GURU NANAK INSTITUTIONS TECHNICAL CAMPUS

(AUTONOMOUS)

FOUNDATION ENGINEERING
(18PC0CE22)
UNIT- I
PART-A
1. What is borehole log? Give a Typical Example? (May-19 R16)
Ans. A borehole record is a written description of the material that comes out of the ground
as a result of drilling a bore

2. What is meant by Undisturbed sample? (May-19 R16)

Ans. undisturbed samples are those where the original soil structure and the material
properties have undergone any alteration
UD samples are suitable to determine the strength and consolidation of soil. Tube and
chunk sample come under this category.
3. Define the area ratio (April-18, R15)
Ans. The area ratio is one of the factors that determine the mechanical disturbance of the
soil. It indicates the
ratio of displaced volume of soil to that of the soil sample collected.
D 22−D 11
Ar =
D 11
Where D1 is the inner diameter of cutting edge
D2 is the outer diameter of cutting edge
4. Describe standard penetration test. (April-18, R15)
Ans. 1. Generally used for cohesionless soils. To determine relative density, angle of
shearing resistance, UCC.
2. A bore hole is made using drilling tools and a hammer of weight 63.5 falling from
the height of 750 mm at the rate of 30 blows/minute.
 3. After reaching the specified depth, the drilling tool is replaced by a split spoon
sampler to collect soil sample. First 150 mm penetration is taken as seating drive and the
no. of blows required for that penetration is discarded.
4. No of blows required for next 300mm penetration after seating drive is taken as
standard penetration number (N)
5. No of blows greater than 50 are taken as refusal and the test is discontinue
6. Corrections are applied to the observed N value. SPT is carried out at every 750
mm or 1500 mm.
5. Define the following term: Inside, Outside clearance and Area ratio (Dec-17, R13)
Ans:
Inside clearance: It is the ratio of the difference between the internal diameter of sampling
tube to the internal diameter of cutting edge to the internal diameter of cutting edge.
D 3−D1
Inside clearance, Ci = ×100
D1
D1 = Internal diameter of cutting edge
D3 = Internal diameter of sampling tube
Outside clearance: It is the ratio of the difference between the external diameter of cutting
edge to the external diameter of sampling tube to the external diameter of sampling tube.
D4−D 2
Outside clearance, Co = ×100
D4
D2 = External diameter of cutting edge
D4 = External diameter of sampling tube
Area ratio: It is defined as the ratio of area of cutting edge to the area of sample.
D 22−D 11
Area ratio, Ar =
D 11
6. Define area ratio (May-17, R13)
Ans. The area ratio is one of the factors that determine the mechanical disturbance of the
soil. It indicates the ratio of displaced volume of soil to that of the soil sample collected.
D22−D11
Ar = 1
D1
Where D1 is the inner diameter of cutting edge
D2 is the outer diameter of cutting edge
7. Define Outside Clearance (May-17, R13)
Ans. Outside clearance prevents frictional drag between the outside surface of the
sampling tube and the walls of the borehole or and hence facilitates easy driving and
withdrawal of the sampler and also prevents damage of the sampler.
D 4−D 2
Co =
D4
D2 is the outer diameter of cutting edge
 D4 is the outer diameter of sampling tube
8. What are the sampling methods? (May-16, R13)
Ans. Soil samples are of two types – undisturbed and disturbed. Undisturbed sample is
that in which the natural structure and other physical properties remain preserved.
Disturbed sample is that in which the natural structure of the soil gets modified partly or
fully during sampling. Undisturbed samples are chunk, tube and block samples. Disturbed
samples are obtained from standard penetration test or augur samples.
9. Give the preparation of Soil Investigation report (May-16, R13)
Ans. Soil investigation report includes a description and scope of the project, location and
depth of bore holes or trial pits, description of soil layers, results of testing of soil,
recommendation on type of foundation and bearing capacity.
10. What do you mean by significant depth? (Oct/Nov-16, R13)
Ans. : Exploration, in general, should be carried out to a depth upto which the increase in
pressure due to structural loading is likely to cause perceptible settlement or shear failure.
Such a depth, known as the significant depth, depends upon the type of strcture, its weight,
size, shape and disposition of the loaded areas, and the soil profile and its properties. It is
generally safe to assume the significant depth upto a level at which the net increase in
vertical pressure becomes less than l0% of the initial overburden pressure.
11. How do you prepare a soil report? Explain briefly. (Oct/Nov-16, R13)
Ans. Soil investigation report includes a description and scope of the project, location and
depth of bore holes or trial pits, description of soil layers, results of testing of soil,
recommendation on type of foundation and bearing capacity.

PART-B
1. a) Explain the need of soil exploration (May-19 R16)
b) Explain about standard penetration Test
2. a) Explain with neat sketch how dynamic cone penetration test is carried out in the field
(May-19 R16)
b) The field N value In a deposit of fully submerged sand was 50 at a depth of 8m. The
average saturated unit weight of soil is 19kN/m 3. Calculate corrected N Value
3. Explain with neat sketch how dynamic cone penetration test is carried out in the field
(April-18, R15)
4. If you are the incharge of subsoil exploration of important structures how would you
decide the depth of exploration. List out the factors you will consider and their importance
(April-18, R15)
5. What are the different civil Engineering projects where subsurface investigation is
required? What kind of information is required in these investigations? (Dec-17, R13)
6. What do you mean by significant depth of exploration? Give empirical guidelines which
enable the determination of the depth of exploration. (Dec-17, R13)
7. What are the corrections that must be applied to the field N-value for sand before they
are used in design charts and empirical correlations? (Dec-17, R13)
8. What are the circumstances which make the plate load test misleading when used for
exploration of prototype behaviour. (Dec-17, R13)
9. What is meant by i) undisturbed sample ii) Representative sample iii) Recovery ratio
(Dec-17, R13)
10. Explain briefly Standard penetration Test (May-17, R13)
11. a) Explain the need for soil exploration and Illustrate methods of it
b) The field ‘N’ value in a deposit of fully submerged fine sand was 50 at a depth of
8m.The average saturated unit weight of soil is 19 kN/m 3. Calculate the corrected ‘N’ value.
(May-17, R13)
12. a) Explain the need for soil exploration
b) Discuss the subsoil exploration methods
c) What is boring and sampling? (May-16, R13)
13. a) Discuss the boring
b) Write the bore log report for the soil investigation (May-16, R13)
14. What are the methods of exploration? Explain them briefly (Oct/Nov-16, R13)
15. Explain how you plan, program and prepare a report in connection with soil exploration
(Oct/Nov-16, R13)
UNIT-II
PART-A
1. What are the general assumptions in slope stability analysis? (May-19 R16)
Ans. Two Dimensional
Coulomb Shear Strength is applicable and Shear Strength Parameters are known ( C
& Ø ) and constant for any slip surface
Limiting Equilibrium
The soil mass is assumed to be homogeneous.
Seepage forces and water tables positions are known
2. Differentiate between finite & infinite slopes? (May-19 R16)
Ans. Infinite slope: If a slope represents the boundary surface of a semi-infinite soil mass,
and the soil properties for all identical depths below the surface are constant, it is called
infinite slope.
Finite slope: Slopes of limited extent such as inclined faces of earth dam, embankments and
cuts.
3. What are, the assumptions made in Bishops theory? (April-18, R15)
Ans. 1. Considered the forces acting on the sides of slices which were neglected in Swedish
circle method.
2. The slip surface is assumed to be an arc of a circle.
3. Assumed factor of safety against sliding is defined as the ratio of the actual shear
strength to that required to maintain limit equilibrium.
4. Discuss the factors leading to failure of soil slopes (April-18, R15)
Ans. Causes of Slope failure:
 1. Erosion: The wind and flowing water causes erosion of top surface of slope and
makes the slope steep and thereby increase the tangential component of driving force.
2. Steady Seepage: Seepage forces in the sloping direction add to gravity forces and
make the slope susceptible to instability. The pore water pressure decreases the shear
strength. This condition is critical for the downstream slope.
3. Sudden Drawdown: in this case there is reversal in the direction flow and results in
instability of side slope. Due to sudden drawdown the shear stresses are more due to
saturated unit weight while the shearing resistance decreases due to pore water pressure
that does not dissipate quickly.
4. Earthquakes: They induce dynamic shear forces. In addition there is sudden
buildup of pore water pressure that reduces available shear strength.
5. External Loading: Additional loads placed on top of the slope increases the
gravitational forces that may cause the slope to fail.
6. Construction activities at the toe of the slope: Excavation at the bottom of the
sloping surface will make the slopes steep and thereby increase the gravitational forces
which may result in slope failure.
5. Distinguish between infinite and finite earth slopes (Dec-17, R13)
Infinite slope: If a slope represents the boundary surface of a semi-infinite soil mass, and
the soil properties for all identical depths below the surface are constant, it is called infinite
slope.
Finite slope: Slopes of limited extent such as inclined faces of earth dam, embankments and
cuts.
6. A infinite slope c’ = 0, φ = 34º and water table may occasionally rise to the surface with
γsat = 18 kN/m3, factor of safety = 1.5. What will be minimum stable slope? (Dec-17, R13)
tan φ
Factor of safety of infinite slope =
tani
tan 34 tan34
1.5 = tani= i = 24º
tan i 1.5
7. What are the types of slope failures? (May-17&16, R13)
Ans. Rotational Failure: This type of failure occurs by rotation along a slip surface by
downward and outward movement of soil mass
Types of rotational failure:
a) Toe failure b) Base failure & c) Slope failure
Translational Failure: A constant slope of unlimited extent and having uniform soil
properties at the same depth below the free surface is known as an infinite slope
Translational failure occurs in an infinite slope along a long failure surface parallel to
the slope.
Compound Failure: A compound failure is combination of rotational and translational
failure.
Wedge Failure: A failure along an inclined plane is known as wedge or block failure
8. Write the Taylor’s stability number (May-17, R13)
Ans. Taylor’s stability number Sn
 c
Sn =
Fc H
Where C = cohesion F c = Factor of safety w.r.t cohesion = unit weight of soil H =
height of

slope
9. Define factor of safety for an infinite slope (May-16, R13)
Shear strength , τ f
Ans. Factor of safety =
Shear stress , τ
10. What is meant by infinite slope? (Oct/Nov-16,
R13)
Ans. If a slope represents the boundary surface of a semi-infinite soil mass, and the soil
properties for all identical depths below the surface are constant, it is called an infinite slope.
11. What are the assumptions that are generally made in the analysis of the stability of
slopes? (Oct/Nov-16, R13)
Ans. Frictional resistance is fully developed along the failure surface. Depending on the
method of analysis the shape of the failure surface may be planar, bilinear, curved, log-
spiral and circular. Method of slices assume different magnitudes and orientation of inter-
slice normal and shear stresses along the slice.
PART-B
1. a) Explain various factors of safety used in the analysis of stability of slopes.
b) An infinite slope with an inclination of 35º is subjected to seepage parallel to its
surface. The soil has C’=100 kN/m 2 and φ’ = 30º using concept of mobilized cohesion
and friction at a factor of safety of 1.5 with respect to shear strength. What is mobilized
friction angle? (May-19 R16)
2. What are the assumptions that are generally made in the analysis of the stability
of slopes? Discuss the factors leading to the failure of soil slopes. Also sketch the different
types of. slope failures. (April-18, R15)
3. a) What is meant by infinite slope ? What is the criterion for the stability of an infinite
slope in sand?
b) Define various factors of safety used in the analysis of stability of slopes.
(April-18, R15)
4. a) A 40º slope is excavated to a depth of 10m in a deep layer of saturated clay of unit
weight 20 kN/m3, the shear parameters are C u = 72 kN/m2, φ = 0. The rock edge is at a
greater depth. The Taylor’s stability number is 0.18. Find the factor of safety? (Dec – 17,
R13)
b) If there is a sudden drawdown of water in canal and if S n value reduced to 0.126 then
what is factor of safety with respect to cohesion against failure. (Dec – 17, R13)
c) What are the probable types of failure of slopes? Define the factors of safety used in the
analysis of stability of slopes. (Dec – 17, R13)
5. a) An infinite slope with an inclination of 35º is subjected to seepage parallel to its
surface. The soil has C’=100 kN/m 2 and φ’ = 30º using concept of mobilized cohesion and
friction at a factor of safety of 1.5 with respect to shear strength. What is mobilized friction
angle? (Dec – 17, R13)
b) An infinite slope of C-φ soil with C = 20 kPa, d = 16 kN/m3 and inclination angle 40º
and critical height of 5m. To maintain limiting equilibrium, what will be internal angle of
friction. (Dec – 17, R13)
c) What is the difference between the total stress method and effective stress methods of
stability analysis. (Dec – 17, R13)
6. a) Explain Bishop’s simplified method. Derive an expression for the factor of safety.
(May-17, R13)
b) Determine the safe height of a slope which is to be constructed at an angle of 30 o
with horizontal. The required factor of safety with respect to both cohesion and angle of
internal friction is 1.5 and the soil has following properties: C = 10 kN/m 2, Ø = 22.5o and
density = 20 kN/m3. Taylor’s stability numbers for mobilized friction angles of friction 22.5 o
and 15o are respectively 0.016 and 0.046.
(May-17, R13)
7. a) How a slope is analysed using Swedish circle method? Derive an expression for the
factor of safety. (May-17, R13)
b) Determine the factor of safety with respect to cohesion, if an embankment of 20m
height and having a slope of 45 o is subjected to sudden drawdown. C = 20 kN/m 2 Ø= 30o
and sat = 18 kN/m3 (Take Taylor’s stability number = 0.08) (May-17, R13)
8. A homogeneous dam section is 25 m high with upstream slope of 2.5 to 1.0 and
downstream slope of 2 to 1. There is a 12m long horizontal filter at the downstream end.
Taking a free board of 3m determine a) Factor of safety of downstream slope under steady
seepage conditions, b) factor of safety of upstream slope under sudden drawdown
conditions. Using Bishop simplified method (May-16, R13)
9. A vertical cut of 10m is made in a soil deposit,  = 19 kN/m3, c = 30 kN/m2,  = 0. There
is hard stratum below the original soil surface at a depth of 12m. Find the safe slope of
cutting if the factor of safety is 1.5 for Df = 1.2 m. Use stability charts (May-16, R13)
10. a) What is Taylor’s stability number and how to use the stability chart
b) What is stability factor? Discuss the importance and uses of stability charts in the
analysis of stability of slopes (Oct/Nov-16, R13)
11. a) Calculate the factor of safety with respect to cohesion of clay slope laid at 1 in 2 to a
height of 10m, if  = 12, c = 25 kN/m2 and  = 19 kN/m3. Calculate the safe height of the
embankment for a factor of safety of 1.5. Assume the stability number as 0.91
b) Stability analysis by the method of slices for 1:1 slope on the
Critical slip gave the following results
Sum of tangential forces = 150 kN
Sum of normal forces = 320 kN
Sum of neutral forces = 50 kN
Length of failure surface = 18 m
Angle of shearing resistance = 15
Effective cohesion = 20 kN/m2
Calculate the factor of safety with respect to shear strength (Oct/Nov-16, R13)

UNIT-III
 PART-A
1. Explain the difference between active and passive earth pressure? ( May-19, R16)
Ans. First, let us consider a retaining wall which holds back a mass of soil. The soil exerts a
push against the wall by virtue of its tendency to slip laterally and seek its natural slope or
angle of repose, thus making the wall to move slightly away from the backfilled soil mass.
This kind of pressure is known as the ‘active’ earth pressure of the soil

Next, let us imagine that in some manner the retaining wall is caused to move toward the
soil. In such a case the retaining wall or the earth-retaining structure is the actuating
element and the soil provides the resistance which soil develops in response to movement
of the structure toward it is called the ‘passive earth pressure’

2. What are the assumptions of Coulombs theory?

(May-19, R16, April-18, R15 & May-16, R13)
Ans. 1. The backfill is dry, cohesionless, homogeneous, isotropic and ideally plastic
material.
2. The slip surface is a plane surface which passes through the heel of the wall.
3. The wall surface is rough. The resultant earth pressure on the wall is inclined at
an angle δ to the normal to the wall, where {δ is the angle o[ the friction between
the wall and the backfill.
4. The sliding wedge itself acts as a rigid body.
5. The magnitude of earth pressure is obtained by considering the equilibrium
of the sliding wedge as a whole.
3. What is the practical significance of earth pressure theory? (April-18, R15)
Ans. Lateral earth pressure is the pressure that soil exerts in the horizontal direction. The
lateral earth pressure is important because it affects the consolidation behaviour and
strength of the soil and because it is considered in the design of geotechnical
engineering structures such as retaining walls, basements, tunnels, deep foundations and
braced excavations.
4. What is the depth of tension crack in soft clay for φ = 0º if C = 100 kPa and  = 20 kN/m3
(Dec – 17, R13)
2c 2 ×100
Ans. Depth of tension crack, zc = = = 10 m.
γ √ ka 20× √ 1
5. To have zero active pressure intensity at the tip of a wall in cohesive soil one should
apply a uniform surcharge intensity. Find the value of the surcharge intensity if soil has φ =
30º and C = 100 kPa. (Dec – 17, R13)
Ans.
ka q – 2 C ka = 0
q 1
3 3√
−2 ×100 × =0

q = 200 × √ 3=346.4 kN /m 2
6. What is earth pressure at rest? (May-17, R13)
Ans. A soil element in its natural state at any depth, z below the ground surface is not
subjected to any strain, the element in this condition is known as at rest condition. The earth
pressure at rest is evaluated using theory of elasticity.
The earth pressure at rest corresponding to the condition of zero lateral strain,
σh = ko σv
where ko is earth pressure coefficient at rest
7. What are the different types of retaining walls (May-17, R13)
Ans. Gravity retaining wall: These walls depend upon their weight for stability. The walls are
usually constructed of plain concrete or masonry. Such walls are not economical for large
height
Semi-gravity retaining walls: The size of the section of a gravity retaining wall may be
reduced if a small amount of reinforcement is provided near the back face such walls are
known as semi-gravity walls.
Cantilever retaining walls: Cantilever retaining walls are made if R.C.C. The wall consists of
a thin stem and a base slab cast monolithically. This type of wall is found to be economical
upto a height of 6 to 8m
Counterfort retaining walls: Counterfort retaining walls have thin vertical slabs, known as
counterfort, spaced across the vertical stems at regular intervals.
8. Describe the MSE walls. (May-16, R13)
Ans. Mechanically stabilized earth walls consists of three components: wall facing
elements, reinforcing elements/membranes and Compacted backfill. These walls are
flexible can with foundation settlements, earthquake forces more efficiently than
conventional rigid structures. These are economical and constructed rapidly in staged
manner.
9. What are the assumptions that are made by Rankine? (Oct/Nov-16, R13)
Ans. Following are the assumptions of the Rankine theory
 The soil mass is semi-infinite, homogeneous, dry and cohesionless.
 The ground surface is a plane which may be horizontal or inclined.
 The back of the wall is vertical and smooth. In other words, there are no shearing
stresses between the wall and the soil and the stress relationship for any element
adjacent to the wall is the same as for any other element far away from the wall.
 The wall yields about the base and thus satisfies the deformation condition for plastic
equilibrium.
10. How does Rankine’s approach differ from Coulombs approach in the estimation of
active earth pressure? (Oct/Nov-16, R13)
Ans. Rankine theory considers neglects the friction between the retaining wall and soil

PART-B
1. a) For clay backfill behind a retaining wall what is the depth of tension crack. How is the
total active earth pressure is calculated (May-19, R16)
b) A retaining wall with smooth vertical back is 6m is pushed against a soil mass having
C= 40 kN/m2 Ø= 15o and  = 19 kN/m3. What is the total Rankines passive earth pressure if
the horizontal soil surface carries a uniform load of 50 kN/m 2 what is point of application of
thrust.
2. a) Explain about the construction of Culmann's graphical method.
b) Write a note on stability of earth retaining structures. (April-18, R15)
 3. A retaining wall has smooth vertical back and is 8m high. It retains a horizontal backfill
of sand with Ø=30o
Find out the total active earth pressure per meter length of wall if  = 18 kN/m3 and sat =
20 kN/m3
a) The water table is far below the base of the wall
b) The water table rises up to 4.0 m level above the base (April-18, R15)
4. a) A retaining wall 4m high, with vertical back supports a backfill with horizontal ground
surface. The soil has unit weight of 18 kN/m 3 and angle of internal friction of 35º. The angle
of wall friction may be taken as 20º. A footing running parallel to a retaining wall and
carrying a load intensity of 18 kN/m, is to be constructed. Find the safe distance of the
footing from the face of the wall so that there is no increase in lateral pressure on wall due
to the load of footing. (Dec – 17, R13)
b) What is the order horizontal strain and the amount of translatory movement at the top
required to produce active state in Coarse-grained soils and fine-grained soils behind a
retaining wall. (Dec – 17, R13)
5. a) Discuss the stability analysis of retaining walls (Dec – 17, R13)
b) Clearly explain the difference between the active and passive earth pressure. Give two
example of each kind. (Dec – 17, R13)
c) For clay backfill behind a retaining wall, what is the depth of tension crack? How is the
total active earth pressure calculated? (Dec – 17, R13)
6. a) Describe the Culmann’s graphical method of determining the active earth pressure in
cohesion less soils
b) A retaining wall with smooth vertical back is 8m high and retains a two layer sand
backfill. The top layer is 3m high having Ø= 30 o and  = 20 kN/m3. The bottom layer is 5m
having Ø= 35o and  = 22 kN/m3. Determine the total active earth pressure and point of
application. (May-17, R13)
7. a) State the assumptions in Rankine’s theory. Derive an expression for Active and
Passive pressure
b) Discuss the principles of the design of retaining walls. (May-17, R13)
8. A retaining wall with a vertical back 6m high supports a cohesionless backfill of unit
weight 19.6 kN/m3. The upper surface of the backfill rises at an angle of 10 with the
horizontal, from the crest of the wall. The angle of internal friction for the soil is 35 and
angle of wall friction is 20. Find the total active pressure per meter length of wall and mark
the direction of point of application of the resultant pressure
(May-16, R13)
9. A retaining wall has a smooth vertical back and is 8.5m in height. It retains a horizontal
backfill of sand with  = 33. Find out the total active earth pressure per meter length of
wall, if  = 18 kN/m3 and sat = 20 kN/m3. (May-16, R13)
a) The water table is far below the base of the wall
b) The water table rises upto 4.0 m level above the base.
10. a) Explain about the construction of culmann’s graphical method.
b) Why retaining walls are usually designed for active earth pressure. (Oct/Nov-16, R13)
11. A retaining wall with soft saturated clay back fill is 6m high. The unit weight of clay is 16
kN/m3 and cohesion is 15 kN/m 2. Determine a) Maximum depth of tensile cracks b) Total
active earth pressure before cracks occur and c) Total active earth pressure after the
cracks.
(Oct/Nov-16, R13)
UNIT-IV
PART-A
1. Define ultimate bearing capacity, Gross allowable bearing pressure and safe bearing
pressure of soil? (Mayl-19, R16)
Ans. The ultimate bearing capacity is defined as minimum gross pressure at the base of
foundation at which the soil fails in shear
Gross allowable bearing pressure is defined as gross loading intensity at which neither the
soil fails in shear nor there is excessive settlements
safe bearing pressure it is the intensity of loading that will cause a permissible settlements
or specified settlement for the structure. .
2. What are the types of failures in shallow foundations? (Mayl-19, R16)
Ans. Local shear failure: This occurs in footing resting on medium dense sand or on clay of
medium consistency. Failure surface gradually extend outward from foundation.
Settlement increases with load. Heave is observed after substantial settlement.
General shear failure: This occurs in footing resting on surface of dense sand or stiff clay.
Failure surface extends to the ground surface. Heave is always observed on the sides.
Punching shear failure: Footing rests on loose sand or a soft clay. Failure surface do not
extend to ground surface. No heave and only vertical settlement.
3. State the factors affecting location of footing. (April-18, R15)
Ans. A Foundation must be properly located and founded at such a depth that its
performance is not adversely affected by factors such as
1. Lateral expulsion of soil from beneath the foundation
2. Seasonal volume changes caused by freezing and thawing
3. Presence of adjoining structures.
4. What is the difference between local, general, punching shear failures (Dec-17, R13)
Local shear failure: This occurs in footing resting on medium dense sand or on clay of medium
consistency. Failure surface gradually extend outward from foundation. Settlement increases with
load. Heave is observed after substantial settlement.
General shear failure: This occurs in footing resting on surface of dense sand or stiff clay. Failure
surface extends to the ground surface. Heave is always observed on the sides.
Punching shear failure: Footing rests on loose sand or a soft clay. Failure surface do not extend to
ground surface. No heave and only vertical settlement.

5 Define net and gross bearing capacity (May-17, R13)

Ans. Net Bearing Capacity: It is defined as the excess pressure, or the difference in
intensities of the gross pressure after the construction of the structure and the original
overburden pressure.
Gross Bearing Capacity: The gross bearing capacity is the total pressure at the
base of the footing due to the weight of superstructure, self-weight of the footing and the
weight of earth fill any.
 6 Differentiate between shallow and deep foundations. (May-16, R13)

Shallow Foundation Deep Foundation

A foundation is shallow if its depth, D f In the case of deep foundations, the

is equal to or less than its width, B. depth, Df is equal to or greater than the
width, B

The shallow foundations are of the Common forms of deep foundations are
following types:spread footing, strap : pier foundation, pile foundation and
footing, combined footing, and mat or well foundation.
raft footing.

Shallow foundations are constructed if Deep foundations are constructed if the

the soil at shallow level has sufficient foundation soil is soft or loose.
bearing capacity.

7. State the factors affecting the location of footing (Oct/Nov-16, R13)

Ans. Factors affecting the location of footing are depth of top soil, frost depth, zone of
volume change, adjacent footings and property lines, sloping ground, water table, scour
depth, underground defects, root holes and minimum depth.
PART-B
1. a) what are the basic characteristics of the failure mechanism in general, local and
punching shear failure? Explain in detail? (Mayl-19, R16)
b) A square footing of 1.8m size is placed over a sand of bulk density 20 kN/m 3 and
saturated density 22 kN/m3 at a depth of 1.0 m below ground. The angle of internal friction
of sand is 35o. The Terzaghi’s bearing capacity factors N c = 57.8, Nq = 41.4 & N = 42.4.
Determine the ultimate bearing capacity of the soil when there is no effect of water table and
when the water table is at base
2. a) Explain clearly the factors affecting the depth of foundation (Mayl-19, R16)
b) The foundation for a square footing of width 2m is to be founded at a depth of 1.5m.
The soil properties are C=0, Ø=36 o, = 18.2 kN/m3, sat= 20 kN/m3. The Terzaghi’s bearing
capacity factors Nc = 37.2, Nq = 22.5& N = 19.7. Determine the net ultimate bearing
capacity, when the water table is
a) The water table is far below the base of the wall
b) The water table rises up to 4.0 m level above the base.
3. a) How do you estimate the settlement of a footing on sand using plate load test? How
is depth correction applied? (April-18, R15)
b) The foundation for a square footing of width 2m is to be founded at a depth of 1.5m.
The soil properties are C=0, Ø=36 o, = 18.2 kN/m3, sat= 20 kN/m3. Determine the net
ultimate bearing capacity, when the water table is
a) The water table is far below the base of the wall
b) The water table rises up to 4.0 m level above the base.
4. a) what are the basic characteristics of the failure mechanism in general, local and
punching shear failure? Explain in detail? (Dec – 17, R13)
b) Using Terzaghi theory, find the ultimate bearing capacity for a square footing of 2m x 2m
placed at a depth of 1.2m below the ground on a pure cohesive soil having density 18
kN/m3, Nc = 5.7. use local shear failure condition. Unconfined compressive strength = 120
kN/m2.
c) A SPT is conducted in saturated coarse silty soil with sat = 18 kN/m3 at a depth of 5m has
yield at N-value of 20. Find the corrected N-value for the design of foundation, if the depth of
water table at the time of test was 2m.
5. a) What are the assumptions made in the Terzaghi’s bearing capacity theory? Derive an
expression for bearing capacity. (Dec – 17, R13)
b) A plate load test was conducted in a sandy soil with a plate size of 0.3m x 0.3m. The
ultimate load per unit area was found to be 2 kg/cm 2. Calculate the allowable load for a
footing of size 2m x 2m. Using FOS = 3.
c) What is the safe bearing capacity of a rectangular footing 1m x 2m. placed at a depth of
2m in a saturated clay having unit weight 20 kN/m 3 and unconfined compressive strength
100 kPa. Assume a FOS = 2.5. use Skempton theory.
6. a) Differentiate between general shear failure and local shear failure (May-17, R13)
b) A square footing of 1.8m size is placed over a sand of bulk density 20 kN/m 3 and
saturated density 22 kN/m3 at a depth of 1.0 m below ground. The angle of internal friction
of sand is 30o. The Terzaghi’s bearing capacity factors N c = 30.14, Nq = 18.4 & N = 15.1.
Determine the ultimate bearing capacity of the soil when there is no effect of water table and
when the water table is at base.
7. a) Describe the types of foundation and discuss the selection criteria of a foundation.
b) For a continous foundation of 0.9m depth and 1.2m width, using Terzaghi’s bearing
capacity factors determine the gross allowable load per unit area that the foundation can
carry. Given  = 18 kN/m3, c = 10 kN/m2,  = 20, factor of safety = 3. Assume general shear
failure. (May-16, R13)
8. How do you estimate the settlement of a footing on sand using plate load test? How is
depth correction applied? (Oct/Nov-16, R13)

UNIT-V
PART-A
1 The load carrying capacity of end bearing pile is estimated as 100 kN. How the
capacity can be doubled for the same length? (April-18, R15)
Ans. For the same length, the capacity of pile can be doubled by taking the diameter as
two times the given diameter.

2. What is negative friction? In what conditions it develops? Explain it with a neat sketch?
(Dec-17, R13)
Ans. When a fill starts consolidating under its own overburden pressure, it develops a drag
on the surface of the pile. This drag on the surface of the pile is called negative friction.
When a pile passes through a recently placed fill, pile is subjected to a downward drag due
to settlement of fill.
 3. Define dynamic formulae of Danish (May-17, R13)
Ans. The ultimate load capacity of the pile as per Danish formula is given by
αWH H
Qdy =
S +0.5 S e

2 α W H HL
In which Se =
√ AE
Where, Qdy = Ultimate dynamic bearing capacity of driven pile; α= Pile driving hammer
efficiency
WH = Weight of hammer; H = Hammer drop; S= Inelastic set of piles; S e = Elastic set of
piles; L = Pile length; A= Pile end area; E= Modulus of elasticity of pile material

4. Explain settlement in pile foundation. (May-16, R13)

Ans. Settlements of piles are obtained from pile load test. Settlement of the group of
friction piles can be computed on the assumption that the clay contained between the top
of the piles and their lower third point is incompressible and that the load is applied to the
soil at this lower third point of the pile. The presence of pile below this level is ignored.
Load is assumed to be uniformly distributed at this level, and is assumed to spread at an
angle 30 with the vertical. Soil is divided into number of layers and the effective stress
and increase of stress at middle of each layer is determined. Settlement in each layer is
obtained from following equation:
cc σ 0+ ∆ σ
∆ H= H log 10
1+ e0 σ0
5. How negative skin friction is calculated for a single pile and group of piles in clay
(Oct/Nov-16, R13)
Ans. For individual piles, the magnitude of negative friction, Q nf is taken as follows:
For cohesive soils, Qnf = p c Lf
For granular soils, Qnf = ½ Lf2 p  K f
 p = perimeter of the pile
Lf = depth of fill or soil which is moving vertically
c = cohesion of soil in zone of Lf
K = Earth pressure coefficient
 = unit weight of soil
f = Coefficient of friction  tan 

PART-B
1. a) Explain Negative skin friction of piles? (May-19, R16)
b) A group of 16 piles of 50cm diameter is arranged with centre to centre spacing of 1m.
The piles are 9m long and are embeded in soft clay with cohesion 30kN/m2 bearing
resistance may be neglected for piles Adhesion factor is 0.6. Determine the ultimate load
capacity of pile group
2. A bored concrete pile 30 cm diameter and 6.5 m length passes through stiff fissured clay
subjected to seasonal shrinkage and swelling upto a depth of 1.5 m. The average undrained
shear strength of clay is 50 kPa upto tip and 100 kPa below the pile tip. Find the ultimate
load carrying capacity assuming adhesion factor of 0.3 and neglect the top 1.5m soil.
(April-18, R15)

3. a) Discuss different methods for the installation of piles. How would you estimate the load
carrying capacity of a pile in cohesionless soils? (May-16, R13)
b) Design a friction pile group to carry a load of 3500 kN including the weight of pile cap,
at a site where the soil is uniform clay to a depth of 10 m underlain by rock. The average
compressive strength of clay is 50 kN/m 2. The clay may be assumed to be of normal
sensitivity and normally loaded with a liquid limit of 70%. Adopt a factor of safety 2.5 against
shear failure.
4. Draw a neat diagram of under reamed pile foundation. Label different parts and give
typical dimensions of different parts. Also explain the mechanism involved in resisting the
uplift in swelling soils. (Oct/Nov-16, R13)