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Lecture 20

The document is a lecture on soil mechanics focusing on the principles of effective stress, capillarity, and permeability, particularly in relation to seepage conditions. It discusses concepts such as quicksand conditions, sand boils, and the critical hydraulic gradient for soil stability. Additionally, it includes examples and calculations related to seepage forces and excavation works.

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5 views

Lecture 20

The document is a lecture on soil mechanics focusing on the principles of effective stress, capillarity, and permeability, particularly in relation to seepage conditions. It discusses concepts such as quicksand conditions, sand boils, and the critical hydraulic gradient for soil stability. Additionally, it includes examples and calculations related to seepage forces and excavation works.

Uploaded by

f20230254
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CE F243

Soil Mechanics

BITS Pilani Sayantan Chakraborty, Ph.D., AM ASCE, MIE


[email protected]
Pilani|Dubai|Goa|Hyderabad

February 20, 2025 1


BITS Pilani
Pilani|Dubai|Goa|Hyderabad

Lecture 20
Principle of Effective Stress,
Capillarity and Permeability
2
σ, σ’ and u Without Seepage

Das, B.M. and Sobhan, K., 2016. Geotechnical engineering. Cengage Learning, Boston, Massachusetts.
σ, σ’ and u With Seepage (Downward Flow)

Das, B.M. and Sobhan, K., 2016. Geotechnical engineering. Cengage Learning, Boston, Massachusetts.
σ, σ’ and u With Seepage (Upward Flow)

Das, B.M. and Sobhan, K., 2016. Geotechnical engineering. Cengage Learning, Boston, Massachusetts.
σ’ Without and With Seepage
No Flow Downward Flow

Das, B.M. and Sobhan, K., 2016. Geotechnical engineering. Cengage Learning, Boston, Massachusetts.
Upward Flow

Buoyant weight Buoyant weight


and seepage and seepage
compared to no-flow condition force acting in the force acting in the

compared to no-flow condition


same direction opposite
Higher effective stress as

Lower effective stress as


direction

Increase in inter-particle force Decrease in inter-particle force


compared to no-flow condition compared to no-flow condition
Quicksand Condition and Sand Boil

γ′
icr =
γ𝑤
𝐺𝑠+ 𝑒
γsat = ( ) γw γ' = γsat − γw
1+𝑒

𝐺𝑠−1
icr =
1+𝑒

Das, B.M. and Sobhan, K., 2016. Geotechnical engineering. Cengage


If i actual is ≥ icr
Learning, Boston, Massachusetts. • Effective stress = 0
• Inter-particle force = 0
• Soil particles are not in contact
• No contact between particles = no shear strength
derived from friction = soil unable to support load
• Upward seepage force will make the sand boil
For most soils, the value of i varies from 0.9 to 1.1, with an average of 1.
Quicksand Condition and Sand Boil

https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/ifly-hollywood-indoor-skydiving

Force in downward direction = (H1Aγw + H2Aγsat)


Force in upward direction = (H2+H1+h)γw A
If downward force = upward force (condition for critical hydraulic gradient)
(H1Aγw + H2Aγsat) = (H2+H1+h) γw A ⇒ h/H2 = γ’/γw = icr
Das, B.M. and Sobhan, K., 2016. Geotechnical engineering. Cengage Learning, Boston, Massachusetts.
Quicksand Condition and Sand Boil

https://www.rd1000.org/what-is-a-sand-boil
Quicksand Condition and Sand Boil

•10.1016/j.enggeo.2011.09.003
Seepage Force

No Seepage

Upward Seepage

Downward Seepage
Seepage Force

Seepage force/volume = j =
Excavation Works

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336950709_Validity_of_the_Method_of_Fragments_for_Seepag
e_Analysis_in_Circular_Cofferdams/figures?lo=1
Excavation Works
Cofferdam

https://theconstructor.org/building/formwork-shuttering/braced-cofferdam/40272/
Example

Determine the pressure head, elevation head, total head and


head loss at point X

16
Example

Excavation is made in a soil whose porosity is 30% and specific


gravity of soil grains = 2.60. A 1.5 m layer of this soil is subject
to an upward seepage head of 2 m. Find out what factor of
safety exists against ‘piping’ (boiling)? If a factor of safety of 2
is needed against piping, what depth of gravel is required to be
placed above soil stratum? Assume unit weight of gravel to be
the same as that of the soil and negligible head loss in the
gravel layer.

17
BITS Pilani
Pilani|Dubai|Goa|Hyderabad

THANK YOU
18

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