The following results were obtained from a shearbox test done on

specimens of a sandy clay material. The shearbox cross section is 60 x 60

mm square: Vertical Load (kg) Shear force at Failure (N) 33.1 336 66.2
544 99.3 731 132.4 911 Determine the apparent cohesion (c) and the
angle of internal friction (ɸ) for this material

Soils may be classified in a general way as

Cohesive vs. cohesionless
Fine- grained vs. coarse grained
Residual vs. Transported
Why do we NEED SOIL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS
A soil classification system represents, in effect, a language of
communication between engineers.
It enables one to use the engineering experience of others.
The engineering properties have been found to correlate quite well with
the index and classification properties of a given soil deposit.
Therefore, by knowing the soil classification, the engineer already has a
fairly good general idea of the way the soil will behave.
Why more than one Classification System are in use?
This led to classifying soil by use, and each agency (Like FAA,
AASHTO, USBR) has in mind specific use for the soils.
Soils that are grouped in order of performance for ONE SET of Physical
CONDITIONS will not necessarily have the same order for performance
under other set of physical conditions.
Classification systems are used to group soils in accordance with their
general behavior under given physical conditions.
Limitations of Textural Classification Systems
The AASHTO classification system is used mostly by highway
departments. Geotechnical engineers generally prefer the Unified system.
The two elaborate systems used at present are AASHTO and USCS. Both
systems take into account the particle-size distribution and plasticity.
Because textural classification systems do not take plasticity into account
and are not totally indicative of many important soil properties, they are
inadequate for most engineering purposes.
They are based entirely on particle-size distribution and does not
consider PLASTICITY which to great extent influences the physical
properties of soils.

The sieve analysis and plasticity data for two soils are given in the table
below. Classify soils according to the AASHTO soil classification system.
Diagramatically explain the soil phase system in terms of mass and
volume
List the two types of normal `Load and shear load
Tension Load: As the ends of material are pulled apart
to make the material longer, the load is called a tension
load.
- Compression Load: As the ends of material are pushed in
to make the material smaller, the load is called
a compression load.

Torsion Loads: Angular distortion on a component, such as a

shaft, when a moment is applied. (Twisting)

Thermal Loads: Distortion caused be heating or cooling a

material. A normal load is created when the material is
constrained in any direction in the plane that is constrained.
List five characteristics of materials
Strength
Hardness
Ductility
Brittleness
Toughness

what are the three factor that influences shear strength

Graphically explain mohrs coulomb criterion

 FACULTY: ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING & SURVEYING

SUBJECT PAGES: 2 ANNEXURES: 0

Soil Mechanics
TEST 1
CODE DATE:
19 AUGUST 2019

SMC 160S

COURSE: B. Eng Soil Mechanics

EXAMINER: Mr Oluseyi Abegunde

Section A (20)
1. From Geologist point of view, the entire mantle decay is otherwise known as
a) Rock b) Weathering c) Soil d) All of the above e) None of the above
2. Identify the notable two types of normal loads
a) Tensile and Shear b) Torsion and Vertical c) Tensile and compressive d) All of the
above e) None of the above
3. Of all the Normal loads, _________ is not peculiar to soils
a) Vertical b) Compressive c) Torsion d) All of the above e) None of the above
4. Which of these is not a type of soil
a) Pet b) Clay c) Silt d) All of the above e) None of the above
5. Only ______ elements make up over _____ of the earth’s crust!
a) Nine/90% b)Eight/98% c) Nine/98% d) Seven/ 95%
6.
 Identify the type of rocks A, B, & C
Sedimentary, metamorphic and Igneous

7. Given a Mooring cylinder line with a length =100 m, diameter=1.0 cm and Axial
loading applied is 25,000 N. What is the pressure the axial load will exert
a) 318KN/m2 b) 31.8KN/m2 c) 2.5KN/m2 d) 25KN/m2

(Section B) (45)

1. a) What are the three major characterizing features of rocks?

 Color • Composition (Mineralogy/Chemistry • Texture 3marks
b) Define weathering and explain 3 Types of weathering (give 2 examples each
Weathering is disintegration and decomposition of rocks in situ – no
transportation involved; produces regolith
Physical or Mechanical Weathering
Disintegration and decay of rocks via weather elements: high temperatures,
extreme cold and freeze-thaw cycles
No change in chemical composition of rock
Chemical Weathering
decomposes rocks through a chemical change in its minerals
Oxidation
Hydrolysis
Carbonation and Solution
Biological Weathering: plants and animals contribute to weathering
2marks for definitions ½ for example
2. a) Define Geomorphology (study of landforms, their origin, evolution, & distribution)
2marks
b) Differentiate between Endogenous and Exogenous Processes (give two
examples for each)
Endogenous Processes are large-scale landform building and
transforming processes; they create relief. Not outside the land surface
(2marks for definition, 1mark for example)
Examples
Igneous Processes Volcanism: Volcanic eruptions Volcanoes
Plutonism: Igneous intrusions
Tectonic Processes (Also called Diastrophism)
Folding: anticlines, synclines, mountains
Faulting: rift valleys, graben, escarpments
Lateral Faulting: strike-slip faults
Exogenous Processes; Also called Gradational Processes, they comprise
degradation and aggradation – they modify relief; a continuum of processes
 Example: Weathering , b. Mass Wasting and c. Erosion and
Transportation
(2marks for definition, 1mark for example)

8 marks
3. The soil conditions adjacent to a sheet pile wall are given in Figure below, a
surcharge pressure of 50 kPa being carried on the surface behind the wall. For soil 1,
a sand above the water table, c′ = 0, φ = 38° and γ = 18 kN/m3. For soil 2, a
saturated clay, c′ = 10 kPa, φ′ = 28° and γsat = 20 kN/m3. Plot the distributions of
active pressure behind the wall and passive pressure in front of the wall. Calculate
the overall Passive and active pressures.

solu
15 marks

Solution:

2marks
4. Use the table below to name the following soil types

GC-GM, SC-SM, GW-GM, SW-SM, GW-GC, CL-ML, GP-GM, GP-CG, SW-SC, SP-
SM

GC-GM Clayey-silty gravels, Gravel-silt-clay mixtures.

GW-GM Well-graded gravels with silt, Gravel-sand-silt mixtures.

GW-GC Well-graded gravels with clay binder, Gravel-sand silt clay mixtures.
GP-GM Poorly-graded gravels with silt, Gravel-silt mixtures

GP-GC Poorly-graded gravels with clay, Gravel-clay mixtures.

SC-SM Clayey-silty sand, sand-silt-clay mixtures.

SW-SM Well-graded sand with silt, sand-silt mixtures.

SW-SC Well-graded sand with clay, sand-silt-clay mixtures.

SP-SM Poorly-graded sand with silt, sand-silt mixtures.

SP-SC Poorly-graded sand with clay, sand-clay mixtures.

1mark each =10marks

10 marks
 FACULTY: ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING & SURVEYING

SUBJECT PAGES: 2 ANNEXURES: 0

Soil Mechanics
TEST 1
CODE DATE:
19 AUGUST 2019

SMC 160S

COURSE: B. Eng Soil Mechanics

EXAMINER: Mr Oluseyi Abegunde

Section A (20)
1. From Geologist point of view, the entire mantle decay is otherwise known as
a) Rock b) Weathering c) Soil d) All of the above e) None of the above
2. Identify the notable two types of normal loads
a) Tensile and Shear b) Torsion and Vertical c) Tensile and compressive d) All of the
above e) None of the above
3. Of all the Normal loads, _________ is not peculiar to soils
a) Vertical b) Compressive c) Torsion d) All of the above e) None of the above
4. Which of these is not a type of soil
a) Pet b) Clay c) Silt d) All of the above e) None of the above
5. Only ______ elements make up over _____ of the earth’s crust!
a) Nine/90% b)Eight/98% c) Nine/98% d) Seven/ 95%
6.
 Identify the type of rocks A, B, & C
Sedimentary, metamorphic and Igneous

7. Given a Mooring cylinder line with a length =100 m, diameter=1.0 cm and Axial
loading applied is 25,000 N. What is the pressure the axial load will exert
a) 318KN/m2 b) 31.8KN/m2 c) 2.5KN/m2 d) 25KN/m2

(Section B) (45)

1. a) What are the three major characterizing features of rocks?

 Color • Composition (Mineralogy/Chemistry • Texture 3marks
b) Define weathering and explain 3 Types of weathering (give 2 examples each
Weathering is disintegration and decomposition of rocks in situ – no
transportation involved; produces regolith
Physical or Mechanical Weathering
Disintegration and decay of rocks via weather elements: high temperatures,
extreme cold and freeze-thaw cycles
No change in chemical composition of rock
Chemical Weathering
decomposes rocks through a chemical change in its minerals
Oxidation
Hydrolysis
Carbonation and Solution
Biological Weathering: plants and animals contribute to weathering
2marks for definitions ½ for example
2. a) Define Geomorphology (study of landforms, their origin, evolution, & distribution)
2marks
b) Differentiate between Endogenous and Exogenous Processes (give two
examples for each)
Endogenous Processes are large-scale landform building and
transforming processes; they create relief. Not outside the land surface
(2marks for definition, 1mark for example)
Examples
Igneous Processes Volcanism: Volcanic eruptions Volcanoes
Plutonism: Igneous intrusions
Tectonic Processes (Also called Diastrophism)
Folding: anticlines, synclines, mountains
Faulting: rift valleys, graben, escarpments
Lateral Faulting: strike-slip faults
Exogenous Processes; Also called Gradational Processes, they comprise
degradation and aggradation – they modify relief; a continuum of processes
 Example: Weathering , b. Mass Wasting and c. Erosion and
Transportation
(2marks for definition, 1mark for example)

8 marks
3. The soil conditions adjacent to a sheet pile wall are given in Figure below, a
surcharge pressure of 50 kPa being carried on the surface behind the wall. For soil 1,
a sand above the water table, c′ = 0, φ = 38° and γ = 18 kN/m3. For soil 2, a
saturated clay, c′ = 10 kPa, φ′ = 28° and γsat = 20 kN/m3. Plot the distributions of
active pressure behind the wall and passive pressure in front of the wall. Calculate
the overall Passive and active pressures.

solu
15 marks

Solution:

2marks
4. Use the table below to name the following soil types

GC-GM, SC-SM, GW-GM, SW-SM, GW-GC, CL-ML, GP-GM, GP-CG, SW-SC, SP-
SM

GC-GM Clayey-silty gravels, Gravel-silt-clay mixtures.

GW-GM Well-graded gravels with silt, Gravel-sand-silt mixtures.

GW-GC Well-graded gravels with clay binder, Gravel-sand silt clay mixtures.
GP-GM Poorly-graded gravels with silt, Gravel-silt mixtures

GP-GC Poorly-graded gravels with clay, Gravel-clay mixtures.

SC-SM Clayey-silty sand, sand-silt-clay mixtures.

SW-SM Well-graded sand with silt, sand-silt mixtures.

SW-SC Well-graded sand with clay, sand-silt-clay mixtures.

SP-SM Poorly-graded sand with silt, sand-silt mixtures.

SP-SC Poorly-graded sand with clay, sand-clay mixtures.

1mark each =10marks

10 marks
 Soil Mechanics (SMC160S)

Presented by: Dr. M. C. Khahledi

Department: Civil Engineering and Survey
Soil Strength
 What is Shear Strength?
The internal resistance per unit area (maximum shear
stress) that the soil mass can offer to resist failure and
sliding along any plane inside it.
The stresses set up in soil cause deformation of
the soil and can occur in three ways:

Elastic deformation of the soil particles

Change in volume of the soil

(Consolidation)

Slippage of the soil particles

(shear failure)
 Shear failure
It occurs when shear stresses set up in the soil
mass exceed the maximum shear resistance which
the soil offer (shear strength)

This is due to sliding and shearing along the shear

plane
Factors governing Shearing resistance

Grain size,
Grain shape,
Soil Structure and density,
Water Content and void ratio
There are two stresses induced along
the plane of the soil
Normal Stress

Shear stress

Normal Stress

Shear Stress
Shear strength parameters of a soil

Internal Friction: resistance to movement between

the individual particles. It is normally measured in
degrees (angle of internal friction) ɸ

Cohesion: force tending to hold particles together as

a solid mass, without the application of any external
forces (C, kPa)
Attraction between molecules
Surface tension of water between the grains
Coulombs law
Defines the line of
failure

or
Coulombs law
Example
 Soil Mechanics (SMC160S)

Presented by: Dr. M. C. Khahledi

Department: Civil Engineering and Survey
Soil Strength
 Types of shear box test
Drainage of the soil sample can either be allowed or
prevented during the test, depending on whether
porous or solid end plates are used
Standard laboratory shear box test
Therefore the values of C and ɸ must be referred to
the particular conditions, e.g. for undrained test Cu and
ɸu would be used.

For drained tests sufficient time must be allowed after

application of any loads to permit complete drainage
to zero excess pore pressure. The drained tests
should refer to effective stress and are denoted by C´
and ɸ´
 Types of shear box test
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 Types of shear box test
https://www.celtest.com/news/direct-shear-test-laboratory
Types of shear box test
Shear box test
 Shear box test
Shear box Area Shear Shear Shear
displacement Sheared stress 1 stress 2 stress 3
(mm) force at failure (Newton) m2 kN/m2 kN/m2 kN/m2
Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 2
0 0 0 0
2 255 343 431
4 586 691 758
6 808 978 1090
8 984 1187 1444
10 1161 1395 1692
12 1258 1566 1804
14 1290 1634 1909
16 1268 1562 1873
Applied Force, N 2000 3000 4000
 Shear box test
Shear box Area Shear Shear
displacement Sheared Shear stress stress 2 stress 3
(mm) force at failure (Newton) m2 1 kN/m2 kN/m2 kN/m2
Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 2
0 0 0 0
2 255 343 431 0.0098 26 35 44
4 586 691 758 0.0096 61 72 79
6 808 978 1090 0.0094 86 104 116
8 984 1187 1444 0.0092 107 129 157
10 1161 1395 1692 0.009 129 155 188
12 1258 1566 1804 0.0088 143 178 205
14 1290 1634 1909 0.0086 150 190 222
16 1268 1562 1873 0.0084 151 186 223
Sample 1 =
150kN/m2
Sample 2
=190kN/m2

Sample 3 =
221kN/m2
Shear box Area Shear Shear
displacement Sheared Shear stress stress 2 stress 3
2 2 2 2
(mm) force at failure (Newton) m 1 kN/m kN/m kN/m
Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 2
0 0 0 0
2 255 343 431 0.0098 26 35 44
4 586 691 758 0.0096 61 72 79
6 808 978 1090 0.0094 86 104 116
8 984 1187 1444 0.0092 107 129 157
10 1161 1395 1692 0.009 129 155 188
12 1258 1566 1804 0.0088 143 178 205
14 1290 1634 1909 0.0086 150 190 222
16 1268 1562 1873 0.0084 151 186 223
Applied Force, N 2000 3000 4000 0.01 200 300 400 Normal stress
150 190 221 Shear stress
 FACULTY : ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING & SURVEYING

SUBJECT PAGES: 2 ANNEXURES: 0 TIME:

Soil Mechanics

CODE
DATE:
OCTOBER 2019
SMC160S

EXAMINER: O Abegunde
INTERNAL MODERATOR: P. SIEBRITZ

INSTRUCTIONS

Total Marks = 65
Full Marks = 65

DO NOT TURN OVER UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO

SECTION A Total: 20 marks
1. In Soil Mechanics, engineers understand theoretically or experimentally the behavior
of soil based on
A) Loads (static or dynamic) B) Gravitational forces C) Water and Temperature
D) All of the above E) None of the above
2. Who is the father of Soil Mechanics?
A) G Hookes B) K Terzaghi C) Archimedes D) All of the above E) None of the
above
3. One of these is not a type of soil
A) Colloids B) Sand C) cobbles D) All of the above E) None of the above
4. The ratio of the volume of voids to the volume of soil solids in a given soil mass, is
known
A) Porosity B) specific gravity C) void ratio D) water content E) None of the
above
5. A partially saturated sample of soil has a unit weight of 2.0 g/cm3 and specific gravity
of soil particles is 2.6. If the moisture content in the soil is 20%, the degree of
saturation is

A) 20% B) 77% C) 92% D) All of the above E) None of the above

6. The effective size of particles of soil is denoted by
A) D10 B) D30 C) D60 D) All of the above E) None of the above
7. The water content of soil is defined as the ratio of
A) volume of water to volume of given soil B) volume of water to volume of voids
in soil C) weight of water to weight of air in voids D) weight of water to weight
of solids of given mass of soil E) None of the above
8. A soil has bulk density 2.30 g/cm3 and water content 15 per cent, the dry density of
the sample, is
A. 1.0 g/cm2 B. 1.5 g/cm3 C. 2.0 g/cm3 D. 2.5 g/cm3
9. Shear strength of a soil is a unique function of
A) effective stress only B) total stress only C) both effective stress and total
stresses D) All of the above E) none of the above
10. Effective stress is
A) the stress at particles contact B) a physical parameter that can be measured C)
important because it is a function of engineering properties of soil D) all of the
above E) None of the above (20)
SECTION B Total: (45marks)
1. a) A 125.6g sample of soil was obtained from a split barrel sampler and its volume
was found to be 65.34cm3. The sample was then oven dried to a constant mass of
102.5g. If the specific gravity of the solid is 2.672. Draw the soil phase diagram and
find the water content, bulk density and dry density, void ratio, porosity.
(15)
b) Prove that

and (10)

2. a) What are the three major characterizing features of rocks? (6)

b) Define weathering and explain 3 Types of weathering (give 2 examples each (8)
c) Define Geomorphology (2)
d) Differentiate between Endogenous and Exogenous Processes (give two examples for
each) (4)