CE 2251-Soil Mechanics Solved Anna University Question Bank

2013
CE 2251- Soil Mechanics Solved

Anna University Question Bank
Jijo James
Asst. Professor,
Department of Civil Engineering,
Tagore Engineering College, Chennai
Downloaded from http://jiotec.blogspot.in :: Thank You

2013 CE 2251- Soil Mechanics Solved Anna University Question Bank
Chapter I – Introduction
Part A
1. Distinguish between Residual and Transported soil. (AUC May/June 2012)

Based on location of deposition, soil can be Residual soils or Transported soils. Soils
that are deposited at the same place where they are formed are called as residual
soils. Soils that are transported by different agents at new locations are called as
transported soils.
2. Give the relation between γsat, G, γw and e. (AUC May/June 2012)

γsat= (Gs+ e).γw/ 1+e
3. What is porosity of a given soil sample? (AUC Apr / May 2011)

Porosity (n) of a given soil sample is the ratio of the volume of voids to the total
volume. n = Vv/V
4. What is water content in given mass of soil? (AUC Apr / May 2011)
The water content (w) in a given mass of soil is the ratio of the weight of water to
the weight of dry soil expressed in percentage. w = Ww/Wd x 100 %
5. A compacted sample of soil with a bulk unit weight of 19.62 kN/m 3 has a water
content of 15 per cent. What are its dry density, degree of saturation and air
content? Assume G = 2.65. (AUC Apr/May 2010)
Given:
γ = 19.62kN/m3
w = 15%
G = 2.65
To Find:
γd = γ/1+w  19.62/(1 + 0.15) = 17.061 kN/m3
e = (Gsγw/γd) – 1  (2.65 x 9.81/17.061) – 1 = 0.52
S = wGs/e  0.15 x 2.65/0.524 = 0.7586 or 75.86%
ac = 1 – S  1 – 0.7586 = 0.2414 or 24.14%
6. Two clays A and B have the following properties:

Atterberg limits Clay A Clay B
Liquid limit 44 % 55%
Plastic limit 29% 35%
Natural water content 30% 50%
Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

Which of the clays A or B would experience larger settlement under identical

loads? Why? (AUC Apr/May 2010)
IC = wL – w/IP
For Clay A, IC = (44 – 30)/(44 – 29) = 14/15 = 0.93
For Clay B, IC = (55 – 50)/(55 – 35) = 5/20 = 0.25
Since Clay B has lower consistency index which indicates the consistency of the soil is
very soft, close to being a slurry. Hence, Clay B will undergo larger settlement under
identical loads.
Part B
7. The mass of wet soil when compacted in a mould was 19.55 kN. The water content
of the soil was 16%. If the volume of the mould was 0.95 m3. Determine (i) dry unit
weight, (ii) Void ratio, (iii) degree of saturation and (iv) percent air voids. Take G =
2.68. (AUC May/June 2012)
Given:
W = 19.55kN
w = 16%
V = 0.95m3
Gs = 2.68
To Find:
γ = W/V  19.55/0.95 = 20.579 kN/m3
γd = γ/ 1+w  20.579/1+0.16 = 17.740 kN/m3
e = (Gsγw/γd) – 1  (2.68 x 9.81/ 17.740) – 1 = 0.482
S = wGs/e  0.16 x 2.68 / 0.482 = 0.8896 or 88.96%
Na = n.ac
n = e/ 1 +e  0.482/ 1 + 0.482 = 0.325 or 32.5%
ac = 1 – S  1 – 0.8896 = 0.1104 or 11.04%
na = n.ac  0.325 x 0.1104 = 0.0359
8. In a hydrometer analysis, the corrected hydrometer reading in a 1000 ml

uniform soil suspension at the start of sedimentation was 28. After a lapse of
30 minutes, the corrected hydrometer reading was 12 and the corresponding
effective depth 10.5 cm. the specific gravity of the solids was 2.68. Assuming the
viscosity and unit weight of water at the temperature of the test as 0.001 Ns/m2

and 9.81 kN/m3 respectively. Determine the weight of solids mixed in the
suspension, the effective diameter corresponding to the 30 minutes reading and
the percentage of particle finer than this size. (AUC May/June 2012)
Given:
Rc at start = 28
Rc at 30min = 12
He = 10.5
Gs = 2.68
η = 0.001Ns/m2
γw = 9.81 kN/m3
To Find:
η = 0.001Ns/m2  0.001/ 9.81 kgs/m2  0.001 x 1000/ 9.81 gs/m2 
0.001 x 1000/ 9.81 x 104 gs/cm2 = 1.019 x 10-5 gs/cm2
γs = Gsγw  2.68 x 1 = 2.68 g/cc
D = (18ηHe/(γs – γw)60t)1/2  (18 x 1.019 x 10-5 x 12/ (2.68 -1) x 60 x 30)1/2
D = 8.53 x 10-4 cm or 8.54μ
Ws = (Gs x Rc)/ (Gs – 1)1000  (2.68 x 28 / (2.68 – 1)1000) = 0.04466 g/ml or 44.66g
per 1000 ml
N = [(Gs x Rc)/(Gs – 1)] x 100  [(2.68 x 12/ (2.68 – 1)] x 100 = 43.36%
9. A soil sample has a porosity of 40 per cent. The specific gravity of solids is 2.70.
calculate i) Voids ratio ii) Dry density and iii) Unit weight if the soil is completely
saturated. (AUC Apr / May 2011)
Given:
n = 40%
Gs = 2.70
To Find:
e = n / 1- n  0.4 / 1 – 0.4 = 0.667
γd = Gsγw/ 1 + e  2.70 x 1 / 1 + 0.667 = 1.619 g/cc
γsat = (Gs + e)γw/ 1 + e  (2.70 + 0.667 ) x 1 / 1 + 0.667 = 2.019 g/cc or 19.814 kN/m3
10. A soil has a bulk unit weight of 20.11 KN/m3 and water content of 15
percent. Calculate the water content if the soil partially dries to a unit

weight of 19.42 KN/m3 and the voids ratio remains unchanged. (AUC Apr / May
2011)
Given:
γ = 20.11 kN/m3
w =15%
To Find:
γd = γ/ 1+w  20.11 / 1 + 0.15 = 17.486 kN/m3
when voids ratio does not change then the dry density remains the same, hence this
dry density is used to find the water content at the said bulk density.
γd = γ/ 1+w  w = (γ/ γd) – 1  (19.42/17.486) – 1 = 11.43 %
11. The following data on consistency limits are available for two soils A and B.
Atterberg limits Soil A Soil B
Plastic limit 16% 19%
Liquid limit 30% 52%
Flow Index 11 06
Natural water content 32% 40%
Find which soil is

(i) More plastic.
(ii) Better foundation material on remoulding.
(iii) Better shear strength as function of water content.
(iv) Better shear strength at plastic limit.
Classify the soil as per IS classification system. Do those soils have organic matter?
(AUC Apr/May 2010)
Page 125, Example 4.2 - Soil Mechanics and Foundations by B.C. Punmia

12. By three phase soil system, prove that the degree of saturation S (as ratio) in terms
of mass unit weight (γ), void ratio (e), specific gravity of soil grains (G) and unit
weight of water (γw) is given by the expression (AUC Apr/May 2010)
Page 16, Fig 2.3 and accompanying derivation - Basic and Applied Soil Mechanics
by Gopal Ranjan

Chapter II – Soil Water and Water Flow
Part A
1. What are the different types of soil water? (AUC May/June 2012)
The different types of soil water are as shown
2. List out the methods of drawing flow net. (AUC May/June 2012)
The various methods of obtaining flow nets are
(i) Analytical method
(ii) Electrical Flow Analogy
(iii) Capillary Flow Analogy
(iv) Sand Model
(v) Graphical Method
3. What is capillary rise? (AUC Apr / May 2011)

The rise of water in capillary tubes due to the existence of surface tension which
pulls the water up against the gravitational force is called as capillary rise (Hc). In
soils the voids which are continuous tend to act like a capillary tube through which
water rises above the water table due to surface tension. Hc = 4TCosα/γwd
4. What is surface tension? (AUC Apr / May 2011)

Surface Tension of water is the property of water which exists in the surface film of
water tending to reduce the contained volume into a form having the least surface
area.

5. Prove that effective stress in soil mass is independent of variation in water

table above the ground surface. (AUC Apr / May 2010)
Consider the height of water table above the surface of the soil be h metres. Let γsat
be the unit weight of the soil below. Let the depth at which the effective stress to be
found out be d metres below the surface of the soil.
σ = γw x h + γsat x d kN/m2
u = γw x (h + d) kN/m2
σ’ = σ – u  γw x h + γsat x d - γw x (h + d) = ( γsat - γw) x h
Let the case now be considered that the water table increases from h to (h+x)
metres and find effective stress at d metres below soil surface.
σ = γw x (h+x) + γsat x d kN/m2
u = γw x (h + x + d) kN/m2
σ’ = σ – u  γw x (h+x) + γsat x d - γw x (h + x + d) = ( γsat - γw) x h
In both cases the effective stress is the same irrespective of the water level above
the soil.
6. State and explain Darcy’s law. (AUC Apr / May 2010)

Darcy’s law states that the flow occurring per unit time is directly proportional to the
head causing flow (Δh) and the area of cross section of soil through which the flow
occurs (A) but inversely proportional to the length of the soil sample (L). It can be
mathematically stated as q = k.i.A, where k is the constant of proportionality which is
a soil property called coefficient of permeability, i is the hydraulic gradient which is
the ratio of Δh and L, and A is the area of cross section.
Part B
7. The subsoil strata at a site consist of fine sand 1.8 m thick overlying a
stratum of clay 1.6 m thick. Under the clay stratum lies a deposit of coarse sand
extending to a considerable depth. The water table is 1.5 m below the ground
surface. Assuming the top fine sand to be saturated by capillary water, calculate
the effective pressures at ground surface and at depths of 1.8 m, 3.4 m and 5.0
m below the ground surface. Assume for fine sand G = 2.65, e = 0.8 and for
coarse sand G = 2.66, e = 0.5. What will be the change in effective pressure at
depth 3.4 m, if no capillary water is assumed to be present in the fine sand and its
bulk unit weight is assumed to be 16.68 kN/m3. The unit weight of clay may be
assumed as 19.32 kN/m3 (AUC May/June 2012)
Given:
Fine Sand – 1.8 m thick; G = 2.65; e = 0.8; γ(sand) = 16.68 kN/m3
Clay – 1.6 m thick; γ(clay) = 19.32 kN/m3
Coarse sand – extends to great depth; G = 2.66; e = 0.5

Depth of water table – 1.5 m

To Find:
Determination of unit weight for different layers of soil
γsat (sand) = (Gs + e)γw / 1+e  (2.65 + 0.8) x 9.81 / 1 + 0.8 = 18.80 kN/m3
γsat (clay) = 19.32 kN/m3 – Given
γsat (Coarse sand) = (Gs + e)γw / 1+e  (2.66 + 0.5 ) x 9.81 / 1 + 0.5 = 20.67 kN/m3
Let the different depths be marked as follows
0m – A; 1.8m – B; 3.4m – C; 5m – D
Determination of total stress
σA = 0
σB = 1.8 x 18.80 = 33.84 kN/m2
σC = 1.8 X 18.80 + 1.6 X 19.32 = 64.75 kN/m2
σD = 1.8 X 18.80 + 1.6 X 19.32 + 20.67 x 1.6 = 97.82 kN/m2
Determination of Neutral Stress
uA = - 1.5 x 9.81 = 14.72 kN/m2
uB = 0
uC = 1.6 x 9.81 = 15.70 kN/m2
uD = 3.2 x 9.81 = 31. 39 kN/m2
Determination of effective stress
σ'A = 0 – (-15.70) = 14.72 kN/m2
σ’B = 33.84 – 0 = 33.84 kN/m2
σ’C = 64.75 – 15.70 = 49.05 kN/m2
σ’D = 97.82 – 31.39 = 66.43 kN/m2
When the sand above the water table is not saturated with capillary water, then the
unit weight for the sand will be different from that of the saturated sand.
γ(sand) = 16.68kN/m2 – Given
γsat (clay) = 19.32 kN/m3 – Given
σC = 1.8 X 16.68 + 0.3 x 18.80 + 1.6 X 19.32 = 61.57 kN/m2
uC = 1.6 x 9.81 = 15.70 kN/m2
σ’C = 61.57 – 15.70 = 45.87 kN/m2
The change in effective stress between the two cases = 49.05 – 45.87 = 3.18 kN/m2

8. In a constant head permeameter test, the following observations were taken.

Distance between piezometer tappings = 15 cm, difference of water levels in
piezometers = 40 cm, diameter of the test sample = 5 cm, quantity of water
collected = 500 ml, duration of the test = 900 sec. Determine the coefficient
of permeability of the soil. If the dry mass of the 15 cm long sample is 486 g and
specific gravity of the solids is 2.65. Calculate seepage velocity of water during the
test. (AUC May/June 2012)
Given:
L = 15 cm
h = 40 cm
d = 5 cm
Q =500 ml
t = 900 s
M = 486 g
Gs = 2.65
To Find:
A = (π/4) x 52 = 19.63 cm2
k = QL/Aht  500 x 15 / 19.63 x 40 x 900 = 0.0106 cm/s
γd = Ws/V = 486/(π/4 x 52 x 15) = 1.65 g/cc
e = (Gsγw/γd) – 1  (2.65 x 1/1.65) – 1 = 0.606
n = e/ 1 + e  0.606/ 1 + 0.606 = 0.377
vs = v/n
v = k x i  0.0106 x 40 /15 = 0.0283 cm/s
vs = 0.0283/0.377 = 0.751 cm/s
9. (i) Explain the falling head permeability test.

Page 141, 142 - Basic and Applied Soil Mechanics by Gopal Ranjan
(ii) What are the applications of flow net and explain briefly? (AUC Apr / May 2011)
Page 176 – 180 - Basic and Applied Soil Mechanics by Gopal Ranjan
10. Determine the effective stress at 2m, 4m, 6m, 8m and 10m is a soil mass
having γs=21 KN/m3. Water table is 2m below ground surface. Above water table
there is capillary rise upto ground surface. Also draw total stress diagram up to
10m. (AUC Apr / May 2011)

Given:
γsat= 21 kN/m3
To Find:
Determination of Total Stress
σA = 0
σB = 2 X 21 = 42 kN/m2
σC = 4 X 21 = 84 kN/m2
σD = 6 X 21 = 126 kN/m2
σE = 8 X 21 = 168 kN/m2
σF = 10 X 21 = 210 kN/m2
Determination of Neutral Stress
uA = - 2 x 9.81 = 19.22 kN/m2
uB = 0
uC = 2 x 9.81 = 19.62 kN/m2
uD = 4 x 9.81 = 39.24 kN/m2
uE = 6 X 9.81 = 58.86 kN/m2
uF = 8 X 9.81 = 78.48 kN/m2
Determination of Effective Stress
σ'A = 0 – (- 19.62) = 19.62 kN/m2
σ’B = 42 - 0 = 42 kN/m2
σ’C = 84 – 19.62 = 64.38 kN/m2
σ’D = 126 – 39.24 = 86.76 kN/m2
σ’E = 168 – 58.86 = 109.14 kN/m2
σ’F = 210 – 78.48 = 131.52 kN/m2
11. Compute the total, effective and pore pressure at a depth of 20 m below the
bottom of a lake 6m deep. The bottom of lake consists of soft clay with a
thickness of more than 20 m. The average water content of the clay is 35% and
specific gravity of the soil may be assumed to be 2.65. (AUC Apr / May 2010)
Page 170, Example 6.11 - Soil Mechanics and Foundations by B.C.Punmia

12. What will be the ratio of average permeability in horizontal direction to that
in the vertical direction for a soil deposit consisting of three horizontal layers, if
the thickness and permeability of second layer are twice of those of the first and
those of the third layer twice those of second? (AUC Apr / May 2010)
Let the thickness of layer one be H and its permeability be k. Then the thickness of
layer two below it is 2H and its permeability is 2k. The thickness of layer three is then
4H and 4k.
kh = Σ(kiHi)/ ΣHi where i = 1, 2, 3 representing no. of layers
kv = Σ(Hi)/ Σ(ki/Hi) where i = 1, 2, 3 representing no. of layers
For the given stratum of soil with three layers
kh = (kH + 2k x 2H + 4k x 4H) / ( H + 2H + 4H) = (kH + 4kH + 16kH)/(7H) = 21kH/7H = 3k
kv = (H + 2H + 4h)/(h/k + 2H/2k +4H/4k) = 7H/(3H/k) = 7k/3
Ratio of horizontal to vertical permeability
kh/kv = 3k/(7k/3) = 9/7

Chapter III – Stress Distribution, Compressibility and Settlement

Part A
1. What is the use of influence chart in soil mechanics? (AUC May/June 2012)
Influence charts enable fairly accurate determination of vertical stress at any point
under a uniformly loaded area of any shape. They simplify the process when
complex loaded areas are encountered.
2. Differentiate between ‘Compaction’ and ‘Consolidation’. (AUC May/June 2012)
Compaction Consolidation
 Expulsion of air  Expulsion of water
 Soil involved is partially saturated  Soil involved is fully saturated
 Applies to cohesive as well as  Applied to cohesive soil only
cohesionless soils  Static loading is commonly
 Dynamic loading is common applied
 Quick process  Slow process
 Complex phenomenon  Simple phenomenon
 Useful in embankments and dams  Useful in improving properties of
foundation soil
3. When a soil mass is said to be homogeneous? (AUC Apr / May 2011)

A soil is said to be homogeneous when all its particles are same or of similar nature.
4. What are isobars? (AUC Apr / May 2011)

These are curves or contours connecting points below the ground surface of equal
vertical pressure. An isobar diagram consists of a family of isobars of various
intensities. The zone in a loaded soil mass bounded by an isobar of given vertical
pressure intensity is called as a pressure bulb.
5. Explain the method of estimating vertical stress using Newmark’s influence chart.
(AUC Apr / May 2010)
The loaded area with load intensity q is to be drawn to scale such that the depth of
the point where the stress is to be found out is made equal to the length of line AB
on the chart. The scaled loaded area is then superimposed on the chart with the
point where the stress is to be found out lying on centre of the chart. Then the
number of segments, N, falling within the loaded area is counted and the stress is
found out using σz = N x q x influence value of chart

6. What are the assumptions made in Terzaghi’s one dimensional consolidation
theory? (AUC Apr / May 2010)
a. The soil is homogeneous and fully saturated
b. Soil particles and water are incompressible
c. Darcy’s law for velocity of flow through soil is perfectly valid
d. Co-efficient of permeability is constant during consolidation
e. Load is applied in only one direction and the soil is restrained against lateral
deformation
f. Excess pore water drains only in the vertical direction
g. The time lag in consolidation is entirely due to the permeability of soil
Part B
7. Explain with a neat sketch the Terzhaghi’s one dimensional consolidation theory.
(AUC May/June 2012)
Theory part - Page 340, Section 15.2 – Soil Mechanics and Foundations by
B.C.Punmia
Derivation – Page 346, Section 15.5 - Soil Mechanics and Foundations by B.C.Punmia
Or
Theory – Page 228 - Basic and Applied Soil Mechanics by Gopal Ranjan
Derivation – Page 230 - Basic and Applied Soil Mechanics by Gopal Ranjan
8. (i) The load from a continuous footing of width 2m, which may be considered to be
strip load of considerable length, is 200 kN/m2. Determine the maximum principal
stress at 1.5m depth below the footing, if the point lies (i) directly below the centre
of the footing, (ii) directly below the edge of the footing and (iii) 0.8m away from
the edge of the footing.
Given:
B = 2m
q = 200 kN/m2
d = 1.5m
To Find:
σZ = (q/π) x ( θ + Sin θ) where θ is in radians
σZ at 1.5m below centre
θ/2 = tan-1(1/1.5) = 0.588  θ = 2 x 0.588 = 1.176
σZ = (200/π) x ( 1.176 + sin 1.176) = 133.63 kN/m2
σZ at 1.5 m below edge
θ = tan-1(2/1.5) = 0.927
σZ = (200/π) x ( 0.927 + sin 0.927) = 109.93 kN/m2

σZ at 1.5m below and 0.8 m away from edge
θ = θ2 – θ1  tan-1(2.8/1.5) - tan-1(0.8/1.5) = 1.079 – 0.490 = 0.589
σZ = (200/π) x ( 0.589 + sin 0.589) = 72.86 kN/m2
(ii) What are different components of settlement? Explain in detail. (AUC May/June
2012)
• Immediate settlement
▫ Occurs immediately after construction
▫ Calculated using elastic theory
▫ Important for granular soils
• Primary Consolidation
▫ Occurs gradually due to dissipation of pore pressure and consequent
expulsion of water from voids resulting in volume change
▫ Important for inorganic clays
• Secondary Consolidation
▫ Occurs at constant effective stress
▫ Several theories including plastic rearrangement, colloidal-chemical
processes, disintegration of clay particles have been put forward to
explain this phenomenon
▫ Important for organic clays
9. Explain the Newmark’s influence chart in detail. (AUC Apr / May 2011)
Page 312, Section 13.9 - Soil Mechanics and Foundations by B.C.Punmia
Or
Page 208, Section 8.5 - Basic and Applied Soil Mechanics by Gopal Ranjan
10. (i) How will you determine preconsolidation pressure?

Perform the consolidation test on an
undisturbed specimen of soil and plot the
results in the form oan e Vs log P curve. Draw a
horizontal line from the point of maximum
curvature on the curve. Draw a tangent to the
curve the at this point. Bisect the angle formed
between the two lines by drawing an angle
bisector. Produce backwards the straight line
portion of the curve to intersect the angle
bisector. Drop a vertical line from the point of intersection to the x axis and read the
value of pre-consolidation pressure at that point.

(ii) How will you determine coefficient of compression index (C C) from an

oedomoter test? (AUC Apr / May 2011)
11. A water tank is supported by a ring foundation having outer diameter of 10 m and
inner diameter of 7.5 m. the ring foundation transmits uniform load intensity of
160 kN/m2. Compute the vertical stress induced at depth of 4 m, below the centre
of ring foundation, using (i) Boussinesque analysis and (ii) Westergaard’s analysis,
taking µ = 0
12. A stratum of clay with an average liquid limit of 45% is 6m thick. Its surface is
located at a depth of 8m below the ground surface. The natural water content of
the clay is 40% and the specific gravity is 2.7. Between ground surface and clay,
the subsoil consists of fine sand. The water table is located at a depth of 4m below
the ground surface. The average submerged unit weight of sand is 10.5 kN/m 3 and
unit weight of sand above the water table is 17 kN/m3. The weight of the building
that will be constructed on the sand above clay increases the overburden pressure

on the clay by 40 kN/m2. Estimate the settlements of the building. (AUC Apr / May
2010)
Pressure on the top of clay due to overburden σ

Chapter IV – Shear Strength
Part A
1. What is the effect of pore pressure on shear strength of soil? (AUC May/June 2012)
Pore pressure increase in the soil results in the reduction of effective stress, which in
turn results in the reduction of shear stress as shear stress ’ = c’ + ’f tan ’
2. State the principles of Direct shear test? (AUC May/June 2012)

In principle, the shear box is an ‘angle of friction’ test, in which one portion of soil is
made to slide along another by the action of steadily increasing horizontal shearing
force, while a constant load is applied normal to the plane of relative movement.
3. What is shear strength of soil? (AUC Apr / May 2011)

The shear strength of soil is the resistance to deformation by continuous shear
displacement of soil particles or on masses upon the action of shear stress. Shear
strength of a soil is equal to the maximum value of shear stress that can be mobilized
within a soil mass without failure taking place.
4. Write down the Coulomb’s expression for shear strength. (AUC Apr / May 2011)
s = c + f tan
where, s = shear stress on the failure plane
c = apparent cohesion
f = normal stress on the failure plane
= angle of internal friction
5. What are different types of triaxial compression tests based on drainage

conditions? (AUC Apr / May 2010)
The different types of triaxial tests based on drainage are Unconsolidated Undrained
(UU) Test, Consolidated Undrained (CU) Test and Consolidated drained (CD) test.
6. Explain the Mohr–Coulomb failure theory. (AUC Apr / May 2010)

It is based on the hypothesis that materials fail when the shear stress on the failure
plane reaches a value which is unique function of normal stress on that plane.
ff= f( ff)
When the soil sample has failed, the shear stress on the failure plane defines the
shear strength of the soil. If data from several tests, carried out on different samples
up to failure is available, a series of Mohr circles can be plotted. A line tangential to
the Mohr circles can be drawn, and is called the Mohr-Coulomb failure envelope. If
the stress condition for any other soil sample is represented by a Mohr circle that

lies below the failure envelope, every plane within the sample experiences a shear
stress which is smaller than the shear strength of the sample.
Part B
7. Explain with neat sketches the procedure of conducting direct shear test. Give its
advantages over other methods of finding shear strength of soil. (AUC May/June
2012)
Or
8. (i) Write a brief critical note on unconfined compression test.

Page 300 - Basic and Applied Soil Mechanics by Gopal Ranjan
Or
(ii) What are the advantages and disadvantages of triaxial compression test. (AUC
May/June 2012)
Advantages
• The soil samples are subjected to uniform stresses and strains.
• Different combinations of confining and axial stresses can be applied.
• Drained and undrained tests can be carried out.
• Pore water pressures can be measured in undrained tests.
• The complete stress-strain behaviour can be determined.
Disadvantages
• The test procedure is complex and care has to be taken while carrying out the
testing.
• Takes long time for completion of tests in the case of drained tests on clays.
Or
Page 441 - Soil Mechanics and Foundations by B.C.Punmia
9. (i) Explain the Triaxial compression test to determine the shear strength of soil.
Or
(ii) Explain drained behavior of clay with reference to shear strength. (AUC Apr /
May 2011)
Page 307 - Basic and Applied Soil Mechanics by Gopal Ranjan
Or
Page 460, Sectio (e) - Soil Mechanics and Foundations by B.C.Punmia

10. (i) Explain the direct shear test to determine the shear strength of soil.
Or
(ii) Explain the Mohr-Coulomb failure theory. (AUC Apr / May 2011)
Or
11. Obtain the relationship between the principal stresses in triaxial compression test
using Mohr-Coulomb failure theory. (AUC Apr / May 2010)
Page 440 - Soil Mechanics and Foundations by B.C.Punmia

12. Two identical soil specimens were tested in a triaxial apparatus. First specimen
failed at a deviator stress of 770 kN/m2 when the cell pressure was 2000 kN/m2.
Second specimen failed at a deviator stress of 1370 kN/m2 under a cell pressure of
400 kN/m2. Determine the value of c and Φ analytically. If the same soil is tested in
a direct shear apparatus with a normal stress of 600 kN/m 2, estimate the shear
stress at failure. (AUC Apr / May 2010)

Chapter V – Slope Stability
Part A
1. What do you mean by Tension crack? (AUC May/June 2012)

Tension crack is a crack that develops at the top surface of a slope made of cohesive
soil when slip is imminent, along which no shear resistance can develop. The depth
of the tension crack is given by hc = 2c/γ, where c is the cohesion of the soil and γ is
the unit weight of the soil
2. Define critical surface of failure. (AUC May/June 2012)

The critical surface of failure may be defined as the failure surface that has the least
factor of safety against failure i.e. it is the surface along which the failure is most
likely to occur.
3. State the two basic types of failure occurring in finite slopes. (AUC Apr / May 2011)
The two basic types of failure that occurs in finite slopes are
(i) slope failure – Types - Toe failure and face failure
(ii) base failure
4. What is a slide? (AUC Apr / May 2011)

A slide may be defined as the movement of soil down a slope due to slope failure
along the surface of failure.
5. Write down the expression for factor of safety of an infinite slope in case of
cohesion less soil. (AUC Apr / May 2010)
F = tan φ / tan i, where φ is the angle of internal friction and i is the slope angle.
6. Differentiate finite slope and infinite slope. (AUC Apr / May 2010)
If the slope represents the boundary surface of a semi infinite soil mass and the soil
properties for all identical depths below the surface are constant, it is called as an
infinite slope.
If the slope is of limited extent, then it is called as a finite slope.
Part B
7. A canal is to be excavated to a depth of 6m below ground level through a soil

having the following characteristics c = 15 kN/m2, Φ = 20°, e = 0.9 and G = 2.67. The
slope of the banks is 1 in 1. Determine the factor of safety with respect to cohesion
when the canal runs full. What will be the factor of safety if the canal is rapidly
emptied completely? (AUC May/June 2012)
Given:
i = 45o
φ = 20o
c = 15 kN/m2

G = 2.67
H = 6m
To Find:
γsat = (G + e).γw / 1 + e  (2.67 + 0.9 ) x 9.81 / 1 + 0.9 = 18.43 kN/m3
γ’ = γsat - γw  18.43 – 9.81 = 8.62 kN/m3
Submerged Case:
For i = 45o and φ = 20o, Sn = 0.062 (From Taylor’s Chart)
Fc = c/γ’.H.Sn  15/ (8.62 x 6 x 0.062) = 4.677
Drawdown Case:
φw = (γ’/γsat) φ  (8.62/18.43) x 20 = 9.35o
For this weighted friction angle Sn from Taylor’s chart is 0.112
Fc = c/γsat.H.Sn  15/ (18.43 x 6 x 0.112) = 1.211
8. Explain with neat sketches the Bishop’s method of stability analysis. (AUC
May/June 2012)
Or
9. (i) Explain the Swedish slip circle method in detail.

Or
(ii) Explain Taylor’s stability number and its applicability. (AUC Apr / May 2011)
Or
10. (i) Explain in detail the friction circle method of stability analysis for slopes with
sketch.
Or
(ii) Explain any four methods of slope protection. (AUC Apr / May 2011)
 Surface Treatment
 Vegetation
 Wattling and Filter Strips
 Brush Layering
 Mechanical Treatment

 Mass Movement Protection

 Excavation and Filling Techniques
 Drainage Techniques
 Restraining Structures
 Miscellaneous Methods
11. Explain the procedure to calculate the factor of safety of a finite slope possessing
both cohesion and friction (c - Φ) by method of slices. (AUC Apr / May 2010)
Or
12. A slope is to be constructed in a soil for which c = 0 and Φ = 36°. It is to be assumed

that the water level may occasionally reach the surface of a slope with seepage
taking place parallel to the slope. Determine the maximum slope angle for a factor
of safety 1.5, assuming a potential failure surface parallel to the slope. What would
be the factor of safety of the slope, constructed at this angle, if the water table
should be below the surface? The saturated unit weight of the soil is 19 kN/m 3.
(AUC Apr / May 2010)
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CE 2251- Soil Mechanics Solved

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1. Distinguish between Residual and Transported soil. (AUC May/June 2012)

2. Give the relation between γsat, G, γw and e. (AUC May/June 2012)

3. What is porosity of a given soil sample? (AUC Apr / May 2011)

6. Two clays A and B have the following properties:

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

Which of the clays A or B would experience larger settlement under identical

8. In a hydrometer analysis, the corrected hydrometer reading in a 1000 ml

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

Find which soil is

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

Chapter II – Soil Water and Water Flow

3. What is capillary rise? (AUC Apr / May 2011)

4. What is surface tension? (AUC Apr / May 2011)

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

5. Prove that effective stress in soil mass is independent of variation in water

6. State and explain Darcy’s law. (AUC Apr / May 2010)

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

Depth of water table – 1.5 m

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

8. In a constant head permeameter test, the following observations were taken.

9. (i) Explain the falling head permeability test.

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

Chapter III – Stress Distribution, Compressibility and Settlement

2. Differentiate between ‘Compaction’ and ‘Consolidation’. (AUC May/June 2012)

3. When a soil mass is said to be homogeneous? (AUC Apr / May 2011)

4. What are isobars? (AUC Apr / May 2011)

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

σZ = (200/π) x ( 0.927 + sin 0.927) = 109.93 kN/m2

10. (i) How will you determine preconsolidation pressure?

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

(ii) How will you determine coefficient of compression index (C C) from an

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

Pressure on the top of clay due to overburden σ

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

Chapter IV – Shear Strength

2. State the principles of Direct shear test? (AUC May/June 2012)

3. What is shear strength of soil? (AUC Apr / May 2011)

5. What are different types of triaxial compression tests based on drainage

6. Explain the Mohr–Coulomb failure theory. (AUC Apr / May 2010)

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

8. (i) Write a brief critical note on unconfined compression test.

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

Chapter V – Slope Stability

1. What do you mean by Tension crack? (AUC May/June 2012)

2. Define critical surface of failure. (AUC May/June 2012)

4. What is a slide? (AUC Apr / May 2011)

7. A canal is to be excavated to a depth of 6m below ground level through a soil

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

9. (i) Explain the Swedish slip circle method in detail.

Jijo James, Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, Tagore Engineering College

 Mass Movement Protection

12. A slope is to be constructed in a soil for which c = 0 and Φ = 36°. It is to be assumed

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