Soil Mechanics II

Problems - Chapter 12

Problem # 12.1
A normally consolidated clay was consolidated under a stress of 150.8 kN/m2, then sheared undrained
in axial compression. The principal stress difference at failure was 100.5 kN/m2 , and the induced pore
pressure at failure was 88.5 kN/m2 .

a. Determine the Mohr-Coulomb strength parameters, in terms of both total and effective
stresses analytically
b. Compute (1/3)f and (1/3)f
c. Determine the theoretical angle of the failure plane in the specimen

Problem # 12.2
A cylindrical sample of soil having a cohesion of 80 kN/m2 and an angle of internal friction of 20o is
subjected to a cell pressure of 100 kN/m2
Determine:
a. the maximum deviator stress at which the sample will fail ( 1 3 ) f
b. the angle made by the failure plane with the axis of the sample

Problem # 12.3
A soil has an unconfined compressive strength of 120 kN/m2. In a triaxial compression test a
specimen of the same soil when subjected to a chamber pressure of 40 kN/m2 failed at an additional
stress of 160 kN/m2. Determine:

a. The shear strength parameters of the soil

b. The angle made by the failure plane with the axial stress in the triaxial test.

Problem # 12.4
The results of a direct shear test on a specimen of dry sand are as follows:

=96.6kPa; =67.7kPa at failure. By means of a Mohrs circle of stresses, find the magnitude
and directions of the principle stresses acting on a soil element within the zone of failure

Problem # 12.5
A CU triaxial compression test is performed on a sample of saturated clay. The clay is
anisotropically consolidated, and 3=0.61. The slope of the Kf line is 28o. At the start of the
test, 3 is 24kPa and 1 is 40 kPa. Use the stress path method to determine the value of axial
pressure when the effective stress path intersects the Kf line and the sample shears. Assume
that the skempton pore pressure coefficient at failure Af is 1