Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6
HYDROSTATIC WATER IN SOILS AND ROCKS
6-1. The end of a clean glass tube is inserted in pure water. What is the height of capillary rise if
the tube is: (a) 0.15 mm, (b) 0.015 mm, and (c) 0.0015 mm in diameter?
SOLUTION:
For pure water at 20 deg C, use Eq. 6.5 to calculate height of capillary rise
0.03
d
0.03
= 0.20 m
(a) hc =
0.15
0.03
= 2.0 m
(b) hc =
0.015
0.03
= 20.0 m
(c) hc =
0.0015
hc =

6-2. Calculate the maximum capillary pressure for the tubes in Problem 6.1.
SOLUTION:
From Eq. 6.6a, uw = zw g
(a) uw = ( 0.2 m)(1000

kg
m3

In this case, z = hc
)(9.81 m s2 ) = 1962 N m2 = 1.962 kPa

(b) uw = ( 2.0 m)(1000 kg m3 )(9.81 m s2 ) = 19, 620 N m2 = 19.62 kPa

(c) uw = ( 20.0 m)(1000 kg m3 )(9.81 m s2 ) = 196,200 N m2 = 196.2 kPa

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Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

6-3. Calculate the theoretical height of capillary rise and the capillary tension of the three soils
whose grain size distribution is shown in Fig. 2.6.
SOLUTION:
(a) Well-graded soil, D10 = 0.02 mm
Capillary rise using Eq. 6.5: Dpore = 0.2(D10 ) = (0.2)(0.02) = 0.004 mm
Eq. 6.5: hc =

0.03 m
= 7.5 m
0.004 mm

Capillary tension using Eq. 6.6b: uc = ( 7.5 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81 m s ) = 73,575 N m = 73.58 kPa
3

(b) Gap-graded soil, D10 = 0.022 mm

Capillary rise using Eq. 6.5: Dpore = 0.2(D10 ) = (0.2)(0.022) = 0.0044 mm
Eq. 6.5: hc =

0.03 m
= 6.82 m
0.0044 mm

Capillary tension using Eq. 6.6b: uc = ( 6.82 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81 m s ) = 66,886 N m = 66.89 kPa
3

(c) Uniform soil, D10 = 0.3 mm

Capillary rise using Eq. 6.5: Dpore = 0.2(D10 ) = (0.2)(0.3) = 0.06 mm
Eq. 6.5: hc =

0.03 m
= 0.5 m
0.06 mm

Capillary tension using Eq. 6.6b: uc = ( 0.5 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81 m s ) = 4905 N m = 4.90 kPa
3

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Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

6-4. A tube, similar to that shown in Fig. 6.12, has a 0.0025-mm inside diameter and is open at
both ends. The tube is held vertically and water is added to the top end. What is the maximum
height h of the column of water that will be supported? [Hint: A meniscus will form at the top and
at the bottom of the column of water, as shown in Fig. P6.4.] (After Casagrande, 1938.)

SOLUTION:
From vertical equilibrium, Eq. 6.4a becomes: hc =
hc =

2T cos
d w g

2(0.03 m)
= 24.0 m
0.0025 mm

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Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

6-6. Figure P6.6 shows an angled, glass capillary tube with diameter 110 m. Other dimensions
are shown. (a) Where will the top of the capillary rise be? (b) What is the water pressure in the
horizontal section of the tube, in kPa? (c) What air pressure should be applied to the top opening
in the tube to cause the water level to be at 10 cm above the free water surface?

SOLUTION:
For pure water at 20 deg C, use Eq. 6.5 to calculate height of capillary rise; hc =

0.03 m
d mm

0.03 m
= 0.273 m = 27.3 cm above the free water surface
(110)(10)3 mm
or, 12.3 cm above the horizontal tube section

(a) hc =

(b) hw = 12.3 cm; u = hw w g = ( 0.123 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81 m s ) = 1206.6 N m = 1.21kPa

3

(c) hw = 27.3 10 = 17.3 cm; u = hw w g = (0.173 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81 m s ) = 1697.1 N m = 1.70 kPa
3

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Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

6-7. A glass tube with inside diameter 150 m is placed in a water bath. (a) How high will the
water rise inside the tube? Give your answer in cm. (b) What will the water pressure be halfway
between the free water surface and the water level in the tube (i.e., at hc/2)? Give your answer in
kN/m2. (c) If the tube is intended to model soil void size, what would the effective grain size of the
soil be? (d) What air pressure (+ or -) would have to be applied to the tube to get the water in the
tube to rise 25 cm above the free water surface? Give your answer in kN/m2.
SOLUTION:
For pure water at 20 deg C, use Eq. 6.5 to calculate height of capillary rise; hc =
(a) hc =

0.03 m
d mm

0.03 m
= 0.20 m = 20 cm above the free water surface
(150)(10)3 mm

(b) hw = 10.0 cm;

u = hw w g = ( 0.10 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81 m s ) = 981 N m = 0.981 kN m

3

(c) Use Eq. 6.5 and assume the effective pore diameter is about 20% of D10 .
0.10 =

0.03
(0.20)D10

D10 = 1.5 mm

(d) u = hw w g = (0.20 0.25 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81 m s ) = 490.5 N m = 0.491 kN m (suction pressure)

3

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Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

6.8. Figure P6.8 shows a tube with two sections, each with a different diameter, d1 and d2. The
tube is placed in the water bath as shown. (a) How high above the phreatic surface will the water
rise in the tube due to capillarity? What is the pore pressure at the surface of the capillary rise?
(b) If the capillary rise you found in part (a) occurred in a soil, what would you estimate as the
soils D10?

SOLUTION:
For pure water at 20 deg C, use Eq. 6.5 to calculate height of capillary rise; hc =

0.03 m
d mm

0.03 m
= 0.05 m = 5 cm
(0.6) mm
0.03 m
= 0.075 m = 7.5 cm
hc2 =
(0.4) mm
capillary rise above the free water = 7.5 cm
(a) hc1 =

u = hc w g = ( 0.075 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81 m s ) = 735.75 N m = 0.736 kN m

3

(b) Use Eq. 6.5 and assume the effective pore diameter is about 20% of D10 .
0.075 =

0.03
(0.20)D10

D10 = 2.0 mm

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Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

6-9. Figure P6.9 shows a long, thin tube which was filled with a clay and placed in a water bath.
The D10 for the clay is shown. (a) How high, hc, will the water rise in the tube? (b) What is the
capillary pressure at hc, in kN/m2?

SOLUTION
(a) Use Eq. 6.5 and assume the effective pore diameter is about 20% of D10.
hc =

0.03 m
= 0.652 m
(0.20)(230)(10)3

(b) Capillary tension, Eq. 6.6b: uc = ( 0.652 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81 m s ) = 6397.8 N m = 6.40 kN m
3

6-11. Assume that equations developed for height of capillary rise in constant-diameter tubes
can be applied. Calculate the net compressive stress on a soil pat at the shrinkage limit where the
average diameter of the surface pores is 0.0012 mm.
SOLUTION:
Use Eq. 6.5 and assume the effective pore diameter is about 20% of D10 .
hc =

0.03 m
= 125 m
(0.20)(0.0012 mm)

Eq. 6.6b: uc = (125 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81 m s ) = 1,226,250 N m = 1226 kN m

3

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Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

6-12. Estimate the shrinkage limits of the soils AF in Problem 2.58.

SOLUTION:
Estimate the Shrinkage Limit (SL) using the two approximate approaches described in the text:
1) Eq. 6.12 based on vertical distance from the A-Line and 2) Casagrandes graphical method
using hinge point (-43.5, -46.4), as illustrated in Fig. 6.14 (see diagram below).
pi
-9.89
+4.95
-6.05
-+5.84
-2.8

Soil
A
B
C
D
E
F

(1) SL = 20 pi
10
25
14
NP
26
17

(2) SL - graphical
8
26
14
NP
28
18

Atterberg Limit Chart

50

(F)
Plasticity Index, PI

30

(C)
10

(B)

(A)
(E)
-50

-40

-30

-20

-10
0
-10

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

-30

(-43.5, -46.4)

-50

Liquid Limit, LL

6-13. During a shrinkage limit test on a silty clay, the volume of the dry soil pat was found to be
11.02 cm3 and its dry mass was 22.78 g. If the shrinkage limit was 10.9, what is the density of the
soil solids?
SOLUTION:
11.02 1
Using Eq. 6.10; 0.109 =
1 g cm
22.78
s

s = 2.67

g
cm3

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Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

6-14. Estimate the volume change of an organic silty clay with LL = 65 and PL = 38, when its
water content is reduced from 48% to 18%.
SOLUTION:
Perform calculations for 1 Mg of soil; i.e., Mt = 1Mg (initial)
Mw = (0.48)Ms ;

Mt = 1 = (0.48)Ms + Ms

Ms = 0.676 Mg

Estimate the SL using Eq. 6.12, SL = 20 pi

PI = 65 38 = 27
Distance from A-line: PIA line = 0.73(LL 20) = 0.73( 65 20) = 32.85
pi = 32.85 27 = 5.85
SL = 20 + 5.85 = 25.85 26

(Casagran d e's graphical method yields similar results)

The final water content is less than the SL. Thus, assume S=100% at the SL, and
no additional volume change occurs below w = 26%.
Use Eq. 6.11 to determine V = Vi Vdry
V(1 Mg m )
0.26 = 0.48

0.676 Mg
V = 0.15 m3 of swell per 1000 kg of soil at w initial =48%
3

Atterberg Limit Chart

50

Plasticity Index, PI

30

6.14

10

-50

-40

-30

-20

-10
0
-10

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

-30

(-43.5, -46.4)

-50

Liquid Limit, LL

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Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

6-16. A saturated sample of clay with an SL of 20 has a natural water content of 32%. What
would its dry volume be as a percentage of its original volume if s is 2.67?
SOLUTION:
Vdry 1
Eq. 6.10: SL =
w 100%
Ms s
Ms = s Vs = 2.67Vs
d =

s
2.67
=
= 1.44 Mg m
ws
(0.32)(2.67)
1+
1+
(1 Mg m )
w

d =

Ms
;
Vt

2.67Vs = (1.44)Vt

Vs = 0.539Vt

Vdry
1 Mg
0.20 =

(1 m )
2.67Vs 2.67
Vdry
Vdry
= 1.534
= 1.534
Vs
0.539Vt
3

Vdry
Vt

= 0.827

Vdry = (82.7%)Vt

6-17. A sample of clayey silt is mixed at about its LL of 43. It is placed carefully in a small
porcelain dish with a volume of 18.9 cm3 and weighs 33.89 g. After oven drying, the soil pat
displaces 212.4 g of mercury. (a) Determine the SL of the soil sample. (b) Estimate the s of the
soil.
SOLUTION:
(Vi Vdry )w
(a) Eq. 6.11: SL = w i
100%
Ms

MHg
212.4 g
Hg =
13.6 g cm Vdry =
= 15.618 cm3
Vdry
13.6 g cm
3

w i = 0.43 =

Mw
Ms

Mw = 0.43Ms

Mt = 33.89 = Ms + 0.43Ms

Ms = 23.70 g

(18.9 15.618)(1.0)
SL = 43
100 = 29.2%
23.70

Vdry 1

(b) Eq. 6.10 : SL =

Ms s
15.618 1
0.292 =
(1.0)
s
23.7
g
s = 2.72 cm

w 100%

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Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

6-18. The LL of a bentonitic clay is 442 and the PL is 69. The SL was determined to be about 9.
Calculate the expected volumetric decrease when a sample of this bentonite is dried, if its natural
water content was 91%.
SOLUTION:
Perform calculations for 1 Mg of soil; i.e., Mt = 1Mg (initial)
Mw = (0.91)Ms ;

Mt = 1 = (0.91)Ms + Ms

Ms = 0.524 Mg

Given : SL = 9
Use Eq. 6.11 to determine V = Vi Vdry
V(1 Mg m3 )
0.09 = 0.91

0.524 Mg
V = 0.43 m3 of swell per 1000 kg of soil at w initial =91%

6-19. The shrinkage limit of a 0.12 m3 sample of a clay is 13 and its natural water content is 29%.
Assume the density of the soil solids is 2.70 Mg/m3, and estimate the volume of the sample when
the water content is 11.8%.
SOLUTION:
SL = 0.13 =

Mw
Ms

Vt = Vs + Vw = 0.12 =
0.12 = 0.5Ms

Mw = 0.13Ms
Ms Mw Ms 0.13Ms
+
=
+
s w 2.7
1.0

Ms = 0.24 Mg

Vdry
1
w 100%
Eq. 6.10 : SL =

M
s
s
Vdry
1
3

0.13 =
; Vdry = 0.12 m
0.24 2.70
At w = 11.8% :
Mw = 0.118Ms = (0.118)(0.24) = 0.0283 Mg
Vw =

Mw 0.0283
=
= 0.0283 m3
w
1.0

Vt = Vdry + Vw = 0.12 + 0.0283 = 0.148 m3

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Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

6-20. During the determination of the shrinkage limit of a sandy clay, the following laboratory
data was obtained:
Wet wt. of soil + dish = 91.04 g
Dry wt. of soil + dish = 78.22 g
Wt. of dish = 51.55 g
Volumetric determination of soil pat:
Wt. of dish + mercury = 430.80 g
Wt. of dish = 244.62 g
Calculate the shrinkage limit of the soil, assuming s = 2.65 Mg/m3.
SOLUTION:
wi =

Mw
91.04 78.22
100% =
100 = 48.07%
Ms
78.22 51.55

MHg = 430.8 244.62 = 186.18 g

Hg =

MHg
Vdry

13.6

g
cm3

Vdry =

186.18 g
= 13.69 cm3
13.6 g cm3

Ms = 78.22 51.55 = 26.67 g

Vdry
1
Eq. 6.10 : SL =
w 100%
Ms s
1
13.69
SL =

(100)
26.67 2.65
SL = 13.6

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Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

6-21. The LL of a medium sensitive Swedish postglacial clay is 61 and the PI is 32. At its natural
water content, the void ratio is 0.99, while after shrinkage the minimum void ratio is 0.69.
Assuming the density of the soil solids is 2.69, calculate the shrinkage limit of the clay.
SOLUTION:
(Vi Vdry ) w
Eq. 6.11: SL = w i
100%
Ms

V Vv f Vi Vdry
ei e f = v i
=
= 0.99 0.69 = 0.30
Vs
Vs

( V V ) = 0.30V
i

dry

w=

e w (0.99)(1.0 Mg m3 )
=
100 = 36.8%
(2.69 Mg m3 )
s

Eq. 6.11:

(0.30Vs )(1.0)
30
30
SL = 36.8
= 36.8
100 = 36.8
Ms
2.69
s

SL = 25.6
Estimate SL based on Atterberg Limits and Eq. 6.12; SL = 20 pi
Distance from A-line: PIA line = 0.73(LL 20) = 0.73(61 20) = 29.93
pi = 32 29.9 = 2.1
Estimated value :

SL = 20 + 2.1 22

6-23. Estimate the swelling potential of soils AF, Problems 2.56 and 2.58. Use both Table 6.2
and Fig. 6.21.
SOLUTION:
Expansion
SOIL

LL

PL

PI

Expansion

Potential

Potential

Activity

SL

p. 0.002 mm

p. 0.001 mm

(Table 6.2)

(Fig. 6.21)

13

--

10

Low

Low

35

29

1.5

25

Low

Low

35

18

17

1.5

14

11

10

Low

Low

--

NP

--

--

NP

Low

Low

28

NP

28

--

26

Low

Low

60

28

32

0.6

17

52

39

High to v. high

High

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Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

6-24. Estimate the frost susceptibility of soils AF, Problems 2.56 and 2.58, according to Beskow
(Fig. 6.29) and U. S. Army Corps of Engineers frost design classification system (Table 6.5).
SOLUTION:
Frost-

Frost-

Susceptibility

Susceptibility

SOIL

LL

PL

PI

p. 0.002 mm

p. 0.001 mm

(Fig. 6.29)

(Table 6.5)

13

non FH

very low to med.

35

29

potential FH

low to v. high

35

18

17

11

10

potential FH

low to v. high

--

NP

--

potential FH

v. low to med.

28

NP

28

potential FH

low to v. high

60

28

32

52

39

non FH

low to v. high

6-27. A soil has the following profile with depth: The water table is at a depth of 10 ft. Plot the
total stress, effective stresses, and pore pressure versus depth. Show all of your calculations.
Assume that there is no capillarity.
t = 110 pcf
t = 95 pcf
t = 113 pcf

0 10 ft
10 25 ft
25 50 ft
SOLUTION:

(psf)

Depth
(ft)

'
(psf)

u
(psf)

10

1100

1100

25

2525

936

1589

50

5350

2496

2854

Pressure (PSF)
0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

10

total stress
pore pressure
effective stress

Depth (FT)

20

30

40

50

60

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Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

6-28. Figure P6.28 shows the soil profile at the site of an existing warehouse (i.e., covers a large
area) that causes a surface loading of 2000 psf. Draw the v, v and u profiles with depth. Show
values at 0, 12, 25, 38 and 48 ft.

continued next page

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Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

6-28 SOLUTION:

Assume the top 12 ft of silty sand is dry (i.e., dry applies).

Depth
(ft)

(psf)

u
(psf)

'
(psf)

2000

2000

12

3296

3296

25

4843

811.2

4031.8

38

6390

1622.4

4767.6

48

7600

2246.4

5353.6

Pressure (psf)
0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10

total stress
pore pressure
effective stress

Depft (FT)

20

30

40

50

60

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Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

6-29. Refer to the soil profile shown in Fig. P6.29. (a) For the conditions shown, compute the v,
v and u values at the ground surface, water table, and at all soil layer interfaces. (b) During the
spring, the water rises to 4 ft above the ground surface. Determine the v, v and u at 25 ft.

SOLUTION:
For original conditions, assume top 5 ft of sand is dry (i.e., dry applies).
Depth (ft)
(ft)

original conditions shown

'
u
(psf)
(psf)

(psf)

550

550

10

1130

312

818

25
40

2915
4700

1248
2184

1667
2516

(psf)

spring conditions
'
u
(psf)
(psf)

3194.6

1809.6

1385

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Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

6.30. For the soil profile of Example 6.8 plot the total, neutral, and effective stresses with depth if
the groundwater table is lowered 4 m below the ground surface.
SOLUTION:

Assume groundwater is at a depth of 4 m below ground surface.

Use phase relations to determine d and sat for the upper sand layer.

n
0.5
2.70
=
= 1.0;
d = s =
= 1.35 Mg m
1 n 1 0.5
1 + e 1 + 1.0
+ w e 2.70 + (1.0)(1.0)
Re call : = g
sat = s
=
= 1.85 Mg m ;
1+ e
1 + 1.0
e=

'
(kPa)

(kPa)

u
(kPa)

0.00

0.00

0.00

26.49

0.00

26.49

Depth
(m)

52.97

0.00

52.97

131.45

39.24

92.21

Pressure (kPa)
0.00
0
1
2

20.00

40.00

60.00

80.00

100.00 120.00 140.00

total stress
pore pressure
effective stress

Depft (m)

3
4
5
6
7
8

6-31. Soil borings made at a site near Chicago indicate that the top 6 m is a loose sand and
miscellaneous fill, with the groundwater table at 3 m below the ground surface. Below this is a
fairly soft blue-gray silty clay with an average water content of 30%. The boring was terminated at
16 m below the ground surface when fairly stiff silty clay was encountered. Make reasonable
assumptions as to soil properties and calculate the total, neutral, and effective stresses at 3, 7,
12, and 16 m below the ground surface.
SOLUTION:

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Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

A reasonable range for the upper sand fill; dry = 13 to 15 kN m3

For the sand, assume dry = 14.0 kN m3 and sat = 15.0 kN m3
Use phase relations to estimate sat for the clay. Assume s = 2.70 Mg m3
sat =

(1 + w ) s
w s
1+
w

Depth
(m)

(1 + 0.30)(2.70)
= 1.94 Mg m3 ;
(0.30)(2.70)
1+
(1.0)

(kPa)

u
(kPa)

sat = (1.94)(9.81) = 19.0 kN m3

'
(kPa)

0.00

0.00

0.00

42.00

0.00

42.00

87.00

29.43

57.57

106.00

39.24

66.76

12

201.00

88.29

112.71

16

277.00

127.53

149.47

6-32. Plot the soil profile of Problem 6.31 and the total, neutral, and effective stresses with depth.
SOLUTION:
Pressure (kPa)
0.00
0
2
4

50.00

100.00

150.00

200.00

250.00

300.00

total stress
pore pressure
effective stress

Depft (m)

6
8
10
12
14
16
18

6-33. A soil profile consists of 5 m of compacted sandy clay followed by 5 m of medium dense
sand. Below the sand is a layer of compressible silty clay 20 m thick. The initial groundwater table
is located at the bottom of the first layer (at 5 m below the ground surface). The densities are 2.05
Mg/m3 (), 1.94 Mg/m3 ( sat), and 1.22 Mg/m3 () for the three layers, respectively. Compute the
effective stress at a point at mid-depth in the compressible clay layer. Then, assuming that the
medium dense sand remains saturated, compute the effective stress in the clay layer at midpoint

2011 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved. This publication is protected by Copyright and written permission should be obtained
from the publisher prior to any prohibited reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or likewise. For information regarding permission(s), write to: Rights and Permissions Department, Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458.

Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

again, when the groundwater table drops 5 m to the top of the silty clay layer. Comment on the
difference in effective stress.
SOLUTION:
Groundwater at 5 m
Depth

(kPa)
(m)

u
(kPa)

'
(kPa)

0.00

0.00

0.00

100.55

0.00

100.55

10

195.71

49.05

146.66

20

413.49

147.15

266.34

u
(kPa)

'
(kPa)

Groundwater at 10 m

Depth
(kPa)
(m)
0

0.00

0.00

0.00

100.55

0.00

100.55

10

195.71

0.00

195.71

20

413.49

98.10

315.39

Lowering the groundwater causes the effective stress at the center of the clay to increase from
266.3 to 315.4 kPa, an increase of 18%.

6-35. For the soil profile of Problem 6.31, calculate the horizontal, total, and effective stresses at
depths of 3, 7, 12, and 16 m, assuming (a) Ko is 0.45 and (b) Ko is 1.6.
SOLUTION:
(a) Ko = 0.45
h'
h

(b) Ko = 1.6
h '
h

Depth

v'

(m)

(kPa)

(kPa)

(kPa)

(kPa)

(kPa)

(kPa)

(kPa)

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

42.00

0.00

42.00

18.90

18.90

67.20

67.20

87.00

29.43

57.57

25.91

55.34

92.11

121.54

106.00

39.24

66.76

30.04

69.28

106.82

146.06

12

201.00

88.29

112.71

50.72

139.01

180.34

268.63

16

277.00

127.53

149.47

67.26

194.79

239.15

366.68

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from the publisher prior to any prohibited reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
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Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks

Chapter 6

6-36. The value of Ko for the compressible silty clay layer of Problem 6.33 is 0.68. What are the
total and effective horizontal stresses at mid-depth of the layer?
SOLUTION:
(a) For groundwater at 5 m:
'h = 'v K o = (266.34)(0.68) = 181.1 kPa
h = 'h + u = 181.1 + 147.15 = 328.3 kPa
(b) For groundwater at 10 m:
'h = 'v K o = (315.39)(0.68) = 214.5 kPa
h = 'h + u = 214.5 + 98.1 = 312.6 kPa

2011 Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved. This publication is protected by Copyright and written permission should be obtained
from the publisher prior to any prohibited reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording, or likewise. For information regarding permission(s), write to: Rights and Permissions Department, Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458.