Geotechnical Engineering Analysis 3002

Final Exam

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Q1) (25 marks)

a) Refer to Figure 1.1, calculate the total horizontal and vertical stresses in point A, B and C .Note the
exact location of the points are shown by X. State any assumption. (15 marks)

Figure 1.1 (Not to scale)

b) Discuss the effect of sand unit weight on the above results.(5 marks)

c) Discuss the effect of SG (Specific Gravity) changes in clay layer on the above results. (5
marks)
Q2) (25 marks)

a) Refer to Figure 2.1, a smooth retaining wall holds back a uniform sand backfill as shown.

Calculate the active and passive resultant force and the distance of the active and passive

force from the bottom of retaining wall. State any assumption. (15 marks)

Figure 2.1 (Not to scale)

b) Refer to Figure 2.1, discuss the effect of water table level changes on the above results. (5

marks)

c) What factor(s) should be considered in part (a) if the wall is not frictionless? ( 5 marks)
Q3) (25 marks)

a) Refer to Figure 3.1. Unit weight of soil is 19 kN/m3. What would be the value of H ?

Consider soil is clay and cohesion of clay is 20kPa and β=45 ֩ and α = 30 ֩ .State any

assumption if any extra parameter required. (10 marks)

Figure 3.1(Not to scale)

b) Redo the above for cohesion of clay to be 80 kPa. (5 marks)

c)Discuss the effect of the cohession of clay on the above results.(5 marks)

d) Explain the effect of unit wieght of clay on the results of part (a). (5 marks)
Q4) (25 marks)

a) Refer to Figure 4.1 and Fig 4.2, compare the value of the factor of safety (F.S) with using

circular arc analysis and method of slice for the case in which slope is fully saturated. For

arc method, the length of sliding curve is 120m and the area of the sliding soil is 2200m2. For

slice method, draw the slope in scale and then assume a failure curve of yours. If you require any

assumption, clearly state any assumption. Point O represents centre of slip circle.

(20marks)

Figure 4.1 Arc Method (Not to scale)

 Figure 4.2 Slice Method (Not to scale)

b) Discuss effect of soil cracking on the calculation in part (a). (5 marks)