Test Masters PE Review Spring 2012

Quiz Questions
for the
Soil / Rock Mechanics
and
Foundations Engineering Review

by
Luis A. Prieto-Portar PhD, PE
Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Florida International University
CEO, Piedroba Marine Construction LLC
Instructor, Test Masters Educational Services Inc.

Attempt all of these extra problems before you check your answer against the
Solutions Booklet, provided along with this set.
Cell Telephone 305-972-2779
E-mail: dr.prieto@piedroba.com

Copyright by L. Prieto-Portar, January 2012

1
Quiz-01 (soil exploration): Types of in-situ testing devices.
Which type of in-situ testing device would you use in a boring to obtain a rough estimate of the
bearing capacity for a foundation on a sand stratum?
a) CPT
b) Iowa borehole shear test
c) Menard test
d) SPT

Quiz-02 (soil exploration): Soil modulus of subgrade reaction k.

Using the average value for the modulus of subgrade reaction k of a silty gravel roadway base,
what is a good estimate of its CBR?
a) CBR = 50
b) CBR = 24
c) CBR = 17
d) CBR = 12

Quiz-03 (phases of soils): Volume of soil that must be excavated.

The in-situ void ratio of a borrow pits soil is e = 0.72. This material will be transported to a
roadway embankment, where it will be compacted to an e = 0.42. The embankment will need
10,000 yd3 of soil. The volume that must be excavated at the borrow pit is most nearly?
a) 14,000 yd3
b) 12,200 yd3
c) 11,000 yd3
d) 10,200 yd3

2
Quiz-04 (phases of soils): How much water added to a soil for OMC.
Soil from a borrow pit is transported to a construction site to build a 500,000 yd3 roadway
embankment. The borrow pit soil has a dry unit weight of 87 pcf, a moisture of 13%, and a
specific gravity of 2.70. The soil will be compacted to a maximum dry unit weight of 116 pcf
and an OMC of 14%.
Due to handling and evaporation, the soil arrives at the construction site with the moisture
content of only 9%. It is placed, moistened and compacted to 90% of the Modified Proctor
maximum dry density. The total volume of water (in gallons) that must be added to the soil to
increase it to the OMC is most nearly?
a) 8,447,000 gallons
b) 8,045,000 gallons
c) 7,560,000 gallons
d) 7,355,000 gallons

Quiz-05 (classify): Soil freezing.

Which of the following four soils is more susceptible to freezing?

Soil No. LL Ip % passing #200 sieve

1 10 25 5
2 15 20 5
3 20 10 55
4 25 5 55

Quiz-06 (classify): Rock classification.

How are rocks classified as to (1) their geology, and (2) their engineering properties?

Quiz-07 (classify): Classify a soil using USCS.

Classify these two soils using the USCS, if Soil A has a LL = 26%, a PL = 18%, and Soil B is
non-plastic.
Sieve analysis Soil A Soil B
% > than 0.075 mm 12 80
% > than 4.75 mm 0 16
4.75 mm < % > 0.075 mm 12 64
0.075 mm < % > 0.002 mm 59 20
% < 0.002 mm 29 0

3
Quiz-08 (classify): Classify a soil using AASHTO.
Classify this soil from the grain-size distribution shown below using the AASHTO system, if the
material passing the #40 sieve has a LL = 34%, and has a PI = Ip = 13%.

a) A-2-2
b) A-2-6
c) A-3-2
d) A-3-6

Quiz-09 (compaction): Field tests used in compaction.

Which of the following tests is not related to field testing compaction?
1. SPT
2. Sand cone apparatus, and balloon testing device
3. Geo-gauge
4. Nuclear density meter
Choose,
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 3
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) 4

Quiz-10 (compaction): Remedial methods for collapsible soils.

Which of these preventive and remedial techniques is not used to mitigate collapsible soils?

4
 1. Removal of the collapsible soil.
2. Avoid or minimize wetting.
3. Transfer the load through the collapsible soil(s) to a deeper and more stable stratum.
4. Inject chemical stabilizers or grout.
5. Prewetting the soil.
6. Compact with rollers.
7. Compact with displacement piles.
8. Compact with heavy tamping (for example, deep dynamic compaction, etc).
9. Vibroflotation.
10. Deep blasting combined with prewetting.
11. Controlled wetting.
12. Design the structure to tolerate large differential settlements.

Choose,
a) 1, 2 3 and 4
b) 5, 6, 7 and 8
c) 9, 10, 11 and 12
d) All the above

Quiz-11 (permeability): Estimate the permeability from Hazens formula.

The estimated upper bound of the permeability of a clean sand stratum with D10 = 0.15 mm in its
grain-size distribution curve is most nearly:
a) 0.10 cm/s
b) 0.34 mm/s
c) 1.2 mm/s
d) 1.2 cm/s

Quiz-12 (permeability): Estimate the critical gradient.

A steel sheet pile cofferdam has been driven in a sand stratum. It will be dewatered by pumping.
The sand has a specific gravity of 2.65 and a porosity of 44%. The critical gradient for this soil is
most nearly:
a) 0.55
b) 0.82
c) 0.92
d) 1.00

5
Quiz-13 (seepage): Seepage velocity.
A 6-foot thick clay liner is used to reduce the contamination of the groundwater. The clay has a
voids ratio e = 0.5 and a permeability of 0.1 feet/year. The hydraulic gradient across the liner is
0.5. The time it will take for the contaminated water to pass through the liner is most nearly:
a) 1.8 years
b) 2.5 years
c) 10.9 years
d) 40 years

Quiz-14 (seepage): Effective porosity and seepage velocity.

Sand strata have an effective porosity of 0.5 and a permeability of 0.006 ft/s. The hydraulic
gradient across two piezometers spaced 1 mile apart is 1V:30H. A red dye is introduced in the
up-stream piezometer. The time it will take for the dye to be detected in the down-stream
piezometer is most nearly:
a) 47 days
b) 153 days
c) 2.1 years
d) 3.2 years

Quiz-15 (seepage): Combined permeabilities in a flow-net.

A flow net is drawn with equal scale in the x- and y-axes. However, the vertical permeability is
only 20% of the horizontal permeability, which is kH = 1 cm/s. The combined permeability k for
a transformed flow-net is most nearly:
a) 0.44 cm/s
b) 1.25 cm/s
c) 1.55 cm/s
d) 2.33 cm/s

Quiz-16 (effective stress): Effective stress at a piles tip.

The generalized profile under a new office building is shown below. Calculate the effective
stress at point A.

6
 a) 3,000 psf
b) 2,286 psf
c) 1,831 psf
d) 1,709 psf

Quiz-17 (consolidation): Time required for 65% consolidation.

A 15-foot thick clay stratum is normally consolidated. The time required to attain 65%
consolidation is most nearly:

a) 438 days
b) 1.2 years
c) 2,391 days
d) 6.5 years
7
Quiz-18 (consolidation): Primary consolidation using the 2:1 method.
A small 10 ft by 12 ft mat (slab-on-grade) will support a heavy utility building. The mat will be
built at ground level and will support 630 kip of machinery.
Calculate the primary consolidation settlement using the 2:1 method to estimate the decrease of
the stress within the 6-foot thick over-consolidated clay stratum. Notice that the consolidation
has to take place in two steps: first along the recompression curve up to the over-consolidation
pressure, and then along the virgin curve to the final pressure.
a) 1.29 inches
b) 1.28 feet
c) 0.55 inches
d) 0.55 feet

Quiz-19 (shear strength): Shear strength versus moisture.

Clay that changes volume due to wet or dry conditions is a:
a) A varved clay
b) A quick clay
c) A gumbo clay
d) An expansive clay

Quiz-20 (slope stability): FS on a cohesive soil slope.

A utility trench is excavated in a soft clay soil with the profile shown below. Calculate the
cohesive factor of safety.
a) 1.0

8
 b) 2.3
c) 1.5
d) 1.3

Quiz-21 (lateral pressure): FS against overturning.

A 10-foot high gravity retaining wall is designed with no wall-soil friction. Calculate the wall
width B to attain a FS = 1.5 against overturning.
a) 3.0 feet
b) 3.5 feet
c) 4.0 feet
d) 4.5 feet

9
Quiz-22 (lateral pressure): FS against sliding.
What is the factor of safety against sliding of the gravity retaining wall shown below?
a) 0.71
b) 0.96
c) 1.20
d) 1.55

Quiz-23 (single footing): Stress increase using the 2:1 method.

A 12 ft by 15 ft shallow footing is designed to support a column with a load of 150 kip. Calculate
the increase of the stress in the soil at point A using the 2:1 method.
a) 0.25 ksf
b) 0.54 ksf
c) 0.83 ksf
d) 1.00 ksf

10
Quiz-24 (mats): Slab foundations on expansive soils.
You are required to use a slab-on-grade to support a light structure on expansive clay. Which of
the following solutions could be the most economical?
a) Remove and replace the expansive clay with a suitable fill;
b) Mix the expansive clay with lime to provide cementation;
c) Drain the clay with wicks and pumps;
d) Protect the clay around the structure by paving.

Quiz-25 (single pile): Capacity of friction pile.

An 18-inch diameter concrete pile is driven into two layers of soil. Calculate the frictional
resistance of this pile (that is, ignore the tip resistance for this problem).
a) 147 kip
b) 150 kip
c) 155 kip
d) 162 kip

11
Quiz-26 (pile load test): Capacity by intercepts.
The plot of the results of a load test is shown below. The pile was 0.45 m in diameter. The
ultimate pile capacity load is most closely:
a) 890 kN
b) 1,980 kN
c) 1,000 kN
d) 500 kN

12
Quiz-27 (pile load test): Capacity by Davisson criterion.
A load test is performed on a single pile, 12-foot long, with a constant diameter of 14 inches. It is
required to carry a service load of 100 tons with a FS = 2. From the plot of the load test, provide
(1) the elastic and Davisson offset values, (2) the design load if the FS = 2, (3) the rebound, and
(4) has the pile failed?
a) 0.125, 0.392, 0.87, the pile failed
b) 0.150, 0.500, 0.87, the pile failed
c) 0.150, 0.550, 0.87, the pile failed
d) 0.200, 0.550, 0.87, the pile passed

Quiz-28 (RC retaining wall): Reinforcing.

The correct reinforcing for a reinforced concrete wall is,
a) Stem centered
b) Outside stem face-centered
c) Backfill stem face-centered
d) None of the above

13
14
 Test Masters PE Review Spring 2012

Quiz Answers
for the
Soil / Rock Mechanics
and
Foundations Engineering Review

by
Luis A. Prieto-Portar PhD, PE
Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Florida International University
CEO, Piedroba Marine Construction LLC
Instructor, Test Masters Educational Services Inc.

Attempt all of these extra problems before you check your answer against the
Solutions Booklet, provided along with this set.
Cell Telephone 305-972-2779
E-mail: dr.prieto@piedroba.com

Copyright by L. Prieto-Portar, January 2012

1
Quiz-01 (soil exploration): Types of in-situ testing devices.
Which type of in-situ testing device would ou use in a boring to obtain a rough estimate of the
bearing capacity for a foundation on a sand stratum?
a) CPT
b) Iowa borehole shear test
c) Menard test
d) SPT

Solution:
Use the table in my Exploration-15, to wit,
Comparison between the SPT and the CPT
SPT CPT
Type of soil Best for gravel and sand Best for silt and clay
Samples Samples are disturbed No samples
Drilling A borehole is required No boring required
Results Estimates the bearing capacity Bearing capacity + settlement
Type of test Dynamic test Static test
Procedure A 2 OD split spoon sampler is driven A conical probe is jacked into the
18 into the ground with a 140# ground at a constant rate of 20
hammer dropped 30; only the last 12 mm/sec. The cone tip resistance qc
driven are recorded as the N value. and the side sleeve friction qs are
measured. The total resistance qt is
given by qt = qc + qs

The answer is (d).

Quiz-02 (soil exploration): Soil modulus of subgrade reaction k.

Using the average value for the modulus of subgrade reaction k of a silty gravel roadway base,
what is a good estimate of its CBR?
a) CBR = 50
b) CBR = 24
c) CBR = 17
d) CBR = 12

2
Solution:
The following table summarizes shear strength parameters for each category of USCS soil:

USCS soils versus Shear Strength and Modulus of Subgrade Reaction k

USCS Angle of internal Saturated cohesion Range of modulus of

Group friction f Csat in psf Subgrade k in psi/in

GW >38 0 300 500

GP >37 0 250 400
GM >34 Not applicable 100 400
GC >31 Not applicable 100 - 300
SW 38 0 200 300
SP 37 0 200 300
SM 34 420 100 300
SC 31 230 100 300
ML 32 190 100 200
CL 28 270 50 200
OL Not applicable Not applicable 50 100
MH 25 420 50 100
CH 19 230 50 150
OH Not applicable Not applicable 25 - 100

Use the average value of a silty gravel (GM) which is 250 lb/in (psi/in). Now read that value to
find the CBR in the graph below to be 17. The answer is (c).

3
 Quiz-03 (phases of soils): Volume of soil that must be excavated.
The in-situ void ratio of a borrow pits soil is e = 0.72. This material will be transported to a
roadway embankment, where it will be compacted to a e = 0.42. The embankment will need
10,000 yd3 of soil. The volume that must be excavated at the borrow pit is most nearly?
a) 14,000 yd3
b) 12,200 yd3
c) 11,000 yd3
d) 10,200 yd3

Solution:
The relationships for the fill (subscript f ) in the embankment are,
V (VV ) f
e =V 0.42 = or ( 0.42 )(VS ) f =(VV ) f
VS (VS ) f
But (VS ) f + (VV ) f =10, 000 yd 3
(VS ) f + ( 0.42 )(=
VS ) f 10, 000 yd 3 (=
VS ) f 7, 042 yd 3
But the volume of solids in the embankment (f ) is the same as in the
(=VS )b (V
borrow pit (b), S )f
= 7, 042 yd 3
(VV )b
=
Also given, 0.72 = or ( 0.72 )(VS )b (VV )b
(VS )b
(VV= )b ( 0.72 )(VS= )b (0.72)(7, 042 yd=3
) 5, 070 yd 3
The total volume of soil from the borrow pit = 5, 070 + 7, 042 = 12,112 yd 3

The answer is (b).

4
 Quiz-04 (phases of soils): How much water added to a soil for OMC.
Soil from a borrow pit is transported to a construction site to build a 500,000 yd3 roadway
embankment. The borrow pit soil has a dry unit weight of 87 pcf, a moisture of 13%, and a
specific gravity of 2.70. The soil will be compacted to a maximum dry unit weight of 116 pcf
and an OMC of 14%.
Due to handling and evaporation, the soil arrives at the construction site with the moisture
content of only 9%. It is placed, moistened and compacted to 90% of the Modified Proctor
maximum dry density. The total volume of water (in gallons) that must be added to the soil to
increase it to the OMC is most nearly?
a) 8,447,000 gallons
b) 8,045,000 gallons
c) 7,560,000 gallons
d) 7,355,000 gallons

Solution:
(1) The volume of solids must be the same in both, VS borrow = VS embankment
The total volume from the borrow must be,
(=
d embankment ) ( 0.9 )(116 pcf )
=Vborrow
( d borrow )
Vembankment =
( 87 pcf )
( 500, 000 yd 3 ) 600, 000 yd 3

( 2 ) The amount of water in the borrow soil per ft 3 is,

= d (1 + w ) = ( 87 pcf )(1.13) = 98.3 pcf but WS = 87 pcf WW = 11.3lb
( 3) The amount of water remaining after transport per ft 3 is,
=
WW W= S ( w) (87 pcf )(=0.09 ) 7.83lb
( 4 ) The amount of water required at the embankment per ft 3 is,
=
WW W= S ( w) (87 pcf )(=0.14 ) 12.18lb
Therefore, each ft 3 must have added 12.18lb - 7.83lb = 4.35lb of water
In 600,000 yd 3 the water in gallons is,
27 ft 3 1 7.48 gallons
Vwater = ( 600, 000 yd 3)( 4.35lb ) 3 = 8, 447,365 gallons

3
1 yd 62.4lb ft

The answer is (a).

Quiz-05 (classify): Soil freezing.

Which of the following four soils is more susceptible to freezing?

5
 Soil No. LL Ip % passing #200 sieve Classify
1 10 25 5 S
2 15 20 5 S
3 20 10 55 CL
4 25 5 55 ML

Solution:
The most troubling soils in freezing conditions are those that combine permeability and capillary
potential at the same time. That eliminates clay for the permeability, and gravel/sand for the
capillary potential. That leaves silt as the predominant troubling soil.
Answer: Soil #4 which is a ML.

Quiz-06 (classify): Rock classification.

How are rocks classified as (1) their geology, and (2) their engineering properties?

Solution:

Rocks are classified according to their origin as igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic. Rocks are
also classified according to their engineering mechanics behavior. The following figure
summarizes these two classifications.

6
Quiz-07 (classify): Classify a soil using USCS.
Classify these two soils using the USCS, if Soil A has a LL = 26%, a PL = 18%, and Soil B is
non-plastic.
Sieve analysis Soil A Soil B
% > than 0.075 mm 12 80
% > than 4.75 mm 0 16
4.75 mm < % > 0.075 mm 12 64
0.075 mm < % > 0.002 mm 59 20
% < 0.002 mm 29 0

Solution:
Using the following flowchart shows that Soil A is a clayey silt with 59% silt and 29% clay. But,
Soil A has a plasticity index PI = LL PL = 26 18 = 8%. Notice that this falls slightly above
the shaded CL-ML area in the Plasticity chart, and is barely a CL soil. However, since the
proportion of silt is much higher than clay, this soil is classified as a ML.

Soil B is both non-plastic, inorganic, has 16% G, 64% sand, 20% silt and 0% clay. Therefore, it
is a silty sand SM.

7
A similar chart for coarse grained soils is as follows:

Quiz-08 (classify): Classify a soil using AASHTO.

Classify this soil from the grain-size distribution shown below using the AASHTO system, if the
material passing the #40 sieve has a LL = 34% and has a PI = Ip = 13%.
a) A-2-2
b) A-2-6
c) A-3-2
d) A-3-6

8
Solution:
Carefully follow the logic of the following flowchart:

Step #1: The soil is not highly organic, therefore, NO

Step #2: 25% passes #200 sieve (0.075 mm) 35%, therefore, YES
Step #3: 45% passes #10 sieve (2.0 mm) 50%, therefore, YES
Step #4: 34% passes #40 sieve (0.425 mm) 30%, therefore, NO
Step #5: 34% passes #40 sieve (0.425 mm) 50%, therefore, YES
Step #6: 25% passes #200 sieve (0.075 mm), therefore, YES but

9
 13 >PI 6, therefore, NO
Step #9: 13 >PI 10, therefore, NO
Step #13: LL = 34% 40%, therefore YES! Arrive at soil type as A-2-6.

Now find the Group Index GI = (F-35) [0.2 + 0.005(LL 40)] + 0.01(F 15) (PI 10)
where F = percent passing the #200 sieve, expressed as a whole number;
LL = liquid limit
PI = plasticity index (LL PL)
However, for groups A-2-6 and A-2-7 soils use the second term only. Express the group index as
a whole number. Values less than zero are reported as zero.

Therefore, GI = 0.01(F 15) (PI 10) = 0.01(25 15) (13 10) = 0.3 therefore 0.
Answer, the soil is an A-2-6 (0) which is (b).

Quiz-09 (compaction): Field tests used in compaction.

Which of the following tests is not related to field testing compaction?
a) SPT
b) Sand cone apparatus, and balloon testing device
c) Geo-gauge
d) Nuclear density meter

Solution:
The answer is (a). The SPT is a rough estimate of granular soil engineering parameters, and is
the only one that is not used directly to test the field-compacted soils.

Quiz-10 (compaction): Remedial methods for collapsible soils.

Which of these preventive and remedial techniques is not used to mitigate collapsible soils?
1. Removal of the collapsible soil.
2. Avoid or minimize wetting.
3. Transfer the load through the collapsible soil(s) to a deeper and more stable stratum.
4. Inject chemical stabilizers or grout.
5. Prewetting the soil.
6. Compact with rollers.
7. Compact with displacement piles.
8. Compact with heavy tamping (for example, deep dynamic compaction, etc).
9. Vibroflotation.
10
 10. Deep blasting combined with prewetting.
11. Controlled wetting.
12. Design the structure to tolerate large differential settlements.
Choose,
a) 1, 2 3 and 4
b) 5, 6, 7 and 8
c) 9, 10, 11 and 12
d) All the above

Solution:
The answer is (d) because all twelve are commonly used preventive and/or remedial solutions to
collapsible soils.

Quiz-11 (permeability): Estimate the permeability from Hazens formula.

The estimated upper bound of the permeability of a clean sand stratum with D10 = 0.15 mm in its
grain-size distribution curve is most nearly:
a) 0.12 cm/s
b) 0.34 mm/s
c) 1.2 mm/s
d) 1.2 cm/s

Solution:
The upper bound is determined by the largest value of C in Hazens formula. The constant C
ranges from 8 to 15; the lower value is to estimate the production of wells, whereas the upper
value is used to estimate dewatering projects. This problem will use C = 15.
= =
k CD 2
10 =
15(0.15 mm =
) 2 0.34 mm / s 0.034 cm / s
The answer is (b).

Quiz-12 (permeability): Estimate the critical gradient.

A steel sheet pile cofferdam has been driven in a sand stratum. It will be dewatered by pumping.
The sand has a specific gravity of 2.65 and a porosity of 44.4%. The critical gradient for this soil
is most nearly:
a) 0.55
b) 0.82
c) 0.92
d) 1.00

Solution:
11
 n 0.444
=
The voids ratio e = = 0.8
1 n 1 0.444
The critical hydraulic gradient is,
' GS 1 2.65 1
=
icr = = = 0.92
W 1+ e 1 + 0.8
Structures subjected to steady state seepage must ensure that the critical hydraulic gradient is not
developed. The answer is (c).

Quiz-13 (seepage): Seepage velocity.

A 6-foot thick clay liner is used to reduce the contamination of the groundwater. The clay has a
voids ratio e = 0.5 and a permeability of 0.1 feet/year. The hydraulic gradient across the liner is
0.5. The time it will take for the contaminated water to pass through the liner is most nearly:
a) 4 years
b) 12.5 years
c) 20.9 years
d) 40 years

Solution:
ft ft
The hydraulic velocity v= ki= 0.1 ( 0.5=
) 0.05
year year
e 0.5
The porosity can be found from the voids ratio by = n = = 0.333
1 + e 1 + 0.5
ft
0.05
v year ft
The seepage velocity vS= = = 0.15
n 0.333 year
distance 6 ft
The time to seep through=the liner t = = 40 years
seepage velocity 0.15 ft / year
The answer is (d).

Quiz-14 (seepage): Effective porosity.

Sand strata have an effective porosity of 0.5 and a permeability of 0.006 ft/s. The hydraulic
gradient across two piezometers spaced 1 mile apart is 1V:30H. A red dye is introduced in the
up-stream piezometer. The time it will take for the dye to be detected in the down-stream
piezometer is most nearly:
a) 47 days
b) 153 days
c) 2.1 years
d) 3.2 years

12
 Solution:
The seepage velocity vs is found from DArcy,

ki k h ( 6 x10
ft / s ) 1 3
4 ft
v=
S = = = 4 (10 )
ne ne L 0.5 30 s
distance 5, 280 ft 1 m 1 hr 1 day
=t = = 152.8 days
seepage velocity 4(10) 4 ft / s 60 s 60 m 24 hr

The answer is (b).

NB: The effective porosity ne is the same as the porosity n in sandy soils, whereas in clay soils

the EPA uses the value of 0.1. The apparent (or DArcian) velocity va = ki is the velocity that the

water moves in the direction of flow, which is actually lower than the water flow around the

solid particles, which is the seepage velocity vs.

Quiz-15 (seepage): Combined permeabilities in a flow-net.

A flow net is drawn with equal scale in the x- and y-axes. However, the vertical permeability is
only 20% of the horizontal permeability, which is kH = 1 cm/s. The combined permeability k for
a transformed flow-net is most nearly:
a) 0.44 cm/s
b) 1.25 cm/s
c) 1.55 cm/s
d) 2.33 cm/s

Solution.
The solution of the combined permeabilities k is,
k H 1 cm / s
k=
H 1 cm / s and k=
V = = 0.2 cm / s
5 5
=k =
k H kV (1 cm / s )( 0.2 cm
= / s) 0.44 cm / s
The answer is (a).

Quiz-16 (effective stress): Effective stress at a piles tip.

The generalized profile under a new office building is shown below. Calculate the effective
stress at point A.

13
 a) 3,000 psf
b) 2,286 psf
c) 1,831 psf
d) 1,709 psf

Solution.
5
' A= ' h= (128 pcf )( 2 ft ) + (123)( 3) + (121)( 3) + (131 62.4 )( 5)
n =1

+ (130 62.4 )( 4 ) + (134 62.4 )(1.5') =

1, 709 psf
The answer is (d).

Quiz-17 (consolidation): Time required for 65% consolidation.

A 15-foot thick clay stratum is normally consolidated. The time required to attain 65%
consolidation is most nearly:

14
 a) 438 days
b) 1.2 years
c) 2,391 days
d) 6.5 years

Solution:
Using the time factor Tv graph with degree of consolidation UA = 65% yields,
TV = 0.34
15 ft
The clay is doubly-drained=
Hd = 7.5 ft
2
The time required for a particular degree of consolidation is,
TV H d2
t= Notice that we are missing a value for cv which we find via:
cv
in 1 month
k (1 + eo )
0.036 (1 + 0.3)
month 30 days ft 2
=cv = = 0.008
av w in
12 ft ( 2.6 ) (10 ) lb ( 62.4 ) ft 3
4 ft 2 lb day

( 0.34 )( 7.5 ft )=
2
TV H d2
=
t = 2, 391 day=
s 6.5 years
cv ft 2
( 0.008)
day
The answer is (d).

Quiz-18 (consolidation): Primary consolidation using the 2:1 method.

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 A small 10 ft by 12 ft mat (slab-on-grade) will support a heavy utility building. The mat will be
built at ground level and will support 630 kip of machinery.
Calculate the primary consolidation settlement using the 2:1 method to estimate the decrease of
the stress within the 6-foot thick over-consolidated clay stratum. Notice that the consolidation
has to take place in two steps: first along the recompression curve up to the over-consolidation
pressure, and then along the virgin curve to the final pressure.
a) 1.29 inches
b) 1.28 feet
c) 0.55 inches
d) 0.55 feet

Solution.
The existing vertical stress at mid-clay is,
'zo = (128 pcf )( 9 ') + (124 pcf )( 3' ) = 1, 524 psf
The increase in vertical stress is,

= ' =
P ( 630 kip )(1000=
lb / kip )
1,193 psf
( B + z )( L + z ) (10 '+ 12 ')(12 '+ 12 ')
Notice that the new stress is larger than the over-consoludation pressure 'c ,
'zfinal
= 'zo + = 2, 717 psf > 'c
=' 1, 524 psf + 1,193 psf

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 In overconsolidated clays, the primary consolidation settlement is made up
of two steps: first recompressing up to the over-consolidation pressure, and
then, compression along the virgin curve up to the final pressure 'zf ,
Cr H ' CH 'zf
=H p log10 c + c log10
1 + eo 'zo 1 + eo 'c
( 0.09 )( 6 ') log 2, 500 + ( 0.42 )( 6 ') log 2, 717 =
=
1 + ( 0.93)
10 10 0.107 ft =
1.29 inches
1, 524 1 + ( 0.93) 2, 500
The answer is (a).

Quiz-19 (shear strength): Shear strength versus moisture.

A clay that changes volume due to wet or dry conditions is a:
a) A varved clay
b) A quick clay
c) A gumbo clay
d) An expansive clay

Solution.
The definition of each is as follows:

a) A varved clay is a banded sediment, typically showing reddish and green coloration indicating
the excess or absence of oxygen when deposited.

17
b) A quick soil usually refers to a soil subjected to high localized upward flowing hydraulic
gradients. This is common in sand, and the term quicksand refers to the above hydraulic
condition, and hence is not a type of soil.

c) A gumbo clay is a clayey or loamy soil which is very sticky when wet.

d) An expansive clay undergoes large volume changes from cycles of wetting and drying.

The answer is (d).

Quiz-20 (slope stability): FS on a cohesive soil slope.

A utility trench is excavated in a soft clay soil with the profile shown below. Calculate the
cohesive factor of safety.
a) 1.0
b) 2.3
c) 1.5
d) 1.3

Solution:
The maximum angle for a slope in drained granular soils is the angle of internal friction . In
cohesive soils, Taylors slope stability chart is used. First find the angle to determine the type
of slope failure.

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The depth factor d is found from Taylor's slope stability chart, and is
D vertical distance from toe to firm base 8 ft
=
d = = = 0.4
H depth of the cut 20 ft
vertical rise 1.5

= = = 56.3 > 53 toe circle failure

horizontal 1
=
Using Taylor's chart with d =
0.4 yields a stability number N o 5.4

=
FScohesive
Noc
=
( 5.4 )( 500 psf ) = 2.3
'H (122 62.4 ) pcf ( 20 ft )

The answer is (b).

Quiz-21 (lateral pressure): FS against overturning.

A 10-foot high gravity retaining wall is designed with no wall-soil friction. Calculate the wall
width B to attain a FS = 1.5 against overturning.

19
 a) 3.0 feet
b) 3.5 feet
c) 4.0 feet
d) 4.5 feet

Solution:

20
 (120 pcf )( 5 ft=) 600 psf
The pressure at (1): =
v =
h
The pressure at (3): (131 62.4 ) pcf ( 5 ft ) =
= 343 psf
The pressure=at (4): (=
62.4 pcf )( 5 ft ) 312 psf
36
=K a tan 2 45= tan 2 45 = 0.26
2 2
1
=
Force F1 = K a v h ( 0.5 )( 0.26 )( 600 psf=)( 5 ft ) 390 lb / ft
2
=
Force F2 K= a v h ( 0.26 )( 600 psf )(=
5 ft ) 780 lb / ft
(=
0.5 )( 0.26 )( 343 psf )( 5 ft ) 223 lb / ft
Force F3
=Force F4 (=0.5 )( 312 psf )( 5 ft ) 780 lb / ft
=Concrete weight F5 (= B ft )(10 ft )(150 pcf ) 1, 500 B lb / ft

(1, 500 B )
B

= 1.5
FSoverturning = 2
( 390 ) 5 '+
5' 5' 5' 5'
+ ( 780 ) + ( 223) + ( 780 )
3 2 3 3
B
= 2
12.4 ft 2 B = 3.5 ft

The answer is (b).

Quiz-22 (lateral pressure): FS against sliding.

What is the factor of safety against sliding of the gravity retaining wall shown below?
a) 0.71
b) 0.96
c) 1.20
d) 1.55

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 Solution:
1 1
= =K a h 2 ( 0.31)(124 pcf )(=
13 ft ) 3, 248 lb / ft
2
Active force Fa
2 2
The horizontal component = a cos
is Fa x F= ( 3, 248 ) cos15
= 3,138 lb / ft
=
The vertical component is a sin
Fa y F= ( 3, 248 ) sin15
= 841 lb / ft
1
The weight of the concrete Wc = W1 + W2 = ( 4 ' )(13' ) + ( 2 ' )(13' ) (150 pcf ) = 7,800 lb / ft
2

=FS sliding
Resisting forces
=
(W
=
+ F ) tan ( 7,800 + 841) lb ( tan15 )
c a y
= 0.71
Driving forces Fa x 3, 248 lb

The wall will fail.

The answer is (a).

Quiz-23 (single footing): Stress increase using the 2:1 method.

A 12 ft by 15 ft shallow footing is designed to support a column with a load of 150 kip. Calculate
the increase of the stress in the soil at point A using the 2:1 method.
a) 0.25 ksf
b) 0.54 ksf
c) 0.83 ksf

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 d) 1.00 ksf

Solution:
P 150 kip
'v
= = = 0.54 ksf
( B + z )( L + z ) (12 '+ 1.5 '+ 1.8 ')(15 '+ 1.5 '+ 1.8 ')

The answer is (b).

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Quiz-24 (mats): Slab foundations on expansive soils.
You are required to use a slab-on-grade to support a light structure on expansive clay. Which of
the following solutions could be the most economical?
a) Remove and replace the expansive clay with a suitable fill;
b) Mix the expansive clay with lime to provide cementation;
c) Drain the clay with wicks and pumps;
d) Protect the clay around the structure by paving.

Solution.
The answer is (d) because a properly designed pavement will protect the clay from moisture
changes, which is cause of the shrink-swell phenomenon. The other solutions are more costly or
impractical.

Quiz-25 (single pile): Capacity of friction pile.

An 18-inch diameter concrete pile is driven into two layers of soil. Calculate the frictional
resistance of this pile (that is, ignore the tip resistance for this problem).
a) 147 kip
b) 150 kip
c) 155 kip
d) 162 kip

24
 Solution.

The friction resistance in the soft clay layer is,

cu ( D ) L
Qs soft clay =
= ( 0.95)( 400 psf ) (1.5=
ft )( 20 ft ) 35.8 kip
The friction resistance in the sand layer is,
=Qs sand ( D ) L where f K 'v tan
f=
= 'v tan
f K= (1) (128 pcf )( 20 ft ) tan 20 =ksf
Qs sand (1.34
= ksf ) (1.5 ft )( 20 ft ) 126.2 kip
Qs total =35.8 kip + 126.2 kip =162 kip

The answer is (d).

Quiz-26 (pile load test): Capacity by intercepts.

The plot of the results of a load test is shown below. The pile was 0.45 m in diameter. The
ultimate pile capacity load is most closely:
a) 890 kN
b) 1,780 kN
c) 1,000 kN
d) 500 kN

The ultimate pile load capacity is the intersection of the tangents from the beginning and the end
of the curve (both are drawn in the plot). Read Qult = 1,780 kN.

25
NB: The allowable (service) pile load capacity with a factor of safety of 2 is,
Qultimate 1, 780 kN
Q=
allowable = = 890 kN
FS 2

The alternative method is to determine the pile load capacity by ascertaining when the settlement
of the pile has reached 10% of the piles diameter.

= 0.1
Settlement Displacement = =
d (0.1)(450 mm ) 45 mm

Thus the plot shows that the pile has a service capacity of 510 kN at a displacement of 45 mm.

The answer is (b).

Quiz-27 (pile load test): Capacity by Davisson criterion.

A load test is performed on a single pile, 12-foot long, with a constant diameter of 14 inches. It is
required to carry a service load of 100 tons with a FS = 2. From the plot of the load test, provide
(1) the elastic and Davisson offset values, (2) the design load if the FS = 2, (3) the rebound, and
(4) has the pile failed?
a) 0.125, 0.392, 0.87, the pile failed
b) 0.150, 0.500, 0.87, the pile failed
c) 0.150, 0.550, 0.87, the pile failed
d) 0.200, 0.550, 0.87, the pile passed

26
Solution.
The ultimate load on the pile is,
= =
Qult FS (Qall ) Qall 2 (100 tons
2= = ) 400 kips
The elastic shortening of the pile is,

PL
=
( 400 kips )(12 ft )(12in / ft=) 0.125 inches
( 7 in ) ( 3, 000 kips / in 2 )
2
AE

The Davisson-offset criterion is,

D PL 14"
Davisson =
elastic + 0.150"+ = + 0.150"+ =
0.125"+ 0.150"+ 0.117" =
0.392"
120 AE 120"
Therefore, the expected pile axial deformation under 400 kips should be 0.392 inches or less. If
the deflection is less, the pile has successfully passed the test. If more, it failed. According to the
chart, the pile attains that deformation before the 2Qall load is reached. In fact, it reached a
deformation of 1.15 at 400 kips, therefore, the pile is deemed to have failed for that design load.
The answer is (a).

Quiz-28 (RC retaining wall): Reinforcing.

The correct reinforcing for a reinforced concrete wall is,
a) Stem centered
b) Outside stem face-centered
c) Backfill stem face-centered
d) None of the above

Solution.
The answer is (c); the steel is placed concrete will experience tension during loading.

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