1.

A 5 m high rigid retaining wall has to retain a backfill of dry cohesionless soil having the
following properties:
G = 2.68,
Poisson ratio = 0.36
Void ratio e = 0.74
Angle of internal friction = 30 degrees
(a) Plot the distribution of lateral earth pressure on the walls
(b) Determine the magnitude and point of application of the resultant thrust
(c) Compute the percentage change in lateral thrust if the water table rises from a great depth
to the top of the backfill.

2. A counterfort wall of 10 m height retains non-cohesive backfill. The void ratio and angle of
internal friction are 0.7 and 30 degree respectively in the loose state and 0.4 and 40 degree
respectively in the dense state. Calculate and compare active and passive earth pressure in both
cases, take specific gravity of soil G=2.7. Give comments on your answers.

3. A retaining wall with smooth vertical back has to retain backfill of cohesionless soil at a height of
5m above the base of the wall. The soil has a void ratio of 0.83 and specific gravity of 2.68. The
water table is located at 2m below the top of backfill. The soil above the water table is 20
percent saturated. The angle of internal friction above and below the water table are found to
be 32 degree and 28 degree respectively. Plot the distribution of active earth pressure on wall
and determine the magnitude and point of application of resultant thrust.

4. A slope of infinite extent is made in a dense sand layer at an angle of 30 degree to the
horizontal. Determine the factor of safety of the slope against shear failure if the angle of
internal friction of the soil is 36 degree.