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Marking Guide Geotechnical Engineering Setting A

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Azinwi Boris
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9 views3 pages

Marking Guide Geotechnical Engineering Setting A

Uploaded by

Azinwi Boris
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Marking Guide Geotechnical engineering Setting A

Part A: Multiple Choice Questions (30 Marks)


1. C) 0.33

2. A) 2.16 g/cm³

3. C) 48 kPa

4. B) 2.0

5. A) 2000 kPa

6. B) 1.65 g/cm³

7. A) 0.25 m

8. C) 400 kPa

9. B) 115.7 hours

10. B) 2.0

11. C) 200 kPa

12. A) 0.008 cm²/s

13. B) 60%

14. C) 20 kPa

15. B) 150 kPa

16. C) 2 x 10^-5 m³/s

17. B) 0.5 m

18. D) 50 kPa

19. B) 2.0

20. C) 0.3 m

21. A) 1.2

22. A) 180 days

23. B) 50 kN
24. B) 1 x 10^-6 cm/s

25. B) 180 kPa

26. C) 36 kPa

27. C) 20 mm

28. A) 64 kPa

29. B) 0.8 kN/m³

30. B) 3.0 m

Part B: Structured Questions (40 Marks)


1. Soil Mechanics and Properties

Atterberg Limits: Atterberg limits refer to the water content boundaries within which soil
behavior changes from a plastic to a liquid state (liquid limit) and from a plastic to a
semisolid state (plastic limit). These limits are determined through laboratory tests: the
liquid limit is found using the Casagrande cup method, and the plastic limit is determined
using the thread rolling method. Atterberg limits are crucial in soil classification as they
define soil behavior under different moisture conditions, aiding in engineering decisions
regarding construction and soil stability.

2. Stress Distribution and Shear Strength

Mohr-Coulomb Failure Criterion: The Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion is used to predict


the failure of soils under shear stress conditions. It defines the shear strength
parameters: cohesion (c) and angle of internal friction (φ). These parameters are
determined through laboratory tests such as the direct shear test, triaxial test, or
unconfined compression test. Factors influencing shear strength include soil type
(cohesive or cohesionless), particle size distribution, moisture content, and effective
stress conditions. For example, cohesive soils typically exhibit higher cohesion and
lower angle of internal friction compared to cohesionless soils.

3. Consolidation and Settlement Analysis

Consolidation: Consolidation refers to the process where soil undergoes compression


due to the expulsion of water from void spaces under sustained loading. Primary
consolidation occurs immediately upon loading, while secondary consolidation continues
over a longer period due to the slow drainage of pore water. Terzaghi’s theory of
consolidation states that the rate of consolidation is inversely proportional to the square
of the drainage path and directly proportional to the coefficient of consolidation (cv).
Settlement can be predicted using the settlement calculation formula: ΔH = (Cv * Δσ) / (1
+ e0), where ΔH is settlement, Cv is coefficient of consolidation, Δσ is change in
effective stress, and e0 is initial void ratio.
4. Slope Stability and Retaining Structures

Slope Stability Analysis: Slope stability analysis methods include limit equilibrium
methods (such as Bishop's method) and numerical methods (like finite element
analysis). Factors influencing slope stability include slope geometry, soil properties
(cohesion, angle of internal friction), groundwater conditions, and external loads. Slope
stabilization techniques include drainage improvement, slope reinforcement with
geotextiles, retaining walls, and soil nailing. For example, installing retaining walls
reduces soil pressure and enhances stability by preventing lateral movement and
controlling erosion.

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