CE 424 : SOIL MECHANICS 1

PROMBLEM 1: SOIL COMPACTION

The maximum and minimum dry unit weights of sand were determined in the laboratory to be
16.5 kN/m3 and 14.6 kN/m3, respectively. The relative compaction of the same soil is 96%.

a) Find the dry unit weight of the sand in place.

b) Compute the relative density.
c) What is the moist unit weight at a moisture content of 10%?

GIVEN:
kN
γdmax = 16.5
m3
kN
γdmin = 14.6
m3
RC= 96 %

SOLUTION:
𝛾𝑑𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑
a) 96% = 𝑘𝑁 × 100
16.5 3
𝑚
𝐤𝐍
𝛄𝐝𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 = 𝟏𝟓. 𝟖𝟒
𝐦𝟑

1 1
−15.84
b) DR = 14.6
1 1 × 100
−
14.6 16.5
𝐃𝐑 = 𝟔𝟕. 𝟗𝟖𝟐 %

c) γfield = 15.84(1 + 0.10)

𝐤𝐍
𝛄𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 = 𝟏𝟕. 𝟒𝟐𝟒 𝟑
𝐦

PROBLEM 2: CONSOLIDATION
Assume a buried stratum of clay 1.83 m thick will be subjected to a stress increase of
33.6 kPa at the center of clay. The magnitude of the present overburden pressure is 48 kPa at
the center of the clay layer. A laboratory compression test indicates that the clay has a
preconsolidation pressure of 72 kPa. Compression index is 0.30 and the value of swell index is
0.05. Void ratio of clay is 1.50.

a) Compute the settlement due to primary compression of clay.

b) If full primary consolidation settlement will require approximately 8 years, compute
the settlement due to secondary consolidation settlement of clay layer over a period
of 20 year time span. Assume secondary compression index of 0.008.
c) Estimate the total settlement of the clay.

SOLUTION:
a) σ′o + ∆σ ∶ 48 kPa + 33.6 kPa = 81.6 kPa > 72 kPa
∴ Case 2

ENFORCE: Empowerment through Notes and Formulas Organized to Revitalize Civil Engineers
ACES Academics Committee ’17 – ‘18
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CE 424 : SOIL MECHANICS 1

0.05(1.83) 72 kPa 0.30(1.83) 81.6 kPa

Sc = log ( )+ log ( )
1 + 1.50 48 kPa 1 + 1.50 72 kPa
SC = 0.0184 m = 18.4 mm

1.50−𝑒𝑝
b) 0.30 = 81.6 ; 𝑒𝑝 = 1.43
log
48
0.008
𝐶𝛼′ = ; 𝐶𝛼′ = 3.291 × 10−3
1 + 1.43
20 years
Ss = 3.291 × 10−3 (1.83 m) log
9 years
SS = 2.40 mm

c) 𝑆𝑇 = 18.4 𝑚𝑚 + 2.40 𝑚𝑚
ST = 20.8 mm

PROBLEM 3: SHEAR STRENGTH

In a direct shear test on a specimen of cohesionless sand, the vertical normal stress on
the specimen is 240 kPa and the horizontal shear at failure is 160 kPa. Assuming uniform
stress distribution within the failure zone and a straight line failure enevelope which goes
through the origin.

a) Determine by means of the Mohr’s circle the magnitude of the principal stresses of failure.
b) Determine also the orientations of the principal stresses.

SOLUTION:
160
a) tan ∅ = = 33.69°
240
160
cos ∅ = ; R = 192.296 kPa
R
R
sin ∅ = ; x = 346.667 kPa
x

σ3 = x − R = 346.667 − 192.296 = 𝟏𝟓𝟒. 𝟑𝟕𝟏 𝐤𝐏𝐚

ENFORCE: Empowerment through Notes and Formulas Organized to Revitalize Civil Engineers
ACES Academics Committee ’17 – ‘18
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CE 424 : SOIL MECHANICS 1

σ1 = σ3 + 2R = 154.371 + 2(192.296) = 𝟓𝟑𝟖. 𝟗𝟔𝟑 𝐤𝐏𝐚

33.69
b) 𝜃 = 45 +
2
𝛉 = 𝟔𝟏. 𝟖𝟒𝟓°

ENFORCE: Empowerment through Notes and Formulas Organized to Revitalize Civil Engineers
ACES Academics Committee ’17 – ‘18
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