Dr.

Francisco Grajales I sem 2020

SOIL MECHANICS
HOMEWORK # 6
TOPICS: CLAY MINERALS, COMPACTION

Important Note: The homework must be solved by hand, unless specifically indicated.

PART I: RESEARCH (20 pt)

Question 1
Read the paper by Ural (2018) and write an essay (1-2 pages) about the importance of clays in
geotechnical engineering.

Question 2
Read the attached document by Keller Group. Write an extended essay on deep vibro-
compaction techniques. You can use computer for this essay.

PART II: PROBLEMS (80 pt)

Problem 1
Calculate the zero air void unit weight for a soil with specific gravity of 2.67 at moisture contents of 5,
10, 15, 20 and 25%.

Problem 2
The results of a standard Proctor test are given in the table below. The soil has a specific gravity of 2.68.
The mold has a volume of 1/30 ft3. Perform the following calculations:
a) Plot the compaction curve
b) Plot the zero air void line
c) Determine the maximum dry unit weight of compaction and the optimum moisture content.
d) Determine the void ratio and the degree of saturation at the optimum moisture content.
e) If the specification calls for a 96% relative compaction in the field, what would be the minimum
field dry unit weight and the range of acceptable moisture content?

Test no. Weight of Moisture

moist soil (lb) content, w (%)
1 3.92 5.0
2 4.12 7.5
3 4.29 10
4 4.37 12.5
5 4.45 15
6 4.35 17.5
7 4.20 20
Dr. Francisco Grajales I sem 2020

Problem 3
The in-situ moist unit weight of a soil is 17.3 kN/m3 and the moisture content is 16%. The specific gravity
of soil solids is 2.72. This soil is to be excavated and transported to a construction site for use in a
compacted fill. If the specification calls for the soil to be compacted to a minimum dry unit weight of 18.1
kN/m3 at the same moisture content of 16%, how many cubic meters of soil from the excavation site are
needed to produce 2000 m3 of compacted fill? How many 20 ton truckloads are needed to transport the
excavated soil?

Problem 4
A proposed embankment fill requires 5000 m3 of compacted soil. The void ratio of the compacted fill is
specified as 0.75. Soil can be transported from one of the four borrow pits as described in the following
table. The void ratio, specific gravity of solids and the cost per cubic meter for moving the soil to the
proposed construction site are provided in the table.
a) Determine the volume of each borrow pit soil required to meet the specification of the
embankment site.
b) Make necessary calculations to select the borrow pit which would be most cost effective.

Borrow pit Void ratio Specific Gravity Cost (USD/m3)

1 0.8 2.65 9
2 0.9 2.68 6
3 1.1 2.71 7
4 0.85 2.74 10