Geotechnical Questions Subjective 2019 (Q5)

3m

A B

1
A B
3m

3m

= 7m
d iu s
Ra
2

Each column Gk=1000kN Qk =100kN

Given Column Layout Plan and column loading for one project location adjacent to the
slope, there is RC retaining wall located at the toe of the slope. Given Moment
resistance - 6000 kN./m and Slipping Moment is 5000 kN.m/m without consideration of
additional column/ footing load to slope.

a. Factor of safety based on slip circle from the Moments given in the question.
 Moment resistance/Slipping Moment = FOS
 6000/5000 = 1.2

b. Calculation of footing size for 4 columns based on given allowable bearing capacity of
100kPa.
Assumption:
1. Each column load; No bending moment induced to the footing
2. No eccentricity to the footing

Gk= 1000kN (dead load), Qk=200kN (imposed load);

Design as single footing, p = N/BD
100 = (1000+200)/BD
BD = 12 m2
Design as a square footing, 3.5m x 3.5m = 12.25 m2

c. Calculate New FOS for the slope by taking in consideration of additional load in grid
line A and B. Explain whether the slope is safe or not by taking additional loading.
FOS = Moment resistance/(Slipping Moment + Additional Moment)
= 6000/(5000 + 1100x3 + 1100x 6)
= 0.40

The slope is not safe, and failure will occur.

 3m

A B

1
A B
3m

3m

= 7m
d iu s
Ra
2

Each column Gk=1000kN Qk =100kN

d. List down 3 ways that the additional column load will affect the slope stability and RC
retaining wall at the toe of slope

e. List down 3 methods to increase the stability of slope.

 Slopes are made flattened or benched. Slope flattening reduces the weight of the mass
tending to slide/collapse. It can be employed wherever possible.
 Construct an earthen berm in the vicinity of the toe of the slope to increase resistance
against the forces of movement.
 Lowering of ground water table to reduce pore pressure in the slope. Drainage helps in
reducing the seepage forces and thus enhances the stability of slopes. The zone of
subsurface water is lowered and infiltration of the surface water is prevented.
 Use of driven or cast-in place piles.(the additional column to sit on the pile)
 Retaining wall or sheet piling provided to increase resistance to sliding.
 Grouting and injection of cement concrete mixture along with other compounds into
specific zones help in increasing the stability of slopes.
 Soil reinforcement like Geosynthetic reinforcement and soil nailing