CIVL6004 Advanced Soil Mechanics

Assignment #1

1.
An elastic soil is axially compressed under confined condition. In soil mechanics, the loading
condition imposed is called K0 compression. Assuming a linear, isotropic, elastic material
behavior, show that under the K0 condition, the ratio between the horizontal and vertical
 
stress is given by x  .
 z 1 

2.
The table below gives the results of the drained triaxial compression test of a sand. Determine
the initial Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio. Plot the variation of secant Young’s
modulus versus axial strain.

'1/'3 (kPa) Axial strain (%) Volumetric strain (%)

1.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
1.39 229.5 0.06 0.03
1.78 459.0 0.15 0.09
2.08 635.5 0.30 0.15
2.82 1070.9 0.58 0.24
3.25 1323.9 0.88 0.27
3.87 1688.7 1.46 0.22
4.24 1906.4 2.19 0.03
4.42 2012.3 2.92 -0.24
4.56 2094.7 4.38 -0.91
4.55 2088.8 5.85 -1.61
4.45 2030.0 8.77 -2.85
4.26 1918.2 11.70 -3.80
4.18 1871.1 14.60 -4.46
3.94 1729.9 17.55 -4.91
3.72 1600.5 20.00 -5.05
Confining pressure=588 kPa; Initial void ratio=0.596

3. Give a detailed derivation of Terzaghi's one-dimensional consolidation theory:

u  2u
 cv 2
t z

Assumptions and neat sketches should be included where appropriate.

4.
The clay layer shown in the figure below has drainage at both its top and bottom surfaces.
The coefficient of consolidation Cv is 0.465 m2/year. A surface loading of 48 kPa is applied
to this site by placing a fill.

Dr. J. Yang
4.1 Make a neat drawing showing:
(a) The distribution of pore pressure before the fill is placed.
(b) The distribution of pore pressure immediately after the fill is placed.
(c) The distribution of pore pressure 6 years after the fill is placed.

4.2 How long will it take for the average consolidation of the layer to exceed 90%?

3m
Sand

3m

Clay 6m

Sand

Due date: March 12, 2016 (Saturday)

Online submission via HKU Moodle

Dr. J. Yang