BFC 43103

CONFIDENTIAL

UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA

FINAL EXAMINATION
SEMESTER II
SESSION 2021/2022

COURSE NAME : FOUNDATION ENGINEERING

COURSE CODE : BFC 43103

PROGRAMME CODE : BFF

EXAMINATION DATE : JULY 2022

DURATION : 3 HOURS

INSTRUCTION 1. ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS IN PART

A AND TWO (2) QUESTIONS IN
PART B.
2. THIS FINAL EXAMINATION IS AN
ONLINE ASSESSMENT AND
CONDUCTED VIA CLOSED BOOK.
3. STUDENTS ARE PROHIBITED TO
CONSULT THEIR OWN MATERIAL
OR ANY EXTERNAL RESOURCES
DURING THE EXAMINATION
CONDUCTED VIA CLOSED BOOK

THIS QUESTION PAPER CONSISTS OF SIXTEEN (16) PAGES

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 BFC 43103
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PART A

Q1 (a) Identify how piles are classified according to the method of installation and function.
(5 marks)

(b) The variation of N60 with depth in a granular soil deposit is as shown in Table Q1(b).
A rectangular concrete pile 7.5 m long (0.5 m x 0.5 m in cross section) is driven into
the sand and fully embedded in the soil. For the proposed site, given: Design load =
1112.1 kN, FOS = 3.0, Pa = 100 kN/m2 and Lpile = 7.5 m.

(i) Design Qp by using data given in Table Q1(b)

(6 marks)

(ii) Design Qs by using data given in Table Q1(b)

(5 marks)

(iii) Estimate the allowable bearing capacity 𝑄𝑎𝑙𝑙 of the pile

(3 marks)

(iv) Predict the elastic settlement of the pile based on the situation.
(6 marks)

Q2 (a) The backfill used in the construction of the retaining wall has expansive behaviour.
These materials swell significantly when in contact with water during rainfall and
floods, resulting in large lateral pressure on the retaining wall. As a geotechnical
engineer, propose TWO (2) methods to maintain the stability of the retaining wall.
(6 marks)

(b) The proposed design of the cantilever retaining wall will be constructed on clay soil as
shown in Figure Q2 (b). The backfill is a coarse grained soil and inclined at 8. The
live load from a rural main road is 15 kN/m2 .The ground water level is located 2 m
below the base.

(i) Evaluate the stability of the retaining wall in terms of overturning

(6 marks)

(ii) Design the stability of the retaining wall in terms of bearing capacity.
(5 marks)

(iii) Evaluate the factor of safety against sliding of the proposed retaining structure.
( 5 marks)

(iv) If the factor of safety against sliding is less than 1.5, propose THREE (3) suitable
methods to increase the stability against sliding.

( 3 marks)

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 BFC 43103
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PART B

Q3 (a) Due to high loading of traffic, the local government is planning to widen the federal
road from Batu Pahat to Air Hitam in the near future. The Design Department of
JKR is requested to propose ground improvement works that needs to be carried out
in advance before commencement of the road widening project.

(i) The use of PVD together with surcharge load was proposed by the designer.
Explain the working principles and details of this ground improvement
technique with the illustration of relevant sketches.
(6 marks)

(ii) Discuss any TWO (2) disadvantages of using this technique when compared to
soil replacement method.
(4 marks)

(b) Cement stabilization was proposed by the designer. Briefly discuss any TWO (2)
advantages and TWO (2) disadvantages compared to the mechanical stabilization
method using roller.
(8 marks)

(c) Evaluate whether dynamic compaction using tamper is suitable in this case. Based
on the desk study, the soil formation at the proposed site is comprised of quaternary
marine deposit.
(7 marks)

Q4 (a) A new building will be constructed at Taman Seri Indah area. For foundation, the
consultant engineer has suggested to use a shallow foundation instead of deep
foundation. Compare the difference between shallow foundation and deep
foundation. Use sketches to support your answer.
(5 marks)

(b) The consultant engineer suggested to build a bungalow house with one floor at
Elmina area. A 2.0 m wide strip foundation is placed in sand at 1.0 m depth. The
properties of the sand are: γ = 19.5 kN/m3 , c = 0, and ɸ’= 340. Determine the
maximum wall load that the foundation can carry, with a factor of safety of 3.0.
(8 marks)

(c) You anticipate the foundation for a proposed highway bridge will consist of end
bearing piles driven through the overlying soils to bedrock. However, you are not
certain the location of the bedrock.. You wish to obtain at least an approximate idea
of the depth to bedrock before you begin drilling the exploratory borings. Propose
plan of work to obtain the data needed
(12 marks)

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Q5 (a) The road between Ayer Hitam and Batu Pahat had to be restricted due to the
collapse of a 9-meter high soil slope. Mr. Ahmad recommended the cantilever sheet
pile retaining structure as a method of stabilising the failing soil slope. Based on
your experience,

(i) Write comment on Mr. Ahmad's selection of a retaining structure idea.

(4 marks)

(ii) Propose the suitable type of retaining structure, with a diagram to ensure the
stability of the supported soil.
(5 marks)

(iii) Discuss the factors that should be considered while selecting a retaining
structure.
(3 marks)

(b) (i) Explain in detail with the aid of sketches on what condition does pile
foundations need to be used.
(5 marks)

(ii) A 12 m prestressed concrete pile 450 mm square is installed in a clay with

water table at 5 m depth as shown in Figure Q5(b). The upper clay layer is 5 m
thick, with a unit weight (γ) of 17.4 kN/m3. The lower clay layer has a unit
weight (γ) of 18.1 kN/m3. Determine the allowable pile capacity (Qall) with
factor of safety of 2 by using the simplest method.
(8 marks)

-END OF QUESTIONS-

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FINAL EXAMINATION
SEMESTER / SESSION : SEM II 2021/2022 PROGRAMME CODE : BFF
COURSE NAME : FOUNDATION ENGINEERING COURSE CODE : BFC 43103

Table Q1(b): The SPT value for the proposed site

Depth of Soil Layer
(m) Description SPT (N60)
0.0 – 1.50 Top soil, dark brown clayey silty sand 11
1.50 – 1.95 Medium dense with traces of gravel 11
3.00 – 3.45 Light greyish brown, silty sand 47
Greyish brown silty sand with some
4.50 – 4.95 gravel 8
6.00 – 6.45 Medium dense silty sand 19
Medium grey silty sand with some
7.50 – 7.95 gravel 31
9.00 – 9.33 Very dense silty sand 50
10.50 – 10.82 Very dense silty sand 50
12.00 – 12.32 Very dense silty sand 50
13.50 – 13.79 Very dense silty sand 50
15.00 – 15.445 Very dense silty sand 50
16.50 – 16.82 Very dense silty sand 50
18.00 – 18.32 Very dense silty sand 50

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FINAL EXAMINATION
SEMESTER / SESSION : SEM II 2021/2022 PROGRAMME CODE : BFF
COURSE NAME : FOUNDATION ENGINEERING COURSE CODE : BFC 43103

0.3 m Live load = 20 kN/m2

Backfill
1 = 17 kN/m3
1 = 30
c1 = 0
6.5 m

Drainage blanket
1.5 m
0.5 m concrete = 24 kN/m3 0.7 m
1.0 m 3.5 m 2 = 18 kN/m3
’2 = 20
c’2 = 25 kN/m2
Groundwater table
sat = 20 kN/m3
’3 = 20
c’3 = 25 kN/m2

FIGURE Q2(b): Cantilever gravity retaining wall

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 BFC 43103
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FINAL EXAMINATION
SEMESTER / SESSION : SEM II 2021/2022 PROGRAMME CODE : BFF
COURSE NAME : FOUNDATION ENGINEERING COURSE CODE : BFC 43103

FIGURE Q5 (b) : Undrained shear strength

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 BFC 43103
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FINAL EXAMINATION
SEMESTER / SESSION : SEM II 2021/2022 PROGRAMME CODE : BFF
COURSE NAME : FOUNDATION ENGINEERING COURSE CODE : BFC 43103

TABLE 1 : Terzaghi Bearing Capacity factor

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 BFC 43103
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FINAL EXAMINATION
SEMESTER / SESSION : SEM II 2021/2022 PROGRAMME CODE : BFF
COURSE NAME : FOUNDATION ENGINEERING COURSE CODE : BFC 43103

TABLE 2: Meyerhof’s bearing capacity factor

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FINAL EXAMINATION
SEMESTER / SESSION : SEM II 2021/2022 PROGRAMME CODE : BFF
COURSE NAME : FOUNDATION ENGINEERING COURSE CODE : BFC 43103

TABLE 3 : Variation of α

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FINAL EXAMINATION
SEMESTER / SESSION : SEM II 2021/2022 PROGRAMME CODE : BFF
COURSE NAME : FOUNDATION ENGINEERING COURSE CODE : BFC 43103

List of formula
SOIL IMPROVEMENT AND GROUND MODIFICATION
CH '  ' ct
Tv  v 2
Sc ( p )  c c log o ' ( p )
1 e o  o
Hc
 U% 
2

For U%: 0% to 60%; Tv   

Cc H c 'o   (' p )  (' f )  4  100 
Sc ( p  f )  log For U% > 60%;
1  eo o'
Tv  1.781  0.931log 100  U % 
 'o  (' p ) 
log    '( p ) 
 'o  log 1  ' 
U  o 
   ( p )  (' f ) 
' '
U
log  o   '( p )  (' f )  
 'o  log 1  ' 1  '  
 o  ( p )  
SITE INVESTIGATION
N corrected  C N * N field
Do2  Di2
AR (%)  (%) 1915
Di2 C N  0.77 log10
po
𝑁𝜂𝐻 𝜂𝐵 𝜂𝑆 𝜂𝑅 Schmertmann’s (1975) theory
𝑁60 = 0.34
60 𝑁
where 𝜙 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 [ 60
𝜎
, ]
N60 = Standard penetration number, corrected for 12.2+20.3( 0 )
𝑃𝑎
field conditions.
where, 𝜎0′ = effective overburden pressure
ηH = Hammer Effiency (%)
ηB = Correction for borehole diameter (kPa) = γH
ηS = Sampler correction Pa = atmospheric pressure
ηR = Correction for rod length

Variation of ηB
Diameter (mm) ηB
60 – 120 1
150 1.05
200 1.15

Variation of ηS
Rod lenght (mm) ηB
Standard sampler 1.0
With liner for dense sand and clay 0.8
With liner for loose sand 0.9

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 BFC 43103
CONFIDENTIAL

FINAL EXAMINATION
SEMESTER / SESSION : SEM II 2021/2022 PROGRAMME CODE : BFF
COURSE NAME : FOUNDATION ENGINEERING COURSE CODE : BFC 43103

SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS
Modification of Bearing Capacity Equations for Water Table
Case II for water within 0 ≤ d ≤
Case I for water within 0 ≤ B; Case III when the water table
D1 ≤ Df; q  D1 dry is located so that d ≥ B, the
q  D1 dry  D2   sat   w 
 
d water will have no effect on
       dry   
   sat   w B the ultimate bearing capacity.

qu  cNc Fcs Fcd Fci  qNq Fqs Fqd Fqi  1

2  BN F s F d F i
Shape Factor
B Nq B B
Fcs  1  . Fqs  1  tan  Fs  1  0.4
L Nc L L
Depth Factor
𝐷𝑓 ⁄𝐵 ≤ 1, 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝜙 = 0
𝐷 𝐹𝑞𝑑 = 1 𝐹𝛾𝑑 = 1
𝐹𝑐𝑑 = 1 + 0.4( 𝑓⁄𝐵 )
𝐷𝑓
⁄ ≤ 1, 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝜙 > 0
𝐵
1 − 𝐹𝑞𝑑 𝐷𝑓 𝐹𝛾𝑑 = 1
𝐹𝑐𝑑 = 𝐹𝑞𝑑 − 𝐹𝑞𝑑 = 1 + 2𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜙′(1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙′)2
𝑁𝑐 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜙′ 𝐵
𝐷𝑓 ⁄𝐵 > 1, 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝜙 = 0
𝐷 𝐹𝑞𝑑 = 1 𝐹𝛾𝑑 = 1
𝐹𝑐𝑑 = 1 + 0.4 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( 𝑓⁄𝐵 )
radians
𝐷𝑓 ⁄𝐵 > 1, 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝜙 > 0
1 − 𝐹𝑞𝑑 𝐷𝑓 𝐹𝛾𝑑 = 1
𝐹𝑐𝑑 = 𝐹𝑞𝑑 − 𝐹𝑞𝑑 = 1 + 2 tan 𝜙 ′ (1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙′)2 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 ( )
𝑁𝑐 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜙′ 𝐵
radians
where L is the length of the foundation and L>B.
Inclination Factor
 
2 2
  
Fci  Fqi  1   Fi  1  
 90   ' 
 is the inclination of the load on the foundation with respect to vertical
Eccentric Loading in Shallow Foundations

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FINAL EXAMINATION
SEMESTER / SESSION : SEM II 2021/2022 PROGRAMME CODE : BFF
COURSE NAME : FOUNDATION ENGINEERING COURSE CODE : BFC 43103

Q 6M M
qmax =  e
BL B2 L Q
4Q Q
qmax  FS  ult
3L  B  2e  Q

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FINAL EXAMINATION
SEMESTER / SESSION : SEM II 2021/2022 PROGRAMME CODE : BFF
COURSE NAME : FOUNDATION ENGINEERING COURSE CODE : BFC 43103

SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS
qu  cNc Fcs Fcd Fci  qNq Fqs Fqd Fqi  12  BN F s F d F i
One Way Eccentric Loading in Shallow Foundations
Method 2:
 1 
Qult  B c ' N c ( e )  qN q ( e )   BN ( e ) 
Method 1:  2 
B  B  2e  1 
Qult  BL c ' N c ( e ) Fcs ( e )  qN q ( e ) Fqs ( e )   BN ( e ) F s ( e ) 
L  L  2 
 
qu  c N c Fcs Fcd Fci  qN q Fqs Fqd Fqi L
Fcs ( e )  1.2  0.025
 12  BN  F s F d F i B
Qult  qu BL Fqs ( e )  1.00
B   3  e    B 
2
 2e
F s ( e )  1.0    0.68   0.43       
B L   2  B    L 
Method 3:
qu ( eccentric )
Rk  1 
qu ( centric )
k
e
Rk  a  
B
qu ( eccentric )  qu ( centric ) 1  Rk 
qu ( centric )  qN q Fqd + 12  BN  F d
Qult  Bqu ( eccentric )
Primary Consolidation Settlement for Normally Consolidated Clays

Cc H c  o   av 𝑄𝑔
S c p   log ′
, for 2:1 method 𝛥𝜎(1) = (𝐿 +𝑧 )(𝐵 +𝑧 )
1  eo  o 𝑔 1 𝑔 1

Primary Consolidation Settlement for OverConsolidated Clays

for  o   av    c for  o   c   o   av

CH     av CH  C H     av
S c p   s c log o S c p   s c log c  c c log o
1  eo  o 1  eo  o 1  eo  c

Average Increase in Pressure

  16   top
 av   4 medium
   , 𝛥𝜎𝑡𝑜𝑝/𝑚𝑖𝑑𝑑𝑙𝑒/𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑚
  bottom ′
= 𝑞𝑜 𝐼𝑐
𝐿 𝑧
𝑚1 = , 𝑛1 =
𝐵 (𝐵/2)

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 BFC 43103
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FINAL EXAMINATION

SEMESTER / SESSION : SEM II 2021/2022 PROGRAMME CODE : BFF

COURSE NAME : FOUNDATION ENGINEERING COURSE CODE : BFC 43103
PILE FOUNDATIONS
Ultimate Capacity of Piles and Group Piles in Saturated Clay
Qs   f pL
 Qu  n1n2 9 Ap cu ( p )    pcu L 
f  'o
D
  K tan 'R Lg   n1  1 d  2  
2
K  1  sin 'R
D
K  1  sin 'R OCR Bg   n2  1 d  2  
2
OCR 
pc
Po
 Qu  
 Lg Bg cu ( p ) N c   2 Lg  Bg cu L
*

Qp  A pq p
Q p  A p qN*q [2(𝑛1 + 𝑛2 − 2)𝑑 + 4𝐷]
𝜂=
Q p  N*c cu A p 𝑝𝑛1 𝑛2
̅60 =
𝑓𝑎𝑣 = 0.02 𝑃𝑎 𝑁
Q p  9c u A p
(𝑄𝑤𝑝 + 𝜉 𝑄𝑤𝑠 ) 𝐿
𝑓𝑎𝑣 = 𝜆(𝜎̅𝑜′ + 2𝑐𝑢 ) 𝑆𝑒 (1) =
𝐴𝑝 𝐸𝑝
𝐿 𝑞𝑤𝑝 𝐷
𝑄𝑝 = 0.4 𝐴𝑝 (𝑞𝑝 ) = 𝐴𝑝 [0.4 𝑃𝑎 𝑁60 ] 𝑆𝑒 (2) = (1 − 𝜇𝑠2 )𝐼𝑤𝑝
𝐷 𝐸𝑠
≤ 𝐴𝑝 (4 𝑃𝑎 𝑁60 ) 𝑄𝑤𝑠 𝐿 𝐷
𝑆𝑒 (3) = ( ) (1 − 𝜇𝑠2 )𝐼𝑤𝑝
𝑝𝐿 𝐸𝑠

CONVENTIONAL GRAVITY AND CANTILEVER WALL

Rankine’s Theory
Pa  12 Ka 1H 2
Pa  12 Ka 1H 2  qKa H
 MR
Pv  Pa sin  FSoverturning 
 MO
Ph  Pa cos   H 
 M O  Ph  
Pp  12 K p  2 D 2  2c2 K p D  3 
Ph  Pa cos 
Ka  tan 2  45  12 1 
Pv  Pa sin 
K p  tan 2  45  12 2 

 FR   V  tan  k12   Bk2c2  Pp

FSsliding  
 Fd Pa cos 

1
𝑞𝑢 = 𝑐 ′𝑁𝑐 + 𝑞𝑁𝑞 + 𝛾𝐵𝑁𝛾
2

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 BFC 43103
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FINAL EXAMINATION
SEMESTER / SESSION : SEM II 2021/2022 PROGRAMME CODE : BFF
COURSE NAME : FOUNDATION ENGINEERING COURSE CODE : BFC 43103

LATERAL EARTH PRESSURE AND RETAINING WALLS

v
E 1    Z1 
1 v 2  v1
xc
   1  2 1    2 v 2  v1
 
g

1 v32  v12  v3 v 2
z2  Ti 2  2 Z 1 
2 v3 v1  v32  v 22
 

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