Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics1

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Soil Properties & Soil Compaction
Useful Formulas:
You should know the following formulas:
Vtotal = Vsolid + Vvoids Vtotal = Vsolid + Vair + Vwater
Wtotal = Wsolid + Wwater (Wair = 0 , Wsolid = Wdry )
Gs w moist Wdry Wdry

dry = , dry = , dry = , solid =
1+e (1 + %w) Vtotal Vsolid
e
(
Gs w 1 + %w ) Gs w (1 + )
Gs
moist = , sat = (S = 1)
1+e 1+e
Gs w
Z.A.V = (S = 1 e = emin = Gs w/1)
1 + Gs w
.euk
S. e = Gs . w , S =
Vwater
l e o
, (at saturation S = 1 .wc = )
Vvoids
t e s a G sat
s
w=
Weight of water
= = N o Ww
100%
Wwet Wdry
6
r o
Weight of solidm Ws
1 8 Wdry
V Vw f 3 o Vf
e=
V
V revV
voids
= e
i , n =a1g+ ee , n = V
T e s voids
P solid
PW s
W
total
solid dry water

Gs = , solid = , water =
water Vsolid Vwater
water = 9.81KN/m3 = 62.4Ib/ft 3 , 1ton = 2000Ib , 1yd3 =27ft3
Vair
Air content (A) =
Vtotal
emax e
Dr =
emax emin
dry,max,field
Relative Compaction(R. C) = 100%
dry,max,proctor
Vsolid must be constant if we want to use the borrow pit soil in a construction site
or on earth dam or anywhere else.
Page (1) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Required:
a)
Now, for emabankment VT = area of the embankment(trapezoidal)/meter length
1
VT = (2 + 10) 4 1 = 24 m3/m.
2
Gs w 2.679.81
dry = 15 = e = 0.746
1+e 1+e
VT Vs 24Vs
e= 0.746 = Vs = 13.74 m3/m (that must be maintained) .
Vs Vs
Now, for borrow pit moist = 18 kN/m3 , %w = 8% , Gs = 2.67 , VT =? ?
moist 18
dry = = = 16.67 kN/m3 .
1+w 1+0.08
Gs w 2.679.81
dry = 16.67 = e = 0.57
1+e 1+e
VT Vs VT 13.74
e= 0.57 = VT = 21.6 m3/m` .
Vs 13.74
b)
o . u k
%w = 10% , Gs = 2.67 , e = 0.746
e s a le.c
S.e = Gs .w S =
2.670.1
N o t= 0.358 = 35.8% .
r
0.746
o m 1 8 6
c)
w f 4 o f
Vw
e i
Vv=?
e? ? e 1
Pr Pag
S= , but v
Vv
Vv e 0.746
n= , also n = = = 0.427
VT 1+e 1+0.746
Vv = n VT = 0.427 24 = 10.25 m3/m`
Vw = S Vv = 0.358 10.25 = 3.67 m3/m` .

For borrow pit #2 :

e=0.9
VT Vs VT 555,555.5
e= 0.9 = VT = 1,055,555.4 m3 .
Vs 555,555.5
$
So, the total cost for borrow pit #2 =1,055,555.4 m3 1 = 1,055,555.4$ .
m3
For borrow pit #3 :

e=1.5
VT Vs VT 555,555.5
e= 1.5 = VT = 1,388,888.8 m3 .
Vs 555,555.5
$
So, the total cost for borrow pit #2 =1,388,888.8 m3 0.75
o . u k m3
= 1,041,666.6$ .
l e
Choose the borrow pit #1 which has the lowestacost ..c
o t e s
m N 1 8 6
f r o o f
v i e w e 1 9
Pr e Pag

b)
s 2680
Gs = = = 2.68
water 1000
VT = 80,000 mm3= 80,000 109 = 80 106 m3
Mdry 130103
dry = = = 1625 Kg/m3
VT 80106
Gs w 2.68 1000
dry = 1625 = e = 0.649.
1+e 1+e
c)
e 0.649
n= = = 0.393.
1 + e 1 + 0.649
d)
S.e=Gs . w S =
Gs .w
e
=
2.680.1538
0.649
= 0.635 = 63.5% .
o . u k
e)
e s a le.c
N
10.649 o t
S=1 w = 100%= 0.242 = 24.2
o m2.68
1 8 6
= w fr o f = 19.8 KN/m .
Gs w (1+w@s=1 ) 2.689.81(1+0.242)

i e
moist,100%(sat)
v e
=
2 4 1+e 1+0.649
3
f) P
r e Pag
dry = 1625 Kg/m3 dry = 1625 9.81 103 = 15.94 KN/m3.

b)
To find the number of trucks to transport the excavated soil we need two things:
- The total volume of excavated soil (in part a we calculate it =11,631.4 yd3)
- The total volume of each truck.
Each truck can carry 20 tons of excavated soil .we want to convert this weight to
volume as following:
For each truck:
Wmoist Wmoist,truck (20ton2000)Ib
moist = VT,truck = = = 380.95 ft3.
VT moist,excavated soil 105
380.95
VT,truck = 380.95 ft3 = = 14.1 yd3
27
VT,excavated soil 11,631.4
So, # of trucks = = = 824.9 truck .
VT,truck 14.1
Dont say 825 because you have only 90 % (0.9) of the truck.
o . u k
e s a le.c
N o t
r o m 1 8 6
w f 3 o f
e v i e e 3
Pr Pag

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Soil Permeability
Htotal = (10 + 8 + 10) (6 + 4 + 5) = 13cm.

Htotal 13
ieq. = = = 0.4643
H 8 + 16 + 4
Q eq. = q1 = q 2 = q 3 , and Aeq. = 10cm2 = A1 = A2 = A3 (Solution Key)
Point 1:
htotal,1 = 28(no losses because no soil) (Total head) .
Point 2: ( the soil pass through the mid of soil 1 then reach point 2) So,
Q eq. = q1 K eq. ieq. Aeq. = K1 i1 A1 but, Aeq. = A1 = 10
K eq. ieq. = K1 i1 K1 0.4643 = K1 i1 i1 = 0.4643
htotal,2 = htotal,1 i1 4 htotal,2 = 28 0.4643 4 = 26.1428cm.
o . u k
Point 3: ( the soil pass through all of soil 1 then reach point 3) So,
le.c
Q eq. = q1 K eq. ieq. Aeq. = K1 i1 A1 but, Aeq. = A1 = 10
e s a
K eq. ieq. = K1 i1 K1 0.4643 = K1 i1 i1 = 0.4643
t
N o 6
htotal,3 = htotal,2 i1 4 htotal,3 = 26.1428 0.4643 4 = 24.2856cm
f r o m f 1 8
i e 5 6 o
Or, htotal,3 = htotal,1 i1 8 htotal,3 = 28 0.4643 8 = 24.2856cm.
w
e v e
h
P=rh = 24.2856
Point 4:
total,4 total,3
Pacmg(no losses because no soil).
Point 5: ( the soil pass through 6cm of soil 2 then reach point 5) So,
Q eq. = q 2 K eq. ieq. Aeq. = K 2 i2 A2 but, Aeq. = A2 = 10
K eq. ieq. = K 2 i2 K1 0.4643 = 2K1 i2 i2 = 0.23215
htotal,5 = htotal,4 i2 6 htotal,5 = 24.2856 0.23215 6 = 22.8927cm
Point 6: ( the soil pass through all of soil 2 then reach point 6) So,
Q eq. = q 2 K eq. ieq. Aeq. = K 2 i2 A2 but, Aeq. = A2 = 10
K eq. ieq. = K 2 i2 K1 0.4643 = 2K1 i2 i2 = 0.23215
htotal,6 = htotal,5 i2 (16 6) htotal,6 = 22.8927 0.23215 10 = 20.5712cm
Or,
htotal,6 = htotal,4 i2 16 htotal,6 = 24.2856 0.23215 16 = 20.5712cm.

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Soil Permeability
Firstly, we calculate the total head at each point.
Htotal = 30 (10 + 7) = 13cm.

Htotal 13
ieq. = = = 0.5
H 6 + 8 + 12
Q eq. = q1,2 = q 3 = q 4 , and Aeq. = 4 1 = A1,2 = A3 = A4 (Solution Key)
Point A:
htotal,A = 30cm(no losses because no soil) (Total head) .
Point B: ( the soil pass through soil 1,2 then reach point B) So,
Q eq. = q1,2 K eq. ieq. Aeq. = K1,2 i1,2 A1,2 but, Aeq. = A1,2 = 4
K eq. ieq. = K1,2 i1,2 1.814K1 0.5 = 2K1 i1,2 i1,2 = 0.4535
htotal,B = htotal,A i1,2 h1,2 htotal,B = 30 0.4535 6 = 27.279cm.
o . u k
C).c
Point C: (the soil pass through soil 3 then reach pointe
Q = q K i A = K i Ate a l So,
but,sA = A = 4
eq. 3 eq.
K i = K i 1.814K 0.5N
eq. eq.
o 3 3 3
i6= 0.6046
eq. 3
eq. eq. 3
i h f
3
o m
rh =9
= 1.5K i
1
1 8 1 3
f 0.6064 8 = 22.4278cm. 3
h =h
total,C
i e w
total,B 3 3
5 o
27.279
total,C
Point P
D:e v e
agsoil 4 then reach point D) So,
r (the soil passPthrough
Q = q K i A = K i A but, A = A = 4
eq. 4 eq. eq. eq. 4 4 4 eq. 4
K eq. ieq. = K 4 i4 1.814K1 0.5 = 2K1 i4 i4 = 0.4535
htotal,D = htotal,C i4 h4 htotal,D = 22.4278 0.4535 12 17cm.
htotal,D = 17 must be checked (htotal,D = 10 + 7 = 17)OK , if not equal>> you
must revise your solution because some error exist.
Secondly, we calculate the elevation head at each point with respect to the given
datum.
By interpolation we calculate the elevation of each point from the datum as shown
in the following graph :

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Seepage
Flow Net:
o . u k
e s a le.c
From the above graph the flow net consist of:
N o t
1. Flow Lines (Solid-black lines):
o m
4 r 1 8 6
f

w o : f
e v i
. e
g e 6

P r
2. Equipotential Lines P a lines):
(dashed-blue
: total head
90 .
3. Flow Channel ( ):
:

5 ..
.
4. Potential Drop( ):
head
head
9 :
H
= Nd,value )= i(m
Nd,number
)Page (62 Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Driving Head:
,
head( )H . H1
hDriving,A = H lossesA
Uplift force under the dam:

(
) pore water pressure
, ( )
.
.
u = pressure head water

hpressure u
o . u k

e s a le.c
o t
Effective Stress at any point (chapter 9):
N
m 8 6
9
r o 1
w f 7 o f :
e v i e e 6
Pag
: (
Pr )
At any point we can calculate the effective stress as following:
total = effectiv + u effectiv = total u
)u = pore water pressure at any point (we calculate it as mentioned above
total = The total(vertical) stress applied on a point and can be calculated as following:
( )
For example at point A in the flow net on the last graph
) total,A = (H2 water ) + (hA sat
losses
Now, we can calculate the effective stress easily.
effectiv = total u

d.
Seepage loss= q length of sheet pile = 2.668 105 8 = 21.344 105 m3/s.
e.
hpressure,c
,
.
: hc ()C
We note that, there are 3 potential drops to reach point C
hpressure,C = (10 + hc ) 3 0.667 = 7.99 + hc = 7.99( )
If the value 7.99 is negative value, that means (below the ground surface) .
f.
htotal,A = (10 + 22) lossesA 1 potential drop to reach A
htotal,A = (10 + 22) 0.667 1 = 31.333 m.

o . u k
e s a
We note that, also we can calculate pressure head from total head le.c
N o t
h =h h
r o m 1 8 6
pressure,A total,A
w f
elevation,A
5 o f
hpressure,A
v i e (22 g
= 31.333
e e 7
13) = 22.333m (the same as calculated above).
g. Pr P a
potential drop i
potential drop 0.9
i
exit losse 0.667
iexit = = = 0.741.
exit distance 0.9

34. (Final 2009)

For the flow net shown below, if the coefficient of permeability of the soil
below the dam is (5.3x10-5 cm/sec) and sat = 17.7 KN/m3 , find the following:
A- The rate of seepage (m3/sec/m).
B- The uplift force underneath the dam.
C- The driving head at point M.
D- The effective stress at points L and N.
E- If the weight of the dam is 120 KN/m2, calculate the effective stress at point O
(Assume the weight of the dam is constant with depth)
10m
o . u k
le.c
1m
t e s a
o
C D
6m
B m N E 86
2.8m
o 1
8m
8m
w
A
f
6m r 6
2.5m
12m o f 6m
F
3.5m
e v i e g e 7
P r P a
5m
Solution
Givens:
Nd,number(#of potential drops) = 13 , Nf = 4 , k = 5.3 105m/s
H = (10) (1) = 9 m , sat = 17.7 KN/m3
H 9
i = Nd,value = = = 0.6923 m (value of one potential drop)
Nd,number 13

Point F:
We note that, there are 11 potential drops to reach point F

hpressure,F = (10 + 6) 11 0.6923 = 8.3847m.
uF = hpressure,F water = 8.3847 9.81 = 82.254 KN/m2
The stress distribution under the dam is shown in figure below:
6m 2.5m 12m 3.5m 6m
A C D
Area3 F
Area4
B E
Area2
Area5
75.16
Area1 95.53 82.25
95.83
129.79
o . u k
143.37 Fuplift
e s a le.c
N o t
m
The uplift force can be calculated as following:
o
r + Area4 1 8 6
F = Area1 + Area2 +fArea3
w 8 +o f
Area4
ie+ 129.79) g6 +e1 7(129.79 + 95.53) 2.5
uplift
1
e
= r(143.37v
F
P2
uplift
1
Pa1 2 1
+ (95.53 + 75.16) 12 + (75.16 + 95.83) 3.5 + (95.83 + 82.25) 6
2 2 2
Fuplift = 2959.51KN/m` .
C-
hDriving = H losses
At point M, there are 2 potential drops were lost
hDriving,point M = H lossespoint M
hDriving,point M = 9 2 0.6923 = 7.6154 m.

D-
Point L:
total,L = 10 water + 8 sat = 10 9.81 + 8 17.7 = 239.7 KN/m2
We note that, there are 2 potential drops to reach point L
hpressure,L = (10 + 8) 2 0.6923 = 16.6154m.
uL = 16.6154 9.81 = 163 KN/m2
effectiv,L = 239.7 163 = 76.7 KN/m2 .
Point N:
total,N = 1 water + 8 sat = 1 9.81 + 8 17.7 = 151.41 KN/m2
We note that, there are 12 potential drops to reach point N
hpressure,N = (10 + 8) 12 0.6923 = 9.6924m.
o . u k
uN = 9.6924 9.81 = 95.08 KN/m2
e s a le.c
effectiv,N = 151.41 95.08 = 56.32 KN/m2 .
N o t
r o m 1 8 6
E- (Additional)
w f 9 o f O
e v i e g

7

e

P r .
P a
(5+8-6+2.8) = 9.8m O
Point O:
total,O = 9.8 sat + dam weight = 9.8 17.7 + 120 = 293.46 KN/m2
We note that, there are 6 potential drops to reach point O
hpressure,O = (10 + 8 + 5) 6 0.6923 = 18.846m.
uO = 18.846 9.81 = 184.88 KN/m2
effectiv,O = 293.46 184.88 = 108.578 KN/m2 .

a)
H 3
q= k Nf n = 4 107 0.45 6 = 1.08 106 m /s.m.
Nd,number
b)
htotal,C = (2.25 + 6 + 2.5) lossesC 4 potential drop to reach C
htotal,C = (2.25 + 6 + 2.5) 0.45 4 = 8.95 m.
c)
)hD( D hpressure,D
. hpressure,D
We note that, there are 8 potential drops to reach point D
hpressure,D = (2.5 + 2 + hD ) 8 0.45 = 0.9 + hD = 0.9 m( ).
If the value 0.9 is negative value, that means (below Datum).
d) (From chapter 9)
o . u k
F. Sboiling =
icritical
iexit
e s a le.c
o t
sat water 20 9.81
N
icritical =
r
water o m=
9.81 1 8 6
= 1.038
w f 1 o f
iexit =
e v i e
exit losse
=
e
0.45
8 = 0.5
Pr
F. Sboiling =
Pag
exit distance
1.038
0.9
= 2.076.
0.5

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics In Situ Stresses
Calculate the total stress, pore water pressure, and effective stress at points A,
B, and C
Firstly, you should note that, as the depth increase the piezometric (pressure) head
decrease due to the downward seepage, so, pore water pressure decrease with depth.
Point A:
t,A = H1 W
uA = H1 W
A = total u = H1 W H1 W = 0.0
Point B:
t,B = H1 W + H2 sat (Not dependent on seepage of water)
Due to the downward seepage the pressure head at point B will decrease by h
h
uB = (H1 + H2 iH2 ) W iH2 = H2 = h uB = (H1 + H2 h) W
H2
B = (H1 W + H2 sat) (H1 + H2 h) W = H2 + h W
o . u k
Point C:
e s a le.c
o t
t,C = H1 W + z sat (Not dependent on seepage of water)
N
o m 1 8 6
Due to the upward seepage the pressure head at point B will decreased by iz
r
w f 8 o f
e v i e
uC = (H1 + z iz) W
e 8
Pr ag
C = (H1 W + z sat) (H1 + z iz) W = z + iz W
P
It is clear that no limiting conditions exist in case of downward seepage because
the pore water pressure decreased by depth, thus, the effective stress will increase
with depth and never reach zero.
:
,seepage
boiling upward seepage
.. boiling downward seepage
.boiling seepage ..

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics In Situ Stresses
In case of Downward Seepage:
It is noted that, there is a seepage force directed downward (in the direction of
flow) and we also note that there are two forces exerted on the soil, the weight of
the soil directed downward, and the seepage force directed downward:
P = Z A + iz w A
It is clear that, the force exerted on the soil is always downward and the soil is
always safe.
The seepage force in the two cases having the same magnitude (iz w A) and the
. u k
volume of the soil is (zA), so, the seepage force can be expressed by the form of:
o
seepage force = iw (per unit volume)
e s a le.c
Heaving in Soil Due to Flow N o t
around Sheet Pile:
r otwomlevels of o 1 8 6
f
If there is a sheet pile separated
w side mayebe9heave f
water (downstream and upstream),
0 ( )due to the uplift seepage force
v i e
the soil on the downstream
on theP re of the heavePzone.
bottom agTerzaghi found that the heaving generally
D
occurred within a distance of ( ) from the sheet piles.
2
Such that D = the depth of embedment ( ) of sheet piles into the
permeable layer. This can be explained on the figure shown below:
A B

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Stresses in a Soil Mass
2. Loads are applied on a specific part of the soil profile:

The following figures explain this case:
P
q q
o . u k
q
e s a le.c q
N o t 6
f r o m f 1 8
e w 1 2 o
r e v i g e 1
P Pa

( ) (
) .
:

Vertical Stress Caused by a Vertical Strip Load:

(Finite Width and Infinite Length)
Strip Load:
( )
. B
Consider we want to calculate the vertical stress increase at point A in figure below:
X and Z are measured from the

midpoint of the strip load as shown in
figure.
And we calculate the vertical stress

o . u k
increase at any point due to the strip
e s a le.c
load as following:
N o t 6
z 2Z 2X
f r o m f 1 8
q
= f( , )
B B
e w 1 7 o
r e v ithe value ofgecan1 z
P
So, for any point,
P a q
be taken from (Table 10.4 P.320)
2Z 2X
according to the values of and .
B B
z
And if is known the value of
q
z will be known (because q is known)
z
Note: in table 10.4 you may need to do interpolation 3 times to get the value of
q
2Z 2X
Example: consider = 0.833 and = 1.37
B B
From table: 1.37 is between (1.3 and 1.4), and 0.833 is between (0.8 and 0.9)
2Z z 2X
For = 0.8 (at = 1.37 ) = 0.2345 (interpolation between 1.3 and 1.4)
B q B
2Z z 2X
For = 0.9 (at = 1.37 ) = 0.2546 (interpolation between 1.3 and 1.4)
B q B
2Z z 2X
Now,For = 0.833 (at = 1.37 ) = . (interpolation bet. 0.8 and 0.9)
B q B

Vertical Stress Due to Embankment Loading:

Embankment Loading:
.) fill(
o . u k
B1 Always for rectangle
e s a le.c
B Always for triangle No
t 6
2
f r o m f 1 8
e w 1 8 o
r e v i g e 1
P Pa
We can calculate the vertical stress increase at any point due to the embankment
load as following:
z = qI2
The value of I2 can be taken from (Figure 10.20 P.327) according to the values of
B1 B2
and
Z Z
Note:
B1 B2
, , 10.20
Z Z
B1
, ) =0( z
Z
z ,. z , ) + (

.

Vertical Stress Caused by a Rectangularly Loaded Area:

o . u k
e s a le.c
N o t 6
We calculate the vertical stresso
f r m
increase
f 1
at point below 8
the corner of rectangular
e w 2 1 o
= qIre v i
loaded area as following:
g e 1
z
P 3
I = f(m, n) (From Table
3
a
P 10.9 P.337 or Figure 10.26 P.338)
B L
m= , n=
Z Z
B: Smaller dimension , L: Larger dimension
,) corner( z :
, z

.

As shown in figure above, to calculate z at point A we must divide the given

area into two areas (trapezoidal) to meet the conditions (point must be under
trapezoidal or under triangle).
For area 1 (Trapezoidal B1 = , B2 = )
B1 B2
q o(1) = H , = , = I2(1) = (From . )
Z Z
z(1) = q o(1) I2(1) = .

B1 B2
q o(2) = H , = , = I2(2) = (From . )
Z Z
z(2) = q o(2) I2(2) = .
So, z(A) = z(1) + z(2) = .
u k
Note: If the embankment is symmetry, and point A under the middle of the
o .
le.c
embankment, you can calculate z for one area and then multiply the value by 2.
t e s a
Point B:
N o 8 6
f r o m o f 1
v i e w 1 2 6
r e g e
P Pa


We note that, area 2 it is not trapezoidal, so, to make it trapezoidal we must add
the triangle (dashed lines) to make area 2 trapezoidal.
B1 B2
q o(2) = H , = , = I2(2) = (From . )
Z Z
z(2) = q o(2) I2(2) = .
For area 3 (Triangle B1 = 0.0, B2 = ) (h3 is given)
The triangle that added to area 2 to be a trapezoidal area must be subtract,
because it is not from the total embankment area.
B1 B2
q o(3) = h3 , = 0.0 , = I2(3) = (From . )
Z Z
z(3) = q o(3) I2(3) = .
So, z(C) = z(1) + z(2) z(3) = .

o . u k
Point D:
e s a le.c
N o t 6
f r o m f 1 8
e w 2 8 o
r e v i g e 1
P Pa

We note that, area 1 it is not trapezoidal, so, to make it trapezoidal we must add
the triangle (dashed lines) to make area 1 trapezoidal.
B1 B2
q o(1) = H , = , = I2(1) = (From . )
Z Z
z(1) = q o(1) I2(1) = .

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Compressibility of Soil
.3 ( ) ( < )0 < t

, ) (u
( (
:
At any time ( 0 < t < ) after applying additional loading():

= + u > 0.0 and u <
And = o + and u = uo + u
The values of u and at any time at any depth in the clay will be calculated
later in (Time Rate of Consolidation) section.
.4 ( = )t

o . u k
) )consolidation ( )u
a le.c

e s
o t
( ( ): (
N 6
After many years ( t = f o m f
rof applying additional 1 8
w )
5 o
e = e 1=4 + and u = u loading():
u = 0.0 v
e andi
Pr P ag o o
The following figure summarized the above explanations:
= u u =
u = = u + u = 0.0
= 0.0
=
at t = 0.0 ) < at ( 0 < t = at t

Normally Consolidated and Overconsolidated Clays:

Normally Consolidated Clay: The present effective overburden pressure (o ) is
the maximum pressure that the soil was subjected to in the past (this means, the
soil has never subjected to a vertical effective overburden pressure greater than the
)present effective vertical pressure
:

,
.

Overconsolidated Clay: The present effective overburden pressure (o ) is less
than the maximum effective overburden pressure that the soil was subjected to in
the past.
u k
:
o .
e s le.c
) (o
a
.
N o t 6
) (o
f r o m f 1 8
e w 4 o
( )
9
r e v i g e 1
( (Overconsolidated Clay (
P Pa
) ( )Unloading
(. )Loading or Recompression
). (Normally Consolidated Clay
( . )in field

. :
.1
( ( e
ab
( ).
.2 ( )e
bc
) (normally consolidated clay (
).

The value that used to determine whether the soil is normally consolidated or
overconsolidated is the value of maximum effective overburden pressure that the
soil was subjected in the past and it is called Preconsolidation Pressure ( ).
The value of the preconsolidation pressure (c ) can be determined for a clay
specimen in the lap using the laboratory (e-log ) plot according the following
procedures:
o . u k
e s a le.c
N o t 6
f r o m f 1 8
e w 5 1 o
r e v i g e 1
P Pa
. e-log plot .1
a .2
. ab
ad a ac .3
. cab

e-log plot .4
f ad gh
.)c ) x f

AT = Av = As = A
The initial void ratio is e and the initial volume is Vo = A H (H is initial height)
The final Volume after consolidation is Vf = (H Sc ) A
Vo Vf = A H (A H A Sc ) = A Sc V = A Sc
But, we know that the change in volume will occur in voids volume and volume of
solid will remain constant, so, V = Vv = A Sc 1
Vv
e= Vv = e Vs Vv = e Vs 2
Vs
Vo
Vo = Vs + Vv Vo = Vs + eo Vs Vo = Vs (1 + eo ) Vs = (substitute in eqn. 2)
1 + eo
Vo
Vv = e (substitute in eqn. 1)
1 + eo
Vo AH
e = A Sc but, Vo = A H e = A Sc
1+eo 1+eo
Sc = H
e
o . u k
le.c
The basic equation for calculating consolidation settlement.
1+eo
t e s a
N
To calculate the value of (S ) , firstly we o calculate8the6 value of e.
should
obem 1 plot) as following:
c
r calculated from f
e w f
In general, the value of e can
5 3 o (e-log
ree v i g e 1
e = Pe 1 2
P a
e
Slope = 2 eo
log
1
e1
2 e2
So, e = Slope log
1
2 = large value
1 = small value
The value of the Slope is depend on

the type of the clay (Normally
Consolidated or Overconsolidated)
and now we will calculate the value
of slope for both types of clay:
1 2

.5 hi 3 ab . j
.6 0.4eo ek k .2
.7 k&j 1
Virgin Compression Curve ) Cc (Compression Index .
.8 hi 3 3 hi
Recompression Path in field ()Unloading
( )Recompression or Reloading
hi overconsolidated
clay hi 3 :
Slope of swelling curve(3) = Slopeof recompression curve(hi) = Cs = Cr = Swell inex
e
= Slope = Cs For overconsolidated clay
2
log
1
e = Cs log
2
o . u k
le.c
1
t e s a
2 and 1are horizontal coordinates N )oof recompression(rebuond
8 6 curve
w f mro
6 o f1
3
e v i e
e 1 5
Pr c&d
Pag
:

The basic equation for calculating primary consolidation settlement is:

H
Sc = e (As we derive it Previously)
1 + eo
For (N.C.Clay) as shown in figure above, the value of(e) can be claculated as
following:
e o +
Slope = Cc = e = Cc log ( )
o + o
log ( )
o
Sbstitute by e in the equation of Sc :
Cc H o +
Sc = log ( ) Primary Consolidation Settlement for (N.C.Clay)
1+eo o
Calculation of primary consolidation settlement for

o . u k
le.c
Overconsolidated clay:
s a
For (O.C.Clay) we know that, c > o thus, (1 = o ) and 2 = o +
t e
N o 6
Also we know the overconsolidated clay canbe represents by recompression curve
8
f r o m o f 1
which have a slope of (Cs = well index).
v i e w 5 8
But, there are two cases, the first case is ( c o + ) and the second case is
1
P r e a g e
( c < o + ) and now we will calculate the value of (Sc ) for each case:
P
Case One ( + ):
c o

It is preferable to draw this simple graph when you want to calculate (Sc ) for
(O.C.Clay ; 1st case):

o . u k
e s a le.c
N o t 6
= and = + m

f r o
f 1 8
1 o 2
e w
We note from theiabove
o
5 9 osettlement occur in the

r e v e 1
graph, the consolidation
g
P
overconsolidated
P a
curve (recompression curve) before reaching the normally
consolidated curve (virgin curve), this is case one.
The value of (e) can be claculated as following:
e o +
Slope = Cs = e = Cs log ( )
o + o
log ( )
o
Sbstitute by e in the equation of Sc :
Cs H o +
Sc = log ( ) Primary Consolidation Settlement for (O.C.Clay 1st case)
1+eo o
We note that, the value of (e) is very small if we compare it with (e) for
(N.C.Clay).

Solution
: ,

,
.
) ? ? ?= )A- ( ( /
2
Cv t Tv Hdr
= Tv 2 = Cv
Hdr t
H 0.8 1ft
= )Hdr = (double drained = 0.4inch = 0.4inch = 0.0333ft.
2 2 12inch
1hr 1day 1yr
t = t 50 = 5minutes = 9.513 106yr.
60minutes 24hr 365day
o . u k
t 50 means U = 50% Tv = 0.197 (from . ).
0.197 0.03332
e s a le.c
= Cv
N o t
23 ft 2/yr .
6
9.513 10 6
f r o m f 1 8
) ? ? ?= ( B-
e w 7 0 o

r
C = Slope eofv
i g e
virgin compression 1
curve
c
P
You must know that, the
a curve is (e-log ) plot.
Pvirgin
e1 e2 0.6 0.54
= Cc = Slope = = 0.1993 .
2 1000
) log ( ) log ( 500
1
) ? ? ?= )C- ((/
k
= Cv k = Cv w mv
w mv
Cv = 23 ft 2/yr (As calculated in part A) , w = 62.4Ib/ft 3
Previously, the formula of calculating (mv ) was derived as following:
e e2 0.6 0.54
( 1 ) ( )
2 1 1000 500 = 7.64 105ft 2/Ib
= mv e + e2 =
0.6 + 0.54
1+( 1 ) (1+ )
2 2
So, k = 23 62.4 7.64 105 = 0.1097 ft/yr .

51.
An oil tank, 20 m in diameter, is built over a site shown below. A specimen of clay
in this site (20 mm thickness) double drained was to be tested in an oedometer
apparatus, the time required to reach 60% degree of consolidation is 15 minutes.
Estimate the differential settlement between the center and perimeter of the tank
after 1 year after building the tank.
o . u k
e s a le.c
N o t 6
f r o m f 1 8
e w 8 1 o
r e v i g e 1
P Pa
Solution
: ,
()Coefficient of consolidation
,
,
( )CH.10
,
.

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics1

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Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Soil Properties & Soil Compaction

Wtotal = Wsolid + Wwater (Wair = 0 , Wsolid = Wdry )

Gs w moist Wdry Wdry

solid dry water

Page (1) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Vv = n VT = 0.427 24 = 10.25 m3/m`

Vw = S Vv = 0.358 10.25 = 3.67 m3/m` .

Page (12) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

For borrow pit #2 :

For borrow pit #3 :

Page (17) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Page (22) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Page (31) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Htotal = (10 + 8 + 10) (6 + 4 + 5) = 13cm.

Page (54) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Firstly, we calculate the total head at each point.

Htotal = 30 (10 + 7) = 13cm.

Page (57) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

)Page (62 Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Uplift force under the dam:

u = pressure head water

)Page (65 Ahmed S. Al-Agha

htotal,A = (10 + 22) 0.667 1 = 31.333 m.

Page (73) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

34. (Final 2009)

Page (74) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

We note that, there are 11 potential drops to reach point F

The stress distribution under the dam is shown in figure below:

6m 2.5m 12m 3.5m 6m

Page (76) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Page (77) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Page (79) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Page (86) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

In case of Downward Seepage:

Page (88) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

2. Loads are applied on a specific part of the soil profile:

)Page (110 Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Vertical Stress Caused by a Vertical Strip Load:

X and Z are measured from the

And we calculate the vertical stress

Page (115) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Vertical Stress Due to Embankment Loading:

Page (116) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Vertical Stress Caused by a Rectangularly Loaded Area:

Page (119) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

As shown in figure above, to calculate z at point A we must divide the given

For area 2 (Trapezoidal B1 = , B2 = )

So, z(A) = z(1) + z(2) = .

Page (124) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

For area 2 (Trapezoidal B1 = , B2 = )

So, z(C) = z(1) + z(2) z(3) = .

For area 1 (Trapezoidal B1 = , B2 = )

Page (126) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

At any time ( 0 < t < ) after applying additional loading():

The following figure summarized the above explanations:

at t = 0.0 ) < at ( 0 < t = at t

)Page (143 Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Normally Consolidated and Overconsolidated Clays:

)Page (147 Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Page (149) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

The value of the Slope is depend on

Page (151) Ahmed S. Al-Agha