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Geotechnical Engineering
Volume - II: Self Practice Questions (Work Book)

GATE r Civil Engineering

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 Foreword
Geotechnical Engineeri ng for GATE
The Study material for Geotechnical Engineering is thoroughly revised this year to meet
the requirements of all categories of students. It consists of
Volume - I: Study Material with classroom Practice Questions
o Brief synopsis covering the entire syllabus
o Worked out examples, concept-wise
o Classroom Practice Questions (Covering all essential Concepts)

The students are advised to go through the theory duly understanding the worked out
examples to the extent possible and bring the booklet to the class. By doing so, the
students will get familiaized with some of the concepts and can really enjoy the lecture
in the class. Also, the students can interact wiih the faculty in a better way.

Volume- II: Student practice booklet - Work Book: It has two levels
Levell:BasicLevel
Level2 : Advanced Level
After attending the classes and understanding the typical questions explained by the professors,
the student will be in a position to solve these questions in work book. However, for veriffing
the correctness, Hints / Solutions are also given wherever required. The student is advised to
struggle to get the solution for the problems in the work book by self analysis and not to refer
the solution first.

Thanks to all Professors who extended their valuable services in the preparation of this
Booklet.
It is believed that this volume is also a valuable aid to the students appearing for
competitive exams like ESE, DRDO, ISRO; JTO, State service Commissions and other
PSUs.
With best wishes to all the Students

Y.V. Gopala Krishna Murthy,

M Tech. MIE,
Managing Director,
ACE Engineering Academy
Soil Mechanics: Origin of soils, soil structure and fabric; Three-phase system and
phase relationships, index properties; Unified and Indian standard soil
classification system; Permeability - one dimensional flow, Darcy's law; Seepage
through soils - two-dimensional flow, flow nets, uplift pressure, piping; Principle
of effective stress, capillarity, seepage force and quicksand condition; Compaction
in laboratory and field conditions; Onedimensional consolidation, time rate of
consolidation; Mohr's circle, stress paths, effective and total shear strength
parameters, characteristics of clays and sand'
Foundation Engineering: Sub-surface investigations - scope, drilling bore holes,
sampling, plate load test, standard penetration and cone penetration tests; Earth
pressure theories - Rankine and Coulomb; Stability of slopes - finite and infinite
slopes, method of slices and Bishop's method; Stress distribution in soils -
Boussinesq's and Westergaard's theories, pressure bulbs; Shallow foundations -
Terzaghi's and Meyerhoffs bearing capacity theories, effect of water table;
Combined footing and raft foundation; Contact pressure; Settlement analysis in
sands and clays; Deep foundations - types of piles, dynamic and static formulae,
load capacity of piles in sands and clays, pile load test, negative skin fiiction.

Geo-technical Engineering: Soil exploration - planning & methods, Properties of

soil, classification, various tests and inter-relationships; Permeability & Seepage,
Compressibility, consolidation and Shearing resistance, Earth pressure theories
and stress distribution in soil; Properties and uses of geo-synthetics'
Foundation Engineering: Types of foundations & selection criteria, bearing
capacity, settlement analysis, design and testing of shallow & deep foundations;
Slope stability analysis, Earthen embankments, Dams and Earth retaining
stiuctures:types, analysis and design, Principles of ground modifications.
COACITING OFFERTI)

O IES

o
 Origin ofsofls
LEVET -l OUESTIONS
01.In sedimentary soil the individual particles
are created at one location, transported and
finally
(a) deposited in another iocation
(b) redeposited in low lying areas
(c) deposited in low lying areas
(d) deposited in desert areas
02. A residual soil is one fotmed in place by the
weatherins of rock at the location
(a) and tlansported to another l,rcation
(b) with little or no rnovernent of
individual soil particles
(c) and deposited under lake
(d) and deposited under sea
03. Soils are basically
(a) Organic materials
(b) Inorganic materials
(c) Mineral materials
(d) Organic and inorganic materials
04. The behavior of clay is govemed by
07. The term Soil Mechanics was coined bv
(a)Terzaghi (b) Casagrande
(c) Newmark (d) Rankine
08. Cohesionless soils are formed due tcr
(a) Oxidation of rocks
(b) leaching action of water on rocks
(c) blowing of hot and cold wind
(d) Physical disintegration of rocks
09. Peat is composed of
(a) clay and sand
(b) decayed vegetable matter
(c) inorganic silt and silty clay
(d) synthetic chemicals
10. Talus is the soil transported by
(a) gravitational force (b) water
(c) glacier (d) wind
I l. Varved clay is
(a) A mixture of sand, siiq ciay
(b) A chemically bonded soil mixture
(c.1 Alternate thin layers of silt and clay
(d) Decomposed volcanic ash deposit
:

(a) Mass energy 12. Black cotton soii is

(b) Surface - cum - mass energy (a) A chemically weathered residual soil
(c) Surface energy (b) A physically weathered residual soil
(d) Friction (c) A colluvial soil
(d) An organic soil
05. Lacustrine soil is a (ESE-1e9s)
(a) Soil deposited in sea 13. Loam means
(b) Wind - borne soil (a) Sandy clay with a little siit
(c) Soil deposited in lake (b) Silty clay with a little sand
(d) Soil formed by vegetational matter (c) Sand, Silt and Clay
(d) Sand, Silt and Gravel
06. Chemical weatherins occurs because of
(a) oxidation (b) carbonation
(c) hydration (d) all the above
Hyderabad I Delhi Bhopal i Pune I Bhubmesw
J I
Bengalm ] Lucknow I Patrn ] Chemai I Vijayawda ivize f
I irupati I Gutu ] Kukatpally(Hyd)
 Origto of Soils

llllrrrrrrr',t', List-II
(,r) ;r lr;rll tlr.'r'ortrposcrl soil 1. Transportation by wind
(lr) lirlly tlccontposcd soil 2. Transportation by running Water
(c) inorganic soil 3. Deposited at the bottom of lakes
(d) a type of rock 4. Deposited in sea water

15. Pick up the correct sequence of geological Codes:

cycle for the formation of soil ABCD ABCD
(a) transportation - upheaval - deposition (u)12 3 4 (b)3 214
weathering (c)3 2 41 (d)1 3 2 4
(b) transportation - deposition - weathering -
upheaval 18. Match List-I with List-II and select the
(c) weathering - upheaval __ deposition - coffect answer:
transportation List-I List-II
(d) weathering - transpoftation - deposition - A.Loess 1. Deposited from
upheaval suspension in
runnlng water.
16. Match List I with List II and select the correct B. Peat 2. Deposits of.
answer using the codes given below the lists: manne ongm.
List I List II C. Alluvial soil 3. Deposited by
(Soil deposit) (Soil Name) Wind
A. Gravity 1. Stratified drift D. Marl 4. Orsanic soil
B. Lake 2. Talus
C. Glacial 3. Loess Codes
D. Wind 4. Lacustrine ABCD ABCD
Codes
(a)3 4 2 | (b)4 3 I 2

AB CD ABCD (c)4 3 2 1 (d)3 4 I 2

(a)l 3 2 4 (b)2 4 1 3
(c)3 4 | 2 (d)4 3 2 I
LEVEL - 1 KEY
17. Match the List-I (Type of Soil) With List-II
(Mode of Transportation and Deposition) and
select the correct answer usins the codes
01. (a) 02. (b) 03. (d) 0a. (c) 0s. (c)
given below the lists: (ESE - lees) 06. (d) 07. (a) 08. (d) 0e. (b) 10. (a)
List -I 11. (c) 12. (a) 13. (c) 14. (a) ls. (d)
A. Lacustrine Soils
B. Alluvial Soils 16. (b) 17. (b) 18. (d)
C. Aeolian Soils
D. Marine Soils

Hydenbad I Delhi I Bhopal i Pme I Bhubmesw I

Bengalm I Lucknow Parn I Chemai ! Vijayawada i Vizag i Tirupati
1 I Gunr I KulatpallvGlvd)
 Definitions qnd
Properties of Sofls
LEVEr - 1 QUESTTONS 08. Dry density of soil can be defined as the ratio
of
b" 01. Pycnometer method is used to determine (a) weight of solids to the total volume
'9$'
' 7 (a)water
o.$o content and void ratio
(b)specific gravity
(b) weight of the soil to the total volume of
solids
(c) specific gravity and dry density (c) unit weight the soil to the unit weight of
(d) specific gravity and water cdntent water.
(d) None
02.If the moisture content of a saturated
09. For a dense packing regular spheres at the
(a) mass specific maximum density, the void ratio is
(b) true specific gravity (a) 0.e1 (b) 0.81 (c) 0.65 (d) 0.3s
(c) half of true specific gravity
(d) no relation with specific gravity 10. When porosity is 50%, the void ratio is

03. The soil that will have generally maximum

void ratio is
(a) Gravel (b) Sand
(c) Silt (d) Clay

04. For a given soil the following unit weight is

constant
(a) y (b) ya (c) y.u, (d) y,

05. For a st acking of regular spheres at the <0

(a)w (b)0 < w <100
minimum density, the void ratio is
(a) 0.e1 (b) 0.81 (c) 0.6s (d) 0.34
(c)0< w <100 (d)w>0

06. The void ratio in soils is defined as the ratio

13. Void ratio e as a ratio
of volume of (a)e< 0 (b)0<e<1
(a) voids to solids volume (c)0< e < 1 (d)e > 0
(b) voids to soil volume
(c) solid to voids volume 14. If the void ratio is 0.5, then the porosity is
(d) solids to total volume (a) 0.333 (b) I
(c) 0.666 (d) 0.s
07. Theoretically, the void ratio in soils can have
the following values. 15. In a soil mass if volume of voids is equal to
(a) less than one only volume of solids, then values of voids ratio
(b) more than one and porosity are respectively_
(c) can be less or more than one (a) 0.s (b) 1, 0.5
(d) less than 0.5 (c) 1.5, 0.5 (d) 0.5, 1.5
HydembadlDelhilBhopallPmelBhubmeswlBengalmlLucknowlPamrlChemailVijayawadallrzg iTirupati lcunrl Kukabally(Hyd)
,Uil, Engineering
':,lI; ACE
Academy Geotechnical Engineering

l(r. liol a soil in natural state, void ratio is 1, TEVEL _ 2 QUESTIONS

water content is 30% and G :2.50, the degree
of saturation.
(a)0% (b) 150% (c)7s% (d)30%
01. A soil deposit has a void ratio of 1. If the
void ratio is reduced to 0.6 by compaction,
find the o/o volume loss. ....
17. A soil has a bulk density of 2.4 glcc andwater
content of 20o/o the dry density of the sample
(a)r0% (bj20% (c)3a% @)40%
IS
Common data for Questions 02 & 03
(a) 1.25 glcc (b) 1.5 g/cc
(c) 2 glcc (d) 2.5glcc A s ated clay has a water content of 39.3 %
and b ity of 1.84.
18. The given figure indicates the weights of 02. The specific gravity of the soil is
(ESE-19es)
(a) 2.6s (b) l"es(c) 2.74 (d) 2.es

03. The void ratio of the soil is

(a) 1.4s (b) 1.08 (c) 0.6s (d) 0.14

Empty pycnorleter Pycrromcter Pycnolnetcr Common data f'or Questions 04, 05 & 06
W2 + soill Wator W:
P,l'cnomeler I ir;, soil *Water Wr
A soil has a porosity of 400,6, the G:2.5 and water
The specific gravity of the solids is given by content of l2o/o.
/\,
(4,
\% 04. Water content at full saturation is
W.-% (.a) 15.7% (b) 26.6%
-- (c) 95% (d) 23.s%
- Vy', Vy',
'-'(w,-wr)-(w,-w,)
\vt ,- '-
05. The weight of water required to be added to
100 m' of this soil for full saturation. is
W" (a) i.35 tons (b) 1.85 tons
(c)J
- W,
-W. (c) 22 tons (d) 31 tons

(d)
w, -w 06. Water content which can fully saturate and
(w, -w,)-(w, -w.) increase the volume bv 5%. is
(a) 27.7% (b) 30%
(c) 3s% (d) 38%
19. A natural soil deposit has a bulk density of
I.90 glcm3 and water content of 6 percent.
Assume G:2.67. Assuming the voids LEVEL - 1 KEY
ratio to remain constant, what will be the
degree of saturation at a water content of 16 01. (d) 02. (b) 03. (d) (d)
04. 0s. (a)
o/ (',
/o !
06. (a) 07. (c) 08. (a) 0e. (d) 10. (c)
(a) 6s.7% (b) 76.6%
(c) 87.1% (d) e3.s% 11. (a) 12. (d) 13. (d) M. (a) ls. (b)
16. (c) 17. (c) 18. (d) le. (c)
 ecaaemv :5: Definitions & Properties of Soils

04. Ans: (b)

IEVEL.2 SOLUTIONS Sol: n:40o/o G:2.5
w: l2%o
e
01. Ans: (b) S.:1 11 :
1+e
Sol: e1 : l, e2:0.6 e -
V, _1+e, =0.40
1+e
V2 I+ e, e:0.667
V, 1+1 exSr:wxG
V2 1+ 0.6
w:26.6 Yo

Vz:0'8 Vr 05. Ans: (c)

o%
volume loss
Sol: yo
LY:20%o

02. Ans: (c)

Sol: Given
S.: 100o/o ; w:39.3%o
T.u, :1.84
Y*
e. S.: w.G
:0.393 G l

ysat G+e
T- l+e
G + 0.393G
1.84:
1+ 0.393G
.'.G:2.74
:' e, :0'75
03. Ans: (b)
Water content a--
wG
Sol: exS,:0.393G S,
exl:0.393x2.14 e.S,
\V:-
e: 1.08 G
0.75
2.5
w:30 Yo

HydenbadlDelhiJBhopallPmeiBhubmeswJBengalmlLucknowlPatrnjChemailVijayamdaivizag iTirupati lGuntrul Kukapally(Ilyd)

 Soil Structures and
Clay Mineralogy
08. Amongst the following clay minerals, the
rEVEL - 1 QUESTIONS mineral which causes highest swelling &
shrinkage is
01. In the case of silts, the following type of soil (a) kaolinite (b) illite
structure is exhibited (c)montmorillonite (d)halloysite
(a) single grained (b) honey combed
(c) flocculated (d) dispersec 09. China clay is an example for
(a) kaolinite (b) illite
02. The shape of a clay particle is (c)montmorillonite (d)halloysite
(a) rounded (b) angular
(c) flaky (d) any of the a,b,c 10. Due to remoulding of clay, the strength
(a) decrease (b) increased
03. The phenomenon of regaining of lost strength (c) remains constant (d) can't be said
with passage of time under constant u'ater
content is called I 1. The correct increasing order of specific
(a) Thixotropy (b) liquifaction surface i.e. surface atea per mass of the given
(c) Sensitivtity (d) none of the above soils is
(a) silt, sand, colloids, clay
04. Sancl particles are made up of (b) sand, silt, colloids, clay
(a) rock minerals (b) kaolinite (c) sand, silt, clay, colloids
(c) Illite (d) all the above (d) clay, silt, sand, colloids

05. Kerosene liquid doesn't cause plasticity to 12. Adsorbed water imparts
the clay because it is (a) plasticity (b) friction
(a) electrically neutral (c) shear strength (d) all the above
(b) polar liquid
(c) non polar 13. Flocculated structure is formed by attraction
(d) not having montmorillonite of parlicles and the particles have the
(a) edge to face orientation
06. Amongst the given soils, the specific surface (b) edge to edge orientation
area is highest for (c) face to face orientation
(a) Gravel (b) Sand (d) parallel orientation
(c) Silt (d) Clay
14. The correct sequence of plasticity of minerals
07. Diffuse double layer is present in the case of in soil in an increasing order (ESE-2002) is
(a) clay (b) silt (a) silica, kaolinite, illite, montmorillonite
(c) sand (d) all the above (b) kaolinite, silica, illite, montmorillonite
(c) silica, kaolinite, montmorillonite, illite
(d) kaolinite, silica, montmorillonite, illite

Hyrlerabad I Delhi i Bhopal I Pwe j Bhubmesw j Bengalw Lucknow

1 I Patna I Chemai I Vijayamda Vizag
1 i Tirupati 1 Gunr ] Kukatpallv(Hyd)
 Soil Sructures and Clay Mineralory

5. The predominant mineral responsible for 18. Match List - I (Deposit) with List-II (Soil
shrinkage and swelling in black cotton soils is structure) and select the correct answer using
(ESE -2003) the codes given below the lists:
(a) illite (b) kaolinite (ESE -2010)
(c) mica (d) montmorillonite .List-I List-II
A. Coarse grained soil 1. Flocculated
6. Consider the following clay minerals: B. Silt deposit 2. Cohesive matrix
1. Kaolinite C. Clay deposit 3. Honeycomb
2.1llite D. Composite soil 4. Single-grained
3. Montmorillonite
Which one of the following is the correct ABCD ABCD
sequence of the minerals given above in the (a)2 3 1 4 (b)4 3 I 2
increasing order of their grain size? (c)z | 3 4 (d)4 | 2 3

(a) 3-2-r
(c) r-2-3 LEVEL - 1 KEY

0a. (a) 0s. (c)

09. (a) 10. (a)
M. (a) ls. (d)

(a) 1,2 and3

(c) only 2 and3

Hydembad I Delhi I Bhopal I Pune I Bhubmesmr I Bengalum l Lucknow I Parra I Chennai I Viiayaroda I Vizag i Tirupati I Gmur i KukatpallvHyd)
 Index Properties of Soft
LEVEL - 1 QUESTTONS 09. Soil which contains the particles
of different
sizes in good proportion is called
01. The soil sampleused for liquid limit (W;) (a) uniform soil (b) well graded soil
and (c) consistent soil
p_lastic limit (Wp) and for shrinkage (d) none of the above
limit
(Ws), tests should be finer than
(a) 75 microns (1.0/At shrinkage limit the degree of saturation is
(b) 150 microns *. (a) 0 % (b) s0
(c) 200 microns (d) 425 microns % (c) 7s % (d) 100 %
02. A clay is said to be fat when its Wr I 1. A soil is said to be non_plastic when
is Ip
(a) 10 to 20%o (b) 20 to 30% (a) :0 Yo b) > I "1"
(c) 30 to 50Yo (d) more than 50o/o (c): I Yo (d) is 7 to 17 o/o
03. The flow index in soils indicates 12. ^the shrinkage index is equal to
(a) shear strength variation with water (a) liquid limit-plastic limit
content
(b) variarion of liquicl limit (b) liquid limit-shrinkaee limit
(c) rate of flow of water through the (c) plastic timit-tiquid limit
soil
(d) ratio of liquid limit to plastic limit (d) plastic limit_shrinkage limit
04. Pickup the incorrect par
Property of soil
13. For a well graded soil, the co_efficient of
Scientist concerned curvature will be between
(a) Consistency Atterberg
(b) Liquid limit
(a) I and 10 (b) 2 and 8
Casagrande (c) 3 and
(c) Consolidation 7 (d) 1 and 3
Terzaghi
(d) Sedimentation a nalysis: Darcy 14. Dro of the soil is the diameter in
mm such that
(a) l0 %o of the soil is coarser than this
05. The most uniformly graded soil is value
(b) 10 Yo of the soil is finer than this
(a) Dune sand (b) loess value
(c) this value has no bearing on particle
(c) Talus (d) loam size
distribution
06. In hydrometer analysis the principle (d) none of the above
used is
(a) Newton,s law (b) Darcv;s law 15. A flat flow curye indicates soil
of
(c) Stoke's law (d) Rehabann,s law (a) low shear strensth
(b) high shear strerigth
07. The effective size of the soil is (c) low compressibility
(a) Drs (b) Drr (c) D,o (d) Dso (d) low permeability
08. Soil in which some of the intermediate
particles are missing is known as
size 16. Stoke's law is applicable for spheres of
(a) poorly graded soil diameter
(b) non-uniform soil (a) 0.002 to 0.0002 mm
(c) ill proportional soil (b) 0.2 to 0.0002 m
(d) skip graded soil or Gap graded (c) 0.02 to 0.0002 mm
(d) 2.00 to 0.02 mm
 ACE 9 lndex Properties of Soils
nngineerinsAcadeny
r\ 24. In liquid limit test by Casagrande apparatus,
lV.\The liquid limit exists for
sandy soils (b) silty soils the water content for 10 and 100 blows are
-(a)
(c) clayey soils (d) gravelly soils 40 o/o and l0 %. The flow index for the soil is
(a) 10 (b) 40 (c) 30 (d) s0
18. The maximum water content at which a
reduction in water content does not cause a 25. The void ratios of a soils in its densest and
decrease in volume of soil mass is known as loosest state are 0.2 and 0.80. If void ratio in
(a) liquid limit (b) plastic limit the natural state is 0.4, the relative density is
(c) shrinkage limit (d) ductile limit (a)80% (b)66% @)a0% G)20%
19. If the natural water content of a soil mass lies 26. Plastic limit is fbund by
between its liquid limit and plastic limit, the (a) Casagrand's test (b) Shaking test
soil mass is said to be in (c) Dilatancy test (d) Thread test
(a) liquid state (b) plastic state
(c) semi - solid state (d) solid state
27 . Pafticle size distribution curve with a hump is
obtained for a
20. The admixture of sand or silt to clay causes
(a) uniform soil (b) well graded soil
(a) decrease in liquid limit and increase in (c) gap graded (d) poorly graded soil
plasticity index
(b) decreases in liquid limit and no change in 28. When the plastic limit of a soil is greater than
plasticity index
the liquid limit, then the plasticity index is
(c) decreases in both liquid limit and reported as
plasticity index
(a) negative (b) zero
(d) increases in both liquid limit and (c) non- plastic (NP) (d) t
plasticity index

21. A steep grain size distribution culve 29. The liquid limit and plastic linrit of sample
represents are 65% and 29% respectively. The
(a) more uniform grain sizes percentage of the soil fraction with grain size
(b) non - uniform grain sizes finer than 0.002mm is 24. the activity ratio of
(c) grains of all sizes the soil sample is (ESE-lees)
(d) grain sizes from two representattve (a) 0.50 (b) 1.00 (c) 1.s0 (d) 2.00
fractions
ft" a soil simple has a Shrinkage limit of 10 %
22. An inclined grain size distribution cut.v.e and Specific gravity of soil Solids'as 2.1 The
shows a porosity of soil at shrinkage limit is
(a) narrow range ofgrain sizes (ESE-lees)
(b) wide range of grain sizes (a) 2r.2% (b) 27%
(c) uniform grain sizes (c) 73% (d) 78.8 %
(d) cerlain range of missing grain sizes
31. A soil has a liquid limit of 60 % plastic limit
23. The minimum water content at which the soil of 35 o/o and shrinkage limit of 20o/o and it
just begins to crumble when rolled into has a natural moisture content of 50 o/o the
threads 3mm in diameter is known as liquidity index of soil is (ESE-1ee6)
(a) shrinkage limit (b) plastic limit (a) l.s
(b) I.zs (c) 0.6 (d) 0.4
(c) liquid limit (d) consistency limit
HydenbadlDelhilBhopallPuelBhubmesrulBengalm!LucknowlPatnalChemilVljayamdalvizag lTirupati lGmnul Kukapally(Hyd)
 |#l

tf$;-**9"-""-, :10: Geotechnical Enginccri r r g

32. ln oomparison to Atterberg lirnits of normal &7. Followins data were obtained whilc
soils, the expansive soils have which of the u* conductirig the liquid limit test.
following? (ESE -2008)
l. More liquid limit Number blows 8 20 25 32 45
2. Less plastic limit water content
3. Less shrinkage limit 70 60.2 s6.8 53.4 50
(%)
4. More volumetric shrinkage
Select the correct answer:
Plastic limit was found tobe 26.80/o
(a) 1,2,3 and4 (b) 1,3 and 4 only
Plasticity index of the soil is
(c)2and3only (d) 1,2 and 4 only
(a) Is% (b) 2s% (c) 30% (d) 4so/,
33. A soil has liquid limit 35yo, plastic
limtt:2}Yo, shrinkage limit: l0o/o and natural 38. Hydrometer Analysis is based on
moisture content : 25Yo. What will be its (a) Darcy's Law (b) Coulomb's Law
liquidity index, plasticity index and shrinkage (c) Stoke's Law (d) Terzaghi's Law
index?
(a) 0.57,15 and25 (b) 0.33, l5 and 10 LEVEL - 2 QUESTIONS
(c) 0.67, 25 and 15 (d) 0.33, 20 and 15

r 34.iThe following data lvere obtained fr"om a 01. An oven diy soil sample has a volume of
liquid limit test conducted on a soil sample. 225 cm' and weight of 390 gm. If the grain
The liquid limit of the soil is: specific gravity is 2.1 . What will be the water
content which will fully satnrate the sample
Number of blows l7 22 2s 28 3+
and also cause agi4crease in volume equal to
Water content (7o) 6L 59 56 53 5t 8 % of the original dry volume.
(a) s6% (b) se% (c) s3% (d) 51% (a) 16.8% (b) 2357%
(c) re.6% (d) 2s.4%
3s. A sample of soil has the following properties:
Liquid limit- 45oh
Plastic limit - 25o/o 02. The coefficients of uniformity and curvature
Shrinkage linrt: I7o/o of a soil are 4 and 1 respectively. The ratio
Natnral moisture content :30o D:o / Dro will be
The consistency index of the soil is (a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4
(a) r5t2a (b) r3t20
(c) 8/20 (d) st20 03. The liquid limit of clayey soil is 56 % and its
plasticity index is 15 %. The state of the soil
36. Consider the following statements : at awater content of 45 oA is
Lime stabilisation of soil leads to (a) liquid state (b) plastic state
(1) rtrecrease in shrinkage lirnit (c) semi solid state (d) solid state
(2) increase in plastic limit.
(3) decrease in liquid limit
(4) flocculation of clay particles.
Which of these statements islare correct?
(a) 1,2 and 4 (b) 1.,2 and 3
(c) l,3and 4 {d) 2,3 and 4
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 : l1: Index Properties of Soils

wrG
LEVEL - 1 KEY s.
0.682
01. (d) 02. (d) 03. (a) 04. (d) 0s. (a) 2.7
06. (c) oz 1c; 08. (d) 0e. (b) 10. (d) w2:25.4%o
11. (a) 12. (d) 13. (d) 14. (b) ls. (b)
02. Ans: (b)
16. (b) 17. (c) 18. (c) le. (b) 20. (c)
Sol: Cu:4, Cr: I
2r. (a) 22. (b) 23. (b) 24. @) 2s.(b)
D.n (- (D,o)'
26. (d) 27. (c) 28. (b) 2e. (c) 30. (a) ' D,o
vc-
Duo Dro
"
31. (c) 32. (a) 33.(b) 34. (a) 3s. (a)
. l-
(Dro)'
36. (d)
t r-
37. (c) 38. (c) 4D,o x D,o

TEVEL - 2 SOLUTIONS

01. Ans: (d)

Sol: Given:
Ya:225 cm3 G:2.7
Wa: 390 gm ws: ?
v: 1.08 va
390
yr
' u'j=-:
1.1J glcc
225

Y.. G wr: 4lYo wy: 56%o

io ' r+er
the
1x) 7
1.73::3er:0.557
1+ e,
Let ez be void ratio at increased volume
V2 1+ e,
V, 1+ e,
1.08Vr 1+ e,
V, 1+ 0.557
ez:0.682
Let wz be water content at increased volume
of soil

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---_--
 Soil dlqssification
08. Amongst the following, the smallest particle
LEVET - 1 QUESTIONS S1ZE IS
(a) silt (b) clay
01. Group Index of soil ranges such that (c) sand (d) colloidal
(a)0<GI<20 (b)0 SGI<20
(c) 0 < GI (d) 0'GI< o 09. The maximum size of fine grained soils is
=25 (a) 0.002 mm (b) 0.075 mm
(c) 0.75 mm (d) 4.75 mm
02. A single fine grained soil particle (siit particle
or clay particle)
10. Boundary classification is to be resofted for
(a) can be seen by naked eYe
coarse grained soils, when percentage fines is
(b) cannot be seen b,rz naked eYe (a) less than 5 oh
(c) can not be said
(b) lies between 5 oh and 12 oh
(d) sometimes can be seen
(c) greater than 12 o/o
(d) none
03 The biggest size of clay size particle is
(a) 0.0002 mm (b) 0.002 mm
11. The equation of A - line is
(c) 0.02mm (d) 0.075 mm
(a) Ip:0.73 (WL - t0)
(b) ro: 0.73 (wL - 20)
04. The laboratory classification of fine grained (") Ip:0.73 (Wr- + 10)
soils is based on --:-...,- (d) Ip:0'73 (WP - 20)
(a) Plasticity Index
(b) Liquid limit 12. A soil has the liquid of 30%o. The
(c) Plasticity chart corresponding plasticitY given by the
(d) Sedimentation analYsis A-line is
(a) 7 .3 (b) 7.s (c) 9.0 (d) e.s
05. BIS soil classification is based on
(a) grain size 13. The soils which plot above the A line in the
(b) grain size distribution plasticity chart are
(c) plasticity properties (a) organic clays (b) silts
(d) both 'b' &'c' (c) inorganic clay (d) organic soils

06. The symbol'SM' indicates 14. According to IS classification system,

(a) Sandy silt (b) Medium sand soils can be classified into
(c) Silty sand (d) Medium silt (a) 15 groups (b) 18 groups
(c) 3 groups (d) 7 groups
07. Silty clay indicates
(a) silt percentage is greater than that ofclay 15.. Sandy silty clay indicates
'(a) Sand > Silt > clay
(b) clay percentage is greater than that of silt
(c) both silt and clay have equal proportion (b) Sand < Silt < Clay
(d) None (c) Sand: Silt: Clay
(d) None
 16. In the plasticity chart, soil that falls a@ve A-
LEVEL - 2 SOLUTIONS

01. Data from a sieve analysis conducted on a

given sample of soil showed that 70o/o of the
particles passed through 75 micron IS sieve.
The liquid limit and plastic limit of the finer
fraction was found to be 42 and 30 percents
respectively. The group symbol of the given
-
soil as per IS: 1498 1970 is:
(a) SC (b) MI (c) CH

(a) Sw (b) sP
= 0.95

led sand 1< C"< 3 and C., >6.

graded soil : SP
01. (b) 02. (b) 03. (b)
06. (c) 07. (b)
11. (b) 12. (a)
16. (d)

I,

\
s
d

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 Permesbility
08. The soil is said to be impermeable when
LEVEL - 1 QUESTIONS coefficient of permeability is
(a) < 10-7 cm/sec (b) < 10-tu cm/sec
01 . With the rise of temperature, the permeability (c) > 10-e cm/sec (d) <10-" cm/sec
(a) increases (b) decreases
(c) remains constant (d) None 09. The soil is said to be highly permeable when
coefficient of permeability is
t
02. A flow is taking place in a soii for which (a) > 10-2 cm/sec (b) > 10 cm/sec
porosity is "n", if the discharge velocity is (c) < 10-1 cm/sec (d) <10-2 cm/sec
"v", then the seepage velocity will be .
(a) n.v (b) n/v (c) v/n (d) vin' 10. In a Darcian flow, flow velocity is
(a) Actual velocity (b) seepage velocity
03. Fiow can be assumed laminar in the following (c) discharge r.elocity (d) boundary velocity
soils
(a) clay only (b) clay, silt I 1. In granular soil, K varies with the
(c) clay, silt, sand (d) all tyPes specific surface. Choose the correct statement
(a) directly (b) inversely
04. In the case of soil Mechanics, the following (c) logarithemically (d) not in order
head is neglected
(a) pressure head (b) velocity head 12. Darcy's law is valid and flow will be laminar
(c) elevation head (d) total head as long as Reynolds number is less than
(a) 2000 (b) 100 (c) l0 (d) 1

05. For Large engineering projects, the

permeability is determined accurately by 13. A Soil has discharge velocity of 6xl0-'m/s
(a) constant head test (b) variable head test and a void ratio of 0.5. Its seepage velocity is
(c) pumping in test (d) pumping out test (ESE-1ees)
(a) 18x10 7mls (b) 12x10-7m/s
06. For stiff clays(When permeability (< I x l0-6 (c) 6x10-7rn/s (d) 3x10-7m/s
cm/sec), the penneability is determined by
(a) variable head test
(b) capillary-penneability test
14. Match List - I (Soil description) with List - II
(coefficient of permeability, mm/s) and select
(c) constant head test
the correct answer using the codes given
(d) consolidation test (ESE -2003)
below the lists:

07. Flow between any two points in a soil List - I List - II

depends only on the difference in A. Gravel i) tt
2
head
(a) pressure (b) velocity head B. Clay silt admixtures ii) 10 to lO-a
(c) datum head (d) total head C. Loess iii) <10-"
D. Homogeneous clays iv) 10-a to 10-6
 o
f,,
il
fi

Codes: 20. A soil has a discharge velocity of 6 x 10

7

ABCD ABCD rn/s and porosity of 0.5. Its'seepage velocity is

(a) iv i iii ii (b) i iv iii ii (a) 18 x 10 m/s
7 7
(b) 12 x 10 m/s
(c) iv i ii iii (d) i iv ii iii (c) 6 x 10-i m/s (d) 3 x 10-7 m/s

15. Consider the following statements: 21. Match List-I (progess) with/ List-II
1. Organic matter increases the permeability (goveming laws/equations) and select the
of a soil. correct answer:
2. Entrapped air decreases the permeability List-I
of a soil. A. Flow of water in soil
Which of these statement(s) is /are comect? B. Flow of water through Pipe
(ESE -2007) C. Sedimentation of soil particles in water
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only List-II
(c) Both I and2 (d) Neither I nor 2 1. Roussinesq equation
2. Darcy's law
16. Consider the following statements 3. Poiscuille's equation
The coefficient of permeability depends 4. Skemption's equation
upon 5. Stoke's law
1. Void ratio of the soil Codes:
2. duration of flow AB C ABC
3. equivalent diameter of the soil grains. (a)2 4 5 (b)2 3 s
4. shape of the particle. (c)1 3 5 (d)2 3 ,1
(_v
Which of these statements are correct?
. (ESE -2010) 22.In a two-layer soil system-. the top soii and
(a) 1,2,3 and 4 (b) 2 and 3 onlY bottom soil are of same thickness but the
(c) 1,3 and 4 only (d) 3 and 4 onlY coefficient of permeability of the top soil is
twice that of the bottom soil of coefhcient of
17. The coefficient of permeability of a soil is permeability 'k'. When horizontiri flow.
4 x 10-'cm/sec for a certain pore fluid. trf the occurs, the equivalent coeffrcient of
viscosity of the pore fluid is reduced to half, permeability of the system will be.
then the coefficient of permeability rvill be (a) 2k (b) l.sk (c) 1.2sk (d) 1.2k
(a) 8 x 10-5 cm/sec (b) 2 x 10-5 crn/sec
(c) 16 x l0-5 cm/sec (d) 4 r l0-s cmisec
Consider the folloin'ing statements :
1. Coarse sand is more than a million times
18. Permeability of hlter sands is given by penneable than a high plasticity clay.
following equation. (DLo in cm and k in cmls)
2. The permeability depends on the nature of
(a) k: s0 Dio (b) k = 100D:o soil and not on properties of liquid
(c) k:150xDuo/D,o (d) k :100Dr'z0 flowing through soil.
3. If a sample of sand antj a sarnple of clay
19. Coefficient of permeability measures flow of have the same void ratio. both samples
(a) Free water (b) Capillary water will exhibit the same permeability.
(c) Absorbed water (d) Contact water

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I
 4. Permeability of soil decreases as the coefficient of permeability of the soil. If a
effective stress acting on the soil drop of head is measured from 58 to 37 cm in
increases. the same experiment determine the timc
Which of the statements given above are required for the drop ofhead.
correct?
(a) 1 and2 (b) I and 3
(c) 1and4 (c)2and3 LEVEL _ l SOLUTIONS

LEVEL - 2 QUESTIONS (a) (c)

01. 02. 0s. (c) 04. (b) 0s. (d)
06. (d) 07. (d) 08. (a) 0e. (b) 10. (c)
01. In a permeameter if the time
interv n levels from h1 to h2 and 11. (b) 12. (d) 13. (a) 14. (d) ls. (b)
h2 to h3 equal, then
: (h +fu)t2 16. (c) r7. (a) 18. (d) le. (a) 20. (b)
(a) hz (b)h::h1 +h2
(c) h, : JG;t',) (d) h, = J[1 r hJ 21. (b) 22. (b) 23. (c)

02.In a falling head permeameter the soil sample

was 18 cm long and has a cross sectional area LEVEL - 2 SOTUTIONS
of 22 cm'. The sample of the soil was
heterogen_eous having permeability of
30 x 10-s cm/sec for first 6 cm. 4 , l0-4 01. Ans: (c)
cm/sec for 2nd 6cm and 6 x lO-a cm/sec for Sol: tt:t:
the last 6 cm thickness. Assume flow-taking
place perpendicular to the bedding planes.
If the cross sectional area of the stand pipe
was 2 cm2, the time required. for a drop bf
head from 25 to 10 cm in minutes is

03. A horizontal stratified deposit consists of

three layers each uniform in itself. The
penneabilities of the layers are
8 x lO-acm/sec, 50 x10-4 cm/sec and 15 xl0-4 h, xh,
cm/sec and their thicknesses are 6 m. 3 m and
18 m respectively. Find the effective average 02.
permeability of the deposit in horizontal and
vertical directions.
Sol: L: 18 cm
K1 :30x10-s cm/s
A:22 crrJ
04. In a variable head permeameter the cross- a:2 cm2
Kz:4 x10-a cm/s
sectional area of ihe sample was 850 sq.cm h1 :25 cm
and its length was measured as ll.2crn. The hz: 10 cm
head was noted to fall from 90 to 62 cm in 2 time: ? K::6 xlO a cm/s
minutes. If the cross - sectional area of the
stand pipe was 2.8 sq.cm, find out the
 6+6+6
: 17.33 x 10-a cm/sec
Kv= 21+22+23
+ *o"ro- k,: zlzaz
30><lo- o**-t '+ '+_
6(l+1+1) kl k2 k3
-(1
6l -* .*
rt)
.
2700
(30 x l0-' 4xl0-' 6xl0-. )
I
600 300 r800
Ku:4 x 10-a cm/s
. aL. (h,)
t=-lOq^l
2x18
log"
25
AK -"[h,
-l=/ 22x4x 10-a 10

t = 3748.46sec
(tt,)
,* = aL"t"['u.,J
A,
ical values in the above

0.t61
l.I4xl0-acm/s
I

2700

_ 10-4 x t00(8x 6+ 50x3 +15 x18)

2700

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Vljayawada I
Vizg Tirupati ] Gutru i Kukatpally(Hyd)
I

V
 Effective Stress
i?*dAia qg)W6sw6k

06. When the water level in a lake (or tank) rises,

LEVEL - 1 QUESTIONS the effective stresses in the soil below are
(a) increased (b) decreased
01. 'Effective Stress' is the stress (c) un changed (d) None of the above
(a) Transmitted by flowing water
(b) Transmitted from particle to particle 07. Comparing total stress, o and the effective
through the points of contact stress, o
(c) that can be measured (a) o is always greater than o'
(d) None of the above (b) o' is always greater than o
(c) o' can be lesser than or equal to or greater
02.In the figure shown, the effective pressure at than o
'C' is given by (d) None of the above
(a) (h + Z) y*
(b) zv* 08. If the soil above water table is completely
(c) Z Y.uu safurated due to rain water, the effective
pressure in this saturated soil at any depth, 'h'
(d)hy* tZ^{sat
below Ground Level is
(a) y*u . h (b) y,., . h
03. Which of the followins is an eff"ective (") y* . h (d) None
pressure
(a) pore water pressure 09. In the capillary saturated zone (capillary
(b) capillary pressur fringe)
(c) water load (a) effective stress is lesser than total stress
(d) None of the above (b) effective stress is equal to total stress
(c) effective stress is greater than total stress
04. For water table below ground surface, a rise (d) None of the above
in the water table causes
(a) An increase in pore pressure aud decrease 10. Neutral pressure (Pore pressure) is
in effective pressure (a) always compressive
(b) Decrease in pore pressure and increase in (b) always tensile
effective pressure (c) compressive below water table and tensile
(c) No change in effectrve pressure above water table
(d) Equal change in pore pressure and total (d) compressive above water table and tensile
pressLues below rvater table
05. The effect of capillary saturation will cause
the effective stress I l. The stress which controls the strensth and
(a) to increase deformation behaviour of soil is
(b) to decrease (a) Total pressure (b) Pore pressure
(c) either to increase or decrease (c) Effective pressure (d) None
(d) not to change
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 g,U{JdiJ
unArilni^
,'C!S!- .AqE
:,lAD; Engineering ecaaemv :19: Effective Stress

12. The relation between total pressure 'o', and 18. Find out the odd pair
effective pressure 'o" and pore pressure, 'u' (a) Equipotential line and flow line
is (b) Effective stress and neutral stress
(a)o':o*u (b)o':o-u (c) Discharge velocity and seepage velocity
(c) o: o'- u (d) None of the above (d) Void ratio and specific gravity.

13. In the capillary saturated zone pore pressure rEVEr - 2 QUESTTONS

IS
(a) tensile
(b) compressive 01. A 2 m thick sand layer of density l.7tlm3
(c) either tensile or compressive m thick saturated clay of density
(d) zero ffective pressure at the center of
clay layer if the water table is at the inter face
14. When sround water table is lowered of the layers is
(a) total stress decreases, neutral stress (a) 7.4 t I m2 (b) 5.4 t I m2
decreases, but effective stress increases. (c)2tlm2 (d)7.0t1m2
(b) total, neutral and effect stresses decreases
(c) total stress remains constant while the 02. Water -table was fbund 1.6 m below ground
neutral and effective stresses decrease surface in case of a deep deposit of r,.ery fine
(d) total stress and neutral stresses decrease sand. Above the water-table, the sand was
while eff'ective stress remain constant. found saturated by capillary water. The unit
weight of saturated sand was 21.582 kNirrlr.
Increase in level of water table above Grounrl What was the effective vertical pressure on ?)
Level causes horizontal plane at a depth of 4.5 rn belorv tlre
(a) Increase in effective stress ground surface'/
r&
\ (b) No change in effective stress
(c) Decrease in effective stress 03. Find out the neutral and effective stresses at a
( depth of 15 m below ttre ground surlace f-or
(d) Nothing can be said
the following conditions. Water-table 3 m
16. Water table was found 1 m, below glound below the ground surface. For the soil
surface. Above the water table the soil was G : 2.65, e : 0.70, average moisture content
found saturated with capillary r,vater. If of the soil above the water -table : 5o/r.
saturated density is 20 kN/m', the effective
stless at the water tabie level in 'kN/m' is
(a) s (b) 10 (c) i s (d) 20 LEVEL - 1 KEY
17. The depth of water in a swimming pool is
6 m. The effective and total pressures at a 01. (b) 02. (c) 03. (b) 04. (a) 0s. (a)
depthof3mbelow top surface of water in 06. (c) 07. (c) 08. (b) 0e" (c) 10. (c)
'kN/m'' are
11. (c) 12. (b) 13. (a) 1,4. (a') ls. (b)
(a)'0' and '0' (b) '30' and '0'
(c)'0' and '30' (d)'0' and '3' 16. (d) 17. (c) 18. (d)

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I I
Lucknow I Pann I Chemai I Vijayamda j Vizag j Tirupari I Gutrr I KukatpallvGlvd)
 LEVEL - 2 SOLUTIONS 03.
Sol: Bulk unit wt. of sand above w ubr"o/rq
_ cy*(t*r) $d' 2-4
01. Ans: (b)
l+e - l+t''
Sol: o' at centre of clay layer
2.65xe.81(1+ 0.0s)
:7.7 1+ 0.70
y t/m3 Sand
2.65x9.81x1.05
r.70
: 16.056 kN/m3
ot:o-u
Below water-table the soil will be saturated.
o' = Qx 1.7)+ (2" z) -(z ,. t)
. of the soil
a' : 5.4 tlrtf
_ e.8l(2.65 + 0.70)
1.70

15 rn below ground

x(15-3)
r72 klrt/m2
:68.67 kJ.{/m'.
ess 15 m below ground surface
56+12 x 19.33 -12x9.81
+ 23t.96 - tt7 .72
kPa

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 Seepqge Pressure and
Critical Hydrqulic Gradient
LEVEL -l QUESTIONS
06. Soils, that are most susceptible to piping
failure are
(a) gravels
01. Foundation soil at the toe of a dam has a void (b) coarse sands
ratio of 0.62, G:2.62. Assuming a factor of
(c) inorganic fine clays
safety 5, the permissible exit gradient is
(d) fine sand and silts
(a) 0.2 (b) 0.s (c) I (d) zero
07. To satisfy the condition that the soil to be
02.The, hydraulic head that would produce a
protected is not washed into the filter, the
quick condition in a sand stratum of thickness
Terzaghi criteria is
of 2m, if G: 2.7 and e:0.7, is (a) (Drs of hlter/ Drs of soil) < 5
(a) 0.s (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) None
(b) (D't of filter / Dss of soil) < 5
(c) (Drr of, filter / Drs of soil) > 5
03. Quick sand is occurring when its :
(d) (Drs of filter / Das of soil) > 5
(a) effective pressure'is .reduced'to zero,l' :

(b) effective pressure is equaL to

pressure
(c) effective pressures equal to
pressure
(d) effective pressure becomes equal to the
pressure due to submerged weight of the
soil
04. The value of hydraulicgradient
corresponding to zero resultant body force is
called as
(a) critical hydraulic gradient
(b) effective hydraulic gradient
(c) total hydraulic gradient
(d) zero hydraulic gradient
05. Due to erosion, formation of an underground
flow channel (or pipe) is fbrmed which moves
(a) downstream side (b) horizontally
(c) upstream side (d) in all directions
08. Graded fllter is one where
(a) the finest layer is on the upstream side of
seepage
the filter
(b) the coarsest layer is on the upstream side
of the filter
(c) the medium coarse layer is at the
upstream side of the filter
(d) any layer is at the upstream side the filter.
09. Piping occrrs when
(a.; effective stress is zero
ft) flow is down wards
(c) flow is upwards
(d) flow is horizontal
10. Assertion (A): Quick Sand is not a type of
sand but it is a condition arising in a sand
MASS
Reason (R):When the uplvard seepage
pressure becomes equalto the prr:SSUr€ due to
submerged weight of a soil, the effective
pressure becomes zero (ESE -19e6)

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 Academy :22: Geotechnical Enginet:r'i r g
r

Codes:
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct LEVEL - 2 OUESTIONS
explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a
correct explanation of A 01. A glass container with pervious boltorrr
(c) A is true but R is false containing fine sand in loose state (void ralio
(d) A is f"alse but R is true : 0.8) is subjected to hydrostatic pressur-t.
from undemeath until quick condition occr.u-s
1 1. Consider thefollowing statements: in the sand. If the specific gravity of santl
l. Quicksand is a special variety of sand. particles : 2.65, area of cross-section of santl
2. Quicksand is not a material but a sample : 10 cm2 and height of sample : l0
hydraulic condition. cm. The head of water required to causc
3. In nature, quicksand condition is observed quicksand condition is
usually in coarse silt or fine sanc. (a) 10cm (b) 9.17cm
Which of the above statements are correct? (c) 6.87cm (d) 8.53cm
(ESE -2009)
(a) I,2 and3 (b)land2onIy Comrnon Data for Questions 2 & 3
(c)2and3only (d)1and3only
Water is flowing at the rate of 0.04rn//sec in
12. The porosity of a sample of sand was 54a/o.
an upward direction through a fine sand
sample whose coefficient of perrneability is
Find the critical hydraulic gradient if specific
gravity of soil grains was 2.6
) x 10-' cmlsec. The sample thickness is
10 cm and cross sectiorral area is 45 cmr. The
(a) 0.376 (b) 0.637
saturated unit weight of sand is 1.93 g/cmi.
(c) 0.463 (d) 0.736
02. The head causing the florv is
13. If the critical hydraulic gradient of a soil is I
(a) 2.64cn (b) 8.7cm
and its specific gravity is 2.7 then the void
ratio will be
(c)14.44cn (d) 4.44cm
(a) 0.58 (b) 0.7
03. The effective stress at the bottom of the soil is
(c) r.7 (d) 27
(a) a.86 glcm2 (b) 13.44 glcm2
(c) 6.s6 glcrfi (d) 9.33 glcm2

04. Foundation soil at the toe of a dam has a void

ratio of 0.69. The specific gravity of soil
grains is 2.62. To assure safety against piping
the upward gradient must not exceed 29o/o of
the gradient at which quick condition occurs.
Calculate the maximum permissible upward
sradient.
 Seepage Pressure & Critical Hydraulic Gradie.nt

Ans: (a)
LEVEL - 1 KEY

Yt:Ysat-Yw
01. (a) 02. (c) 03. (a) 0a. (a) 0s. (c) : I.93 - 1 :0.93 glcm3
06. (d) 07. (b) 08. (a) 09. (a) 10. (a) 6' :T' Z -y*h
11. (c) 12. (d) 13. (b) :0.93 x 10 - 1x 4.44
:4.86 gl"tt?

LEVEL - 2 SOLUTIONS

01. Ans: (b)

Sol: :0.958
sradient is 29%o of critical

A: 10 cm2

I
K:2 x l0'cm/s
Z: l0 cm, A :45 cm2
yrut: 1.93 glcm3
Head causing flow:?
Q:KiA
0.04:2x10-3 xix45
t:0.44
.h
l=-
Z
h: i z: 0.44x10 : 4.44 cm
 Seepqge Analysis

07. Identify the incorrect flow net property

LEVEL - 1 QUESTIONS (a) Flow lines and equipotential lines
intersect or meet orthogonally
01. Space between two adjacent flow lines is (b) Quantity of water flowing through each
called channel is the same
(a) Flow potential (b) Flow path (c) Potential drop between any two
(c) Flow field (d) Flow length successive equipotential lines is different
(d) Flow lines and equipotential lines are
02. Quantity of seepage in each flow channel of a smooth curves.
flow net is
(a) Dependent of size of field 08. In a flow net there are 4 flow channels and 15
(b) Dependent of potential drop equipotential drops, estimate the quantity of
fc) Same seepage if the head loss is 3 m and
(d) Dependent on the number of flow channels k:2x10-sm/s
(a) 3.8 x 1o * -t/s (b) 1.6 x 1o t m'/s
03. The quantity of seepage depends on (c) 22.5 x 10 - t m'/s (d) 4.8 x 10 ' m'/s
1. The coefficient of permeability
2. The differential head across the flow path 09. It has been mathematically shown that the
3. The length of flow path. basic shape of the top flow line in a dam is
Of these statements, that of
(a) l, 2 are correct (b) 2,3 are correct (a) an ellipse (b) a parabola
(c) 3,1 are correct (d) 1,2,3 are comect (c) a circle (d) a log - spiral

04. Drop in head between adjacent equipotential 10. The shape factor of a flow net is given as
line is (a) N6 / Ns (b) (Na - 1) / Nr
(a) Dependent of up-stream head (c) Np/ Na (d) (Nr- 1) / Nd
(b) Dependent of down-stream head
(c) Dependent of number of equipotential lines 11. The head existing on top flou' line is
(d) Same (a) kinetic head (b) Velocity head
(c) Pressure head (d) Elevation head
05. For an increase in the length of flow path, the
exit gradient will 12. The shape factor for a given flow domain
(a) Increase (b) Remain constant (a) depends on number of flow lines
(c) Decrease (d) Be unity (b) depends on number of equipotential lines
(c) depends on number of flow channels
0(r. Providing cut - off walls beneath a hydrauiic (d) Is relatively unchanged
structure.
(a) I{cduces the exit gradient 13. The pressure head at the intersectibn of
(b) lncreases the flow phreatic line and any equipotential line is
(c) Dccreases the flow path (a) unity (b) zero
(d) Nonc (c)>o (d)<0
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J
14. The effective permeability used in a
transformed section is TEVEL - 1 KEY
(a) Kn / K, (b) (Kh/K,)2

{K6.K, (d) lKh / K"

1c; 01. (b) 02. (c) 03. (d) 04. (d) 0s. (c)
15. To make certain that the backfill material is 06. (a) 07. (c) 08. (b) 0e. (b) 10. (c)
more pervious than the soil to be drained, the 11. (d) 12. (d) 13. (b) la. (c) ls. (d)
relationship used is (ESE-1ee7)
(a) (Drs)nrt.. <5 (Dss)protecte<1 soil 16. (d)
(b) (Dtt)nr,". >5 (Das)protected soil
(c) (Drs)nr,..< 5 (Drs)protected soil LEVEL - 2 SOLUTIONS
(d) (D r s)t1 >5 (D 1s)p.otected soir
".
01.
16. Assertion (A): The possibility of piping Sol: Effective permeability,
failure in earth dams is more if black cotton
soil is the foundation material. k* xk,
Reason (R): The highly expansive black 6x10 s x2x10-s
cotton soils are the most common soils
wherever basalt rock is present. (ESE-2010)
Codes:
: 3.464 x 10-5 cm/s
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct :0.03464 x 10-s m/s
explanation of A Discharge q (per metre length of the dam)
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a :ktxHx N
"f
correct explanation of A Nd
(c) A is true but R is false
fd) A is false but R. is true =0.03464x 1o-5 (to - t), a,r','
l8
/,
:0.08660 x 10-5 m3/s
LEVEL - 2 QUESTIONS : 0.866 ccls

01. A concrete dam has lines of sheet piling at

both heel and the toe which extend halfway
down to an impervious stratum. The water
head is 10 m on u/s face and 1 m on d/s face.
From a flow net made up of square figures in
the transformed scale it is found, there are 5
seepage paths and 18 equipotential drops.
What is the seepage through the dam if the
average value of coefficient of permeability is
6 x 10-5 cm per sec horizontally 2 x 10-5 cnl
per sec vertically.

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 Stress Distribution
05. The vertical stresses calculated by the
LEVEL - 1 QUESTIONS
Boussinesq's theory and Westergaard's
theory at a particular point will be identical
01. Under a flexible footing, the contact pressure when rlz ratia is equal to (r: radial distance
in the case of clavev soils is of point load, z: vertical depth of the point)
(a) (a) 1 (b) 0.817
(c) 1.5 (d) 205

06. The vertical cross section of an isobar ts

(a) paraboiic curve (b) Circle
(c) lemniscate (d) None

07. On a circular ioaded area of 2m cliametcr, the

load intensity is i00 kN/m:. l-he vertical
stress in the soitrs at a depth of im below the
center of the loaded area will be
h\ 45.5kN/m2
ft) 50 kN/m2
(d) None of the above (c) 64.65 kNrrnl
G) 70.7 kN/m2
02. A Newmark's chart has ar
influence
coefficient of 0"005. A rectangular footing 08. In the construction of Nervmark's influence
area covers '6' sectors r.l'hen centrally loaded chart, if the number of annular areas selected
on Newmark's chart. If the footing pressure is 10 and each annular is divided into 10
^tea
is 40 t/m2. the stress at the center of, the sectors. the influence value ior the charl is
footing is (a) 0.Ct0s (b) o.Os
(a) 0.30 t/m2 (b) 0.20 ttnf (c) 0.01 (d) o.ool
(c) L2 tlnf (d) I t/m2
09. A point load of 700 kN is applied on the
03 A concentrated load of 2000 klt( is applied at surface of a thick layer of clay. Using
the ground surface. Then the vertical stress at Boussinesq's elastic analysis, the estimated
a point which is 7 m directly belou. the load vertical stress (ou ) at a depth of 2m and a
as per Boussinesq's equation is radial distance of 1.0m from the point of
(a) 40.8 kN/m' (b) 140 kN/m' application of the load is :
(c) 20 kN/m2 (d) 81.6 kN/ml (a) 47.5 kPa
(b) 47.6kPa
04. The intensity of radial shear stress at a point k\ 47.7 kPa
4m directly below a 2 tonnes point load is (d) 47.8 kPa
(a) 0.16 Llm2 (b) 0.12s tlnJ
(c) Zero (d) | tlm2
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vffit-
$tP; .AqE.
Engineering Academy 227: Sness Disnibution

10. The figure given below represents the contact 13. The change in the vertical stress in the soil
pressure distribution underneath a mass estimated by Boussinesq's equation
when poisson's ratio of soil changes from 0.3
to 0.5 willbe (ESE -2002)
(a) reductionby 30o/o (b) increased by 50%
(c) reductionby 20Yo (d) no change
-
t4. The Boussinesq's solution for point load is
applicable to
(i) A homogeneous medium
(ii) An isotropic medium'
(iii) An elastic medium
(iv) A semi-infinite medium
(a) rigid footing on saturated clay In the above statements
(b) dgid footing on sand (a) (i) and (ii) are correct
(c) flexible footing on saturated clay (b) (iiD and (iv) are correct
(d) flexible footing on sand (c) None
(d) All are correct
l l.Standard Newmark's influence chart is Shown
in the given figure. If loaded equally the areas 15. A concentrated ioad of 50 kN acts on the
marked i and 2 will vield pressures at the surface of ground. The increase in vertical
centre such that stress directly below the load at a depth of
(ESE - 199s) 3 m will be (Take value of influence factor
as 0.4:775)
(a\ 26.s3 kN/m2 (b) 265.3 kN/m2
(c) 2.653 kN/m2 (d) 0.2653 kN/m2

16. In a Newmark's influence chart f,or stress

distribution these are 10 concentric circles
and 50 radial lines. The influence factor of
the chart is
(a) I yield more than 2 (a) 0.0002 (b) 0.002
(b) 2 yield more than 1 (c) 0.02 (d) 0.2
(c) 1 and 2 yields the same
(d) 1 yield exactly half of that of 2 17. o, is the vertical stress at a depth eqtalto Z
in the soil nrass due to surface point load Q.
12. Westergaard's formula for vertical stress The vertical stress at depth equal to 22 wlll
gives greater value of stress than that by the be
Boussinesq's forntula, when r/z exceeds (a) 0.25 o" (b) 0.50 o,
(ESE -200s) (c) 1.0 o" (d) 2.0 o,
(a) l.s (b) 2.s (c) 3.s (d) 4.0

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 ACE :
Endn&frqgAcademy :28 Geotechnical Engineenng

LEVEL - 2 SOLUTIONS
LEVEL - 2 QUESTTONS

Ans: (b)
01. A raft foundation carries a u.d.l of 30 kN/m2.
According to NewMark's Influence chart
To estimate the vertical stress at a depth of
9 m below the corner of raft by oz:Inq
influence chart, the plan of the loaded area is
drawn to the required scale. The number of
I: 0.005
load blocks occupied by the plan is 62. n:62
Influence value is 0.005. The vertical stress
is worked out to q:30 kN/m2
(a)s.3 kN/m2 (b) 9.3 kN/m2
(c) 4.6 kN/m2 (d) 6.8 kN/m2
). o7= 0.005 x 62 x 30
o7:9.3 kN/m2
02. A monument weighing 1000 t is to be
considered as a concentrated load on ground
surface. Assuming the earth mass to be 02.
elastically e the vertical pressure below a point is given by
pressure directly under the monument at a formula
.1"
depth of 7 m below the surfuce. [il t
U------:.-l-,1
a:l I

' z' 2nl /r\-

LEVEL - 1 KEY ir*l li
; \z) )
|

Here,
01. (c) 02. (c) 03. (c) 0a. (c) 0s. (c) Q=1000t
I:0
06. (c) 07. (c) 08. (c) 0e. (d) 10. (a) and z:7 m
11. (c) r2. (a) 13.(d) 14. (d) 1s. (c) 3x10o0ltf'''
O_:----;--t-
16. (b) 17. (a)
' 7'x2n ll)
|

3x1000 3x500
49x2n 49xn
1500
=9.74t I m2
nx 49

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Bengalw ] Lucknow i Patna ] Chemai ] Vljayawada lVizag I Tirupati I Gutur i Kularpallv(Hvd)
 Consolidation
06. The change in voids ratio due to increase in
LEVEI, - 1 QUESTIONS effective pressure by I kg/cm2 is 0.1. Initial
voids ratio is 0.4. The thickness of soil
01. Consolidation of a soil is due to a load which strafum : 7m. Consolidation settlement in
is 'cm'is
(a) Static and short term (a) 5 (b) s0 (c) s00 (d) None
(b) Dynamic and short term
(c) Dynamic and long term 07. A clay layer of thickness 10 cm and initial
(d) Static and long term void ratio 0.5 under goes settlement so that
the final void ratio is 0.2. The settlement of
02. Time is an import nt parameter in the the layer in 'cm', is
consolidation of (a) 1.0 (b) 1.5 (c) 2.0 (d) 2.s
(a) Sands only (b) Clays only
(c) Both sands and clays (d) None 08. If a soilhas ever been subjected to a pressure
in excess of its present over burden, the soil is
03. During consoiidation process as rvater said to be
escapes out (a) Preconsoiidated
(a) Both neutral and effective pressure reduce (b) Nomally consolidated
(b) Both Neutral and effective pressure (c) Under consolidated
increase (d) None of the above
(c) Gradual decrease in Neutral pressure, a
gradual increase in effective pressure 09. Which of the following is not an assumption
(d) A graduai increase in Neutral pressure in Terzaghi's theory o one dimensional
and a gradual decrease in effective consolidation
pressure takes place and sum of two is (a) Soil mass is homogeneous and isotropic
constant (b) Soil is fully saturated
(c) Darcy's law is valid
04. 'Frimary compressron' is mainly due to (d) Drainage of u,ater occurs both in vertical
expulsion of and horizontal directions
(a) Air (b) Water
(c) Both air and u,ater (d) None 10. Coefficient of consolidation depends upon
(a) permeability
05. 'Secondary consolidation' is mainly due to (b) Coefficient of volume change
expulsion of (c) Unit weight of water
(a) Highly Viscous water (d) All the above
(b) Plastic readjustment of solid particles
(c) Both (a) and (b) 1 1. The unit of coefficient of consolidation is
(d) None of the above (a) cm/sec (b) cm2lsec
(c) cm/sec2 (d) No units

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12. 'l'heratio of settlement at any time 't' to the 18. Which of the following soils will generally
final settlement is known as have maximum compressibility,
(a) Coefficient of consolidation (a) Gravels (b) Sands
(b) Degree of consolidation (c) Silts (d) Clays
(c) Time factor
(d) Consolidation of undisturbed soil 19. The ultimate consolidation settlement of a
soil is
13.'Isochrones' are the culves showins (a) directly proportional to the compression
distribution of index
(a) Total settlement (b) decreased with the increase in the initial
(b) Total presslue voids ratio
(c) Excess hydrostatic pressure (c) both (a) and (b)
(d) None (d) None
14. The slope of isochrone at any point at a given A
20. saturated clay layer with single drainage
time indicates the rate of change of face takes 4 years to attain 50o% degree for
(a) Effective stress with depth consolidation. If the clay layer had double
ft) Effective stress with time drainage, then the time required to attain 50%
(c) Excess pore water pressure with time consolidation is
(d) Excess pore water pressure with depth (a) 8 (b) 4 (c) 2 (d) 1
15. Time factor is,
(a) a non dimensional parameter
2l.In consolidation testing, curve fitting method
is used to determine
(b) a function of degree of consolidation
(a) Compression Index
(c) directly proportional to permeability of soil
(d) A11 the above are cor:rect (b) Swelling Index
(c) Coefficient of consolidation
(d) Time factor
16. Two identically clay samples of the same size
designated as 'A' and 'B' are subjected to
22. Secondary consolidation is
consolidation tests under identical conditions.
Drainage takes place through one face in
(a) caused by hydrodynamic lag
'A' (b) Caused by creep
sample and through both the faces in
sample 'B' . 50yo consolidation of sample 'A'
(c) Large for the pressures below the pre
consolidation pressure
occurs in 10 minutes. The required for 50%
(d) Very small for highly plastic clays and
consolidation to occur in sample 'B' in
'minutes' will be organic clays
(ESE-1ees)
(a) a0 (b) 10 (c) s (d) 2.5
23. The recompression index is about of the
17.In the soil sample of a consolidometer compression index
test,
(double drained) pore water pressure is (a) 5 times (b) l/s (c) Il2 (d) rl20
(a) Minimum at the center
(b) Maximum at the top
(c) Maximum at the bottom
(d) Maximum at the center

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1 !
Bengalm I Lucknow i Paha I Chemai ] Vijalawada iViag i Tirupari I Gmtu ] Kukatpally(Hyd)
 ,&r-:t^
ffi,-.AqE
:la3; ecaacry
Engineering :31 : Consolidation

24. Consolidation time of a soil sample 30. A consolidation test is carried out on a clay
(a) increases with an increase permeability sample of thickness 20mm. During the test
(b) increases with a decreases in the void ratio was reduced from 0.80 to 0.70.
compressibility The settlement that would occur is
(c) increases with decrease in unit weight of (a) 1.23mm (b) 1.56 mm
(c) 1.11 mm (d) 1.45mm
-water
(d) increases with a decrease in permeability
31 A fully saturated clay specimen is placed in
25. The ultimate settlement of a soil deposit a consolidometer and subjected to a loading
increases with of 200 kN/m2. After a period of time it was
(a) an increase in the compression index found that the average pore-pressure in the
(b) an increase in the initial void ratio specimen was 70 kN/m'. The percentage of
(c) a decrease in thickness of the stratum consolidation reached bv then was
(d) an increase in time (a) 70 (b) 6s
(c) 3s (d) 2e

virgin compression curve for a

lar soil is shown in the fieure. The

1.0
P+

34. In a consolidation test a fully saturated clay

29. The laboratory consolidation data for an sample was subjected to a load of 4 kPa.
undisturbed clay sample are as follows After 18 hours the average pore pressure
er:1 or':85ld.f/m'z was found to be 1.5 kPa. The time to take
ez: 0.8 oz' :465 kl.{/m2 50olo consolidation will be

The 'e' for a pressure of 600 kl.{/m2 will be (a) 13.514 minutes (b) 1 1 .36 hours
(a) 0.68 (b) 0.77 (c) 13.514 days (d) 13.514 seconds
(c) 0.584 (d) 0.45

Hydenbad I Delhi I Bhopal I Prue I Bhubuesw I Benga.lm I Lucknow I Patrra I Che mai I Vijayamda ]Vizrg : Tirupad I
Guur I Kukatpally(Hyd)
35, ( '()rrsi(lor thc
lbllowing statements: 38. The e.p. curve for a soil is shown in the
L 'l'hc degree of saturation of a saturated figure. The coefficient of compressibility (in
soil mass subjected to pressure remains m'l kN) of the soil is
unchanged during the process of
consolidation. 0.85
2. Secondary consolidation is due to the €
plastic deformation of the soii when the
pore fluid is subjected to any excess
pressure. 0.80
3. Primary consolidation is independent of
the coeffrcient of permeability of the soil
but depends on the decrease in void ratio
200 400 ,l
Pressure (kN/m'z)
due to air escape. rl
(a) 4000 (b) 2000
Of these statements
(a) 1 and ? are correct (c)2.5 x 10 4 (d) 1.25 x 10-4
(b) I and 3 are correct
k) 2 and 3 are correct 39. A saturated clay layer with doubie drainage
(d) 1,2 and 3 are coruect. takes 5 years to attain 90% degree of
consclidation under a structure. trf the same
36. Consider thc fol lowing: layer were to be singie drained, wltat woultJ
I . Initial consolidation be the time (in years) required to attain the
2. Prinary consolidation same consolidation under same loading
3. Secondary consolidation conditions?
4. Final consolidation. (a) 10 (b) 15 (c) 20 (d) 25
The three stages which u'ould be relerzant to
40. For a certain loading condition, a saturated
consolidation of a soil deposit includes.
clay layer under goes 40% consolidation in a
(a) L,2 and3 (b) 2,3 and 4
period of 178 days. \/hat would be the
(c) 1,3 and4 (cl) 1.2 and4
additional tirne required for further 20o/o
aa consolidation to occur?
Jt. Reduction in volume of soil primarily due to
(a) 89 days (b) 222.5 days
squeezing out of water from voids is called
(c) 329.5 days (d) 400.5 days
(a) primary consolidation
(b) plastic flow 41. Assertion (A): The rate of settlement of
(c) creep buildings constructed on sandy clays are
(d) secondary consolidation faster than those constructed on clayey soils.
Reason (R): The rate of consolidation is
dependent on permeabiiity of soils. Sandy
clays have more perrneability.
Codes:
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct
expianation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a
correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is faise
(d) A is false but R is true
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1 i Pahra I Chemai ]Vljayawada ]Yizag i Tirupati i Gutrr i Kulatpally(Hy<t)
 ACE
Consolidation
42. Assertion (A): Secondary
consolidation depth. Determine the immediate settlement
takes place at a rate much .lorr., than
that of under the centre. Take Er:Sxlga kN/"f;
primary consolidation.
Reason (R): There is dissipation of T
-22 kN/m3, poisson's ratio:0.45. Take the
excess influence factor as 1.
pore water pressure durins secondary
consolidation.
Codes:
04. Under a newly constructed building there
(a) Both A and R are true and R is iies a layer oi soft clay oi tHct<ne., s
the correct m.
The weight of sand overlying the clay
explanation of A layer
(b) Both A is 25 t/m2 and, increase in Tfr. ou.rburden
ll
and R are true but R is not a pressure due to new construction is
correct explanation of A 12 tlm2.
I|l
(c) A is true but R is false Compute the settlement if the compression
(d) A is false but R is true index is 0.5 and water content of clay
lt is
45,Yo. The specific gravity of grains
may be
, !,'4.!en as 2.7

(b) 6.2 am
(d) 29.4 cm

(a) 2.56 nt/year (b) 1.53 n/year

(c) 0.012 m/year (d) 1.25 n/year

03. The circular foundation of a ground

level oil
tank of 20 m diameter,
uwr, transmits
rr(tllDtllrt$ to
tu the
tng soil an construction of a structure at the top
of the
uniform contact pressure of 250 kN/m2 at strafum, imparting a uniform load. of 20
3m t/m2.
Hyderabad : Delhj I Bhopal j pme : Bhubue
s
 The initial and frnal void ratio of the clay
were found to be 0.152 and 0.722 LEVEL - 2 SOLUTIONS
respectively. Clay is saturated and the
structure may be considered infinite in any 01. Ans: (d)
horizontal direction. Sol:
Cu for the clay : 35 x 10 sq' cm/sec and
u q:4tlm2
for U: 60oh,Tu:0.16

08. The time to reach 600% consolidation rs 32'5

sec for a sample I cm thick tested in the
laboratory under the conditions of double
drainage. How long will the conesponding rock
layer in nature require to reach the same Clay:
degree of consolidation if it is 10 m thick wt: 65o/o,w : 50oh, G :2.65, Ho : 4m
and drained on one side onlY. e:wG
e": (0.5)(2.6s): r.32s
09. The loading period for a new building Cc:0.009 (wr - 10)
extended from October 1969 to October : 0.009 (65 - 10) :0'495
1971. In October l9l4 the average measured y., (G+e)
settlement was found to be 114 mm. It is Y rn: 1--p
known that thc ultimate settlement will be
about 356 mm. Estimate the settlement in 2.65 +1.325
I m3
=1.7lt
October 1979. Assume double drainage to l+1.325
occur.

- 1 KEY S,.:H"
' "
&-'"*. [,415
LEVEL l+e" \ o,
o'o:Y'z
01. (d) 02. (b) 03. (c) 04. (b) 05. (c)
=2y'" +2y' o
06. (b) 07. (c) 08. (a) 0e. (d) 10. (d)
: 2 (0.9) + 2(0.7r): 3.22 tlm2
11. (b) 12. (b) 13. (c) 14. (d) ls. (d) Ao' : 4 tln2 (if load is applied on large area)
16. (d) 17. (d) ls. (d) le. (c) 20. (d) 0'495 t
S.:4x
' --'"\
roe,^ | ?'-!o)-
3.22 )
29.4 cm
l+1.325
21. (c) 22. (b) 23. (b) 24. (d) 25. (a)

26. (b) 27. (b) 28. (d) 2e. (b) 30. (c) Ans: (c) I
33. (a) 34. (b)
Ho:5 m, t1 : 1.5 Yr, 500
31. (b) 32. (b)
,
3s. (a)
mu: 1.5xl0j m2lkN
36. (a) 37.(a) 38. (c) 3e. (c) 40. (b)
Ho
d= :2.5 -
al. (a) 42. (c) 2
* / rutot^\2
/u
T.
"=al I =0.196
4\100/

V
 Cut
'dz = 39tor,o(t.+a)
2.2t5
t1 -r 5 250
0.196-"u^l'
2.5'
- 2.215 x0.17
C":0.816 r#lyr : 19.187 cm
K .'. Settlement of the building : 19.187 cm
Uu=
ffiuY*
K: 0.816 x 1.5 x 10-3 x 9.81
0.012 mlyr Initial pressure, o j :2.0 kglcm'
Moisture content w: l2o/o: 0.12
03. Ans:48.91 mm
Sol: B :20 m ' :lkglcrri
q:250 kN/m'z H:2I.18 mm
D:3 m 1.18 mm
E.:6 x10a kN/m2 G:2.7
y :22 kN/m3 eo: G. w
p: 0.45
:2.7 x 0.12
I:1 :0.324

9":9 - Y. D
q":250 -22 x3
q,,: 184 kN/m2

Si=
-b,-

\c -_\I 84 x zo(t - 0.a5'z)x I

6 x10a
Ae
Si:0.04891 m
Sr:48.91 mm

04. Ans: 19.187 cm

Sol: Here C": compression index:0.50
Now assuming the clay to be fully saturated,
e :w G:0.45 x2.l:1.215
Now settlement 4,, Ae
fll.. :
^ C"H" , ( o'+ Ao')
br=. lo$roi ,
' l+eo Ao'1+eo
r+eo \ o )
I
-: or:o'1'-!=
_ 0.5 x 500 *12) = -I x (1+ 0.324).r: o.ossse c^'tkg
rcn,,.(2s
I+1.215 -'"\ 25 )
HyderabadlDelhiJBhopallPme;BhubmeswlBengalmiLucknowlPatnalChemailVijayamda]Vizag lTirupati lGutul Kukatpally(Hyd)
06. Ans: 15.215 cm 08. Ans: 1505 days
Sol: Given: Sol: Ur :600/o Uz:60oh
Ho:5 m G:2.7 t;32.5 sec tz: ?

ol :3.0 kglcr# Ao': l.2kglcrt

C.:0.45 w:43Yo:0.43 Hr:10mm Hz: 10 m
Now' void ratio
":-:i" 0.43: r.16r .H, dz:Hz: m
d,=-=)mm
'2
10

H^c^ . (ol *lo')

Settlement S= --logrol : 10000 mm
l+e t oi )
|

Cut
- Irr \dz
-

I Ae : 0.7s2 - 0.722: 0.
AH_ Ae
Ho 1+ eo

AH 0.03
1000 l+0.152
-=

r974 t979
Gto
T..H2
1970 taken as average construction period
cu
0.16x10x100x10x100 \:1974 - t970:4 Yrs

35 x l0-" b: 1979 - 1970 :9 yrs

_ 16x10x1000x1000 Sr : 114 mm, Sr:356 mm
35x60x60x24x365
Sz: ?

: 1.45 years Ct't

lar
tdz-

Hyderabad ] Delhi i Bhopal i Pue I Bhubmesw Bengalm

I I
Lucknow i Panra I cherui lvijarawada i viag Tirupati Gmnu
r I
!tJ, n Is, I
4
Ls, l
U2at
I14
Iu,
I
It- -:s2
LU,l Sz:1
Is, I
lEl
ls,
l_:l
l

LS' l
 Compqction
03. In a compaction test, with increase ln
TEVEL - l QUESTIONS compactive efforl
(a) maximurn dry density increases but OMC
01.The results (curves A, B, C, D) of four decreases
compaction tests on different soils are shown (b) the compaction curve is shifted to the left
in the graph and higher
Tests: T' (c) both the above
1. Silty sand, modifred test (d) both maximum dry densitY and OMC
2. Silty sand, standard test lncreases
3. Fat clay, modified test
4. Fat clay, standard test 04. Plasticity needle is used to determine
(a) Plastic limit of the soil
Curves A,B,C, D correspond respectively 1rl (b) Penetration resistance to control field
tests
compactton
(a) 1,3,2,4 (b) r,2,3,4 (c) Penetration value of bitumen used in road
(c) 3,2,I,4 (d) 2,1,3,4 constntction
(r1i iir..'rllinl index of black cotton soils
02. Match List - i with List - II and select the
05. The number of blows required for compacting
correct answer using the codes given below
each layer of soil in compaction test is
the iists: (a) 25 (b) 36 (c) 16 (d) 4s
List - I
A. Sheep foot roller 06. Factor(s) affecting the compaction isiare
B. Smooth heavy roller (a) water content (b) compactive energy
C. Pneumatic roller (c) soil type (d) all the above
D. Vibrating roiler
List - II 07. Which of the following soil has the highest
1. Hearling of earthen dam OMC?
2. Dry sand (a) Gravel (b) Sand
3. Casing of earthen dam (c) Silt (d) Clay
4. Gravel in WBM road
Codes: 08. Clayey soils are best compacted by
AB CD (a) vibration (b) kneading
(a)3 4 21 (c) impact (d) all the above
(b)r 4 a^

(c)1 3 42 09. Optimum moisture content is the moisture

(d)21 34 content at which
(a) Settlement is maximum
(b) Permeability is more
(c) dry density is maximum
(d) shear strength is less
 Academy :39: Compaction

10. Clay particles on the wet side of optimum 17. For Conducting a Standard proctor
moisture content exhibit Compaction Test, the weight of hammer (P in
(a) single grained structure kg) the fall of hammer (Q in mm), the number
(b) disperse structure of blows(R) and the mrmber of layers (s)
(c) honeycomb structure required are respectively. (ESE - 1995)
(d) flocculent structure
Pa RS
11. Compaction of a soil is measured in terms of (a) 5.89 ssO s03
(a) dry density (b) specific gravity (b) 4.8e 450 253
(c)compressibility (d)permeability (c) 2.60 310 354
(d) 2.60 310 253
12. Vibratory roller is useful for compacting
(a) clayey soil (b) cohesion less soil 18. Match List - I (Roller type) with List- II (soil
(c) Gravel (d) crushed rock type) and select the correct answer using the
codes given below the lists:
13. The 95o/o saturation line and 5o/a air voids tlqq List - I
,

are A. Pneumatic roller

(a) same
(c) some times same & some times diffbrent
(ci) cair't be said

14. To avoid Iarge swelling ,

15.

16. For pure sandy soils 100%.

(a) Compaction curve is not useful Reason (R): It is not possible to expel all the
(b) a well defined OMC exists air entrapped in soil by compaction
(c) Modified proctor test is recommended .
(ESE -2011)
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct
(d) Jodhpur miniature compaction test is
recommended explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a
correct explanation of A
(c) A is true But R is False.
(d) A is False but R is true

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I ]
Lucknow I Pan:a I Chemai I Viiayamda ]Vizag ' Tirupati I Guhu I Kulatpa.Uy(Hyd)
20. In earth dam construction the degree of 24. Sheep foot rollers are suitable for
compaction varies from compacting
(a) 85% to 98o/o (a) All type of soils
(b) 7 5% to 85o/o (b) Clayey type of soils
(c) 95% to l00oh (c) Sand
(d) 70% to 85%o (d) None

2r. Control of compaction in the field involves 25. If optimum moisture content in case of
determination of standard proctor compaction test with a
(a) In-situ unit weight clayey soil is Wr and in modified proctor
(b) In-situ unit weight and in-situ moisture compaction test with same soil be Wz then
content (a)Wr:Wz (b)Wr>Wz
(c) In-situ moisture content (c) Wr < Wz
(d) In-situ unit weight, In-situ moisture, . (d) There will not be any relation
content and degree sf satualion '': between Wr and Wz

22. Following methods are u$gd for f;eld 26. Maximum dry density in a standard proctor
compaction control ''. ,,,. 'i" compaction test is y61 and in a modified
(i) Sand Replacement proctor compaction test with the same soil,
(ii) Core cutter the maximum dry density is y62
(iii) Proctor's plasticity needle (a) |;i = |az (b) Yar < Yaz
(iv) Proctor's compaction test (r) Ta;> Taz
(C) T'here will not be any consistent
Out of the above relation between |61 and |62
(a) All are used except (i)
(b) All are used expect (ii) 2T.Yibration compaction is most suited for
(c) All are used expect (iii),:,',',1 (a) Clay (b) Silt
(d) All are used except (iv) (c) Sand (d) Black cotton soil

23. Increase in compactive effort results in 28. Following are some statements regarding
(i) Increased dry density compaction and consolidation. Which one is
(ii) Increased moisture content not correct?
(iii) Increased shear strength
S. No Comnaction Consolidation
Out of above statements (a) Expulsion of pore Expulsion of pore
(a) Only (i) is correct water air
ft) All are correct (b) Soil involved is Fully saturated soil
(c) (i) and (ii) are correct
oartiallv saturated
(d) (D and (iii) are correct.
(c) Dynamic loading Static loading is
commonlv aoolied commonlv applied
(d) Relatively quick Relatively slow
orocess DTOCESS

Hydenbad I Delhi I Bhopal j Pme I Bhubuiesru | Bengalm I Lucknow I Parn ] Chemai I Vlialawada Vizas I Tirupati I Gunu I ItukaOally(Hyd)
I
29. When air void is completely expelled form
soil mass mechanically it is
LEVEL - 2 SOTUTIONS
(a) Saturated soil
(b) Dry soil Given:
(c) Zero-air void condition Core cutter height, h:
125 mm
(d) Quick-sand condition Core cutter Dia, $:
120 mm
Core cutter wt, W: 10.80 N
Wt of Core Cutter with compacted soil,
LEVEL - 2 QUESTIONS wl:30.10N
W2: 30.10-10.80
Wt. of compacted soil,
: 19.30 N
120 mm in : 0.0193 kN
empty. It is 12.2%
density of a
Lnknent. The
of ,compacted
ent of the soil

:13.65ldN/m'

: 12.16 kN/m'

LEVEL - 1 KEY

01. (b) 02. (b) 03. (c)

06. (d) 07. (d) 08. (b)
11. (a) 12. (b) 13.(b) la. (c) ls. (c)
16. (a) 17. (d) 18. (c) 19. (a) 20. (a)
21. (b) 22. (d) 23. (d) 24.(b) 2s. (b)
26. (b) 27. (c) 28. (a) 2e. (c) 0.152x2.65

2.65x1
Idma -
1+ 0.152 x2.65
: 1.88 gmlcc
 Sheqr Strength
06. The phenomenon when the sand losses its
LEVEL -l QUESTIONS_
shear strength due to oscillatory motion in
saturated condition is known as
01. Which one of the following statements
(b) Plastic sand
(a) Quick sand
provides the best argument that direct shear
(c) Liquefaction (d) all the above
tests are not suited for determining shear
parametels of a ciaYeY soil.
(a) Failure plane is not the weakest plane 07. In a consolidated undrained test on a normally
(b) developed pore pressures cannot be consolidated clay ,
(a) the cohesion is zero
measured
(c) Satisfactory strain levels cannot be (b) the apparent friction angle is zero
(c) the apparent cohesion will be tnaximum
maintained
(d) Adequate consolidation cannot be ensured for a particular claY
(d) both the cohesion and angle of internal
02. An undrained triaxial compression lest is friction are Present
carried out on a saturated clay sample under a
ceii pressure of 100 kN/m' The sample 08. The maximum shear stress occurs on filament
failed at a deviator stress of 200 kN/m'' The rvhir:h nir,iii.i:s angle with the horizontal plane,
cohesion of the given sample of clay in etiui:rt i.fi
kN/m2 is (a) 90' (b) 60" (c) 45" (d) 30"
(a) 50 (b) 100 (c) 200 (d) 300
09. The constants cohesion 'C' and angle of
03. Which one of the following planes is most intemal friction '$' obtained fi'om a shear test
likely to be the failure plane in sandy soil? ar9
(a) Plane carrying maximum shear stress (a) Constant for a soil
(b) Plane car:ryiiig maximum normal stress (b) Mere coefficients which depends on
(c) Plane with the maximum angle of drainage conditions
obliquity (c) Inherent values ofsoil
(d) A principle Piane (d) None of the above
04. During shearing, the negattve pore pressures
are likely to develoP in 10. With usual notations, the Coulomb's equation
(a) N.C clay and dense sand for shear strength under drained condition is
(b) O.C. clay and loose sand : C' -f o'tan $'
(a) S
(c) Loose and O.C claY (b)S: C+(o-U)tanQ
(d) Dense sand and O.C. claY
(c)S: Q'+UtanQ
05. Fot a highly fissured clay the best method to (d)S: 6+C'tanQ
find the shear strength is
(a) Direct shear test 1 1. The Strength envelope of a pure cohesive soil
(b) Triaxial test with o,r :0 1S

(c) Field vane shear test (a) Vertical (b) Inclined

(d) Unconfined comPression test (c) Horizontal (d) Curvilinear
12. The angle between the direction of the failure 19. The shear strength of a soil is a function of
plane and the direction of major principle (a) Cohesion only
plane is equal to (b) Angle of internal friction only
(a) 90" 0 (b) 90" + $ l2 (c) Normal stress also
(c)45"-+12 (d)4s" +$12 (d) None of the above

13. The direct shear test is ideally suited for 20. The angle of inclination of the coulomb's
conducting drained tests on failure envelope with the horizontal is called
(a) Cohesive soils (b) Cohesion less soils (a) Angle of repose
(c) Any soil (d) Clayeysoils (b) Angle of friction
(c) Angle of internal friction
(d) Frictional resistance

clay has a shear strength of 45

naJural state and lskN/rf in
. The sensitivity of the soil is
(c) 3 (d) none

on test on a soil, the

o.1, o.2 , and O3
(b) o2 : o1 o,3
(d) none ofthe above

17. If the cohesion of a purg

unconfined compressive
I kg/cm' the unconfined compressive
, ). ls
ln'Kg/cm-
(a) 0.s (b) I (a) Internal friction (b) Cohesion
(c) Both (a) and (b) (d) Neither (a) and (b)
18. The shear test that is more suitable in the field
is
25.For saturated, normally consolidated soils,
(a) Direct shear
Skempton's pore pressure coefficients can be
(b) Triaxial shear represented as
(c) Unconfined compression (a)A<1,B:l (b)A>l,B>l
(d) Vane shear (c)A>1,B<1 (d)A<1,B>1

Hydembad I Delhi I Bhopal ] Pme j Bhubmesw I

Bengalm I Lucknow I
Patna ] Che mai lYijayawada lvizag j Tirupati I Grnru I Kukatpally(Flyd)
,-ffit ACE
Ensitieeting AcademY
Yffi S.:
:44 z
Geotechnical Engineering

26. Which one of the following figure

give the List - II
triaxial test
1. Undrained
failure envelope for a normally consolidated
2. Drarned triaxial test
saturated clay sample tested in triaxial
test
3. Consolidated undrained test
under drained condiiions? (ESE -
1996)
(b) 4. Quick vane shear test
1
Codes:
A BCD ABCD
T (a) I 3 4 2 (b) 1 3 2 4

I (c) 3 | 2 4 (d)3 1 4 2

dam for
(d) 30. For the stability analysis of an earth
test
steady.seepage case, the most appropriate
would be the
(a) UU test (b) CU test
(c) CD test (d) UD test
o('
27. Consider the following statements: 31. In which one of the following pairs of soil
Liquefaction is a Phenomenon types would one anticipate negatlve pore
1. Observed in fine sands pi"rr,rt", when subjected to shearing?
2. Associated with development of positive ?u) Normally consolidated clay and dense
pore pfessure sand
Which of these statements is/are correct? (t) iltr.'er consolidated clay and loose sand
(ESE -2007) (e) ]-cose and over consolidated claY
(a) 1 only (b) 2 onlY (d) Dense sand and over consolidated clay
(c) Both 1 and2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
The stress-strain curves of two types of clays
28. In a Mohr's diagram, a point above
Mohr's by CD test'
-fot obtained
are given in the figure
envelope indicated -
(ESE 1998)
(i) turve (1) is tto*ully consolidated
(a) imaginarY condition clays
ft) safe condition (ii) Curve (2) is for over consolidated clays
(cj imminent failure condition
iiiil C"-" (1) is for over consolidated clays
id) condition of maximum obliquitY iirri C,nu. (2) is for normally consolidated
29. Match List - I (Field problems) with
List-II clays
(Type of laboratory shear test) and select the
correct answer using the codes given below
1

the lists: (ESE - 1999) Deviator stress

-I
List
A. Stability of a clay foundation of an
embankment, whose rate of construction Strain (%) ---'------->

is such that some consolidation occurs Out of the above statements

B. Initial stability of a footing on saturated (a) (i) and (ii) are correct
clay (b) (iiD and (iv) are correct
C. Long -term stability of a slope in stiff' (c) (i) is correct
flrssured claY (d) None is correct
D. Foundation on soft marine clay deposits'
-::-;'
""'--- ndaiviag irirupati lGunnrJ KukaDallv(Hvd)
I{vderabadlDelhilBhopal:hnelBhub
 ACE
nngineerlqgAcademy :45: Shear Strength

(i) Presenceof moisture in a sand does not LEVEL - 2 QUESTIONS

have effect on the friction angle.
(iD Moisture introduces capillary effects in 01. A sample of dry sand is subjected to a triaxial
a sandy soil leading to apparent test. The angle of internal friction is 37o. If
increase in angle of internal friction. the minor principle stress is 200 kN/m2, the
(iiD Moisture introduces capillary effects in value of deviator stress at which the sample
a sandy soil leading to development of will fail will be
apparent cohesion. (a) 804.5 kPa (b) 604.5 kPa
(iv) The capillary film is broken by drying (c)234.6Wa (d) 288.9 kPa
or submergence leading to loss in the
apparent cohesion. Common Dutafor Qs. 2 & 3
Out of the above statements. A triaxial test was conducted on a granular soil
(a) (i), (ii) and (iii) are correct undsr CD condition. The sample failed when the
(b) (ii), (iii) and (iv) are correct effective minor principle stress was 150 kN/m2
(c) (i), and (iii) are correct aqd the principle effective stress ratio was 4.2.
(d) (iii) and (iv) are correct
02. T};re '$' value of the soil is
34. Unconfined compressiv^e strength of a pure (a) 37.90" (b) 18'
clay soil is 15 kN/m'. What will be its
(c) 30" (d) zero
cohesion?
03. The deviator stress at failure is
(a) 7.s kN/m'z (b) 15 kN/m2
(a) 630 kPa (b) 360 kPa
(c) 30 kN/m2 (d) 10 kN1m2
(c) 560 kPa (d) none
35. Assertion (A): ,Mohr's, ,cirole.''' ,,,,fof Out, A soil has an angle of shearing
unconfined compression test passes through
origin. , ies 15o and a cohesion of 35 kN/m2.
, If a specinrbn of this soil is subjected to a
Reason (R): In an unconfined compression
test, the axial stress is equal to confining , : :triaxial cor.rrpression test, find the value of
stress. laterAl,pressure in the cell for failure to occur
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct ' at a total axial stress of 300 kN/m2
explanation of A =#
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a LEVET - 1 KEY
correct explanation of A
(c) A is true But R is False.
(d) A is False but R is true 01. (b) 02. (b) (c) 04. (d) 0s. (a)03.
06. (c) 07. (a) 08. (c) 0e. (b) 10. (a)
11. (c) 12. (d) 13. (b) la. (c) 1s. (c)
16. (b) 17. (c) 18. (d) le. (c) 20. (c)
21. (c) 22. (c) 23. (a) 24. (b) 25. (a)
26. (a) 27. (c) 28. (a) 2e. (c) 30. (b)
31. (d) 32. (a) 33. (d) 3a. @) 3s. (c)
Hydoabad ! Delhi I Bhopal I Pune i Bhubmesw I
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Chemai lVijalamda lvizas i Tirupati I cutu i KukatpalyftIyd)
 ACE ,-
:46: Geotechnical D-;--
.,^^+^^L--i^^rl Engineering
fnsinccdngecademy i

03. Ans: (d)

TEVEL - 2 Solutions o" :4.2
sol:
6t,
01. Ans: (b)
Sol: Given: o'r : 4.2 xl50 :630 kPa

Triaxial test otd:otl -ot3

Dry sand C:0 o'a=630-150=480kPa
0: 37o
or :200 k].Ym'z
04.
Od: ?
Sol
or :2ootan'( +s *11). zctan( +s* +l 0: 15o, C : 35 kl'[/cm2, or: 300 k]tf/m'?
\ 2/ \ 2) .'. Total axial stress
: lateral pressure * deviator stress
We know that
01 :c;3tarfc-i2ctanc-
Where
., u: 45o + Qlz: +S + !2 : 52.5o

;e tan2 (52.5")+ 2x35 x tan (52.5')

ca x (1 .3$)2 + 2x 35 x 1.303
6 : I23 kN/m2

i:37.9o
: :!:"t'
: ,-i t:i!:
:1:ri;rr
 Earth Pressure
'#ffi 39K*itlej4€,;$,lr*,@.4}w,:1/tri.w:&w"t#

06. Coulomb's earth pressure theory is based on

LEVEL - 1 QUESTIONS
the following assumptions :
1. The backfill is saturated cohesionless soil
01. The maximum vertical depth of excavation 2. The position and line of action of the
that can be made in a saturated so clay, earth pressure are known
having C:30 kN/m2 and y : 20 kN/m3 3. The single wedge is considered to be a
without any lateral support, is rigid body
'wlrn
(a)3m 4. The failure is a
(c) 2.67 m 81 3n A'uri
non-plane surface
surface

Which of these statements is/are correct?

continuous

02. The basement walls are generaily designed (a) | &2 (b)2 &3
for @)3 &a (d) 4 and 5
(a) Active pressure (b) Passive pressure
(q) At rest pressure (d) None 07. In passive case, the wall moves
(a) towards the backfill
03. Coulon:b's theory is applicable for (b) away from backfill
(a) homogeneous soils only (c) no movement at all
(b) non homogeneous soils also (d) downwards
(c) smooth retaining walls only
(d) soiis which have angle of internal friction 08. Weep holes are provided in retaining walls
onl1r for the following reason
(a) to improv.e the appearance
04. Cohesion (b) to provide drainage of backfill
(a) increases the active pressure and decreases (c) to avoid cracks due to shrinkage
the passive pressures (d) to avoid friction behind the wall
(b) decreases the both active and passlve
resistance. 09. Gravity type retaining wall primarily
(c) increases both active pressure and passive mobilizes active earth pressure by
resistance (a) the free deflection at the top
(d) decreases active pressure and increases ft) the free defection at the base
passive resistance. (c) uniform translation
(d) sudden overtuming
05. The average angle of wall friction '6' in terms
of $, according to Terzaghi, is 10. For a loose backfill the angle of wall friction,
(a) 6: (2t3) O dw-
(b) 6: (3t2) O (a):0 (b)>O
(c) 5: (1/3) 0 (c) < 0 (d):0.s00
(d)6: o

Hyderabad j Delhi I Bhopal I hme I Bhubmesw I

Bengaluru ] Lucknorv I Patna I Chennai I Vijayamda ] Vizag j Tirupati J Gunr i Kulatpa-lly(Hyd)
 ACE
tr'.ngineeringAcademy :48 : Geotechnical Engineering

1 1. Identity the incorrect statement. Lateral l7.lf 'p' is poisson's ratio of a soil, then the
pressure can also be developed under the coefficient of earth pressure at rest is
following conditions u
(a) earthquake (b) swelling pressure '- _1-p
(a) (u) Ltr
(c) ice formation (d) Over-consolidation It

(c)
" _u (o)
1* u
12. The state of shear failure accompanying a l+p p
minimum earth pressure is called the
(a) at rest state (b) active state 18. The coefficient of active earth pressure, Ku is
(c) passive state (d) none ofthe above
ttfr (a) tan" (4s+ Ol2) (b)
tan2(45+$12)
13. A sandy^loam backfill has a cohesion of
14 kN/nt', friction aqgle of 18o and unit (d) None
weight of 16.5 kN/m'. Then the depth of
tension crack is
(a) 2.00 m (b) 2.33 m 19. The failurq plane in the soil behind a vertical
(c) 1.98 m (d) 2.63 m 'w411 in the pSSLve pressure case is inclined
to the horizontal at
i4. The best backfill material should be (a) 45"- $12 (b) 4s" - 0
1. Rigid (c) 45" + $12 (d) 4s" + 0
2. Free - draining
3. With high angle of interlal friction 20" Ttae yielci *t'a retaining wall required to reach
4. Capable of developing maximum earth equiiibrium in active case is
pressure. (a) more than that in the passive case
Which of these statements islare correct? (b) less than that in the passive case
(a) 1,2 & 4 (b) 1,?f I (c) equal to that in the passive case
(c) 2,3 & 4 (d) 3,'4 &2 (d) None of these

15. Structures that restrained fiom yielding 21. The active pressure caused by a cohesionless
should be designed to resist backfill on a smooth vertical retainins wall
(a) passive iateral pressure may be reduced by
(b) active lateral pressure (a) compacting the backfill
(c) average of active and passive lateral (b) providing a surcharge load on the backfill
pressure
(c) saturating the backfill with water
(d) at rest lateral pressure
(d) none of the above
16. The lateral earth pressure coefficient Ku and
Ko are based on 22. As per Rankine's theory, the wall friction is
(a) total stress (a) zero (b) equal to g
(b) neutral stress
(c) greater than g (d) less than Q
(c) effective stress
(d) elastic properties soils
 23.If a uniform surcharge of 120 kN/m2 is placed (b) decreases the passive pressure and
on the backfill with d' : 30o. the increase in increases the active pressure
pressure ls (c) decreases both active and passive
(a) I2kN/m2 (b) 30 kN/m2 pressures
(c) a0 kN/m2 (d) 120 kN/m2
(d) increases both active and passive
pressures
24. Earth pressure and resultant possibilities of 28. Consider the following statements:
wall movement are shown in the diagram 1. The 5zield of a retaining wall required to
below. Earth reach plastic equilibrium in active case is
pressure
more than that in passive case.
2. Culman's graphical method is simplified
version of the more general trial wedge
method.
3. For a masonry gravity retaining wall
from Towardl coulomb's theory of earth pressure is
._A way
back fill backfill preferred for designing. (ESE- 2010)
Which of these statements is/are correct?
The point marked X in the diagram denotes (a) 1,2 and3 (b)land2only
(ESE - re97) (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 3 only
(a) earth pressure at rest
(b) active earth pressure LEVEL - 2 QUESTIONS
(c) arching active Pressure
(d) passive earth pressure 01. A 4m high vertical wall supports, a saturated
cohesive soil ($,:0) with horrzontal surface.
25. The lateral earth pressure coefficient of a soil, The top 25m of the back fill has bulk density
K" for active state, Ko for passive state and Ks of ll.6 kN/m3 and apparent cohesion of
for at-rest condition, compare as (ESE -2011) 15 kN/m2. The bulk density and apparent
(a) K" <K"<Kp (b) rq<rq<G cohesion of the bottom 1.5m is 19.2 kN/m3
and. 20 kN/m2 respectively. If tension cracks
(c) K"<Kp<IA (d) Kp<K"<K"
develop, what would be the total active force
on the wall ? (ESE-1996)
26. Cohesive soils are
(a) good for backfill because of low lateral
pressure LEVEL - 1 KEY
(b) good for backfill because of simple shear
strength 01. (b) 02. (c) 03. (a) 04. (d) 0s. (a)
(c) poor for backfill because of larse lateral
pressure 06. (b) 07. (a) 08. (b) 0e. (a) 10. (a)
(d) None of the above 11. (d) 12. (b) 13. (b) 14. (b) ls. (d)

27. The wali friction present on the retaining wall 16. (c) r7.(a) 18. (b) le. (a) 20. (b)
(a) decrease the active earth pressure but 2r. (a) 22. (a) 23. (c) 24. (d) 2s. (b)
increases the passive pressure
26. (c) 27. (a) 28. (c)
Hvdenbad ! Delhi ] Bhopal I Pue i Bhubmesw i Bengalm Lucknow j Patna Chemai I Vijayamda Guru i Kukarpaly(Hyd)
I i lVizag ; Tirupati I
w

Acad€my :50: Geotechnical

Just below:
TEVEL - 2 SOLUTIONS
Pa: I<a2 ou - 2CzA;
01.
Pa:Kazou-2 (20 xl)
I
Sol: Given: : | (44) -2 (20):4wa
Height 4m h: At bottom:
Saturated cohesive soil, $ :0
1,,
y: 17.6 kN/m2 ou:44 + (19.2) (1.5) : 72.8lcPa
ltt
Cr : 15 k]'{/m2 pa : Ka2ov - 2Cz
J";
Y2: l9'2kl'{/m3 :1x72.8-2x20$:33kPa
Cz:20 k]'{/m2
0:o Total force:
(t
tt \ a+lt
)|+-r:x
F, = I ;x0.8><14 1.5
\z z

Kur :1 Kaz : 1
30 l<Pzt
Tension crack depth,
2xll ir:|.70 m

At top:
6u:0,
pu:Kur ou-2Crtr; , ',

: - 2xI5: - 30 kPa Pressure Diagram

At a depth of 2.5 m:
ou:17.$ x 2.5:44 kN/m2
Just above:

pa: Kar ou - 2Cr Jtq, : | (44) -2 (r5) Ji

: 14 kPa
 Stability of Slopes
(a) Sin 1(0.333) (b) Cos-l(0.252)
LEVEL - 1 QUESTIONS
(c) Tan 1(0.333) (d) co.l(0.621)

01. An excavation was made at a slope angle of 05. The maxirnum value of stability number is
54o in homogeneous clay .when the depth of (a) 0.46s (b) 0.261
excavation reached 8 m, a slip occurred. The (c) 0.s42 (d) 1
slip surface was likely to have passed through
a point 06. O": 0 Analysis is suitable for
(a) above the toe of the slope (a) all type of soils
(b) below the toe (b) dry clays
(c) through the toe (c) saturated sands
(d) near the mid - point of the slope (d) saturated clays

02. Taylor's stability number curves are used for 07. Which of the followins will have a finite
the analysis of stability of slopes. The angle slope
of shearing resistance used in the chart is the (a) Embankment
(a) effective angle (b) apparent angle (b) Earth dam
(c) mobilised angle (d) weighted angle (c) Canals
(d) All the above
03. Consider the following statements regarding
the swedish circle method of arralyzing 08. Pick up the correct statement :

stability of slopes. (Dr : Depth factor)

1. It is a general method of analyzing (a) For toe failure, Dr > 1
stability of slopes. (b) For toe failure, Dr : 1
2. It satisfies only the overall moment (c) For base failure, Dr : 1
equation of equilibrium. (d) For base failure, Di < 1
3. It considers the forces acting on the sides
of individual slices. 09. In the stability analysis of finite slopes, the
4. It gives a factor of safety which are on swedish finite circle method assumes that the
the safe side. surface of sliding is
Of these statements the inconect statement (a) An arc of a parabola
is/are (b) a straight
(a) 3, 4 (b) 1, 4, 3 (c) An arc of a circle
(c) 2, 4 (d) 3 only (d) An elliptical arc
10. Base failure of a finite slope occurs when the
04. The factor of safety of an infinite slope in a soil
sand deposit is found to be 1 .732. The angle (a) Below the toe is relatively soft and weak
of shear resistance of the sand is 30'. The (b) Above the toe is relatively soft and weak
average slope of the sand deposit is given by (c) is purely cohesive
(d) is cohesionless
I{yderabad i Delhi I Bhopal i Pme . Bhubmesw ! Bengaluru I Luclcrowl Patna j Chemai I Vijayawada lVizag I Tirupati i Gmtrr i Kukatpally(Hyd)
11. Given that 'R' is the radius of failure arc and 18. The method of slices of swedish circlcr

'$' is the angle of internal friction of the soil method is applicable in

the radius of 'friction circle' in the slope (a) Homogeneous soils onlY
stability analysis by friction circle method is (b) Uniform slopes onlY
(b) R sin Q (c) Stratified soils onlY
(a) R tan Q
(d) Non - uniform sloPes also
(c) R cos Q (d)R/o

12.For apure cohesive soil, friction circle is 19. According to fellenius method in a purely
(a) a point (b) a greater circie cohesive soil, the critical centre lies at the
intersection of
(c) a small circle (d) None
(a) directional angles
(b) perpendicular bisector of slope and locus
13. Taylor's stability number 'Sn' is
of center
C
(a)
' F.YH
ft)q
.,vH (c) side slope and top force
(d) None of the above
,.CH - c'
(c)
.- (d)
'' F.YH 20. Abase failure is likely to occur when
-F.T (a) 0 > 0o & i< 53o (b) O > 0o & i> 53o
14. Bishop's method of analYsis (c) 0:0o & i<53o (d) 0t 0" & i< 53o
(a) considers the effect offorces acting on the
sides slices 27. A.*.ln'iinite slope represents the inclined face
fb) is economical of
(c) Assumes the slip surface as an arc of a
(a) an earth dam
circle (b) an embankment
fd) Aii the above (c) an excavation
i5. If 'd' is the angie of interrral friction of soil (d) a natural high hill sloPe
and 'i' is thc slope of angle, the factor of
safety of an infinite slope is given by 22. Fellenius stability analysis by method of
(a) tan $ I tan i (b) tan i I Ian Q slices considers
(c) cot $ / cot i (d) sin i / sin Q (a) shear stress on the interface of slice

16. A plane inclined at an angle '0' to the (b) normal stress on the interface of slice
horizontal at which the soil is expected to stay (c) both a &b
in the absence of any lateral support. is (d) no interface forces between slices
known as
(a) Repose line (b) $ - line 23.Taylor's stability charts are based on the total
(c) Natural slope line (d) Ali the above stresses using the
(a) friction circle method
17. Failure of a slope occurs only when total (b) method of slices
shear force is
(a) Greater than total shear strength
(c) 0,: 0 analysis
(d) none of the above
(b) Equal to total shear strength
(c) Less than total shear strength
(d) None of the above
 ACE :53 : Stability of Slopes
Engine$ingAcadeny

24.The method of slices for the stability of slopes respectively , then the factor of safety with
(a) can be used for stratified soils respect to shear strength is
(b) can be used when seepage occurs and the (a) r.20 O) 1.70 (c) l.se (d) r.e2
pore pressure exists within the soil.
(c) Gives the factor of safety based on 30. The cohesion and densitv of a soil are 2 tlrr]
moments and not the forces and 2 t/m3 respectively. Fot u factor of safety

(d) All the above of '2' and stability number 0.1, the safe
height of slope is
25.Ir stabiiity analysis, the term mobilized shear (a) 2.5 m (b) 10 m (c) 5 m (d) s0 m
strength is referred to as
(a) shear strength 31. A trench is to be cut with vertical sides. It is a
pure cohesive soil having bulk density of
z.o tl^t and cohesive C : i.s tl^'.if i :90".
(b) maximum shear stress
S" : 0.261,. the depth upto which trench can
be excavated with out any lateral supports is
(a) 0.5 m (b) 5 m
26. The stabilitv of the (c) 50 m (d) None
dam has to be checked
(a) sudden draw to cohesion gives
(b) steady seepage that of factor of safety
(c) steady seepage with
condition @) Average shear strensth
(d) none of the above (d) None

27. The upstream and down s

earth dam is critical for the
(a) reservoir partial I
(b) sudden draw
(c) steady seepage condition
''i. 'r
(d) earthquake condition ,,'
',,"" ,.--: rt ij :j,r,.. :,',' ,;l ':1'

28. A canal is excavated to a depth of 5m below

ground level C : 1.5 t lm2, y"u: 2 t I m'. If
stability number for the soil is 0.1, the factor
of safety of slope when it runs full is
(a) I (b) 1.s (c)2 (d) 3

29.h a stability analysis for a given slip surface

by the method slice, I shear forces I normal
forces and I neutral forces are 500 kN, 900
kN, 200 kI.[ respectively. The length of the
failure arc is 27 m . if the cohesion and
friction of the soil are 20 k]r{/m2 and 20"
J,ffiT ACE
E; Ensineering Academy
'1.lil :54, Geotechnicat Engineenng

Given. For depth factor D1: 1.5,

Value of S" and i
LEVEL - 2 OUESTIONS
0.181 53'
0.r74 45"
01. Figure below shows the cross section of a 0.164 300
cutting in homogenous saturated clay. What is
the factor of safety against immediate shear 04. A cohesive soil has C': 4 tlm2, 6u: 10o and
failure along the slip circle? y: I.6 t/m3. A cutting of 5 m depth is to be
made in this soil. What is the factor of safety
(a) Ignoring tension crack and
with respect to cohesion if the side slopes of
(b) Allowing for tension crack.
the cutting are I : 1? What will be critical
Take y : 18 kN/m3 and undrained cohesion is height of the slope in this soil?
Cu:27 kN/m2, d" : 0. Given Sn:0.108 for r:45o and $: 10o.
o

LEVEL - 1 KEY
i

01. (c) (c) 03. (d)

02. 0a. (c) 0s. (b)
06. (d) (d) 08. (b)
07. 0e. (c) 10. (a)
11" (b) i?. (a) 13. (a) 14. (d) ls. (a)
1*. r-.i) i'7. (a) 18. (d) le. (a) 20. (c)
21. (d) 22. (d) 23. (a) 24. (d) 2s. (c)
26. (a) 27. (d) 28. (d) 29. (c) 30. (c)
y: 18 kN/m1 31. (b) 32. (a)

02. Calculate the safe height for an embankment

rising 70o to the horizontal and to be made LEVEL - 2 SOLUTIONS
rvith a clayey soil having unit weight of 20.60
kN/mr. d : l5o and a cohesion of 19.62
kNim2. Factor of safety may be taken as 2.5.
Value of stability number S,', corresponding
to slope angle i : J0" and $ : 15o is 0.14
(From Taylor's curve)

03. For a railway track 6.0 m high ernbankment

was required. The clay to be used was having
cohesion equal to 19.62 kN/m' and unit
weight of 18.84 kN/m3. Find out the
permissible slope angle for embankment if a
hard rocky stratum was found 3.0 m below
the ground level. Assume $ for the clay equal
to zeto.
y: 18 kN/m3

Hydenbad j Delhi ] Bhopal i Pune ; Bhubmesru | Bengalm I Lucknow j Patrra ] Chemai I Vijalamda I Viz:g ! Tirupati I Gutur ] Kutatpally(Hyd)
 F.ngineeringAcademy :55: Stability of Slopes

Undrained cohesion, Cu:27 kN/m' 03.

0u: 0
SoI: Stability number : C
YXH
a) Ignoring tension crack:
e: 109' + 12": I2l" ^s" :,rs+"6
19.62
=o'174
L=Rx0" t (rudians) =14.5 xI2l" , n 4]P 613
180' 180 Depth factor n,
'H6= = = t.5
L:30.62m At a depth factor 1.5 and stability number
w:axlxy: 110x1x18:1980kN 0.I74 corresponding value of slope cr is 45o.
c" LR 27 x30.62x14.5 Permissible slope angle for the embankment
Fos:
WX 1980 x 3.75 is 45o.
F: 1.61 04.
Sol: Given:
b) Allowing for tension crack: Cu:4tlm2 $":10o
w:axlxy y: L6tlm3, H:5 ffi, F": ?,H":?
a: 110 - 1.5 : 108.5 m2 For i :45",0: 10o, S":0.108
x =3.75m We know

L=Rx0x '"
=14.5x109" * n :27.58m s"n
180 180
27 x27.58x14.5 4.0 :4.63
1 A1 ,,.F r'c
108.5x18x3.75 -L.at
H.yS" 5x1.6x0.108
For critical height F": I
C' :
C
.'. H.' - y.S" I .6 x 0.108
23.15 m
sn
FxyxH
Here C :19.62 kN/m2
F :2.5
v
:20.60 kN/m3
19.62
0.r4
2.5x20.60xH
.'. H: 19'62 :2.721m
0.14 x 2.5x20.60

Hyderabad i Delhi I Bhopal I

Pue !
Bhubme srru | Bengalu I
Lucknow I Paha I Chemai I Yljayamda j Yiz:g j Tirupati I Gmnu i Kulatpally(Fly<I)
 Bearing CapacitY
06. Terzaghi's bearing capacity factors depend
LEVET -l QUESTIONS. upon
(a) angle of intemal friction onlY
01. The minimum depth for all foundations below (b) cohesion also
the natural ground level is (c) cohesion onlY
(as per IS) (d) density of soil
(a) 500 mm (b) 1200 mm
(c) 250 mm (d) 100 mm with
07. General shear failure is characterized
(a) low strain before plastic failure
02. The pressure intensity o^n a foundation soil
having O: 3q" is 40 tlm'. If unit weight of ft) soil behaves like an plastic
material
soil is 2 tlmi, minimum depth of foundation
as per Rankine's theory is
(c) occurs in stiffsoils
(a\2m (d) all of the above
b) 2.22 m
(c\ 0.22 m 08. the angle of internal friction of
If a

(d) 1.1 m about )tJ'', the shear failure that

exi:cctcd is
03. Net allowable bearing pressure is (a) General shear (b) Mixed shear
(a) Net safe bearing caPacitY (c) Local shear (d) Punching shear
(b) Net safe settlement Pressure
(c) Smaller of a and b 09. The ultimate bearing capacity of cohesion less
(d) None of the above soil depends upon
(a) Widlh of footing (b) Depth of footing
04. Terzaghi's analysis is based on the (c) Relative density (d) All of the above
assumptions
(a) Base of footing is rough 10. The bearing capacity of a footing in pure clay
(b) Footing is shallow soils is independent of
(c) The shear strength of soil is governed by (a) Depth of footing (b) Width of footing
Mohr coulomb equation (c) Shape of footing (d) Water table
(d) All of the above
1 1. If water table rises to the ground level of a
05. In Terzaghi's analysis, the loading conditions footing resting on cohesionless soils, the
are similar to that on a retaining wall under
bearing capacity aPProximatelY
(a) active pressure case
(a) reduces to half
(b) passive pressure case
(b) reduced to one third
(c) neutral pressure
(d) effective pressure (c) remains same
(d) none of above
 ACE
EngineerinsAcademy :57 : Bearing Capacity

12. Which of the following factors affect the 16. The size of plate recommended for gravelly
bearing capacity of a soil and dense sandy soils is
(a) Cohesion and angle of internal friction (a) 30 cm square (b) 60 cm square
only (c) 75 cm square (d) None
(b) Width and depth of footing
(c) Inclination factors also 17. The width of test pit for plate load test is
made 'X' times width of plate. X:
(d) None of the above
(a) s (b) 3 (c) 2.s (d) 2
13. As per IS code, Maximum permissible
18. The seating load for plate load test is
differential settlement on clayey soil is
(a) 2s (b) 40 (c) 6s (d) 100
(a) 1 kN/m' (b) 5 kNim2
(c)7 kN/n2 (d) l0 kN/m2
14. Match the fbllowing using the codes given
19. The ultimate load carrying capacity of a plate
type of foundation and foundation soil
30 cm square detennined from plate load test
allowable settlement
List-I made on a clayey soil is 10 kN/m'. the If
A. Isolated foundations on clay
x
width of the foundation is 1.2 m I .2 m, the
B. Isolated foundations on sand
ultimate bearing ^capacity of proposed
foundation in'kN/m''is
C. Raft foundations on clay
D. Raft foundations on sand
(a) 160 (b) 16 (c) 10 (d) None

List-II 20. If the ratio of width of foundation to the width

1. 50 mm of plate is 5 times, the ratio of corresponding
2.75 mm settlements in clayey soils is
3. 50 mm to 75 mm (a) l:1 (b) l:s (c) 15:1 (d) s:l
4.75 mmto 100 mm
Codes: 2l.In very soft clayey soils, the shear failure is
ABCD generally
(a)t234 (a) General S.F (b) L.S.F
(b)2r43 (c) Punching shear (d) None
(c)1243
(d)2 r 3 4 22. The load carrying capacity of a foundation, if
it is not back f,rlled is
15. The recommended size of a square bearing (a) increased (b) decreased
plate to be used in plate load test for (c) no effect (d) zero
determining the ultimate bearing capacity of
soil, should be 30 cm square to 75 cm square 23. The allowable soil pressure for foundations in
with a minimum thickness of cohesive soils is generally controlled by
(a) 10 mm (a) settlements
ft) 15 mm (b) shear failure
(c) 20 mm (c) strain
(d) 25 mm (d) water table

-
 :58 :
Geotechnical Engineerlng

30. Match the List-I(Effect) with List-II

(Reason)
24.Thepermissibie settlement is the maxtmum
1n
and select the correct answer using
the codes
the case of (ESE -ree7)
given below the lists :
(a) isolated footing on claY
List -I
(b) raft on claY
A. Excessive settlement
(c) isolated footing on sand
B. High ExPansivitY
(d) raft on sand
C. Reduction of bearing CaPacitY
25.Ifthe gross bearing capacity of a^strip footing D. Acceleration of consolidation
t.S mwide located at a depth of I m clay
is
: List-II
20
400 kN/m2, its net bearing capacity for
y
1. Rise of water table
kN/m2 is 2 . lFrigh C omPre s sib ilitY
(a) 370 kN/m2 (b) 3S0 kN/m2
(d) 360 kN/m" 3. Montmorillonite
(c) 390 kN/m-
4. Sand Drains
26. Identify the incorrect statement' Bearing Codes :

capaciiy of a footing on sand depends

on
A BCD
1IL ''')
(a) dePth of footing (a) 4
1

(b) width of footing (b) 2 341

ra')
(c) position of water table (c) 'l IJL
(d) undrained shear strength (il) i 314
was of diameters Dl and Dz
2T.Terzaght's bearing capacity equafion - Two circular footings
-31.
develJped based o L the modified bearing
areresting on the tutfo"t ofa purely
cohesive
capacitY theorY bY soil. The ratio Dr/Dz : 2' If the ultimate
(ajVesic (b) Hansen diameter Dr
bearing capacity of the fboting of
i"j sputtgi.r (d) Prandtl ir zoo' t<irtlmt, ther the ultimate bearing
capacity (in kN/m2)of the footing of
diameter
28. Plate load test results reflect only the
Dz will be
(ESE - 2001)
character of the soil located within a (a) 100 (b) 200
depth- the width of the bearing plate' ic) 31a (c) s71
Choose the correct statement'
(a) of less than twice (b) equal to 32.The foundation is shallow if
"- Depth of foundation
(c) equal to 2'5 times (d) of more than twice (a) width of foundation:
ifi wlarn of foundation< Depth of foundation
29. Thebearing capacity factors N"'
Nq
1d ff 3i? i.jWia,n of foundation> Depth of foundation
(ESE -200s) (d) Width of foundation < one metre
functions of
(a) Width and dePth of footing
(b) densitY of soil
(c) Cohesion of soil
(d) angle of internal friction of soil

Hydenbad I Delhi i BhoPaI i Pme I B

17
.ffi-r"*g^-".-t
33. Criteria for satisfactory performance of
footings are
(A)The soil supporting the footing must be
safe against shear failure
(B) The footing must not settle more than a
specified value
(C) The footing must be rigid
(D) The footing should be above water table
Out of above statements:
(a) (C) and (D) are corect
(b) (A) and (B) are conect
(c) (A) and (C) are corect
(d) (B) and (D) are correct
34. Bearing capacity of a footing depends on:
(A) Footing size
(B) Depth of embedment
(C) Soil properties
(D) Footing shape
Out of above statements:
(a) None is correct
ft) All are correct
(c) (A) and (B) are correct
(d) (A) and (C) are correct
35. (A) punching shear failure - Medium soil
(B) General shear failure - Loose soil
(C) Local shear failure - Dense soil
ln above statements:
(a) (A) and (B) are correct
(b) (A) and (C) are correct
(c) (C) and (A) are conect
(d) None are correct
36. Bearing capacity of a soil strata supporting a
footing of size 3 m x 3 m will not be affected
by the presence of ground water table located
al a depth which is
(a) 1.0 m below the base of the footing
(b) 1.5 m below the base of the footing
(c) 2.5 m below the base of the footing
(d) 3.0 m below the base of the footing
:59: Bearing Capacity
37. Assertion (A): Presence of water table in
the vicinity of a foundation causes reduction
in its load carrying capacity.
Reason (R): Presence of water table results
in reduction of the effective unit weisht of
soil.
Codes:
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct
explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a
correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
LEVEr - 2 QUESTTONS
01. A column carries a load of 1000 kN. The soil
is a dry sand weighing 19 kN/m3 and having
an angle of internal friction of 40o. A
minimum factor of safety of 2.5 is required
and Terzaghi factors are required to be used
(Ny:42 and No :21).
Assume Trut:2I kN/m3.
(i) Find the size of a square footing, if it is
placed at the ground surface.
02. A strip footing is to be designed to carry a
gross load of 300 kNim at a depth of lm in a
clayey soil. The approximate shear strength
parameters are C : 60 kN/m'.and $ : g.
Determine the width of footing if a factor of
safety is 3 against shear failure to be assured.
Water table is found to be at the foundation
level. Above water table unit weight is 18
kN/m3 and below the water table 20 kN/rrl'.
03. Size of a footing is 3m x 3m and including its
self-weight total load transferred through it is
800 tonnes. If the foundation has been taken
2.5 m below ground level and watertable is
1.0 m below G.L., calculate the factor of
safety of the foundation against shear failure.
The foundation soil is sand and have ansle of
, a-*'t -
,ffiu*- .AqE,
:KS; nngineerlns Academy : 60: Geotechnical Engineering

internal friction 35' and bulk density 2.1

tonnes/m3 LEVEL - 1 KEY
Given values of bearirrg capacity factor for
(I): -J)
N" : 59, Nq:44 and Nt:42 01. (a) 02. (b) 03. (c) 04. (d) 0s. (b)
06. (a) 07. (d) 08. (c) 0e. (d) 10. (b)
04. Calculate the ultimate bearing capacity per
11. (a) 12. (c) 13. (b) 14. (b) ls. (d)
unit areas of
(1) a strip footing 1 m wide, 16. (a) 17.(a) 18. (c) le. (c) 20. (d)
(2) a square footing 3 m x 3 m, and
(3) a circular footing of 3 m diameter'. 2r. (c) 22. (a) 23. (b) 24.(b) 2s. (b)

26. (d) 27. (d) 28. (a) 2e. (d) 30. (d)
Given
31. (b) 32. (c) 33.(b) 34.(b) 3s. (d)
Unit weight of the soil 17.66 kN/m'
Cohesion : 19.62 kN/m2 and $:20" 36. (d) 37.(a)
N": 17.5, Nq: 7'5 and Nr : 5
05. A 30 cm square bearing plate settles by 1.5
cm in a plate loading test on a cohesioniess LEVEL - 2 SOLUTIONS
soil when the intensity of loading is 2 kglctrf .
What will be the settlernent of a prototype
01.
footing 1 m square under the same intensity
Sol: Given:
of loading.
Column load = 1000 kN
06. A purely cohesive soil was tested by dry sand weight y : lg kN/m3
unconfined oompression. The mean angle of internal friction. 0:40'
unconfined compre^ssion strength was FOS:2.s
obtained as 50 kN/m'. Estimate the ultimate
bearing capacity utilizing Terzaghi's concept
\:42
: Nn:21
(Bearing capactty factor 5.7)
Tsat:2I kN/m3
To find:
Size of a square footing if it is placed at the
ground surface
For design:
External net pressure ( net available bearing
capacity
Qn S Qna
Here qnu is taken to be qn,
.'. 9n < Qns

q- = Io (depth is 0)
A
7

Academy :61 : Bearing Capacity

1000kN/m2 : (60 x 5.7) +18xlxl + 0.5yB(0)

Q- = -------------- :360 kPa
B'
I
q''r: 360 - YD
9" =f (l.3CNc +yD(No -1)+O.4yBNr) :- 18 (1) :342Wa
360
-F

('.' C:0 ; D:0) q--:9n, -342 =l14kpa

I FOS 3
9" = _[0.4x19xB(a2)] Equating gn:
z.J 9.,,

loqo
- r2i.6B +-r8=t4
B
(...qo:qn.)
B.
: 3oo
7.83 83 =132
B
B: 1.98 =2m B:2.27 m

02. 03.
Sol: Given: Sol: Effective pressure 2.5 mbelow ground
Strip footing
ov :2'IxI+I'1x1'5
Grossload:300 kN/m
Depth: lm ov :2.1+I.65:3.75t1m2
Shear strength parameters
Net ultimate bearing capacity
: 60 kN/m2
C
g,": Io, (Nq - 1) + 0.4yB.Nr]
o:0 :
FOS :3 [3.75(44-1) + 0.4 x 1.1 x 3 x 42]
y: 18 kN/m3 :3.75x43+0.4xI.lx126
ysat:20 kN/m3
: 16I.25 + 55.5
:216.75 tlnf
To find:
Width of footing'B'
Nownet*"':l;_# 21x25
W.T is at the foundation
Qn 3 clns
:83.75 tlm2
Qn:Q-yD 216'7 5
300
Factor of safefv
'- 83.t5
= 2.58
::___-_(lgxl)
A
300 ,1,
(18)
Bx1
300
q.:J_(18)
B
qo: CN"+ yDNq+ 0.5yBN,
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In all the three cases the foundation is
assumed to be on the surface
as the depth of foundation is not given.
(D Strip footing:
Ultimate bearing capacity
05.
Sol: Bn: size of the plate:0.3 m
of the ground, So: settlement of the plate: 15 mm
81: width of the footing: 1.0 m
51: settlement of the footing required

9,: (('N.+ yDNn+ lVBNrt

2'
Since D:0; = rr[ tx(0.:+0.3 )
I
0.3(1+ 0.3) t'
q,: CNc + -yBN" :35.5 mm
2

: 19.62xtl .S+ ! xIl .66xIx5

2 For purely cohesive soil, $ : 0
: 343.35+44.15 : 387.5 kPa For Q:0,
(ii) Square footing : N": 5.7, Nq : 1, Nr: 0
Qu
: 1.3 CN. + yDNo + 0.4yB\ CN"]- yD
Since D:0; D:0, since depth of
gu: 1.3 CN"+ 0.4yBN, foundatiort is not given
: 1.3 x 19.62 x17.5+0.4x17.66x3x5
:446.355 + 105.96 C= :2 x unconfined comp.strength
:552.315 kPa
:1" 5o = 25 kN/m2
2
(iii) Circular footing : Q',: CN" : 142.5 kN/m2
Qu: 1.3 CN"+ yDNn+ 0.3y B \
Here, dia:3 m
eu: 1.3 CN. + 0.3y D N,
: 1.3 x 79.62 x I1.5 + 0.3 x 17.66x 3 x 5
:446.335 + 79.47
:525.825kJa

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7

Pile Foundation
06. The minimum spacing of piles which derive
LEVEL - 1 QUESTTONS their capacity only by friction should not be
less than _ times the diameter of the pile
01. The faiiure of a pile foundation is due to shaft. Choose the correct figure
(a) general shear (a) 3.s (b) 3.0 (c) 2.s (d) 4.0
(b) local shear
(c) mixed shear
07. Group efficiency of friction pile in clay is
(d) punching shear
(a) exactly 100 % (b) > 100 %
02. Dynamic formulae cannot be used to obtain <
(c) 100 % (d) almost 100 %
load canying capacity in
(a) saturated sands (b) dry sands 08. For settlement evaluation of friction pile
(c) saturated clays (d) dry gravels groups in clay, the load is assumed to be
applied as a uniform load at a depth of
03. Negative skin friction can be developed from: about the length of the piles. Choose the
1) A cohesive frll placed over a cohesion appropriate statement.
less soil deposit (a) one - third (b) two - third
2) A cohesion less fill placed over a (c) one - fourth (d) one - half
compressible cohesive deposit
'ilLower-ing of ground water table with 09. Match List - I with List - II and select the
resulting ground subsidence correct answer using the codes given below
4) Pile-dliving operations the
of these statements : List - I ( Type of pile )
(a) I,2 and 3 are correct A. Friction pile
(b) 3,2 and 4 are correct B. Batterpile
(c) 1,2 and 4 are correct C. Tension pile
(d) I,2,3 and 4 are correct. D. Compaction pile
List - II ( Situation )
04. The diameter of the under-reamed bulb is
generally_ times the stem diameter. 1. Stiffclay
Choose the correct ranse. 2. Loose granular soil
(a)2to3 (b) I.2s to 1.50 3. Lateral load
(c)1to2 (d)3to4 4. Uplift laod

05. When the number of bulbs is increased from

ABCD
one to two, the capacrty of the pile increases (a) 3124
by about. (b) 1342
(a) 100 % (b)7s % (c) 3142
(c) s0 % (d)2s % (d) 1324
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Patna I Chemai I Viiayamda I Vizs T;rupati Gunu
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 10. In case of well foundation, the Indian 17. Close spacing (less than the least ) of piles in
Standard code recommends that tilt and shift dense sand will cause :
of well (as percentage of depth sunk) should (a) Objectionable upheaval
respectir,ely be (b) Increased compaction
(a) 1 in 50 and | (b) 1 in 60 and 1 (c) Increased pile capacity
(c) 1 in 50 and 2 (d) 1 in 60 and,2 (d) liquefaction

1 1. Negative skin friction occurs when

(a) an upward drag exists in the pile 18 Match List-I (Type of soil) with List- II
(b) the surrounding soil settles more than the (Suitable foundation) and select the correct
pile answer using the codes given below the lists:
(c) the pile passes continuously through a (ESE _200s)
frim soil List -I
(d) the driving operation begins
A. Strong soil in surface layer
12. Well foundations are commonly used as B. Weak surface layer followed by rock at
foundation for the followins structures :
shallow depth below ground
(a) Water tanks C. Swelling soil in surface layer extending
(b) Bridges up to a few meters below ground level
(c) Building D. Weak heterogenous surface soil layer
(d) Reciprocating machines
List - HE

13. The minimum number of piles needed in a 1. Raft founclation

group of piles to supporl a column is : 2. Isolated footing
(a) one (b) two 3. End bearing pile
(c) three (d) four 4. Under-reamed niles

14. The settlement of a group of friction piles as Codes:

compared to that of a single pile is : ABCD
(a) More (b) Less (a)1432
(c) Lrnaffected (d) unpredictable (b)2341
(c)1342
15. Negative skin friction on piles is dominant in: (d)2431
(a) Piles resting on hard sands
(b) friction piles in sands
(c) Friction piles in soft clays
(d) End bearing piles

16. Under-reamed piles are usually :

(a) Precast piles (b) Driven piles
(c) Bored piles (d) Bored or driven piles
7

19. Skin frictional capacities of a 40 cm diameter
driven concrete pile for the portions A,B and
C are IJ kN, 63 kN and 503 kN respectively,
and point load capacity is 11000 kN/m'.
Total pile load capacity will be
(ESE -2003)
22. Effrcrency of a pile group is defined as:
(a) Load carried by the I argest in the group
Load carriedby the smallestpile in the group
(b) Maximum load carried by a pile in the group
Maximum load carried by a pile in the group

(a) 3743 kN (c) Minirnum load carried by a pile in the group

Maximum load carried by a pile in the group
2m
(b) 2864 kN g61 Average load carried by a pile in the group
Load carriedby a sirgle pile
(c) 1965 kN 5m
23. A 30 cm diameter friction pile is embedded
(d) 152e kN 10 m into a homogeneous consolidated
4m deposit. Unit adhesion developed between
clay and pile shaft is 4tlm' and adhesion
factor is 0.7. The safe load for factor of safety
2.5 will be
20. Cons;ider the following statements about the (a) 21.50 t (b) 1 1.s7 t
under-reamed pile in swelling soils: (c) 10.55 t (d) 6.3s t
(ESE -2008)
t. Its bulb provides anchor against
24. A single pile, 50 cm in diameter and 15 m
long is driven in clay having an average
movement due to volume chanses of
unconfined compressive strength of 100
soil.
ld.{/m'z. The ultimate bearing capacity of the
It is a driven pile pile, neglecting end bearing if any, and
Its bulb diameter is 2.5 times its shaft assumins shear mobllization factor of 0.8
around the pile is
Which of these statements are correct? (a) 9a2 k\r (b) 1884 kN
(a) I,2 and3 (b) l and2only (c) 1177.5 kN (d) 1334.s kN
(c)2and 3 only (d)land3only
25. Assertion (A): Bearing capacity of an
under-reamed pile is less than that ol a
capaci\r in foundation is controlled
straight bored pile of the same diameter.
Reason (R): Under-reamed piles lravc
(a) Structural strength of the pile enlarged bulbs.
(b) Supporting strength of the soil Codes:
(c) Driving capacity of the hammer (a) Both A and R are true and R is thc correct
(d) Structural strength of the pile and explanation of A
supporting strength of the soil. (b) Both A and R are true but R is not a
correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

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26. Assertion (A): Dynamic formulae are not
recommended for computing allowable loads LEVEL - 2 SOLUTIONS
of piles driven in to cohesive soils.
Reason (R): In cohesive soils, the resistance 01.
of pile driving increases due to any sudden Sol: Given:
increase in pressure in the pore water. Size: 45 x 45 cm
Codes:
c.. =2oo kN/m2 = lookPa
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct "2
explanation of A Safe working load:400 kN: Q,ur"
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a FOS:2.50
correct explanation of A cr : Adhesion factor :0.75
(c) A is true but R is false I
(d) A is false but R is true Q*r":;[AoCN. + ArctC]
f,
I
400= _ [(0.4)' I 00x 9 + 4(0.4)Lx
2.5''
0.75 x 1 00]
LEVEL - 2 QUESTIONS
+oo=ltr 82.2s +t26Ll
01. A precast concrete pile of size 45 x 45 cm is
2.5'
to be driven into stiff clay. The unconfined L: 6.05 m
compressive strength of clay is 200 lcN/ m2 .
Determine depth of penetration of Pile to
carry a safe working load of 400 kN. Assume
factor of safety is 2.50 and.,adhesion factor is
0.15

LEVEL - 1 KEY

01. (d) 02. (c) 03. (d) 04. (a) 0s.(c)

06" (b) 07. (c) 08. (b) oe. (b) 10. (b)

11. (b) 12. (b) 13. (c) M. (a) 15. (c)

16. (c) 17. (a) 18. (b) le. (c) 20. (d)

21. (d) 22. (d) 23. (c) 24. @) 2s. (d)

26. (a)

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 .5oil Exploration
04. If the actual observed value of stanthrrrl
LEVEr - 1 QUESTTONS
penetration resistance Nn is greater than l5 rn
a fine sand layer below water tablc, tlrerr
01" For undisturbed samptring, the area ratio for a the equivalent penetration resistance will bc
thin-wall sampler should not normally
exceeded.
(a) r0% (b) 25%
(c) 30% (d) 3s%

02. Consider the following properties for a soil

sampler 05. Seismic refraction method is applicable only
l. Arca ratio should be low when the wave velocity in the lower layer is
2. C'trtting edge should be thick _ that in the upper layer. Choose the corrcct
3. Inside Clearance should be high statement.
4. Outside clearance should be low. (a) less than (b) greater than
T'irc properties necessary for a good quality (c) equal to (d) twice than
soil samirler would include
(a) [ and 4 (b) 2 and4 06. More common methods of advancing a bore
(c) 2.3 an<l 4 (d) 3 and4 hole is
(a) rotary drilling
03. Consider the following statements: (b) wash boring
In subsoil exploration programme the tenn (c) continuous flight augers
"Significant depth of exploration" is upto (d) percussion drilling
The width of foundation 07. The bentonite used as suspension ltl
T'rvice the width of foundation stabilization of bore holes should havc a
The depth where the additional stress liquid limit
(a) more than200%o and less than300 o/o
intensity is less than ]th
20
of overburden
(b) more than 300 and less than450Yo
pressure. (c) less than200o/o
4. The depth where the additional stress (d) more than 500o/o
intensity is less than I0% of the 08. Drilling mud is usually a mixture of
overburden pressure.
(a) bentonite clay and water
5. lrard rock layer.
(b) china clay and water
Whioh of these statements is/are correct? (c) fine silt, fine sand and water
(a) 1,3 and 5 (b) 2, 3 and 5 (d) fine silt and water
(c) I and4 (d)2 and4
09. The degree of disturbance for a soil sample is
usually expressed by
(a) void ratio (b) area ratio
(c) recovery ratio (d) consolidation ratio
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______.-
ffi-r"+"9^-""* :68: Geotechnical Engineering

10. Identify the incorrect statement. Undisturbed 17. Lime stabilization is very effective in treating
samples are obtained from (a) Sandy soil
(a) thin-walled tube samplers (b) Silty soil
(b) piston samplers (c) Non-plastic soils
(c) split-spoon samplers (d) Plastic clayey soils
(d) hand-trimmed samplers
18. Below Ground water Table for some soils a
1 1. The range of N values for a very loose sand is correction is applied to the observed standard
(a)0to4 @)ato10 penetration test N value if it is greater than
(c) 10 to 30 (d) 30 to s0 15. The soils is
(a) Coarse sand
12. Indicate the incorrect statement. Sample (b) Very fine sand with silt
disturbance is reduced by (c) Medium sand
(a) keeping the area ratio less than lUoh (d) Clay
(b) providing a thin sharp cutting edge
(c) reducing friction between the sample and 19. Standard penetration test (SPT) was
sampler walls conducted at a site. The recorded values of
(d) driving the sampler by successive blows blow count for every 15 cm penetration at
of a hammer depth of 1 m are 5, 9 and l0 respectively. The
value of SPT blow count (N) that should be
13. For a very dense sand the N value is useC is
(a) 30 to 50 (b) < 30 (at) I 5.5i) (b) 15.00
(c)'so (d) > 50 (c) i7.00 (d) 1e.oo

i4. Identify the incorrect statement. N values 20. The standard penetration test is useful to
from SPT are correlated with measure
(a) Unit weight (a) shear strength ofsoft clays
(b) Relative density (b) shear strength of sands
(c) Angle of internal friction (c) consistency of clays
(d) Sensitivity (d) none

1 5. Mechanical stabilization requires 21. For an undisturbed sample, the area ratio of
(a) mixing of two or more types of natural the samples should be
soils (a) zero (b) 10 o% or less
ft) addition of chemicals to soils o/o
(c) 10 to 20 o/o (d) more than20 o/o
(c) addition of lime to soils
(d) addition of cementing material to soils 22.In sifu vane shear test is used to measure
shear strength of
16. The most commonly used sampler for (a) very soft and sensitive clays
obtaining a disturbed sample of the soils is (b) stiffand f,rssured clays
(a) split spoon sampler (c) sandy soils
(b) open drive sampler (d) all the above
(c) piston sampler
(d) plastic clayey soils

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I
23.In standard penetration test, the split spoon
sampler is penetrated into the soil stratum by
27.Match List -I (In - siru test) with List _ II
(Measurement) and select the correct answer
giving blows from a drop weight whose using the codes given below the lists:
weight (in kg) and free fall (in cm) are. (ESE_2000)
respectively (ESE-1e97) List - I
(a) 30 and 60 (b) 60 and 30 A. SPT test
(c) 65 and75 (d) 75 and65 B. Plate load test
C. Field vane shear test
24.If an SPT test gave the average blow count of D. CPT test
31 in fine sand below water table, then what List - II
is the corrected value of blow count? 1. Penetration resistance(N value)
(ESE -199e) 2.Load settlement data
(a) 22 (b) 23 (c) 12 (d) t0 3. Point resistance and skin friction
4r,:In situ shear strength
ao4=at' r:.' :,

B C D
2 4 3
a
2. 2 J 4
a
1 J 4
a
I 4 J

3.

01. (a) ) (c) 0s. (b)

rncreases
(ESE _ 1e97)
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct
explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a
correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
03. (b) 04.
06. (b) 07. (b) 0s. (a) 0e. (b) 10. (c)
11. (a) 12. (d) 13. (d) 14. (d) ls. (a)
16. (a) 17. (d) ls.(b) le. (d) 20. (b)
2r. (b) 22. (a) 23. (c) 24. (b) 2s. (a)
26. (a) 27. (a) 2s. (c)
 Sheet Piles

(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct

rEVEt - l QUESTIONS
explanation of A

01. Cantilever sheet pile walls depend for their (b) Both A and R are true but R is not a
support on the correct explanation of A
(a) passive resistance of the soil (c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

supported near its toP

anchored in soii.
Reason (R): The."anc

of pile.