Fe Unit 1

CE 6502 -FOUNDATION ENGINEERING PREPARED BY A.
SATHIYA PRIYA AP/ CIVIL

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING MAILAM ENGINEERING COLLEGE
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UNIT –I
SITE INVESTIGATION AND SELECTTION OF FOUNDATION‟
Two marks
1. What is soil exploration?
The field and laboratory studies carried out for obtaining the necessary information
about the subsoil characteristics including the position of ground water table are known
as soil exploration.
2. What is the scope of soil exploration?(May 2013)
To obtain the information about the stratigraphy (study of arrangement of strata) and
physical properties of the soil at site including the ground water table conditions of
site which may be required for the safe and economic design and execution of the
engineering work.
3. What are the methods of soil exploration? Or What are various methods of site
exploration? (Nov/Dec 2010)(Nov/Dec 2016)
The various methods of exploration may be grouped as follows

1) Open excavation
a)Hand Method
b) Mechanical operation
2) Boring
a) Auger boring
b) Auger and shell boring
c) Wash boring
d) Percussion boring
e) Rotary boring
3) Sub-surface sounding
CE 6502 -FOUNDATION ENGINEERING PREPARED BY A.SATHIYA PRIYA AP/ CIVIL

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a) Standard penetration test (SPT)
b) Dynamic cone penetration test (DCPT)
c) Static cone penetration test or Dutch cone test (SCPT or CPT)
4) Geophysical method
a)Electrical resistivity method
b) Seismic refraction method
4. What is preliminary investigation?
It consists of the geological study of the site and site reconnaissance. During the visit the
study of local topography, excavations, cuttings, drainage patterns, and other natural
factors like streams, flood marks , etc. are made.
5. What is detailed investigation? (Dec 2012)
It is to determine the nature, sequence and thickness of various subsoil layers. Lateral
variations of soil layers, physical properties and ground water table positions are also
determined.
6. What is boring? On what factors does it depend?
Making and advancing of bore holes by the process of drilling is known as boring.
It depends on the following factors:
a) Nature of soil.
b) Position of water table
c) The ease and accuracy with which the changes in the soil and ground water
conditions can be determined.
d) Disturbances of soil samples that are to be taken.
7. What are the methods of boring?

a) Auger boring b) Auger and shell boring c) Wash boring d) Percussion boring
e) Rotary boring

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8. What are the types of soil samples?
The types of soil sample are
a) Disturbed samples.
 Representative samples
 Non – representative samples
b) Undisturbed samples.
9. What are representative samples?
The natural soil structure gets modified or destroyed during the sample operation.
With suitable precautions, natural moisture content and the proportion of mineral
constituents can be preserved this types of sample is known as Representative samples
Representative samples are useful for identifications.
10. What are non- representative samples?
In addition to the alteration in the original soil structure, soils from the other layers get
mixed up and the mineral constituents get altered this type of sample is known as Non-
representative sample
Non-representative samples are of no use
11. What are undisturbed samples?
Undisturbed soil samples are the one in which the original soil structure and the
material properties are preserved.
12. What are the different types of samplers?
a) Open drive samplers

b) Stationary piston samplers
c) Rotary samplers

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13. What are the different types of field tests used in soil exploration?
a) Penetrometer test, b) Pressuremeter test, c) vane shear test, d) plate load test and
e) Geophysical methods.
14. Name the types of penetrometer tests followed for investigation?
a) Standard penetration test, b)Dynamic cone penetration test and c)static cone
penetration test (or Dutch cone test)
15. What is a site investigation report?
A site investigation report is the collection of the investigated data, exploration and
testing programme reports which may be required for long term or ongoing observations.
If required recommendations related to design and construction may also be suggested.
16. List the contents of soil investigation report.
1) Investigation, 2) borehole logs 3) final and laboratory results, 4) analysis of the data,
5) recommendations and 6) preferences.
17. What are the corrections to be applied for the N-Value obtained from the STP?
(1)Over burden correction (2) Dilatancy correction
18. What is inside clearance, outside clearance, area ratio and recovery ratio?What
is its use? (May 2009/May 2012)(Nov/Dec 2013) Explain the terms inside clearance,
outside clearance for a sampler (Nov/Dec 2014)

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Inside clearance:
𝐷3−𝐷1
Ci= 𝑋 100
𝐷1
D3- Sampler Inner Wall

D1 – Cutting edge / Drive shoe inner wall
Outside clearance:
𝐷2−𝐷4
Co = x 100 %
𝐷4
D2 - Cutting edge / Drive shoe Outer wall

D4- Sampler Outer Wall
D 2  D1
2 2
Area ratio:= 2
100%
D1
19. What is significant depth of exploration? (May 2004) (or) What is meant by
significant depth of investigation? (Nov/Dec 2014)
Depth of exploration is done till a suitable foundation material is found which can
withstand the load transferred to the soil from the structure within the permissible
limit of settlement. This depth is known as “Significant Depth of Exploration”.
20. List the important parameter to fix the significant depth of exploration. (May
2008)
Significant Depth of exploration should be carried to a depth such that the net increase in
soil stress due to load of the structure is less than 10 % of the average contact pressure.

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In the case of square loaded areas, the isobar of 10% intensity of loading at foundation
level extents to a depth of about twice the depth of the foundation below the base of the
foundation.
21. What are the factors affecting the sample disturbances? (Dec 2008)
Dimensions of the cutting edge and the sampling tube, the characteristics of non-return
valve and the wall friction are the major factors affecting the sample disturbances.
22. Write the function of bentonite slurry in rotary drilling method of boring (May
2012)
 Bentonite slurry or drilling mud is forced under pressure through the drill rod and
it comes up bringing the cuttings to the surface.
 Bentonite slurry is also used for eliminating the friction on the driving rods.
23. What is meant by RQD? (May 2012)
Rock Quality Designation (RQD). It is the ratio of the total length of the core recovered
to the length of the sampler used.
RQD=total length of rock core>100mm

Total length of core
24. Define Bore log and what are the uses of bore log repot? (Dec 2012) (or) Write
the uses of bore log report. (Nov/Dec2015)
Information on subsurface conditions obtained from the boring operation is
typically presented in the form of a record, commonly known as Bore Log or bore log
record.
Uses of Bore log report:
Bore Log is useful in describing or classifying the various soil and rock types
encountered, data regarding the ground water table and the list of methods used in

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sampling, site location, soil sampler used. Depth of exploration and diameter of bore
hole.
25. What is meant by site reconnaissance? (May 2013)
 An inspection of the site and study of topographical features is often helpful in

getting useful information about the soil and ground water conditions and in
deciding the future programme of exploration.
 Study of the following features may be useful
 Local topography, excavation, Quarries, evidence of erosion on landslide, water
level in well and streams, flood marks, drainage pattern etc.,
26. List out the method of sampling techniques (May/June 2009)
 Simple Random Sampling

 Systematic Sampling
 Stratified Sampling
 Cluster or Multi-stage Sampling
27.The internal diameter of a sampler is 40 mm and the external diameter is 42 mm,

will you consider the sample obtained from the sampler as disturbed or
undisturbed? (Apr/May 2011)
g iv e n
Di  40m m
Do  42m m
2 2
Do 
Di
Ar  2
100
Di
 40
2 2
42
 2
100
40
 1 0 .2 5 %  1 0 %
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Thus, the sample obtained from the sample is considered as a disturbed sample
28. What is the objective of site exploration? (May/June 2013)(Apr/May2018)
Following are some of the primary objectives of the site investigation:

 To determine the thickness of the strata, and to assess sequentially.
 To determine the quality of the bedrock and to verify the depth of the over
burdening soil.
 To determine the position limit and the fluctuations of the ground water
table during dry or wet seasons.
 To search the anomalies within the depth of exploration
29. List the field tests commonly used in subsurface investigation?(Nov/Dec 2013)
Grain size; Moisturecontent;Specific gravity; Liquid limit; Plastic limit; Shrinkage

limit;Compaction; Direct Shear; Permeability
30. What are the two common test used for determining the bearing capacity of the
soil?
(i) CBR-California bearing capacity test

(ii) Plate load test
31. What is meant by significant depth of investigation? (Nov/Dec 2014)
The depth at which suitable foundation material is found which can withstand the load
transferred to the soil from the structure within the permissible limit of settlement.
This depth is known as “Significant Depth of Exploration”.
32. What is the function of drilling mud? (Nov/Dec 2014)
 Control formation pressures

 Seal permeable formations
 Transmit hydraulic energy to tools and bit

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 Cool, lubricate and support the bit and drilling assembly
 Maintain wellbore stability
33. Differentiate: Non representative and undisturbed samples.(Apr/May 2015)
(May/June 2016)
Sl Non representative Undisturbed samples.
No (Disturbed soil)
1 In addition to the alteration in the Undisturbed soil samples are the
original soil structure, soils from one in which the original soil
the other layers get mixed up and structure and the material
the mineral constituents get properties are preserved.
altered.
2 The properties of the soil get The properties of the soil remains
disturbed same as nature
34. How do you decide the depth of exploration? List the factors you will
consider.(Apr/May 2015)
The depth of exploration at the start of the work may be decided according to the
following guide rules, which may need modification as exploration proceeds:
1. Isolated spread footing or raft: One and a half times the width.
2. Adjacent footings with clear spacing less than twice the width: One and a half
times the length.
3. Pile foundation: 10 to 30 metres, or more, or at least one and a half times the width
of the structure.
4. Base of the retaining wall: One and a half times the base width or one and a half
times the exposed height of face of wall, whichever is greater.
5. Floating basement: Depth of construction.
6. Weathering considertions: 1.5 m in general and 3.5 m in black cotton soils.

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Factorsto be considered for Soil exploration
a) Size and type of the project
b) General characteristics of the soils in the work area
c) Time available for exploration and
d) Degree of risk or safety involved.
35. What is mean dilatancy? (Nov/Dec 2015)
The increase in volume of granular substance when its shape is changed, because of
greater distance between its component particles is called dilatancy.
36. What are the limitations of Static Cone Penetration Test? (May/June 2016)
Limitations
 This test is unsuitable for gravelly soil & soil for having SPT N value greater
than 50.
 Also in dense sand anchorage becomes to cumbersome & expensive & for such
cases Dynamic SPT can be used.
 This test is also unsuitable for field operation since erroneous value obtained due
to presence of brick bats, loose stones etc.
37. What are the information obtained in general exploration? (Nov/Dec-2016)
1.) Depth, extent and composition of soil strata

2.) Depth of water
3.) Groundwater level
4.) Engineering properties
5.) Approximate values of strength and compressibility of soil strata
6.) Preliminary selection of foundation type.

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38. Differentiate thick walled and thin walled sampler?(Nov/Dec 2017)
Sl
Thick Wall sampler Thin wall sampler
No
1 Thick-walled samplers are used Thin walled samplers are used for obtaining
for obtaining disturbed but undisturbed samples.
representative soil samples.
2 The area ratio is usually above The area ratio is usually below 15 percent.
15 percent.
3 Eg: Split spoon sampler Eg:Shelby tube
39. When do you apply dilatancy correction in soil (Nov/Dec 2017)

If the soil consists of fine sand or silt below water-table dilatancy correction is
applied if N‟>15
N=15+1/2(N‟-15)
40. Define standard penetration number.(Apr/May2018)
In standard penetration test a soil-sampling procedure to determine the number

of blows by a drive hammer, freely falling a distance of 30 in (0.76 m) per blow, needed
to drive a standard sampling spoon 1 ft (0.3 m). The first 6 to 7 in (15.24 to 17.78 cm) of
penetration is disregarded, but the blows required to drive the sample the ensuing foot are
counted. This no of blows is known as standard peneration number

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Sixteen Mark Questions (16 Marks)
1. Write a detailed note on soil exploration.
 The field and laboratory studies carried out for obtaining the necessary
information about the subsoil characteristics including the position of ground
water table are known as soil exploration.
 The scope is to obtain the information about the stratigraphy (study of
arrangement of strata) and physical properties of the soil at site including the
ground water table and its positions.
Methods of exploration: Subsoil explorations is carried out in two stages,
(A)Preliminary Exploration (General exploration)
 The primary aim of general exploration is to get an approximate picture of the
subsoil condition at a relatively low cost.
 The information so obtained should suffice for the design and execution of minor
and routine engineering works.
 General exploration is also recommended where detailed exploration may prove
very expensive.
 General exploration is thus able to give information about the following
 Depth, extent and composition of soil strata
 Depth of rock
 Groundwater level
 Engineering properties
 Approximate values of strength and compressibility of soil strata
 Preliminary selection of foundation type.
(B)Detailed Exploration:
 Detailed exploration follows as a supplement to general exploration when large
engineering works, heavy loads, complex and costly foundations are involved.

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 Detailed exploration is meant to collect information about soil properties such as
shear strength, compressibility, density index and permeability.
 These properties are known by procuring and testing undisturbed samples and by
field test. The field test may be conducted for determining the insitu values of
density, earing capacity, shear strength, permeability and pore pressure.
2. What are the different methods of boring? Explain each of them in
detail. (OR) Describe various methods of drilling the bore holes for sub
surface investigations. (May 2011) (or) Explain with a neat sketch, how wash
boring is done (Nov/Dec 2014) (or) Explain wash boring method of advancing bore
hole. (May/ June 2016)
a)Auger boring
b) Auger and shell boring
c) Wash boring
d) Percussion boring
e) Rotary boring
AUGER BORING:
 Augers are used in cohesive and other soft soil above water table.
 Boring by an auger is carried out by holding it vertically and pressing it down
while the auger is rotated.
 The turning action cuts the soil which tills the annular space.
 Once the annular space is tilled. The auger is withdrawn and cleaned.
 The cleaned auger is again inserted in the hole and the process repeated.

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 Hand operated augers may be used for boring holes to a depth of 6 m in soft soils
which can stand unsupported.
 However, if the sides of the hole arc likely to cave in, casing pipe may be used to
prevent the collapse of the sides of borehole.
 Powerdriven augers(Mechanical Auger) are used for greater boring depths or where
hard or stiff soil strata are encountered and it is used for a depth greater than 6m.
 Auger boring is convenient in the case of partially saturated sands, silts and medium
to stiff cohesive soils.
 As far as possible, auger borings are kept dry. Samples obtained from the soils
brought up by augers arc severely disturbed and therefore are useful for identification
purposes only. Auger borings are well suited for explorations for shallow foundations,
highways and borrow pits, where the required depth of exploration is relatively small.
 Shell and auger method is used widely in India. A shell also called a sand bailer, is a
heavy duty pipe with a cutting edge.
 Different lengths and weights are used according to requirements.
 Sinker bars are sometimes used to add weight to the bailer.
 The shell is raised and let fall in a hole.
 The soil that is cut enters the tube which is emptied when full.

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 Boring is always started, to begin with, by augering and the shell is used when
augering becomes difficult.
WASH BORING(Explain with a neat sketch, how wash boring is done) (Nov/Dec
2014)explain wash boring methods of advancing bore hole with a neat sketch and
highlights the limitation of the method (Nov/Dec 2017)
In wash boring the soil is loosed and removed from the bore hole by stream of
water or drilling mud is worked up and down or rotated in the bore hole.
 The method consists of driving a casing pipe usually through a heavy drop
hammer supported on a tripod and pulley.
 Water is forced under pressure through a hollow drill rod which may be rotated or
moved up and down inside the casing pipe.
 The lower end of the drill rod, fitted with a sharp cutting edge or chopping bit,
cuts the soil.
 The soil thus cut gets mixed with water and floats up through the annular space
between the casing pipe and the drill rod
 The slurry flowing out provides an indication of the soil type.
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 The change in soil strata can be surmised from the rate of progress and the slurry
flowing out.
 In this method, heavier particles of different soil layers remain under suspension
in the casing pipe and get mixed up.
 Because of this, the samples recovered from the wash water are of no value.
 Samples of the soil should be obtained through suitable samplers after the
borehole has been cleaned.
 Wash boring can be conveniently used even below water table in practically all
types of soil except hard soils or rock.
Limitation
 This method cannot be used for hard soil and rock
 samples recovered from the wash water are of no value.
 In this method we get only disturbed samples
PERCUSSION BORING
 Boring by percussion drilling is carried out by breaking up the formation

by repeated blows of a heavy bit or a chisel inside a casing pipe.
 The borehole is usually kept dry, except for a limited quantity of water used
to form the slurry of pulverized material.
 The pulverized slurry is bailed out using a bailer or sandpump.
 Unless the sides of borehole arc likely to cave in. a casing pipe may not be
necessary.
 Many a time, in percussion drilling, drill rods are replaced by cables.
 This is the only method suitable for drilling boreholes in boulder and
gravelly strata.

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ROTARY BORING
 Rotary boring or rotary drilling is useful if the soil is highly resistant to augering
or wash boring.
 The method can also be used in case of sands and clay.
 In this method, boring is effected by the cutting action of a rotating bit which is
kept in firm contact with the bottom of the hole.
 The bit is attached to the lower end of a hollow drill rod which is rotated by a
suitable chuck.
 Drilling mud (usually bentonite solution with some admixtures) is continuously
forced down the hollow drill rods.
 The mud returning upwards through the annular space between the drill rods and
the side of the hole brings the cuttings to the surface.
 The method is also known as mud rotary drilling.
 Core barrels with diamond bits are also used in rotary drilling and enables the
simultaneous obtaining of rock cores.
 The method is known as core drilling.
 For large diameter holes (over 150 mm), shot drilling is used.
 The system is different from other types of core drilling because the coarser
cuttings do not return to the surface but are accumulated in a chip immediately
above the bit.
 Chilled shot is used as an abrasive instead of the drilling head.
3. Write a detailed note on the types of sampler used in the soil exploration.(May
2009/May 2013) (or) Explain the arrangements and operation of stationary piston
sampler. State its advantages over other samplers. (May/June 2106)
Soil samples are classified into three categories: open drive samplers, piston samplers,
and rotary samplers.

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OPEN DRIVE SAMPLERS
 This sampler consists of a seamless open-end steel tube with a cutting edge.
 The tube is connected to the drill rod by means of a head.
 The sampler head provides vents to permitwater and air to escape during sampling
and also has a check valve to retain the sample during the withdrawal of the
sampler.
Thin wall and thick wall sampler
 The sampling tube may be thick-walled or thin-walled. Thick-walled samplers

are used for obtaining disturbed but representative soil samples.
 They may be in the form of a solid tube or a split tube with or without a liner.
 This split-spoon sampler is used in the standard penetration test.
 The sample is collected by the thick-walled sampler by the repeated blows of a
falling weight. Thin walled samplers are used for obtaining undisturbed samples.
The area ratio is usually below 15 percent.
 Thin-walled tubes are cold-drawn seamless tubes made out of brass, aluminium or
any other suitable material having adequate strength, durability and resistance to
corrosion.
 The sampling tube for sampling of soil is pushed into the soil in a continuous rapid
motion without impact or twisting.
 Open drive samplers are used only in soils having some cohesion.
 It cannot be used in soils which are too hard and gravelly since the sampler cannot
penetrate and in soils which are too soft and too wet which cannot be retained in
the sampler.

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PISTON SAMPLER
 A piston sampler has two parts: a) sampler cylinder b) piston system. The piston
cylinder is activated separately which fits tightly in the sampler cylinder.
 Till the completion of the sampling, the piston is kept in the same level in the as
the cutting edge of the sampler.
 At the required depth the piston is kept in position and the sampler alone is pushed
into the soil independently and thus cutting the sample out of the soil.
 The negative pressure developed above the sample during the sliding of the
sampler from the piston holds back the samples during the withdrawal.
 After the sample is collected both the piston and the sampler tube are removed at
the same time.
 Piston sampler is useful in sampling saturated sands and soft & wet soils.
Adavantages:
 The presence of the piston prevents rapid squeezing of the soft soils into the tube
and reduces the disturbance of the sample.

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 A vacuum is created on the top of the sample, which helps in retaining the sample.
 During withdrawal of the sampler, the piston provides protection against the water
pressure which otherwise would have occurred on the top of the sample.
ROTARY SAMPLER
 It is a double walled tube sampler with inner removable liner.

 The outer tube consists of a cutting edge and the inner tube is stationary in which
the soil sample is collected when the outer barrel rotates.
 Rotary samplers are useful in sampling firm hard cohesive soils and particularly in
rocks. The rock quality can be obtained from the rock recovery ratio known as
rock quality designation (RQD).
 It is the ratio of the total length of the core recovered to the length of the
samplerused.
 The diameter of the core should not be less than 54mm and the samples of length
more than 100 mm is alone considered without no breaks in it.
 It is also used to obtain the in-situ modulus of elasticity and the compressive
strength of the rocks.
BLOCK OR CHUNK SAMPLES
 Block or chunk samples are obtained from the open excavations like test pits,
rafts, etc.
 For chunk samples the soil should possess minimum cohesion.
 During excavation, a sample of 40 X 40 cm block is left undisturbed.
 From this block, a cube of 30 X 30 X 30 cm cube is made by trimming with aknife
or trowel.
 An open-ended box is slide into the sample and the gap between the sample and
the box is filled with dry sand.
 The end of the box is filled with paraffin wax.

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 These samples are not suitable, if they are transported from the site to the lab as
the soil gets disturbed due to transit.
4. Explain in detail about the number and disposition of the trial pits required. Also
explain depth of exploration.(May 2008)
 The number and disposition of the trial pits should reveal the major changes in the
thickness, depth or properties of the strata at the site and immediate surroundings.
 The number of bore holes depend on the extent of site, uniformity of strata, nature
of the structure and the loading diagram.
 In large sites, geological study is made to determine the number of boreholes or
trial pits.
 For compact building sites of area around 0.4 hectare, one bore hole at the center
and one at each corner will be sufficient.
 For smaller areas one bore hole at the center will be sufficient.
 For larger areas,sounding and penetration tests are conducted to find the
penetration resistance. Based on the penetration resistance, the area is divided into
50 m or 100 m grid patterns for trial pits.
Depth of exploration
 It is done till a suitable foundation material is found which can withstand the load
transferred to the soil from the structure within the permissible limit of settlement.
 This depth is known as “Significant Depth of Exploration”.
 It depends on the type of structure,size, shape and position of the loaded areas,
intensity of loading, soil profile and soil properties.
 As a general rule boring should be carried to a depth such that the net increase in
soil stress due to load of the structure is less than 10 % of the average contact
pressure.

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 In the case of square loaded areas, the isobar of 10% intensity of loading at
foundation level extents to a depth of about twice the depth of the foundation
below the base of the foundation. General conditions for the depth of exploration
are as follows:
Type of foundation Depth of exploration

Sl.No.
1 Isolated spread footing or raft 1.5B
Adjacent footings with clear
2 spacing less than twice the 1.5L
width
1.5 B from the from the bearing level
3 Pile and well foundation
(toe for pile and bottom for well)
4 Road cuts equal to bottom width of the cut
2 m below the GL or height of the
5 Fill
fill, whichever is greater
5. Write a detailed note on the SPT and the correction to be observed.(May

2008/Dec 2011/May 2012)(or) Explain with neat sketches about STP and
SCPT?(Nov/Dec 2013)
There are generally 3 penetration tests in common use. They are
a) Standard penetration test (SPT)
b) Dynamic cone penetration test (DCPT)
c) Static cone penetration test or Dutch cone test (SCPT or CPT)
STANDARD PENETRATION TEST
 The standard penetration test is carried out in a borehole, while the DCPT and
SCPT are carried out without a borehole.
 All the three tests measure the resistance of the soil strata to penetration by a
penetrometer.

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 Useful empirical correlations between penetration resistance and soil properties
are available for use in foundation design.
 This is the most extensively used penetrometer test and employs a split-spoon
sampler, which consists of a driving shoe, a split-barrel of circular cross-section
which is longitudinally split into two parts and a coupling
Procedure
 The test(IS:2131;1981) is performed in a clean hole(55mm to 150mm) in

diameter.
 The borehole is advanced to the required depth and the bottom cleaned.
 The split-spoon sampler, attached to standard drill rods of required length is
lowered into the borehole and rested at the bottom
 The split-spoon sampler is driven into the soil for a distance of 450mm by blows
of a drop hammer of 65 kg falling vertically and freely from a height of 750 mm.
 The number of blows required to penetrate every 150 mm is recorded while
driving the sampler. The number of blows required for the last 300 mm of
penetration is added together and recorded as the N value at that particular depth
of the borehole.
 Terzaghi and peck have recommended the use of an equivalent penetration
resistance N in place of the actually observed value of N, when N is greater than
15. Ne is given by the following relation:
Ne=15+ (N-15)/2
 Gibbs and Holtz have experimentally studied the effect of overburden pressure on
the value of N. Their modification of air-dry or moist sand can be represented
bythe following relation:
50
Ne  N
1 .4 2  '  1 0
Where Ne=Corrected value for overburden effect

N=actual value of blows
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 ' =effective overburden pressure
 The number of blows required to affect the first 150mm of penetration, called the
seating drive, is disregarded. The split-spoon sampler is then withdrawn and is
detached from the drill rods. The split-barrel is disconnected from the cutting shoe
and the coupling.
 The soil sample collected inside the split barrel is carefully collected so as to
preserve the natural moisture content and transported to the laboratory for tests.
 Sometimes, a thin liner is inserted within the split-barrel so that at the end of the
SPT, the liner containing the soil sample is sealed with molten wax at both its ends
before it is taken away to the laboratory.
 The SPT is carried out at every 0.75 m vertical intervals in a borehole. This can be
increased to 1.50 m if the depth of borehole is large.
 Due to the presence of boulders or rocks, it may not be possible to drive the
sampler to a distance of 450 mm. In such a case, the N value can be recorded for
the first 300 mm penetration. The boring log shows refusal and the test is halted if
50 blows are required for any 150mm penetration
100 blows are required for 300m penetration
10 successive blows produce no advance.
Precautions
 The drill rods should be of standard specification and should not be in bent
condition.
 The split spoon sampler must be in good condition and the cutting shoe must be
free from wear and tear.
 The drop hammer must be of the right weight and the fall should be free,
frictionless and vertical. The height of fall must be exactly 750 mm. Any change
from this will seriously affect the N value.

Page 25
 The bottom of the borehole must be properly cleaned before the test is carried out.
If this is not done, the test gets carried out in the loose, disturbed soil and not in
the undisturbed soil.
 When a casing is used in borehole, it should be ensured that the casing is driven
just short of the level at which the SPT is to be carried out. Otherwise, the test gets
carried out in a soil plug enclosed at the bottom of the casing.
 When the test is carried out in a sandy soil below the water table, it must be
ensured that the water level in the borehole is always maintained slightly above
the ground water level.
 If the water level in the borehole is lower than the ground water level, „quick'
condition may develop in the soil and very low N values may be recorded.
 In spite of all these imperfections, SPT is still extensively used because the test is
simple and relatively economical.
Correction for overburden pressure:
 The penetration resistance or the N value in a granular soil is influenced by the

overburden pressure.
 If two granular soils possessing the same relative density but having different
confining pressures are tested, the one with a higher confining pressure gives a
higher N value.
 Since the confining pressure (which is directly proportional to the overburden
pressure) increases with depth, the N values at shallow depths are underestimated
and the N values at larger depths arc overestimated.
 To allow for this. N values recorded from field tests at different effective
overburden pressures are corrected to a standard effective overburden pressure.
 The corrected N value is given by
N‟=CN N
N' = corrected value of observed N

Page 26
CN = correction factor for overburden pressure
Where CN = 0.77 Log 10 2000 / P
And P = Effective overburden pressure at which the N value is measured in
KN/m2
Correction for dilatancy
 This correction is applied when the N‟ obtained after the overburden correction
exceeds 15 in saturated sands and silts.
N”=15 + 0.5 (N - 15)
 The value of N” should be used in the design charts. If𝑁 ′ ≤ 15, 𝑁 ′′ = 𝑁.
 N‟ > 15 is an indication of dense sand.
 In such soils, due to application of drop hammers, is likely to produce negative
pore water pressure in saturated sand.
 Consequently, a transient increase in shear resistance will occur, leading to a SPT
value more than the actual one.
Correction to the observed STP value.

 Hammer efficiency correction (Eh)
 Drill rod, sampler, and borehole correction.(cd,cs,cb)
 Correction due to overburden pressure (CN)
Drill rod, sampler, and borehole correction.(cd,cs,cb)

Cd= due to length of rod
Cs= with clay (0.8) sand (0.9) without liner (1.0)
Cb= size of the bore hole.
Correction in granular soil (CN)
CN= [65.76/p0‟]1/2
p0‟ = effective overburden pressure
N= CN NoEhCd Cs Cb
N0 = observed value

Page 27
Hammer efficiency correction (Eh)
Rope pully = 0.7 to 0.8
Trip or automatic hammer = 0.8 to 1.0 (two turns of manila rope)
6. Explain static cone penetration test. (or) Explain with neat sketches about STP
and SCPT?(Nov/Dec 2013)(Apr/may2018)
The static cone penetration test normally called as the Dutch cone penetration test (CPT)
is the most popular of the penetration tests.
The popularity of the CPT can be attributed to the following three important factors:
 General introduction of the electric penetrometer providing more precise
measurement and improvement in the equipment allowing deeper penetrations.
 The need for penetrometer testing in suit technique in offshore foundation
investigation in view of the difficulties in achieving adequate sampling quality in
marine environment.
 The addition of other simultaneous measurement to the standard friction
penetrometer such as pore water pressure and soil temperature.
 At field SCPT is widely used of recording variation in the in-situ penetration
resistance of soil in cases where in-situ density is disturbed by boring method &
SPT is unreliable below water table. The test is very useful for soft clays, soft silts,
medium sands & fine sands.
Static cone penetrometer
This type of penetrometer consists of a 600 cone with a base diameter of 35.6mm
(section area 10cm2. A sound rod is screwed to the base. Addition rod of one meter length
each is used.these rods are screwed or attached to bear against each other. The sounding
rod move inside mantle tubes. The diameter of the mantle tube is just sufficient for the

Page 28
sounding rod to move freely whereas the outside diameter is equal to or less than the base
diameter.
Procedure
 By this test basically by pushing the standard cone at the rate of 10 to 20 mm/sec
in to the soil and noting the friction, the strength is determined.
 After installing the equipment as per IS-4968, part III
 The sounding rod is pushed in to the soil and the driving is operated at the steady
rate of 10 mm/sec approximately so as to advance the cone only by external
loading to the depth which a cone assembly available.
 For finding combine cone friction resistance, the shearing strength of the soil qs,
and tip resistance qc is noted in gauge & added to get the total strength.
Limitations
 This test is unsuitable for gravelly soil & soil for having SPT N value greater than
50.
 Also in dense sand anchorage becomes to cumbersome & expensive & for such
cases Dynamic SPT can be used.
 This test is also unsuitable for field operation since erroneous value obtained due
to presence of brick bats, loose stones etc.

Page 29
7. Explain in detail about the Geophysical methods of soil exploration with neat
sketch. (Dec 2012/ May 2013)(Nov/Dec 2013)(Nov/Dec 2015)describe the principal
and procedure of conducting sub soil esploration study using seismic refraction
method
The geophysical methods of exploration were developed in connection with

prospecting for useful minerals and oils. The major methods are gravitational, magnetic,
seismic - refraction and reflection), and electrical resistivity. The seismic refraction and
electrical resistivity methods are the most commonly used for civil engineering purposes.
Describe the principal and procedure of conducting sub soil exploration study using
seismic refraction method (Nov/Dec 2017)
1. Seismic refraction method:
 In this method, shock waves are created into the soil at their ground level or
certain depth below it by exploding small charges in the soil or by striking a plate
on the soil with a hammer.
 The radiating shock waves are picked up by the vibration detector (alsocalled
geophone, or seismometer), where the time of travel gets recorded.
 Either a number of geophones are arranged along a line, or the shock producing
device is moved away from the geophone to produce shock waves at given
intervals.

Page 30
 Some of the waves, known as direct or primary waves travel directly from the
shock point along the ground surface and are picked up first by the geophone.
 If the sub-soil comprises two or more distinct layers, some of the primary waves
travel downwards to the lower layer and get refracted at the interface.
 If the underlying layer is denser, the refracted waves travel much faster. They
emerge again and reach the geophone.
 As the distance between the shock point and the geophone increases, the refracted
waves are able to reach the geophone earlier than the direct waves.
 Fig. shows the diagrammatical travel of the primary and refracted waves.
 The results are plotted as a graph between distance versus time of travel (ordinate).
 The break in the curve represents the point of simultaneous arrival of the primary
and refracted waves, and its distance is known as the critical distance which is a
function of the depth and the velocity ratio of the strata.
 The velocity of primary layer= V1 = D1/T1

 The velocity of denser layer = V2= D2-D1/T2-T1
 To reach the first point A or the point of intersection the refracted waves has to
travel a distance of 2z1 through top soil at a velocity V1 and a distance D1 through
top soil at a velocity V2 and a distance D1 through 2nd layer at velocity V2.

Page 31
 The time required for distance D1 is T1-t1 and for distance 2z1 it will be t1. Hence
the thickness t1 is given by
o z1= t1V1/2 (or) accurately z1= t1v1/2cos α
 Where α = angle defined by relation sinα = V1/V2
o The depth z2 = (t2-t1)V2/2
o (or) z2= (t1-t2) V2/2cosβ
 Where β= angle defined by relation, sin β= V2/V3
 Seismic refraction method is fast and reliable in establishing profiles of different
strata provided the deeper layers have increasingly greater density and thus higher
velocities and also increasingly greater thickness.
 If a blind zone i.e., a layer having a velocity lower than that of the upper layer
exists,it cannot be detected by seismic refraction Different kinds of materials, such
as gravel, clay, hardpan, or rock have characteristic seismic velocities and hence
they may be identified by the distance-time graphs.
 The exact type of material cannot, however, be recognized and the exploration
should be supplemented by boring or soundings and sampling.
2. Electrical resistivity method:
 The electrical resistivity method is based on the measurement and recording of

changes in the mean resistivity or apparent specific resistance of the various soils.
 The resistivity (ohms-mm) is usually defined as the resistance (ohms) between
opposite faces of a unit cube (centimeter cube) of the material.
 Each soil has its own resistivity depending upon water content, compaction and
composition; e.g. low for saturated silt and high for loose dry gravel or solid rock.
 The test is conducted by driving four metal spikes to serve as electrodes into the
ground along a straight line at equal distances.
 A direct voltage is imposed between the two outer potentiometer electrodes and
the potential drop is measured between the inner electrodes.

Page 32
 The mean resistivity is given by the following formula:
ρ= 2  D (E/I)= 2  DR
Where
p = mean resistivity (ohm-cm)
D = distance between electrodes (cm)
E = potential drop between outer electrodes (volts)
I = current flowing between outer electrodes (amperes)
R = resistance (ohms)
 To correctly interpret the resistivity data for knowing the nature and distribution of
soil formations, it is necessary to make preliminary trial or calibration tests on
known formations.
 The depth of exploration is roughly proportional to the electrode spacing.
 For knowing the horizontal changes in the sub-soil, the electrodes, kept at a
constant spacing, are moved as a group along the line of test.
 This method is known as resistivity mapping.
 For studying the vertical changes, the electrode system is expanded, about a fixed
central point, by increasing the spacing gradually from an initial small value to a
distance roughly equal to the depth of exploration desired. The method is known
as resistivity sounding.

Page 33
8. Whatare the factors to be considered for the Selection of foundation based on soil
condition?
 The selection of a foundation suitable for the type of structure to be constructed or

for a given size depends on several factors. The most important factor are
 The type of structure, its intended function and the load it is expected to carry the
cost of the sub structure, including the treatment of the foundation of soil or rock if
any.
 The choice of the foundation should be such that it will it will be stable under all
the adverse condition and for the particular type of structure under all loading
conditions, at the same time it should involves less expenditure.
 The load to be considered for a given structure may include dead loads , wind
loads, impact loads, lateral pressure , etc.,
 The sub surface condition should be favorable for the given structure, failing
which it should be treated to meet the requirement of the super structure and its
loading condition.
 As the several factors contribute to the choice, the engineering concerned has to
look into various acceptable solutions.
The following are the general steps to be followed by the concerned engineer in
choosing the types of foundation.
 Collect the necessary data about the structure and the load anticipated to be carried
by the structure.
 Get adequate information about the sub soil condition through a suitable soil
investigation.
 Explore the possibility of construction a different foundation keeping in mind the
basic design criteria for a foundation. During this exercise, all unsuitable types
may be eliminated in the preliminary choice.

Page 34
 Select one or two types of foundation based on the preliminary studies, which may
be shallow or deep foundation, and carry out detailed studies regarding the
stability of the foundation and superstructure.
 Work out cost estimates of the one or two chosen foundation.
Finally, decide on three types of foundation to satisfy the entirerequirement.
9. Write short notes on undisturbed and disturbed/ representative soil sample?
(Nov/Dec 2015)(or) Differentiate between undisturbed and disturbed soil
samples(Nov/Dec 2014)
Soil Sampling
In general soil samples are categorized as shown in fig
Disturbed samples:
 Natural structure of soil get partially or fully modified and destroyed.
 With suitable precaution natural water content is preserved
 Maintain the original proportion of the various soil particle intact
 Obtained by direct excavation, augers and thick walled samplers.
 Used for mechanical analyzers, water content determination, index properties test, compaction and
 These are stored and transported such that the original composition is preserved.

Page 35
The disturbances can be classified in following basic types:
 Change in the stress condition,
 Change in the water content and the void ratio,
 Disturbance of the soil structure,
 Chemical changes,
 Mixing and segregation of soil constituents
The causes of the disturbances are listed below:
 Method of advancing the borehole,
 Mechanism used to advance the sampler,
 Dimension and type of sampler,
 Procedure followed in sampling and boring.
Undisturbed Sample:
 It retains as closely as practicable the true insitu structure and water content of the soil.
 For undisturbed sample the stress changes cannot be avoided.
 The following requirements are looked for:
 No change due to disturbance of the soil structure,
 No change in void ratio and water content,

 No change in constituents and chemical properties.

Page 36
Difference between disturbed and undisturbed soil
Sl No Non representative Undisturbed samples.

(Disturbed soil)
1 In addition to the alteration in the Undisturbed soil samples are the one in
original soil structure, soils from which the original soil structure and the
the other layers get mixed up and material properties are preserved.
the mineral constituents get
altered.
2 The properties of the soil get The properties of the soil remains same as
disturbed nature
10.Write short notes on uses of soil exploration. (Nov/Dec 2015)

 Soil exploration is used to select the type and depth of foundation for a given structure.
 It is used for determining the bearing capacity of the soil.
 It is used to estimate the probable maximum and differential settlements.
 It is used to establish the ground water level and for determining the properties of water.
 It is used to predict the lateral earth pressure against retaining walls and abutments.
 It is used to select suitable construction techniques.
 It is used to predict and to solve potential foundation problems.
 It is used for ascertaining the suitability of the soil as a construction material.
 It is used for investigating the safety of the existing structures and for suggesting the
remedial measures.
11. Write short notes on selection of foundation based on soil condition. (Nov/Dec
2015)
Page 37
Page 38
Page 39
12. Explain in detail the salient features of bore hole report.(Or) Describe the
salient features of a good sub-soil investigation report. (M/J-2016)(N/D
2016)(Apr/May 2018)
 Information on subsurface conditions obtained from the boring operation is
typically presented in the form of a boring record, called bore hole report.
 A continuous record of various strata identified at various depth of the boring is
presented.
 Description or classification of the various soil and rock types encountered, and
data regarding ground water level have to be necessarily given in a manner on the
log.
 A field log will consists of this minimum information, while lab log might include
test data presented alongside the boring sample actually tested.
 Sometimes a subsurface profile indicating the conditions and strata in all borings
in series is made.
 This provides valuation information regarding the nature of variation or degree of
uniformity of strata at the site. This helps in delineating between good or poor
area.
 The standard practice of interpolating between boring to determine conditions
surely involves some degree of uncertainity.

Page 40
13. Why SPT „N‟ values recorded in sand at different depths are corrected for
overburden and submergence? How these corrections are applied? (May/June 2016)
Correction for overburden pressure:
 The penetration resistance or the N value in a granular soil is influenced by the
overburden pressure.
 If two granular soils possessing the same relative density but having different
confining pressures are tested, the one with a higher confining pressure gives a
higher N value.
 Since the confining pressure (which is directly proportional to the overburden
pressure) increases with depth, the N values at shallow depths are underestimated
and the N values at larger depths arc overestimated.
 To allow for this. N values recorded from field tests at different effective
overburden pressures are corrected to a standard effective overburden pressure.
 The corrected N value is given by
N‟=CN N

Page 41
N' = corrected value of observed N
CN = correction factor for overburden pressure
Where CN = 0.77 Log 10 2000 / P
And P = Effective overburden pressure at which the N value is measured in
KN/m2
Correction for dilatancy
 This correction is applied when the N‟ obtained after the overburden correction
exceeds 15 in saturated sands and silts.
N”=15 + 0.5 (N - 15)
 The value of N” should be used in the design charts. If𝑁 ′ ≤ 15, 𝑁 ′′ = 𝑁.
 N‟ > 15 is an indication of dense sand.
 In such soils, due to application of drop hammers, is likely to produce negative
pore water pressure in saturated sand.
 Consequently, a transient increase in shear resistance will occur, leading to a SPT
value more than the actual one.
14. Explain any two methods of site exploration in detail(Nov/Dec 2016)
i) Boring (page no.11)
ii) Geophysical methods (page no.28)

Page 42
Previous Anna University Questions
Two Marks
1. What is the scope or objective of soil exploration? (May 2013)(Q.No:2, Pg.No:2)
2. What is detailed investigation? (Dec 2012) (Q.No:5, Pg.No:3)
3. List the methods of soil sampling techniques? (May 2009) (Q.No:27, Pg.No:4)
4. What is inside clearance, outside clearance, area ratio and recovery ratio? (May
2009/May 2012) (Nov/Dec 2013)(Q.No:18, Pg.No:5)
5. What is significant depth of exploration? (May 2004)(or) What is meant by significant
depth of investigation?(Q.No:19, Pg.No:5)
6. List the important parameter to fix the significant depth of exploration.(May 2004)
(Q.No:20, Pg.No:6)
7. What are the factors affecting the sample disturbances?(Dec 2008)(Q.No:21, Pg.No:6)
8. Write the function of bentonite slurry in rotary drilling method of boring (May 2012)
(Q.No:22, Pg.No:6)
9. What is meant by RQD? (May 2012) (Q.No:23, Pg.No:6)
10. Define Bore log and what are the uses of bore log repot? (Dec 2012)(Q.No:24,
Pg.No:6)
11. What is meant by site reconnaissance? (May 2013)(Q.No:25, Pg.No:7)
12. List the field tests commonly used in subsurface investigation?(Nov/Dec
2013)(Q.No:26, Pg.No:7)
13. The internal diameter of a sampler is 40 mm and the external diameter is 42 mm, will
you consider the sample obtained from the sampler as disturbed or undisturbed?
(Apr/May 2011)(Q.No:27, Pg.No:7)
14. What is the objective of site exploration? (May/June 2013)(Q.No:28, Pg.No:8)
15. List the field test commonly used in subsurface investigation. (Nov/Dec 2013)
(Q.No:29, Pg.No:8)
16. What is the function of drilling mud? (Nov/Dec 2014) (Q.No:32, Pg.No:8)
17. Differentiate Non-representative and undisturbed samples. (April/May 2015)

Page 43
(May/June 2016) (Q.No:33, Pg.No:9)
18. How do you decide the depth of exploration? List the factors you will consider.
(April/May 2015) (Q.No:34, Pg.No:9)
19. Write the uses of bore hole report. (Nov/Dec 2015)(Q.No:24, Pg.No:6)
20. What is mean dilatancy? (Nov/Dec 2015)(Q.No:35, Pg.No:10)
21. What are the limitations of Static Cone Penetration Test. (May/June 2016)(Q.No:36,
Pg.No:10)
22. What are the methods of soil exploration? Or What are various methods of site
exploration?(Nov/Dec 2010)(Nov/Dec 2016)(Q.No:3, Pg.No:1)
23. What are the information obtained in general exploration? (Nov/Dec-2016)
(Q.No:37, Pg.No:10)

Page 44
Sixteen Marks:
1. Explain in detail the Geophysical methods of soil exploration with neat sketch. (Dec
2012/ May 2013)(Nov/Dec 2015)((N/D 2017)(Q.No:7, Pg.No:26)
2. Write a detailed note on the SPT and the correction to be observed. (May 2008/Dec
2011/ May 2012) (Nov/Dec 2013)(Q.No:5, Pg.No:20)
3. Explain with neat sketches about STP and SCPT?(Nov/Dec 2013) (Q.No:5,6,
Pg.No:20)(A/M 2018)
explain depth of exploration. (May 2008) (Q.No:4, Pg.No:19)
5. Write a detailed note on the types of sampler used in the soil exploration.(May
2009/May 2013) (or)Explain the arrangements and operation of stationary piston
sampler. State its advantages over other samplers. (May/June 2106)(Q.No:3, Pg.No:16)
6. What are the different methods of boring? Explain each of them in detail.(May
2011)(or) Describe various methods of drilling the bore holes for sub surface
investigations. (May 2011)(or)Explain with neat sketch how wash boring is
done.(Nov/Dec 2014)(or) Explain wash boring method of advancing bore hole.
(May/June 2016) (Q.No:2, Pg.No:12)
7. Write explanatory notes on the following; a) Chunk sampling, b) Rotary drilling, c)
Bore hole log, d) Electrical resistivity method of ground exploration. (May 2009)(Pg
No:17, 14, 6, 28)
8. Write Short Notes on a) Spacing of bore holes, b) Sampling techniques, c) Planning of
soil exploration. (Dec 2012)
9. Write short notes on:(Nov/Dec 2015)
(i) Selection of foundation based on soil condition. (Q.No:11, Pg.No:35)
(ii)Disturbed and undisturbed soil sample. (Q.No:9, Pg.No:32)
(iii) uses of soil exploration.(Q.No:10, Pg.No:34)
12. Explain in detail the salient features of bore hole report. (Or) Describe the salient
features of a good sub-soil investigation report. (M/J-2016) (N/D 2016)(A/M2018)

Page 45
(Q.No:12, Pg.No:36)
13. Why SPT „N‟ values recorded in sand at different depths are corrected for overburden
and submergence? How these corrections are applied? (May/June 2016)(Q.No:13,
Pg.No:37)
14. Explain any two methods of site exploration in detail (Nov/Dec 2016) (Q.No:14,
Pg.No:38)(N/D 2017)

Page 46
Important Question bank
1. What is soil exploration?
2. What is the scope or objective of soil exploration?
3. What is detailed investigation
4. What is boring? On what factors does it depend?
5. Name the types of soil samples.
6. What are representative samples?
7. What are undisturbed samples
8. What are non- representative samples
9. What are the different types of field tests used in soil exploration?
10. What is inside clearance, outside clearance, area ratio and recovery ratio? What is
its use ?( May 2009/May 2012)(Nov/Dec 2013) Explain the terms inside
clearance, outside clearance for a sampler (Nov/Dec 2014)
11. What are the corrections to be applied for the N-Value obtained from the STP?
12. What is significant depth of exploration
13. Write the function of bentonite slurry in rotary drilling method of boring
14. List out the method of sampling techniques
15. What is meant by site reconnaissance
16. The internal diameter of a sampler is 40 mm and the external diameter is 42 mm,
will you consider the sample obtained from the sampler as disturbed or
undisturbed? (Apr/May 2011)
17. What is the objective of site exploration
18. What is meant by significant depth of investigation
19. What is the function of drilling mud?
20. Differentiate: Non representative and undisturbed samples.(Apr/May 2015)

Page 47
16 Mark
1. Explain in detail the Geophysical methods of soil exploration with neat sketch.
2. Write a detailed note on the SPT and the correction to be observed in SPT
explain depth of exploration
4. Write a detailed note on the types of sampler used in the soil exploration
5. What are the different methods of boring? Explain each of them in detail)( Or)
Describe various methods of drilling the bore holes for sub surface investigations.
6. Write explanatory notes on the following; a) Chunk sampling, b) Rotary drilling, c)
Bore hole log, d) Electrical resistivity method of ground exploration
7. Write Short Notes on a) Spacing of bore holes, b) Sampling techniques, c) Planning of
soil exploration
8. What is the factor should be considered for the Selection of foundation based on soil
condition
9. Explain about Liquefaction of sand and state about the Selection of foundation for
different soil condition
10. What is meant by undisturbed and disturbed/ representative soil sample? Or
differentiate between undisturbed and disturbed soil samples

Page 48

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CE 6502 -FOUNDATION ENGINEERING PREPARED BY A.

SATHIYA PRIYA AP/ CIVIL

1. What is soil exploration?

2. What is the scope of soil exploration?(May 2013)

The various methods of exploration may be grouped as follows

CE 6502 -FOUNDATION ENGINEERING PREPARED BY A.SATHIYA PRIYA AP/ CIVIL

a)Electrical resistivity method

b) Seismic refraction method

4. What is preliminary investigation?

6. What is boring? On what factors does it depend?

7. What are the methods of boring?

CE 6502 -FOUNDATION ENGINEERING PREPARED BY A.SATHIYA PRIYA AP/ CIVIL

The types of soil sample are

9. What are representative samples?

10. What are non- representative samples?

12. What are the different types of samplers?

a) Open drive samplers

CE 6502 -FOUNDATION ENGINEERING PREPARED BY A.SATHIYA PRIYA AP/ CIVIL

14. Name the types of penetrometer tests followed for investigation?

15. What is a site investigation report?

16. List the contents of soil investigation report.

(1)Over burden correction (2) Dilatancy correction

CE 6502 -FOUNDATION ENGINEERING PREPARED BY A.SATHIYA PRIYA AP/ CIVIL

D3- Sampler Inner Wall

D2 - Cutting edge / Drive shoe Outer wall

CE 6502 -FOUNDATION ENGINEERING PREPARED BY A.SATHIYA PRIYA AP/ CIVIL

23. What is meant by RQD? (May 2012)

RQD=total length of rock core>100mm

CE 6502 -FOUNDATION ENGINEERING PREPARED BY A.SATHIYA PRIYA AP/ CIVIL

25. What is meant by site reconnaissance? (May 2013)

 An inspection of the site and study of topographical features is often helpful in

26. List out the method of sampling techniques (May/June 2009)

 Simple Random Sampling

27.The internal diameter of a sampler is 40 mm and the external diameter is 42 mm,

Following are some of the primary objectives of the site investigation:

Grain size; Moisturecontent;Specific gravity; Liquid limit; Plastic limit; Shrinkage

(i) CBR-California bearing capacity test

31. What is meant by significant depth of investigation? (Nov/Dec 2014)

32. What is the function of drilling mud? (Nov/Dec 2014)

 Control formation pressures

CE 6502 -FOUNDATION ENGINEERING PREPARED BY A.SATHIYA PRIYA AP/ CIVIL

CE 6502 -FOUNDATION ENGINEERING PREPARED BY A.SATHIYA PRIYA AP/ CIVIL

35. What is mean dilatancy? (Nov/Dec 2015)

37. What are the information obtained in general exploration? (Nov/Dec-2016)

1.) Depth, extent and composition of soil strata

CE 6502 -FOUNDATION ENGINEERING PREPARED BY A.SATHIYA PRIYA AP/ CIVIL

3 Eg: Split spoon sampler Eg:Shelby tube

39. When do you apply dilatancy correction in soil (Nov/Dec 2017)

40. Define standard penetration number.(Apr/May2018)

In standard penetration test a soil-sampling procedure to determine the number

CE 6502 -FOUNDATION ENGINEERING PREPARED BY A.SATHIYA PRIYA AP/ CIVIL

1. Write a detailed note on soil exploration.

CE 6502 -FOUNDATION ENGINEERING PREPARED BY A.SATHIYA PRIYA AP/ CIVIL

CE 6502 -FOUNDATION ENGINEERING PREPARED BY A.SATHIYA PRIYA AP/ CIVIL

CE 6502 -FOUNDATION ENGINEERING PREPARED BY A.SATHIYA PRIYA AP/ CIVIL

 Boring by percussion drilling is carried out by breaking up the formation

CE 6502 -FOUNDATION ENGINEERING PREPARED BY A.SATHIYA PRIYA AP/ CIVIL

CE 6502 -FOUNDATION ENGINEERING PREPARED BY A.SATHIYA PRIYA AP/ CIVIL

Thin wall and thick wall sampler

 The sampling tube may be thick-walled or thin-walled. Thick-walled samplers

CE 6502 -FOUNDATION ENGINEERING PREPARED BY A.SATHIYA PRIYA AP/ CIVIL

CE 6502 -FOUNDATION ENGINEERING PREPARED BY A.SATHIYA PRIYA AP/ CIVIL