Solutions to Supplementary

Problems

Chapter 1

Solution 1.1
⎛ Gs ⎞
gd = ⎜
⎝ 1 + e ⎟⎠ w
Formula (1.41): g : E×pressing the voids ratio:

Gs γ w 2.7 × 9.81
e= −1 = − 1 = 0.56 (56%)
γd 17

m Gs
Formula (1.36): e= E×pressing water content:
Sr
e Sr 0.56 × 0.53
m= = = 0.11 (11%)
Gs 2.7
γ
Formula (1.40): gd = E×pressing unit weight:
1+m
g = (1 + m) gd = (1 + 0.11) × 17 = 18.87 kN/m3

W
Formula (1.20): g= E×pressing total weight:
V
W = gV
Where, V = 1500 cm3 = 1500 × 10−6 m3

Therefore, W = 18.87 × 1500 × 10−6 = 0.0283 kN

Formula (1.37): W = (1 + m)Ws E×pressing the weight of solids:
W 0.0283
Ws = = = 0.0255 kN
1+m 1 + 0.11

Introduction to Soil Mechanics, First Edition. Béla Bodó and Colin Jones.
© 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Published 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

0001993321.INDD 1 6/22/2013 4:13:19 PM

 2 Introduction to Soil Mechanics

Formula (1.17): W = Ws + Ww E×pressing the weight of water:

Ww = W − Ws = 0.0283 − 0.0255 = 0.0028 kN

Formula (1.18): Ww = 9.81 × 10−3 Mw E×pressing the mass of water:

103 Ww 103 × 0.0028

Mw = = = 0.285 kg
9.81 9.81
eV
Formula (1.46a): Va = −103 Mw
1+e
0.56 × 1500
= −103 × 0.285 = 253.5 cm3
1 + 0.56
Results: Volume of air = 253.5 cm3
Weight of water = 0.0028 kN
Mass of water = 0.285 kg
Alternative solution for Va:

⎛ 1+e⎞ eV
Formula (1.11): V= ⎜ V ∴ Vv =
⎝ e ⎟⎠ v 1+e

Vw SreV
Formula (1.9): Sr = ∴ Vw = Sr Vv =
Vv 1+e

eV SreV
Formula (1.2): Vv = Vw + Va ∴ Va = Vv − Vw = −
1+e 1+e
eV 0.56 × 1500
∴ Va = (1 − Sr) = × (1 − 0.53) = 253.1 cm3 (As before)
1+e 1 + 0.56

Solution 1.2
Vv
Formula (1.7): n= ∴ Vv = n V = 0.35 × 5260 = 1841 cm3
V
Formula (1.1): V = Vs + Vv ∴ Vs = V − Vv = 5260 − 1841 = 3419 cm3

Formula (1.13): e= n = 0.35 = 0.538 (53.8%)

1 − n 1 − 0.35
The degree of saturation of the sand, in its original state, can now be calculated
from:
m1 Gs 0.15 × 2.67
Formula (1.36): e = ∴ Sr = = 0.744 (74.4%)
Sr 0.538

0001993321.INDD 2 6/22/2013 4:13:31 PM

 Solutions to Supplementary Problems: Chapter 1 3

The volume of water in the sand, in its original state, is calculated from:
Vw
Formula (1.9): Sr = ∴ Vw = Sr Vv = 0.744 × 1841 = 1370 cm3
Vv
Vw
When the soil is fully saturated, then Sr = 1, that is 1 = or Vw = Vv
Vv
The added volume of water (dVw) is, therefore, given by:
dVw = Vv − 1370 = 1841 − 1370 = 471 cm3
The weight (dWw) of added water is given by:
δWw
Formula (1.23): gw = ∴dWw = gw dVw = 9.81 × (471 × 10−6) = 4621 × 10−6 kN
δVw
103 × 4621 × 10−6
Mass of water added = = 0.471 kg
9.81

Results: Weight of water added = 0.00462 kN

Mass of water added = 0.471 kg

Alternative solution:
Initial moisture content: m1 = 15%
Voids ratio: e = 53.8%
Volume of solids: Vs = 3419 cm3
γs
Formula (1.34): Gs = ∴ gs = GS gw = 2.67 × 9.81 = 26.2 kN/m3
γw
Ws
Formula (1.33): gs = ∴ Ws = gs Vs = 26.2 × (3419 × 10−6) = 0.0896 kN
Vs
Final water content (m2) after saturation (Sr = 1) is given by:

e 0.538
Formula (1.36): m2 = = = 0.2015 (20.15%)
Gs 2.67

Change in water content: dm = m2 − m1

= 0.2015 − 015 = 0.0515 (5.15%)
Weight of added water (dWw) is calculated from:

δWw
Formula (1.35a): d m2 = dWw = dm2 × Ws = 0.0515 × 0.0896 = 0.00461 (as before)
Ws

0001993321.INDD 3 6/22/2013 4:13:51 PM

 4 Introduction to Soil Mechanics

Solution 1.3

Formula (1.43):
⎛ G − 1⎞ (G − 1) γ w −1 = (2.65 − 1) × 9.81 −1 = 0.863
g ′ = ⎜ s ⎟ gw ∴ e = s
⎝ 1+e ⎠ γ′ 8.69
m Gs 0.15 × 2.65
Formula (1.36): Degree of saturation: Sr = = = 0.461
e 0.863
Therefore, water fills 46.1% of the voids.
⎛ 1 + e ⎞ Vw eVSr 0.863 × 3000 × 0.461
Formula (1.14): Sr = ⎜ ∴ Vw = =
⎝ e ⎟⎠ V 1+e 1 + 0.863
= 640.6 cm3 = 640.6 × 10−6 m3
Ww
Formula (1.23): gw = ∴ Ww = gw Vw = 9.81 × (640.6 × 10−6) = 0.00628 kN
Vw
103 × Ww 103 × 0.00628
It’s mass Mw = = = 0.64 kg
9.81 9.81
Results: a) Percentage of voids filled with water = 46.1%.
b) Weight of water in the voids = 6.28 × 10−3 kN
c) Mass of water in the voids = 0.64 kg

Solution 1.4
⎛ Gs + Sre ⎞ n m Gs
g= ⎜ g Where e= =
⎝ 1 + e ⎟⎠ w
Formula (1.38):
1−n Sr
Sre
1. Substituting: Gs =
m
⎛ Sre ⎞ ⎛ 1 ⎞
⎜
g= m
+ Sre ⎟ ⎜ + 1⎟ Sre γ w
gw = ⎝ m ⎠ =
( 1 + m ) Sre γ w
⎜⎝
1+e
⎟⎠
1+e m (1 + e )

⎛ 1+ m⎞ ⎛ e ⎞
∴ g= ⎜ S g
⎝ m ⎟⎠ ⎜⎝ 1 + e ⎟⎠ r w
(1.59)

m Gs n 1
2. Substitute: e= and 1 + e = 1 + = into formula (1.59):
Sr 1 − n 1 − n
⎛ mGs ⎞
⎛ 1 + m ⎞ ⎜ Sr ⎟
g= ⎜ ⎜ ⎟ S g
⎝ m ⎟⎠ ⎜ 1 ⎟ r w
⎜⎝ 1 − n ⎟⎠

⎛ 1 + m ⎞ ⎡ m Gs ( 1 − n ) ⎤
g= ⎜ ⎢ ⎥ Sr gw
⎝ m ⎟⎠ ⎣⎢ Sr ⎦⎥

0001993321.INDD 4 6/22/2013 4:14:11 PM

 Solutions to Supplementary Problems: Chapter 1 5

Cancelling m and Sr:

∴ g = (1 + m) (1 − n) Gs gw (1.60)
1
3. For saturated soil Sr = 1 and e = mGs =
1−n
n
From which, m = at saturation.
( 1 – n ) Gs
Substitute this into formula (1.60):
⎡ n ⎤
gsat = ⎢ 1 + ⎥ (1 − n) Gs gw
⎣⎢ ( 1 − n ) G s ⎥
⎦
⎡ ( 1 − n ) Gs + n ⎤
= ⎢ ⎥ (1 − n) Gs gw Cancel (1 − n) Gs
⎢⎣ ( 1 − n ) Gs ⎥⎦

∴ gsat = [(1 − n) Gs + n] gw (1.61)

4. Substitute Sr = 1 into (1.59) to get:

⎛ 1+ m⎞ ⎛ e ⎞
gsat = ⎜ ⎜ ⎟ g (1.62)
⎝ m ⎟⎠ ⎝ 1 + e ⎠ w
n
5. For dry soil Sr = 0 and m = 0. Substitute e = into (1.38):
1−n
⎛ Gs ⎞ ⎡ ( 1 − n ) Gs ⎤
gd = ⎜ n ⎟ gw = ⎢ ⎥ gw
⎜⎝ 1 + ⎟
1−n⎠ ⎣⎢ 1 − n + n ⎦⎥

Cancelling n in the denominator:

∴ gd = (1 − n) Gs gw (1.63)
6. From (1.61): gsat = (1 − n) Gs gw + n gw
}

gd
From which, gd = gsat − n gw (1.64)
n
7. For submerged soil Sr = 1 e = mGs =
1−n
From (1.31): g ′ = gsat−gw
⎛ 1+ m⎞ ⎛ e ⎞
Using (1.59): g ′ = ⎜ g −g
⎝ m ⎟⎠ ⎜⎝ 1 + e ⎟⎠ w w

⎡ (1 + m) e ⎤
= ⎢ − 1⎥ gw
⎣⎢ ( 1 + e ) m ⎥⎦

⎡ e + em − m − em ⎤
= ⎢ ⎥g
⎣⎢ ( 1 + e ) m ⎦⎥ w

0001993321.INDD 5 6/22/2013 4:14:58 PM

 6 Introduction to Soil Mechanics

Cancelling terms em:

∴γ ′ =
(e − m ) γw
(1.65)
(1 + e ) m
8. E×press gsat from (1.64): gsat = gd−ngw
Therefore, g ′= (gd + ngw)−gw
= gd + ngw−gw
And, g ′= gd−(1 − n) gw (1.66)

Solution 1.5

a) Calibration: M2 = 4.991 kg
M1 = 0.58 kg
M3 = 1.19 kg
Vc = 2000 cm3 = 2 × 10−3 m3

The dry mass density of sand is given by:

M2 − M3 − M 1 4.991 − 1.19 − 0.58
rs= = = 1610 kg/m3
V 2 × 10−3

b) Test: M4 = 2.574 kg
m = 19%
M5 = 2.321 kg

Mass of sand in the hole: Ms = M2 − M1 − M5

= 4.991 − 0.58 − 2.321
= 2.09 kg
Ms 2.09
Volume of hole: V = = = 1.3 × 10-3 m3
ρs 1610
M4 2.574
Mass density of soil: r = = = 1980 kg/m3
V 1.3 × 10−3
ρ 1980
Mass dry density: rd = = = 1664 kg/m3
1+m 1 + 0.19
Bulk dry density: gd = 1664 × 9.81 × 10−3 = 16.32 kg/m3

0001993321.INDD 6 6/22/2013 4:15:19 PM

 Solutions to Supplementary Problems: Chapter 1 7

Solution 1.6
a) Step 1: For the voids ratio at the most dense state, e×press emax from (1.47):

emax − e Dr Dr
Dr = 100 × ema x − emin = emax − e
emax − emin 100 100

⎛ Dr ⎞ Dr
⎜⎝ 1 − 100 ⎟⎠ emax = e − 100 emin

Dr 40
e− emin 0.52 − × 031
100 100 0.396
From which, emax = = = = 0.66
Dr 40 0.6
1− 1−
100 100
Step 2: The volume of solids is given by:
ms
Formula (1.32): Vs =
ρs Ms 100 × 103
Vs = = = 37594 cm3
Formula (1.33): rs = Gs rw Gs ρw 2.66 × 1
rw = 1 g/cm3

Step 3: The volume of voids is given by formula 1.5, in general as: Vv = Vse
Step 4: By formula (1.1), the total volume is: V = Vv + Vs
Step 5: Tabulating the calculations for the volumes:

Table 1.15

Vv (cm3) V = Vv + Vs (cm3)

emax = 0.66 = 0.66 × 37594 = 24812 = 24812 + 37594 = 62406

e = 0.52 = 0.52 × 37594 = 19549 = 19549 + 37594 = 57143
emin = 0.31 = 0.31 × 37594 = 11654 = 11654 + 37594 = 49248

b) Degree of saturation is Sr = 0.8, hence from (1.36) in general:

Sre 0.8
m= = e = 0.3 e
Gs 2.66

Table 1.16

m%

emax = 0.66 30 × 0.66 = 19.8

e = 0.52 30 × 0.52 = 15.6
emin = 0.31 30 × 0.31 = 9.3

0001993321.INDD 7 6/22/2013 4:15:32 PM

 8 Introduction to Soil Mechanics

c) Degree of saturation is Sr = 1, hence from (1.42) in general:

⎛G +e⎞ ⎛ 2.66 + e ⎞
gsat = ⎜ s g = × 9.81
⎝ 1 + e ⎟⎠ w ⎜⎝ 1 + e ⎟⎠

Table 1.17

(2.66 + e) ¥ 9.81 1+e gsat (kN/m3)

emax = 0.66 32.57 1.66 19.6

e = 0.52 31.20 1.52 20.5
emin = 0.31 29.14 1.31 22.2

Solution 1.7
Given: W = 48.5 kN
V = 2.5 m3
Gs = 2.7
Sr = 1
W 48.5
Unit weight, gsat = = = 19.4 kN/m3
V 2.5
⎛G +e⎞
E×pressing the voids ratio from formula (1.42): gsat = ⎜ s g
⎝ 1 + e ⎟⎠ w
19.4
× (1 + e) = 2.7 + e 0.98e = 0.72
9.81
0.72
1.98 + 1.98e = 2.7 + e ∴ e= = 0.735
0.98
e 0.735
Water content from formula (1.36): m = = = 0.27
Gs 2.7

W 48.5
Weight of solids from formula (1.37): Ws = = = 38.2 kN
1+m 1.27
Weight of water from formula (1.17): Ww = W − Ws = 48.5 − 38.2 = 10.3 kN

Ww 10.3
Therefore, the volume of water: Vw = = = 1.05 m3
γw 9.81

0001993321.INDD 8 6/22/2013 4:15:50 PM

 Solutions to Supplementary Problems: Chapter 1 9

Solution 1.8
a) Soil in-situ: V1 = 1 m3
W
W = 18.1 kN ∴ g1 = = 18.1 kN/m3
V1
Ws
WS = 16 kN ∴ gd1 = = 16 kN/m3
V1
Weight of water: Ww = W−Ws = 18.1 − 16 = 2.1 kN
Ww 2.1
Water content: m = = = 0.131
Ws 16
The voids ratio is e×pressed from (1.39):

e1 =
(1 + m) G s γw
−1 =
1.131 × 2.66 × 9.81
−1 = 0.631
γ1 18.1
The volume of air is given by (1.46):
eV W 0.631 × 1 2.1
Va1 = 1 1
− w = − = 0.173 m3
1 + e1 γ w 1.631 9.81
The percentage of air voids is given by (1.49):
Va1 0.173
Pa1 = 100 × = = 17.3%
V1 1

Compacted soil

Step 1: Consider the same weight of soil, compacted to dry density = 18.2 kN/
m3 at m = 13.1%
Given: W = 18.1 kN
Ws = 16 kN m = 0.131 V2 = ?
Ww = 2.1 kN
gd2 = 18.2 kN
γ2
Step 2: From (1.40): gd2 = ∴ g2 (1 + m) gd2 = 1.131 × 18.2 = 20.6 kN/m3
1+m
1.131 × 2.66 × 9.81
Step 3: e2 = −1 = 0.433
20.6
Ws
Step 4: From (1.44): Vs =
Gs γ w
V2 =
( 1 + e )W
2 s
=
1.433 × 16
= 0.88 m3
V2 Gs γ w 2.66 × 9.31
From (1.45): Vs =
1 + e2
e2 V2 Ww 0.433 × 0.88 2.1
Step 5: Va2 = − = − = 0.052 m3
1 + e2 γw 1.433 9.81
Va2 5.2
Therefore, Pa2 = 100 = = 5.91%
V2 0.88

0001993321.INDD 9 6/22/2013 4:16:08 PM

 10 Introduction to Soil Mechanics

Summary: As W= 18.1 kN (1 m3) of soil is compacted into a volume of 0.88 m3, the:
1. Voids ratio decreases from 63.1% to 43.3%.
2. Percentage of air decreases from 17.3% to 5.91%.
b) Volume of soil excavated = 1 × 40000 = 4 × 104 m3
Volume after compaction: V = 0.88 × 4.104 = 3.52 × 104 m3
But, the volume of the embankment is given by: V = Ax
Where, A = 12 m2,
x = length of embankment

V 3.52 × 104
Hence, x= = = 2933 m = 2.933 km
A 12

Solution 1.9
a) From (1.40): g = (1 + m) gd = 1.12 × 16 = 17.9 kN/m3

m Gs Sre 0.49e
b) From (1.36): Sr = Gs = = = 4.08 e
e m 0.12

⎛ Gs + Sre ⎞ γ 17.9
g= ⎜ g G = (1 + e) −Sre = (1 + e) × −0.49e
⎝ 1 + e ⎟⎠ w s
From (1.38):
γw 9.81
17.9
Equating: Gs = 4.08e = (1 + e) × −0.49e
9.81
1.82
4.08e = 1.82 + 1.82e − 0.49e e= = 0.66
2.75
E×pressing: 2.75e = 1.82
Hence, Gs = 4.08 × 0.66 = 2.7
⎛G +e⎞ ⎛ 2.7 + 0.66 ⎞
From (1.42): gsat = ⎜ s g = ⎜ × 9.81 = 19.9 kN/m3
⎝ 1 + e ⎠⎟ w ⎝ 1.66 ⎟⎠

Solution 1.10
1. Total weight: W = g V = 17.9 × 0.15 = 2.69 kN
W 2.69
2. Weight of solids: Ws = = = 2.40 kN
1+m 1.12
Weight of water: Ww = W − Ws = 0.29 kN
V 0.15
3. Volume of solids: Vs = = = 0.091 m3
1+e 1.66

Ww 0.29
Volume of water: Vw = = = 0.029 m3
γw 9.81

Volume of voids: Vv = eVs = 0.66 × 0.091 = 0.06 m3

0001993321.INDD 10 6/22/2013 4:16:40 PM

 Solutions to Supplementary Problems: Chapter 1 11

Solution 1.11
Ms 412
From (1.57): Gs = = = 2.75
Ms + M 1 − M2 412 + 1923 − 2189

⎛ M ⎞ ⎛ Gs − 1⎞
From (1.58): m = ⎜ ⎜ ⎟ −1
⎝ M 2 − M 1 ⎟⎠ ⎝ Gs ⎠

⎛ 519 ⎞ ⎛ 2.75 − 1⎞
= ⎜ × ⎜ −1
⎝ 2185 − 1923 ⎟⎠ ⎝ 2.75 ⎟⎠

908.25
= −1 = 0.26 (26%)
720.5
Volume of water: Vw = m Ms = 0.26 × 412 = 107 cm3
Ms 412
Volume of solids: Vs = = = 150 cm3
Gs 2.75
For fully saturated soil: Sr = 1 and Va = 0 ∴ Vv = Vw
Total volume therefore: V = Vs + Vw = 150 + 107 = 257 cm3
Note: All other soil characteristics can now be determined from:
M = 519 g
Ms = 412 g
V = 257 cm3
Gs = 2.75
M 519
Bulk mass density (1.20): r= = = 2.02 g/cm3
V 257
Bulk unit weight (1.21): g = 9.81 r = 9.81 × 2.02 = 19.8 kN/m3
Ms 412
Dry mass density (1.25): rd = = = 1.6 g/cm3
V 257
Dry unit weight (1.27): gd = 9.81 rd = 9.81 × 1.6 = 15.7 kN/m3
Ms 412
Mass density of solids (1.32): rs = = = 2.75 g/cm3 (Gs)
Vs 150
Unit weight of solids (1.34): gs = 9.81 rs = 9.81 × 2.75 = 27 kN/m3
Vv V 107
Voids ratio (1.05): e= = w = = 0.71
Vs Vs 150
Vv V 107
Porosity (1.6): n= = w = = 0.42
V V 257
Ms + ρw Vv M + Vw 412 + 107
Saturated mass density (1.28): rsat = = s =
V V 257
= 2.02 g/cm3

0001993321.INDD 11 6/22/2013 4:17:04 PM

 12 Introduction to Soil Mechanics

Saturated unit weight (1.29): gsat = 9.81 rsat = 9.81 × 2.02 = 19.8 kN/m3
Vw V 107
Check for saturation (1.8): Sr = = w = =1
Vv eVs 0.71 × 150

Notes:
a) The specific gravity can be determined also by a gas jar or a density bottle.
The pycnometer formulae are applicable to these containers.
Glass stopper with
Glass plate central bore for
escaping air
Jar
Rubber stopper

Gas jar Density bottle

Figure 1.27

b) Formulae (1.56) to (1.58) can be represented in different forms, depending

on the way the masses are measured during the test. Measure the mass in
steps:
Step 1: m1 = mass of pycnometer
Step 2: m2 = mass of pycnometer + soil
Step 3: m3 = mass of pycnometer + soil + water
Step 4: m4 = mass of pycnometer + water
⎛ G ⎞
In these terms: Ms = (m3 − m4 ) ⎜ s ⎟
⎝ Gs − 1⎠
m2 − m 1
Gs =
(m 4 − m1 ) − (m3 − m2 )

M ⎛ Gs − 1⎞
m= ⎜ ⎟ −1
(m 3 − m )
4 ⎝ Gs ⎠

By comparison: m1 = Mp m2 − m1 = Ms
m2 = Mp + Ms m3 − m2 = M2 − Mp − Ms
m3 = M2 m4 − m1 = M0
m4 = M1 m3 − m4 = M2 − M1
c) The formulae are applicable to both saturated and partially saturated soils,
as long as dry material is placed into the container.
d) For partially saturated soil Va is unknown and cannot be derived from Figure 1.26.
For this reason only Gs, m, Vw and Vs can be calculated. See Example 1.9.
e) For fully saturated soil Va = 0, hence the entire range of soil characteristics
can be derived, as in Problem 1.11.

0001993321.INDD 12 6/22/2013 4:17:37 PM