THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES

EXAMINATIONS OF MAY 2014

Code and Name of Course: CVNG 3006 ENVIRONMENTAL GEOTECHNICS Paper:

Date and Time: Monday 12th May 2014, 9:00 am Duration: 3 Hours

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES: This paper has 8 pages and 5 questions.

ANSWER QUESTIONS 1 AND 2, AND TWO OTHERS

Only non-programmable calculators may be used

The University of the West Indies Course Code CVNG 3006 2013/2014

DO NOT WRITE OR TYPE ON THE BACK OF THIS SHEET: USE ONE SIDE ONLY

INSTRUCTIONS: Each page must be signed by the Examiners and where applicable, the University Examiner and/or
the External Examiner. Where the examination does not require a University Examiner, the form must be signed by
the First and Second Examiners. Completed forms should be handed to the Assistant Registrar (Examinations). The
EXTERNAL EXAMINER is requested to sign the question paper and return it with comments, if any, to the Assistant
Registrar (Examinations).

........................................... ...........................................
First Examiner University Examiner

.......................................... ...........................................
Second Examiner External Examiner (where applicable)

DATE: 20....../......./..... DATE: 20....../......./.....

 page 2

1. The process of one-dimensional consolidation of a saturated soil layer subject to a time variant
applied total stress q is governed by the relationship:

 u  u dq
2
k
cv = - where, cv =
x 2
t dt  w mv
Where; cv = coefficient of consolidation,
u = the excess porewater pressure due to the applied loading,
q = mean applied total stress and
x and t are the depth and time derivatives respectively.

(a) Beginning with the Taylor series expansion for estimating points within a continuous function,
derive an expression for a finite difference numerical solution to the two dimensional
consolidation problem; stating the governing partial differential equation for this model. How
is the stability condition derived for this numerical scheme, write down the stability condition.
[6 marks]
(b) The excess porewater pressure distributions under the centerline of a tank foundation over a15
m deep swamp profile at 11 time stages are illustrated in Figure Qu. 1a for top surface
drainage only and Figure Qu.1b bottom surface drainage only conditions. The average degrees
of consolidation over the full 15 m depth at these time stages are illustrated in Figure Qu. 1c
for both conditions.
(i) Using these pore pressure distribution graphs, estimate the times required to achieve
75% consolidation over the upper 4 m depth of the profile. The solution can be obtained
by computing the degree of consolidation at time stages 6, 7, 8 (single drainage top) and time
stages 8, 9, 10 (single drainage bottom) only and plotting these on Figure Qu. 1c. If you do
hand in this sheet with your answered question paper. [10 marks]
(ii) Estimate the expected error in shear strength after two years of embankment
construction if consolidation within of the upper 4m of soil was expected to occur but
did not. [4 marks]

2. (a) In the analysis of linear elastic soil-structure interaction problems, displacement based
equilibrium equations for Slope Deflection, Moment, Shear Force and Stress Intensity within
a structural element are used. Write down the Finite Difference expressions for these and the
equilibrium and boundary condition equations employed in the solution for piles founded in
elastic soil foundations. [6 marks]

(b) A piled foundation for a proposed bridge abutment is indicated in Figure Qu. 2a, with piles to
18 m below cap level. The sand backfill can be assumed to be horizontal with unit weight γ =
21 kN/m3with strength parameters c´ = 0, φ´ = 32°. Elastic lateral stresses computed along a
rigid vertical plane that aligns with the embankment side/face of the pile group are given in
Figure Qu. 2b. Assuming soil stiffness varies from Ks = 36,000 kN/m3 at the surface to
108,000 kN/m3 at 18 m depth and the longitudinal pile spacing along the cap is 1.8 m:
(i) Develop the complete loading model, soil/spring stiffness distribution and symbolic
stiffness matrix and force vector for the solution of this system using a 7-noded finite
difference model, stating clearly the soil-pile(s) interaction model and boundary
conditions applied. [10 marks]

(ii) Compute the force vector entries for equations 1 and 2 only. [4 marks]

The University of the West Indies Course Code CVNG 3006 2013/2014

DO NOT WRITE OR TYPE ON THE BACK OF THIS SHEET: USE ONE SIDE ONLY

INSTRUCTIONS: Each page must be signed by the Examiners and where applicable, the University Examiner and/or
the External Examiner. Where the examination does not require a University Examiner, the form must be signed by
the First and Second Examiners. Completed forms should be handed to the Assistant Registrar (Examinations). The
EXTERNAL EXAMINER is requested to sign the question paper and return it with comments, if any, to the Assistant
Registrar (Examinations).

........................................... ...........................................
First Examiner University Examiner

.......................................... ...........................................
Second Examiner External Examiner (where applicable)

DATE: 20....../......./..... DATE: 20....../......./.....

 page 3

3. (a) A rectangular sewage treatment tank 20 m x 10 m and 8 m high is to be constructed over a

reclaimed swamp area. The swamp profile comprises a 2 m thick surface layer of silty sand
and gravel followed by a 8 m thick layer soft peat and clay, followed by very hard
impermeable clay to great depth. If the peat and clay layer can be characterised by, mv = 2.0 x
10-3 m2/kN at the top and mv = 1.0 x 10-3 m2/kN at the bottom, cv = 0.12 m2/month and unit
weight of sewage, γsewage = 12 kN/m3; determine:
(i) the maximum expected settlement of the fully loaded in-service tank, using a 2 layer model.
(ii) the time required to achieve 100 mm less than this value under the service load. [8 marks]
(b) If the tank is to be put into service 2.5 years after the start of construction, determine the
settlement and % consolidation that would be achieved at the end of the construction period if
the tank was to be constructed in 6 months and immediately filled with water (γw = 10 kN/m3)
[5 marks]
(c) Using fully penetrating sand drains at spacing of 4 m on a triangular grid and drain diameter
such that n = 10, determine whether this drain arrangement would adequately meet contract
requirements, if the sand drains were placed under the water-filled tank and only 100 mm post
construction settlement can be tolerated. Indicate clearly any assumption(s) that to you make
in carrying out this design. [7 marks]
Data provided in Figure Qu 3a and Figure Qu 3b may be used in the solution of this problem.

4. (a) Geo-synthetics include woven and nonwoven; geotextiles, geogrids, geonets, geomembranes and
geocomposites. Give a brief definition of each of these types and describe examples where they
can be used for (i) Drainage, (ii) Separation, (iii) Pavement Design, (iv) Embankment/Fill
Construction and (v) Erosion Control. [10 marks]
(b) Design an alternative reinforced earth solution for the wall configuration illustrated in Figure Qu.3,
to relieve the Rankine earth pressure on the abutment. Assume an available geogrid of 40 kN/m
ultimate tensile strength and a silty sand fill of γ = 21 kN/m3 and φ′ = 32°. Use FS=2.0 on grid
strength. [6 marks]
(c) Calculate also the anchor length of the last layer of geogrid, given that the backfill area is expected
to be flooded over the expected life of the structure. Use a FS=2.5 on grid pull out capacity. Draw
a dimensioned sketch indicating the position and extent of the geogrid layers. [4 marks]

5. (a) The liquefaction potential at a site is typically dependent on (i) the characteristics of the
earthquake and (ii) the characteristics of the soil. Describe and explain the mechanisms,
parameters and algorithms that are required to completely describe and quantify this
phenomenon, in the light of recent research. Which acceleration ground motion parameters
would use in the light of the seismic requirements of the IBC 2009 code. [10 marks]
(b) The Standard Penetration Test (SPT) values from a borehole in “clean” beach sand at a site in
Tobago are given in the following table. If an earthquake of Magnitude 7.5, with sustained
peak ground accelerations of 0.22g is expected in the near-field of this site determine its
liquefaction potential. The water table is located at 2 m below ground and unit weights above
and below the water table are 18 kN/m3 and 20 kN/m3 respectively. Recall, N correction
1 z2  
C N  9.8 , depth correction factor CD  1  and  h   0.011* N  [10 marks]
 v 1000 
 v
Depth z (m) 1.5 3.0 4.6 6.1
SPT N (blows/ft) 6 8 10 14

The University of the West Indies Course Code CVNG 3006 2013/2014

DO NOT WRITE OR TYPE ON THE BACK OF THIS SHEET: USE ONE SIDE ONLY

INSTRUCTIONS: Each page must be signed by the Examiners and where applicable, the University Examiner and/or
the External Examiner. Where the examination does not require a University Examiner, the form must be signed by
the First and Second Examiners. Completed forms should be handed to the Assistant Registrar (Examinations). The
EXTERNAL EXAMINER is requested to sign the question paper and return it with comments, if any, to the Assistant
Registrar (Examinations).

........................................... ...........................................
First Examiner University Examiner

.......................................... ...........................................
Second Examiner External Examiner (where applicable)

DATE: 20....../......./..... DATE: 20....../......./.....

 page 4

Porewater Pressure vs Depth (Top Drainage)
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
0

‐1

‐2

‐3

‐4
6
‐5
7
‐6
8
Depth (m)

‐7
9
‐8 10
11
‐9

‐10

‐11

‐12

‐13

‐14

‐15
Pore Water Pressure (kN/m2)

Figure Qu.1a

The University of the West Indies Course Code CVNG 3006 2013/2014

DO NOT WRITE OR TYPE ON THE BACK OF THIS SHEET: USE ONE SIDE ONLY

INSTRUCTIONS: Each page must be signed by the Examiners and where applicable, the University Examiner and/or
the External Examiner. Where the examination does not require a University Examiner, the form must be signed by
the First and Second Examiners. Completed forms should be handed to the Assistant Registrar (Examinations). The
EXTERNAL EXAMINER is requested to sign the question paper and return it with comments, if any, to the Assistant
Registrar (Examinations).

........................................... ...........................................
First Examiner University Examiner

.......................................... ...........................................
Second Examiner External Examiner (where applicable)

DATE: 20....../......./..... DATE: 20....../......./.....

 page 5

Porewater Pressure vs Depth (Bottom Drainage)
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
0

‐1

‐2

‐3

‐4
6
‐5 7
‐6 8
9
Depth (m)

‐7 10
11
‐8

‐9

‐10

‐11

‐12

‐13

‐14

‐15
Pore Water Pressure (kN/m2)

Figure Qu.1b

The University of the West Indies Course Code CVNG 3006 2013/2014

DO NOT WRITE OR TYPE ON THE BACK OF THIS SHEET: USE ONE SIDE ONLY

INSTRUCTIONS: Each page must be signed by the Examiners and where applicable, the University Examiner and/or
the External Examiner. Where the examination does not require a University Examiner, the form must be signed by
the First and Second Examiners. Completed forms should be handed to the Assistant Registrar (Examinations). The
EXTERNAL EXAMINER is requested to sign the question paper and return it with comments, if any, to the Assistant
Registrar (Examinations).

........................................... ...........................................
First Examiner University Examiner

.......................................... ...........................................
Second Examiner External Examiner (where applicable)

DATE: 20....../......./..... DATE: 20....../......./.....

 page 6

Tank Loading Consolidation (Single Drainage)
100 11

90
10

80

70 9

60
% Consolidation

8
50

40 7

30 6

5
20
4
3
10 2
1

0
0.1 1 10 100 1000
Time (months)

Single Bottom Single Top

Figure Qu.1c

The University of the West Indies Course Code CVNG 3006 2013/2014

DO NOT WRITE OR TYPE ON THE BACK OF THIS SHEET: USE ONE SIDE ONLY

INSTRUCTIONS: Each page must be signed by the Examiners and where applicable, the University Examiner and/or
the External Examiner. Where the examination does not require a University Examiner, the form must be signed by
the First and Second Examiners. Completed forms should be handed to the Assistant Registrar (Examinations). The
EXTERNAL EXAMINER is requested to sign the question paper and return it with comments, if any, to the Assistant
Registrar (Examinations).

........................................... ...........................................
First Examiner University Examiner

.......................................... ...........................................
Second Examiner External Examiner (where applicable)

DATE: 20....../......./..... DATE: 20....../......./.....

 page 7

Figure Qu. 2a

Lateral Stress σₓ (kN/m2)
0 50 100 150 200 250
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Pile Depth (m)

8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Figure Qu. 2b

The University of the West Indies Course Code CVNG 3006 2013/2014

DO NOT WRITE OR TYPE ON THE BACK OF THIS SHEET: USE ONE SIDE ONLY

INSTRUCTIONS: Each page must be signed by the Examiners and where applicable, the University Examiner and/or
the External Examiner. Where the examination does not require a University Examiner, the form must be signed by
the First and Second Examiners. Completed forms should be handed to the Assistant Registrar (Examinations). The
EXTERNAL EXAMINER is requested to sign the question paper and return it with comments, if any, to the Assistant
Registrar (Examinations).

........................................... ...........................................
First Examiner University Examiner

.......................................... ...........................................
Second Examiner External Examiner (where applicable)

DATE: 20....../......./..... DATE: 20....../......./.....

 page 8

Figure Qu. 3a

Figure Qu. 3b

The University of the West Indies Course Code CVNG 3006 2013/2014

DO NOT WRITE OR TYPE ON THE BACK OF THIS SHEET: USE ONE SIDE ONLY

INSTRUCTIONS: Each page must be signed by the Examiners and where applicable, the University Examiner and/or
the External Examiner. Where the examination does not require a University Examiner, the form must be signed by
the First and Second Examiners. Completed forms should be handed to the Assistant Registrar (Examinations). The
EXTERNAL EXAMINER is requested to sign the question paper and return it with comments, if any, to the Assistant
Registrar (Examinations).

........................................... ...........................................
First Examiner University Examiner

.......................................... ...........................................
Second Examiner External Examiner (where applicable)

DATE: 20....../......./..... DATE: 20....../......./.....