Practice Question

Chapter 1
Origin, index properties and classification of soil
Q.1 (B)
Aeolian soils are a type of soils but that are transported from one place to another by wind.
This mode of transportation produces very poorly graded soils. Aeolian soils are usually very
loose, and thus have only fair engineering properties.
Q.2 (D) ese

Q.3 (0.91 & 0.35)

The density index is defined as the ratio of the difference between the voids ratio of the soil in its
loosest state and it natural voids ratio to the difference between the void ratios in the loosest
and densest state.
e −e
I D = max
emax − emin
where, emax = Void ratio in the loosest state.
emin = Void ratio in the densest state.
For sand of uniform spherical particles, the void ratios in the loosest and densest states are 0.91
and 0.35.

Q.4 (0.1782)

Given : Dry unit weight of saturated soil sample,  d = 18 kN/m3

Degree of saturation, S = 1
Specific gravity of soil sample, G = 2.65
Unit weight of water,  w = 10 kN/m3
Formula for calculating void ratio is given by
G w
d =
1+ e
G w
e= −1
d
2.65 10
e= − 1 = 0.472
18
Formula for calculating water content is given by
 eS = wG
eS
w=
G
0.472 1
w= = 0.178
2.65
Q.5 (D)

Given :
Mass of soil sample in its natural state, W = 2.290 kg
Volume of soil sample, V = 1.15 10−3 m3
Mass of soil sample after oven dried, Wd = 2.035kg
Specific gravity of soil, G = 2.68
Formula of water content is given by
W − Wd
w=
Wd
2.290 − 2.035
w= = 0.125
2.035
Formula of unit weight of soil is given by
W
=
V
2.290
= −3
= 1991.3kg/m3
1.15 10
Formula of dry unit weight of soil is given by

d =
1+ w
1991.3
d = = 1770 kg/m3
1 + 0.125
 Formula for calculating void ratio of natural soil is given by
G w
d =
1+ e
G w
e= −1
d
2.68  1000
e= − 1 = 0.51
1770
Alternative Solution :
Formula of unit weight of soil solids is given by
 s = G w
 s = 2.68 10 = 26.8 kN/m3
Formula of saturated weight of soil is given by
 Ws =  wWd
Ws = 10  2.035 = 20.35kg
Formula of volume of soil solids is given by
W
Vs = s
s
20.35
Vs = = 0.76 10−3 m3
26.8  10 3

Formula of volume of voids is given by

Vv = V − Vs
Vv = 1.15 10−3 − 0.76 10−3
Vv = 0.39 10−3 m3
 Formula of void ratio of natural soil is given by
V
e= v
Vs
0.39 10−3
e= = 0.51
0.76 10−3
Q.6 (B)
 sat
Given : Ratio of saturated unit weight to dry unit weight of a soil, = 1.25
d
Specific gravity of solids, Gs = 2.65
Formula of saturated unit weight is given by
G+e
 sat =   w …(i)
 1+ e 
Formula of dry unit weight is given by
G w
d = …(ii)
1+ e
Dividing equation (i) and (ii), we get
G+e

 sat  1 + e  w
=
d G w
1+ e
 sat G + e
=
d G
2.65 + e
1.25 =
2.65
On solving, void ratio of soil, e = 0.6625
Q.7 (B) ese
Q.8 (B)
Q.9 (B)
Q.10 Plastic
Given : Atterberg limit of clay are
Liquid limit, LL = 38%
Plastic limit, PL = 27%
Shrinkage limit, SL = 24.5%
Natural water content of clay, w = 30%
The given data can be put up in the graph as shown in below.

With the help of consistency and liquidity index, we can find out the state of soil.
w −w
Consistency index, I C = L
wL − wP
38 − 30
IC = = 0.727
38 − 27
w − wP
Liquidity index, I L =
wL − wP
30 − 27
IL = = 0.272
28 − 27
 From the above values, the clay is in plastic state.
Q.11 (D)
Shrinkage limit is the boundary between semi-solid state and solid state. It is the minimum water
content at which the soil is at semi-solid state or the maximum water content at which the soil is
in solid state.
When the soil is dried beyond shrinkage limit, there is no volume change, and between
shrinkage limit and dry state, the soil is almost in solid state.
Q.12 (C)
Given : The number of blows and corresponding water content is given in the table below.
Number of blows Water content (%)
 17 63.8
22 63.1
25 61.9
28 60.6
34 60.5

The liquid limit of a soil is the water content at which the soil behaves like liquid, but has small
shear strength. Liquid limit signifies to water content corresponding to 25 blows.
 Liquid limit of the soil, LL = 61.9%.

Q.13 (C)

Q.14 (D)
Q.15 (D)
At the same water content, the ratio of unconfined compressive strength of an undisturbed
sample of soil to that of a remoulded sample is known as sensitivity.
S
S= 1
S2
Q.16 (C)

Thixotropy is that property of soil due to which loss of strength on remoulding can be regained
if left undisturbed for some time. It is a time dependent phenomenon, as the viscosity of the
substance must recover after a certain period of time when the applied force is removed.
Q.17 (C)
The particle size distribution curves for a soil sample involves determining the percentage by
mass of particles within the different size ranges is for coarse grained soils. The soil sample is
passed through a series of standard test sieves having successively smaller mesh sizes.
The mass of soil retained in each sieve is determined and the cumulative percentage by mass
passing each sieve is calculated.
Q.18 (B)
The shape of clay particle is usually flaky. They have much greater specific surface values. The
more flaky or elongated a particle, greater will be its specific surface.
Q.19 (B)
Given : % of particles passed through 75 micron IS sieve = 67%
Liquid limit, LL = 45%
Plastic limit, PL = 33%
Formula of plasticity index is given by
I P = LL − PL
 I P = 45 − 33 = 12%
Since % of particles passing 75  sieve is more than 50%.
 The soil is fine grained soil.
From the plasticity chart, value of I P for A-line
I P = 0.73(LL − 20)
I P = 0.73(45 − 20) = 18.25%

Between LL = 45% and I P = 12% , the corresponding soil lies below the A-line is M or O. Since
LL is in between 35% and 50%, the soil is medium compressible (I).
 The group symbol of the given soil as per IS : 1498 - 1970 is MI.
Q.20 (D)
Given : Liquid limit, LL = 26%
Plastic limit, PL = 48%
Formula of plasticity index is given by
I P = LL − PL
I P = 48 − 26 = 22%
From the plasticity chart, value of I P for A-line
I P = 0.73(LL − 20)
I P = 0.73(48 − 20) = 20.44%

Between LL = 26% and I P = 22% , the corresponding soil lies above the A-line. Since LL is in
between 35% and 50%, the soil is medium compressible (I).
 The soil is classified as CI.
Q.21 (C)
Q.22 (D)
Black cotton soil exhibits large swelling and shrinkage due to presence of clay mineral
montmorillonite. It consists of large amount of water and other exchangeable ions can easily
enter between the layers causing the layers to be separated. Due to this, montmorillonite is
susceptible to substantial volume change.
Q.23 (C)
Chapter 2
Permeability , Effective Stress , Seepage and Well hydraulics
Q.1 (D)
The piezometric head at point C is the experimental setup is shown in the figure.

Assuming that datum is at the level of C.

From point D to point C
PD VD2 P V2
+ + Z D = C + C + ZC + hL
 2g  2g
P
0 + 0 + (40 + 40 + 40) = C + 0 + 0 + 0

( hL = 0 because loss of head occur only in resisting medium.)
PC
= 120 cm

Potential head, Z C = 0
 Piezometric head at point C
P
= C + Z C = 120 + 0 = 120 cm

Q.2 (B)
Q.3 (C)
Q.4 (D)
Given : Cross-sectional area, A = 10cm2
Hydraulic gradient, i = 0.5
 Amount of water collected, V = 600 cc
Time for water collection, t = 60sec
 Formula for calculating permeability of the soil is given by
Q = kiA …(i)
V
where, Q = Discharge; Q =
t
600
Q= = 10 cm3 /sec
60
From equation (i)
10 = k  0.5 10
k = 2 cm/sec
Q.5 TRUE
Effective stresses in a sand layer below a lake do not alter as the level fluctuates. With a shift in
the water table due to seasonal fluctuations, there is a resulting change in the distribution in pore
water pressure with depth.
At a point below the lake, the total stress and neutral stress at a point varies equally due to
fluctuations of water levels in a lake and thus there is no change in the effective stress.
Q.6 (B)
Given : Depth of water in river during the months of February, July and December
h1 = 10 m, h2 = 15m, h3 = 8m
Average bulk density of soil, avg = 20kN/m3
Density of water,  w = 10 kN/m3
Above the river bed, the depth of water is changing but the bed level of river does not change
that’s why the effective stress below the river bed will not change.
Below the river bed,
Total stress at 10 m depth
1 = h1 avg
1 = 10  20 = 200 kN/m 2
Pore water pressure at 10 m depth
u1 = h1 w
u1 = 10 10 = 100 kN/m 2
 Effective stress at 10 m depth below the river bed is given by
eff = 1 − u1
eff = 200 −100 = 100kN/m2
Q.7 (A)
Given : Distance of steady state seepage below ground surface, H = 2 m
Water level in a piezometer installed at P = 500 mm above Q
Water level in a piezometer installed at R = 500 mm below Q
Water level in a piezometer installed at Q = 100 mm above the ground surface.
Saturated unit weight of soil,  sat = 18 kN/m 2
Unit weight of water,  w = 9.81kN/m3

Water level at P, hP = 2 − 0.5 = 1.5m

Water level at R, hR = 2 + 0.5 + 0.1 = 2.6 m
hP + hR
Water level at Q, hQ =
2
1.5 + 2.6
hQ = = 2.05 m
2
Formula of total stress is given by
 =  sat H
 = 18  2 = 36 kN/m2
Formula of pore water pressure is given by
u =  w hQ
u = 9.81 2.05 = 20.11kN/m2
 Effective vertical stress at Q is
eff =  − u
eff = 36 − 20.11 = 15.89kN/m2
Q.9 D
The correct statements in context of capillary pressure in soils are :
(i) Water is under tension in capillary zone.
(ii) Pore water pressure is negative in capillary zone.
(iii) Effective stress increases due to capillary zone.
Capillary pressure is less in coarse grained soil.
The capillary pressure is more in fine grained soil as the capillary height is large due to small void
size. In the case of coarse grained soil, the size of the void is more and due to this, the capillary
pressure is very small or negligible.
Q.10 C
Phreatic line is top flow line, which follows the path of the base parabola. It is defined as an
imaginary line within the dam section, below which there is positive hydrostatic pressure, and
above there is negative hydrostatic pressure in the dam section.
 The hydrostatic pressure represents the atmospheric pressure, which is equal to zero at the face
of phreatic line. It means along a phreatic line in an earth dam, the pressure head is zero
everywhere.
Q.11 False
Phreatic line is top flow line, which follows the path of the base parabola. Hydrostatic pressure
acts below the phreatic line whereas atmospheric pressure exists above the phreatic line. Along a phreatic
line, the pressure head is zero everywhere.
Phreatic line separates a saturated soil mass from an unsaturated soil mass. It is not an equipotential line
but a stream line.
Q.12 B
Liquefaction is a phenomenon where saturated sand and silt take on the characteristics of a liquid
during the intense shaking of an earthquake. The soils most susceptible to liquefaction are
saturated fine and medium sands of uniform particle size.
Q.13 B
Given : Porosity of precious sand, n = 45% = 0.45
Specific gravity of sand particle, G = 2.65
Factor of safety, FOS = 3
Formula of critical hydraulic gradient is given by
G −1
ic =
1+ e
n
where, e = Void ratio; e =
1− n
0.45
e= = 0.82
1 − 0.45
2.65 − 1
 ic = = 0.906
1 + 0.82
 Formula of permissible hydraulic gradient is given by
ic
i=
FOS
0.906
i= = 0.302
3
Q.14 D
Boiling is a condition of flow in which a vertical upward seepage flow causes floating condition of
a particle in cohesionless soil. Due to this, soils lose all of their shear strength and bearing capacity.
This phenomenon is also known as quick sand condition.
Q.15
Q.16 3.8
Laplace equation for the water flow in soil is given by
2 H 2 H 2 H
+ 2 + 2 =0
x 2 y z
Head (H) does not vary in y and z direction. It means only x-direction left.
 2 H
=0
x 2
Integrating both sides
H
= C1 …(i)
x
Again integrating both sides
H = C1 x + C2 …(ii)
(i) At x = 0, H = 5 m
5 = C1  0 + C2
C2 = 5
Putting value of C2 in equation (ii)
H = C1 x + 5 …(iii)
dH
(ii) At x = 0, = −1
dx
 C1 = −1
Putting the value of C1 in eq. (iii)
H = −1( x) + 5
H = 5− x
 Value of H at x = 1.2
H = 5 − 1.2 = 3.8 m
Q.17 C
Given : Coefficient of permeability of soil 1, k1 = 1 10−7 m/sec
Coefficient of permeability of soil 2, k2 = 4 10−7 m/sec
Entrance angle, 1 = 300

 Formula for calculating exit angle ( 2 ) is given by

k1 tan 1
=
k2 tan  2
k2 .tan 1
tan  2 =
k1
4 10−7  tan 300
tan  2 =
110−7
 tan  2 = 2.309
 2 = 66.580
Q.18 C
Given : Length of dam, L = 90 m
Coefficient of permeability of soil,
k = 0.0013mm/sec

k = 0.0013 10−3  24  60  60 = 0.11232 m/day

Formula of discharge per m width is given by
Nf
q = kH
Nd
where, N f = No. of flow lines, N f = 4 + 1 = 5
Nd = No. of equipotential lines, N d = 7 + 1 = 8
H = Head of water; H = 9.6 − 0.6 = 9 m
 Quantity of lost per day by seepage
Q = qL
Q = 0.632  90 = 56.88m3 /day
Q.19 D
Given : Horizontal coefficient of permeability of soil, kh = 9 10−7 cm/sec
Vertical coefficient of permeability of soil, kv = 4 10−7 cm/sec
 Formula of transformed coefficient of permeability of isotropic soil mass is given by
kt = kh kv

kt = 9  10−7  4  10−7
kt = 6 10−7 cm/sec
Q.20 A
Given : Coefficient of permeability of soil in horizontal direction, kh = 3.46 m/day
Coefficient of permeability of soil in vertical direction, kv = 1.5m/day
Base length of a concrete dam, B = 100 m
Scale factor in vertical direction = 1 : 25
Formula for calculating reduced dimension of the dam is given by
 b k
= v
B kh
1.5
b= 100 = 65.84 m
3.46
 Reduced base length of the dam
b
=
Scale factor
65.84
= = 2.63m
25
Q.21

Q.22
Q.23

Chapter – 3
Q.1 A
Formula of time factor is given by
Cv t
Tv =
H2
where, Cv = Coefficient of consolidation
t = Time of application
H = Drainage path
Depending upon the boundary condition, for a given degree of consolidation, time factor (Tv ) has certain
value.
Tv H 2
t=
Cv
 For a soil to reach a given of consolidation, the time required can be calculated by knowing the
value of time factor, drainage path and coefficient of consolidation.
Q.2 B
Sand drains are used to accelerate the consolidation. The slow rate of consolidation of saturated
clays can be accelerated by means of vertical sand drains which provide for radial drainage, resulting in
shortening of drainage path.
They increase the rate of drainage in the embankment by driving casing into the embankment and
making vertical boreholes.
Q.3 B
The e-log p curve shown in the figure is representative of over consolidated clay.
If a clay soil is over consolidated, then e-log p curve is not straight and pre-consolidation pressure can be
derived from the curve.
The pre-consolidation pressure refers to the maximum over burden pressure to which a deposit has been
subjected.
Q.4 0.4982
Given : Void ratio, e1 = 1.2 and e2 = 0.6
Effective stress, (v' )1 = 50 kPa and (v' )2 = 800 kPa

Compression index of soil,

e e1 − e2
Cc = =
 log (v' ) log (v' ) 2 − log (v' )1
e1 − e2 1.2 − 0.6
Cc = =
 ( ' )   800 
log  v 2  log 
 (v' )1   50 
0.6
Cc = = 0.4983
1.2041
 Cc = 0.49

Q.5

Q.6 B
Given : Time required for 50% consolidation, t1 = 16 years
Formula of time factor is given by
Cv t
Tv =
H2
where, Cv = Coefficient of consolidation
t = Time required for consolidation
H = Thickness of layer
Tv and Cv are constant for a particular soil and degree of consolidation.
t  H2
t1  H 2
2
H
t2 =  
 2
Ratio of t1 by t 2
t1 H2
= =4
t2 ( H / 2) 2
t 16
t2 = 1 = = 4 years
4 4
Q.7 1771
Given : Thickness of clay layer, H = 3m
Initial uniform pore pressure,  = 145 kPa

 Formula of time required for 90% consolidation is given by

Cc t
Tv =
H2
3 t
0.85 =
(3000)2
t = 2.55 106 minutes
t = 1770.83  1771 days
Q.8
Q.9(a) B
Given : Thickness of saturated clay layer, H 0 = 10 m
Average effectiveness overburden pressure, 0 = 150 kPa
Void ratio, e1 = 0.6
Void ratio, e2 = 0.5
Stream intensity, 1 = 100 kPa
Stream intensity, 2 = 300 kPa
Specific gravity, G = 2.65
Formula of coefficient of compression for  2 and 1 is given by
e1 − e2
Cc =
 
log10  2 
 1 
0.6 − 0.5
Cc = = 0.21
 300 
log10  
 100 
Formula of coefficient of compression for 1 and 0 is given by
e1 − e0
Cc =
 
log10  0 
 1 
0.5 − e0
0.21 =
 
log10  0 
 1 
On solving, initial void ratio, e0 = 0.563
Q.9(b) D
Given : Additional stress intensity,
S = 200 kPa
 Formula of total consolidation settlement of the clay layer is given by
CH   +  
H = c 0 log10  0 
1 + e0  0 
0.21 10  150 + 200 
H = log10  
1 + 0.563  150 
H = 1.373  0.368 = 0.494 m
Q.10 314
Given : Thickness of normally consolidated clay layer, H 0 = 4 m
Average void ratio, e0 = 1.30
Compression index, Cc = 0.6
Coefficient of consolidation, Cv = 1m 2 /year
Increase in pressure due to load ( ) = Effective pressure (0 )
 Formula of change in the thickness of the clay layer is given by
Cc H 0   +  
H = log10  0 
1 + e0  0 
 0.6  4  2 
H = log10  0 
1 + 1.30  0 
H = 1.043  0.301 = 0.314 m
H = 314 mm
Q.11
Q.12
Q.13 D
Formula of dry density of soil in terms of percentage air voids is given by
(1 − na ) G  w
d = …(i)
1+ e
Formula of unit weight of soil is given by
 =  d (1 + w)

d =
1+ w
Putting, the value of  d in equation (i)
 (1 − na ) G  w
=
1+ w 1+ e
(1 − na ) G  w (1 + w)
=
1+ e
In a soil mass, for zero air voids, na = 0
G  w (1 + w)
=
1+ e
 Unit weight of a soil depends on specific gravity, water content and unit weight of water.
Q.14 A
The compaction of soil increases with the increase in amount of compactive effort. If we increase
the compaction effort, then the voids will be reduced. When voids are reduced, the optimum moisture
content will be reduced.
Q.15 B
Vibratory rollers are widely used for compaction in case of well graded dry sand. The selection of
vibratory roller is the most important factor in raising up the level of soil efficiency for construction of a
strong building. It is used for compacting granular base course as well as for asphaltic concrete work.
Q.16

Chapter – 4
Q.1 D
A graph is plotted between normal strain () and shear stress () which is given below
For a sample of dry, cohesionless soil with angle of friction () , the failure plane will be inclined to the
major principal plane by an angle equal to

450 + .
2
Q.2 A
The p-q plot is shown in the figure below
(i) If 1 = 3

1 +  2 1 + 1
p= = = 1
2 2
 +  2 1 + 1
q= 1 = =0
2 2
Thus, stress point lies on p-axis of p-q graph.
(ii) If 1  3
1 + 3
p= ; p0
2
 + 3
q= 1 ; q0
2
Thus, stress point p and q are positive for p-q graph.
Q.3
Q.4
Q.5
Q.6 D
 For a saturated cohesive soil, a triaxial test yields the angle of internal friction () as zero. The
conducted test is unconsolidated undrained (UU) test. During this test, using saturated clay, the grain to
grain contact of the soil particles is not possible due to pore water pressure within the pore spaces.
That’s why in this case, internal friction angle is zero and the shear strength of the clay comes from the
cohesion only.
Q.7 D
Given : Point load, P = 700 kN
Depth of vertical stress, z = 2 m
Radial distance, r = 1m
 Formula of vertical stress as per Boussinesq’s equation is given by
5/2
3 P 1 
v =  2 2
2 z
1 +  r  
  z  
5/2
3 700  1 
v =  
2 (2) 2   1  2 
1 +   
  2  
v = 83.56  0.572 = 47.80 kPa
Q.8 A
The appropriate field test to determine the undrained shear strength of soft clay is vane shear
test. This test provides a quick and simple method of determining the undrained shear strength of
relatively soft clays.
It is a rotational shear test, in which a cylindrical volume of clay is made to rotate by a vane pushed into
the clay. The opposing shear resistance between the cylinder and the surrounding material is
determined from the torque applied to the vane, which is measured by means of a calibrated torsion
spring and hence the shear strength of the clay can be calculated.
Q.9 0.0419
Given : Axial strength, 1 = 0.1N/mm 2
Angle made by failure plane,  = 50
0

Formula for calculating angle of internal friction is given by


450 + =
2

450 + = 500
2
 = 100
Formula for calculating cohesion of the soil is given by
1 = 3 tan 2  + 2c tan 
1 = 2c tan 
0.1 = 2  c  tan 500
c = 0.042 N/mm2
Q.10 D
Consider the figure given below.

As per Boussinesq’s equation, the vertical stress at depth z and radial distance r from the point of
application of point load is given by
5/2
3 P 1 
z = . 2 2
2 z
1 +  r  
  z  
z r
Then, the vertical stress at a depth of z1 = and radial distance r1 = is given by
2 2
5/2
3 P  1 
1 =   r / 2 
2  z  2
  1 +  
2   z / 2 
5/2
3 P 1 
1 = 4  2  2
4 z
1 +  r  
  z  
1 = 42
Q.11

Chapter – 5
Q.1 A
Given : Height of vertical wall, H = 3m
Unit weight of sand backfill,  t = 20 kN/m3
Angle of shearing resistance,  = 30
0

 Formula of total active thrust on a vertical wall is given by

 1
Pa = Ka t H 2
2
where, K a = Coefficient of active earth pressure
1 − sin  1 − sin 300 1
Ka = = =
1 + sin  1 + sin 300 3
1 1
 Pa =   20  32 = 30 kN/m
2 3

Q.2 A
Given : Height of retaining wall, h = 6m
Thickness of top layer = 3 m
Angle of internal friction of sand, 1 = 300
Thickness of bottom layer = 3 m
Cohesion of clay, c = 20 kPa
Unit weight for sand and clay,  = 18kN/m3

Formula of coefficient of earth pressure of bottom layer is given by

1 − sin 2
K a2 =
1 + sin 2
1 − sin 00
K a2 = =1
1 + sin 00
Formula of active earth pressure at B is given by
PB = K a1 H 1
1
PB =  18  3 = 18 kN/m 2
3
Formula of active earth pressure at B ' is given by
PB' = K a  z H1 − 2c K a

PB' = 118  3 − 2  20 1 = 14kN/m2

Formula of active earth pressure at C is given by
Pc = K a2 H − 2c K a2

Pc = 118  0 − 2  20  1 = 68kN/m2
 Total active earth pressure per unit length of the wall is given by
 1 1
Pa =   H1 + [ Pc + PB' ]  H1
2 2
1 1
Pa = 18  3 + [68 + 14]  3
2 2
Pa = 150 kN/m

Q.3
Q.4 D
A → 3 : In the case of base failure, breakage in the surface fames below the toe and it occurs
when the soil man below the toe is relatively weak or soft. Therefore, soil above the toe is comparatively
stronger.
B → 2 : Force failure occurs when the surface interest above the toe of the slope. This occurs when the
soil close to the toe is quite strong but in upper part soil is weak, and slope angle  is very high.
C → 1 : In the case of toe failure, surface pass through the toe and it occurs steep slope. Soil man
above the base and below the base is homogenous.
Q.5 34.3
Given : Unit weight of water,  w = 9.81kN/m
3

 Formula for calculating the value of effective angle of internal friction is given by
 ' tan 
FOS = .
 sat tan 
FOS   sat  tan 
tan  =
'
1 21 tan 200
tan  =
(21 − 9.81)
tan  = 0.683
 = tan −1 (0.683) = 34.330
Q.6 B
The depth of tension cracks for the drained condition is given by
2c '  0  ' 
zt =  45 + 
  2
The depth of tension cracks for the undrained condition is given by
 2cu
zt =

where, C ' = Effective cohesion
 ' = Effective angle of internal friction
Cu = Undrained shear strength
 = Unit weight of the soil
Q.7 A
For active earth pressure on cohesive soil
Pa = K a z − 2c K a
Cohesion in soil decreases the active pressure.
For passive earth pressure on cohesive soil
Pp = K p  z − 2C K p
Cohesion in soil decreases the active pressure.
For passive earth pressure on cohesive soil
Pp = K p  z − 2C K p
Cohesion in soil increases the passive resistance.
Q.8 A
The active earth pressure in the cohesive soil is given by
Pa =  = cot 2  − 2c cot  + q cot 2 
For depth z = 0
q cot 2  − 2c cot 
q = 2c tan 
 To have zero active pressure intensity at the tip of a wall in cohesive soil, one should apply a
uniform intensity of 2c tan  .
Q.9 D
Given : Cohesion value, c = 0
Angle of internal friction,  = 340
Saturated unit weight,  sat = 18 kN/m
3

Unit weight of water,  w = 10 kN/m

3

Factor of safety, FOS = 1.5

 Formula for calculating slope angle is given by
 ' tan 
FOS = .
 sat tan 
 ' tan 
tan  = .
 sat FOS
(18 − 10) tan 340
tan  = 
18 1.5
tan  = 0.2
  = tan −1 (0.2) = 11.310
Q.10 D
Formula of active earth pressure is given by
Pa = Ka  z − 2c Ka
At z = z0 , Pa = 0
Then, 0 = K a Z 0 − 2c K a
K a Z 0 = 2c K a
2c K a
Z0 =
K a
2c
Z0 =
K a
Maximum unsupported depth is given by = 2Z 0
 Maximum depth of unsupported excavation is given by
Z max = 2Z 0
2c 4c
Z max = 2  =
 Ka  Ka
Q.11
Q.12
Q.13 A
The friction circle method of slope analysis is shown in the figure given below.

In this friction circle method of slope analysis, for a shaft rotating inside a bearing of radius r, the radius
of friction circle is equal to r sin  .

Chapter – 6
Q.1
Q.2
Q.3 B
Formula of ultimate bearing capacity of soil is given by
qu = 1.2 cN c + DH q + 0.3BN 
For cohesive soil, angle of internal friction,  = 0
 N c = 5.7
Nq = 1
N = 0
Then, qu = 1.2 c  5.7 + D 1 + 0
qu = 6.84c
Then, ultimate bearing capacity of soil depends only on cohesion. The diameter of footing does not affect
the ultimate bearing capacity.
 Ratio of gross ultimate bearing capacity is 1.
Q.4 D
The two criterias for the determination of allowable bearing capacity of a foundation are
(i) Shear failure : It is also known as bearing capacity failure. It is associated with plastic flow and
lateral expulsion of soil beneath the foundation.
(ii) Settlement : It can be differential or total settlement. The settlement of the foundation shall be
less than permissible values so that the stability of the structure is not impaired.
Q.5 A
Given : Width of footing, b = 2 m
Depth of footing, d = 1.5 m
Depth of water table at the site, dWT = 3m

 Formula of water table correction factor is given by

 d 
(Correction factor)WT = 0.5  1 + w 
 b 
where, d w = Depth of weight measured from the base of footing, d w = dWT − d
d w = 3 − 1.5 = 1.5m
 .5 
Thus, (Correction factor)WT = 0.5 1 + 
 2 
= 0.875
Q.6 C
Ultimate bearing capacity :
For square footing :
1.3cN c + D f N q + 0.4BN 
For circular footing :
1.3cN c + D f N q + 0.3DN 
For sandy soil, c = 0 and since the footing is placed on surface, hence depth of foundation, D f = 0 .
(qu )circular 0.3DN 
Hence, = ( D = B)
(qu ) square 0.4 BN 
(qu )circular 3
 =
(qu ) square 4
Q.7 A
Using plate load test, for clayed soil
Settlement of footing Footing width
=
Settlement of plate Plate width
Sf Bf
=
SP BP
S prototype B prototype
=
S plate B plate
 The above expression estimates the settlement of prototype in clayey soil using plate load test
data.
Q.8 B
Given : Size of test plate, B p = 30 cm = 0.3m
Settlement of sand deposit, S P = 10 mm
Width of footing, B f = 150 cm = 1.5 m
 Formula for calculating settlement of a footing is given by
2
Sf  B ( B + 0.3) 
= f f 
S P  BP ( B f + 0.3) 
2
Sf 1.5(0.3 + 0.3) 
=
10  0.3(1.5 + 0.3) 
S f = 10  [1.67]2 = 27.8mm
Q.9 A
P → 1: In pressure meter test, Menard’s modulus is used for sub-soil strength characteristics.
The pressure meter test is an in-situ testing method used to achieve a quick measure of the in-situ stress-
strain relationship of the soil.
The Menard’s modulus calculated as the slope of pseudo elastic portion of p vs  R curve measures elastic
properties of the soil, which are based on non-uniform stress and strain fields.
Q → 3 : In static cone penetration test, skin resistance is used for sub soil strength characterization. At
field, SCPT is widely used of recording variation in the in-situ penetration resistance of soil in cases where
in-situ density is disturbed by boring method and SPT is unreliable below water table.
Q.10 A
The contact pressure distribution of a footing is shown in the figure.
This is the case of rigid footing on saturated clay because contact pressure is maximum at the corner
and minimum at the center and settlement is uniform in case of clay.
Q.11 A
From the figure (in question), the contact pressure increases from zero at the edges to maximum
at the center and the settlement is uniform. Therefore, it is the case of rigid footing on granular (sandy)
soil.
Q.12 A
(i) Rigid footing on cohesionless soil : In this case, settlement is uniform and contact
pressure is maximum at center and gradually reduces to zero trends edges.
(ii) Rigid footing on cohesive soil : In this case, settlement is uniform and contact pressure is
maximum at edges and minimum at center.
(iii) Flexible footing on cohesionless soil : In this case, contact pressure is uniform and settlement is
maximum at edges and minimum at center.
(iv) Flexible footing on cohesive soil : In this case, contact pressure is uniform and settlement is
maximum at center and minimum at edges.
Q.13 A
From the figure (in question), the contact pressure increases from zero at the edges to maximum
at the center and the settlement is uniform. Therefore, it is the case of rigid footing on granular (sandy)
soil.
Q.14 298.48
Given : Width of ship footing, B = 4 m
Depth of ship footing, D = 1.5 m
Depth of water table below ground surface = 5.5 m
Value of cohesion, c = 35kN/m2
Angle of internal friction,  = 28.630
Saturated unit weight,  sat = 19 kN/m
3

Bulk unit weight,  bulk = 17 kN/m

3

Unit weight of water,  w = 9.81kN/m

3

Factor shear failure of the soil, modified value of c and  should be used
2 2
Cn = c =  35 = 23.33kN/m 2
3 3
2
tan m = tan 
3
2 
m = tan −1   tan 28.630 
3 
From the table given the question, for the value of m , the respective value of N c , N q and N y are
Nc = 17.7
N q = 4.4
N y = 5.0
Formula of net ultimate bearing capacity is given by
2 1
qnu = cN c +  0 (N q − 1) + B N 
3 2
2
qnu =  35  17.7 +
3
1
17  1.5(7.4 − 1) +  4 17  5
2
qnu = 746.2 kN/m 2

 Formula of net bearing capacity for load shear failure of soil is given by
qnu
qnu =
FOS
746.2
qns = = 298.48 kN/m 2
2.5

Chapter – 7
Q.1 True
In friction piles, the load of superstructure is transferred into the soil through the frictional
resistance generated along the shaft of the pile. Sometimes this type of piles are called floating piles as
their end bearing may be neglected.

Q.2 B
Negative skin friction occurs when the surrounding soil settles more than the pile. It is generally
a downward shear drag acting on a pile or pile group due to downward sinking of surrounding soil relative
to the piles.
This shear drag movements are expected to occur when a segment of the pile penetrates a compressible
soil.
Q.3 A
 Negative skin friction in a soil is considered when the pile is constructed through a fill material. It
develops when the settlement of surrounding materials is more than the settlement of pile. This situation
is possible only in fill material.
Q.4 B
Negative skin friction is usually a downward shear drag acting on a pile or pile group because of downward
movement of surrounding soil relative to the piles.
This shear drag movements are anticipated to occur when a pile penetrates into compressible soil layer
that can consolidate. The action of negative skin friction on the pile is to reduce the allowable load on the
pile.
Q.5 B
Given : Weight of hammer rolling, W = 50 kN
Height of fall of hammer, h = 1m
Efficiency,  = 0.6
Observed set value, S = 4 mm per below = 0.004 m
Combined temporary compression of pile, cushion and ground, C = 6 mm = 0.006 m
 Formula of ultimate resistance of the pile as per Modified Hiley’s formula is given by
Wh
R=
S + 0.5C
50 1 0.6
R= = 4285.71kN
0.004 + 0.5 + 0.006
Q.6
Q.7
Q.8
Q.9
Q.10 D
Assuming the group to fail as a single block, a pile group is shown in the figure.

 Formula of ultimate capacity of the pile group is given by

Qu = Cu Nc As + Pb LCu
where, Ab = Area of pile;
Ab = (1.2 + 0.4)2 = 2.56 m2
Pb = Perimeter of pile, Pb = 4(1.2 + 0.4) = 6.4 m
Then, Qug = (40  9  2.56) + (6.4 10  40)
Qug = 921.6 + 2560 = 3481.6 kN