity.
Importance of Geotechnical Engineering: The engineers are involved in field and
laboratory investigations to determine the engineering parameters of site soils and other
geomaterials and their subsequent use in the analytical study of the problem at hand.
They analyze the results of subsurface investigations and field tests with dedicated
software. Their ability to understand data and model future conditions are vital to the
development of the building project. After analysis, geotechnical engineers may be
needed to assist in the development of earthworks and foundations suitable to the
conditions of the site.
Conclusions: Three techniques have been proposed for predicting undrained soil strength or
strength ratios by basis of measured properties from the compaction soil samples. In
comparing the different compaction methods of clay, conclusions are drawn. One
rational critical approach provides a general conservative estimate of peak shear strength
of normally consolidated soil but overestimates the strength of unconsolidated soil. Also
empirical predictions based on plasticity index also are usually smaller than the
undisturbed peak but less than the red-lined state approximate. Finally, liquidity ratio
can be characterized by remodeled shear strength and is particularly applicable to
unconsolidated soils.
Questions raised: It is true that there’s a relation between void ratio, pressure and Atterberg
limits and sensitivity, Does the experiments takes into consideration other types of soil
compaction