SKAB 3712/ SKAA 3712

Geotechnics 2
Homework assignments

1. Refer to figure shown below to answer parts (a) and (b) using Terzaghi’s ultimate bearing
capacity equation. The footing was proposed to be constructed in a layer of saturated clay
with the following characteristics
sat = 20 kN/m3,  = 18 kN/m3
cu = 80 kN/m2, c’ = 80 kN/m2,
u = 0o and ’ = 15o.
Assume the ground water table was at the ground surface and the safety factor FS = 2.5:
a) Determine the nett allowable load (designed load), Pv under total stress analysis
(undrained condition).
b) Calculate the nett allowable load (designed load), Pv under effective stress analysis
(drained condition).

P
v

Ground surface

1.5 m

2mx2
m

2. A long foundation of 3 m wide is placed at 1 m below the ground surface. The ground
water table is at the base of the footing. The allowable vertical and horizontal components
of the base reaction are 282 kN/m and 102 kN/m, respectively with the eccentricity of the
base reaction is 0.36 m in the B direction. The unit weight of the soil above and below the
ground water table are 17 kN/m3 and 18.5 kN/m3, respectively, while the strength
parameters of the foundation soil are c’ = 0 and ’ = 32o. Determine the factor of safety
against shear failure using Meyerhof’s general equation of bearing capacity.

282 kN/m

1m
102 kN/m

0.36 m 1.5 m
3. A clay sample was obtained from a proposed project site with the soil profile as shown. A
rigid 4 m x 4 m footing is to be placed at 2 m below the ground surface and will be subjected
to a net vertical load of 2000 kN. Assuming the ground water table is at the ground surface,
determine the elastic settlement in the sand layer. Comment whether the obtained value
is underestimated or overestimated. Explain.

SAND
2m sat = 18 kN/m3
’ = 32o
Es = 48,000 kN/m2
s = 0.35
4m

Normally consolidated CLAY

sat = 17 kN/m3
8m cu = 90 kN/m2
Es = 8000 kN/m2
s = 0.3

Dense silty SAND