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CE : CIVIL ENGINEERING
AD

Test No - 9 | Geotechnical Engineering

Read the following instructions carefully

1. This question paper contains 33 MCQ’s & NAQ’s. Bifurcation of the questions is given below:
M

2. Choose the closest numerical answer among the choices given.

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Multiple Choice Questions : Q.1 to Q.8 carry 1 mark each

Q.1 A soil sample having liquid limit of 60% and plasticity index of 35 is classified as per plasticity chart as
(a) CH (b) OH
(c) MH (d) MI

1. (a)
Equation of A-line, IP = 0.73 (wL – 20)
= 0.73 (60 – 20) = 29.2
As soil lies above A-line, the soil will be clay.
Now, as wL > 50, soil will be classified as CH.

Q.2 What is the condition until when consolidation continues?

(a) The pore water pressure becomes zero

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(b) The total stress becomes zero
(c) The effective stress becomes zero
(d) The excess pore water pressure becomes zero

2. (d)
Q.3 What is the most important condition to be satisfied for piping phenomenon to occur in soils?
EA
(a) specific gravity of soil solids is more than 2.8
(b) void ratio is more than 2.0
(c) hydraulic gradient of nearly unity is maintained
(d) soil is fine grained

3. (c)
Gs − 1
ic = and ic
1 for piping
1+ e
E

Q.4 The vertical stress on a vertical line at a constant radial distance from the axis of a vertical load in a soil
mass
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(a) is same at all depths

(b) increases with depth
(c) first increases, attains a maximum value, and then decreases
(d) first decreases, attains a minimum value, and then increases

4. (c)
Q
M

Vertical stress
distribution with
depth at distance
r from applied load

Q.5 The main advantage of direct shear test is

(a) low equipment cost (b) accuracy of test results
(c) simple test procedure (d) applicability to all soil types

5. (c)

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Q.6 For the development of passive state, the backfill of the retaining wall should be subjected to
(a) zero expansion (b) zero compression
(c) maximum expansion (d) maximum compression

6. (d)

Q.7 When water level rises to ground level from a great depth, the ultimate capacity of a strip footing in sandy
soils decreases approximately to
(a) 30% (b) 50%
(c) 70% (d) 100%

7. (b)
For sandy soils,

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1
qu = γDf Nq + γBN γ (∵ c = 0)
2
If water table rises to ground surface from great depth, γ will be replaced by γ ′ in both terms.
Since γ ′ is approximately half of γ , ultimate bearing capacity will also become approximately half.

Q.8 Thin wall samplers are those in which the wall thickness is less than
(a) 1% of diameter (b) 2.5% of diameter

8.
(c) 5% of diameter

(b)
EA (d) 7.5% of diameter

Numerical Answer Type Questions : Q. 9 to Q. 16 carry 1 mark each

Q.9 The Atterberg limits of a soil sample are :

Liquid limit = 50%
Plastic limit = 30%
E

Shrinkage limit = 15%

If the specimen of this soil shrinks from a volume of 10 cm3 at liquid limit to 5.94 cm3 when oven dried,
then the shrinkage ratio of the soil will be ____________.
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9. 1.95 (1.91 to 1.99)

(V1 − Vd ) / Vd × 100
Shrinkage ratio, SR =
w1 − ws
(10 − 5.94) / 5.94 × 100
=
50 − 15
M

= 1.95

Q.10 The coefficient of permeability of a soil sample is found to be 1 × 10–3 cm/s at a void ratio of 0.4. The
permeability of same soil with same fluid at same temperature but at a void ratio of 0.6 will be
__________ × 10–3 cm/s.

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10. 2.95 (2.90 to 2.99)

Permeability is related to void ratio as
k2 e 23 1 + e1
= ×
k1 1 + e2 e13

 e3   1+ e 
⇒ k2 = k 1  2  ×  3 1 
 1 + e 2   e1 

 0.6 3   1 + 0.4 
= ( )
1 × 10 −3 ×   
 1 + 0.6   0.4 3 
= 2.95 × 10–3 cm/s

Q. 11 In a consolidation test, the load was changed from 50 kN/m2 to 100 kN/m2. The change in void ratio
Q.11

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was observed as 0.05 from an initial value of 0.7. The coefficient of volume change of soil sample is
__________ × 10–4 m2/kN.

11. 5.88 (5.80 to 5.96)

Coefficient of compressibility,
∆e 0.05
av = = = 0.001 m 2 /kN

Coefficient of volume change,

EA
∆σ 100 − 50

av 0.001 0.001
mv = 1 + e = 1 + 0.7 = 1.7
0

⇒ mv = 5.88 × 10–4 m2/kN

Q.12 A unit volume of a mass of saturated soil is subjected to horizontal seepage. The saturated unit weight is
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22 kN/m3 and the hydraulic gradient is 0.3 The resultant body force on the soil mass is _____________ kN.

12. 12.54 (12 to 13)

(∵ V = 1 m )
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Seepage force, FH = i γ wV
3

= 0.3 × 9.81 × 1
= 2.94 kN
FV = γ ′ V

= ( 22 − 9.81) × 1 = 12.19 kN
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Resultant force, FR = FH 2 + FV 2 = 12.54 kN

Q.13 The ratio of weight of hammer used in IS heavy compaction test to that of light compaction test is
______________.

13. 1.88 (1.85 to 1.91)

Weight of hammer used in IS heavy compaction test = 4.9 kg
Weight of hammer used in IS light compaction test = 2.6 kg

4.9
Ratio of weights = = 1.88
2.6

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Q.14 The maximum depth of an unsupported vertical cut that can be made in a saturated clay with unit weight
20 kN/m3 and an unconfined compressive strength of 80 kN/m2 is ____________ m.

14. 8 (7.99 to 8.01)

qu 80
Cohesion, cu = = = 40 kN/m 2
2 2
For clay, φ = 0°, therefore, ka = 1
Maximum unsupported depth of cut,
4c 4c 4 × 40
Hc = = = =8m
γ ka γ 20

Q.15 The bearing capacity of a rectangular footing of plan dimension 2 m × 3 m resting on the surface of sand
deposit is estimated as 400 kN/m2. The water table is at a significant depth. If water table rises to the

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depth of 2 m below the ground level, the approximate bearing capacity will be ____________ kN/m2.

15. 400 (399.99 to 400.01)

There will be no effect of water table on the bearing capacity as water table is still at a depth equal to the
width of footing from the base of footing.

Q.16 The value of bearing capacity factor NC for piles in clay, as per Skempton is _____________.

16. 9 (8.99 to 9.01)

EA
Df
For pile foundations, generally ≥ 2.5
B
Df
As per Skempton, NC = 9 for ≥ 2.5
B
So, NC = 9
E

Multiple Choice Questions : Q.17 to Q.24 carry 2 marks each

Q.17 A saturated soil sample has a volume of 23 cm3 at liquid limit. The shrinkage limit and liquid limit are 18%
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and 45% respectively. The specific gravity of solids is 2.73. The minimum volume that can be attained by
soil is
(a) 12.5 cc (b) 15.4 cc
(c) 18.7 cc (d) 20 cc

17. (b)
Ww mw
M

At liquid limit, wL = =
Ws ms
mw
0.45 =
ms
⇒ mw = 0.45 ms

Volume of soil sample, V = Vw + Vs

mw m s
= +
ρw ρs
0.45ms ms
= + ( ∵ ρs = Gρw )
ρw G . ρw

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0.45m s ms
⇒ 23 = +
1 2.73 × 1
⇒ ms = 28.18 g
The minimum volume will be attained by soil at shrinkage limit.
mw
At shrinkage limit, ws = = 0.18
ms
⇒ mw = 0.18 ms
Minimum volume, Vmin = Vw + Vs
mw m s
= +
ρw ρs
0.18 ms ms
= +

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ρw G ρw
0.18 × 28.18 28.18
= + = 15.39
15.4 cc (∵ ms= constant)
1 2.73 × 1

Q.18 Consider the following statements regarding earth pressure

1. Rankine considers wall to be smooth.
2. Rankine’s theory is applicable only for horizontal backfill.
3. Coulomb considers wall to be rough.
EA
4. Coulomb’s theory is applicable for horizontal as well as inclined backfill.
The correct statements are
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 3 and 4

18. (d)
E

Q.19 The water table in a deposit of sand 8 m thick, is at a depth of 3 m below the surface. Above the water
table, the sand is saturated with capillary water. The total and effective stress (in kN/m2) at point A as
shown in figure are:
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1m
A
3m Sand (Capillary Saturated)

8m
3
γsat = 19.62 kN/m
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(a) 19.62, 19.62 (b) 39.24, 39.24

(c) 39.24, 19.62 (d) 19.62, 39.24

19. (d)
Total stress at A, σ = γsat × 1
= 19.62 kN/m2
Pore water pressure at A, u = –2 × γw
= –2 × 9.81
= –19.62 kN/m2
Effective stress at A, σ = σ – u
= 19.62 – (–19.62) = 39.24 kN/m2

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Q.20 Arrangement of two soils, soil A and soil B, is shown in figure. If the head loss in soil B is 19 times the
head loss in soil A and the permeability of soil A is 3 × 10–5 m/s, then the permeability (in 10–6 m/s) of
soil B.

Elevation in mm
800

600

400
Soil A
200
Soil B
0

2
Area 1000 mm

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(a) 1.48 (b) 1.58
(c) 1.75 (d) 1.98

20. (b)
Given, head loss through soil B is 19 times that through soil A,
∆HB = 19 ∆HA
Total head loss
⇒ ∆HA + 19 ∆HA = 200 mm
EA
∆H = ∆HA + ∆HB = 200 mm

∆HA = 10 mm
⇒ ∆HB = 19 × 10 = 190 mm
∆H A 10
iA = = = 0.05
L 200
∆H B 190
iB = = = 0.95
E

L 200
As per Darcy’s equation,
v = ki
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As discharge through the sample is constant and area of both sample is same
∴ v A = vB
⇒ kAiA = kBiB

k AiA 3 × 10 −5 × 0.05
kB = =
iB 0.95
M

⇒ kB = 1.58 × 10–6 m/s

Q.21 The results of two plate load tests performed on a given location with two circular plates are given below:
1. Diameter = 750 mm, Settlement = 15 mm, Q = 150 kN
2. Diameter = 300 mm, Settlement = 15 mm, Q = 50 kN
Use Housel’s equation i.e. Q = Aq + Ps
A = Contact area
q = Bearing pressure beneath area A (constant)
P = Perimeter of footing
s = Perimeter shear (constant)
Determine the load (in kN) on circular footing 1.2 m diameter that will cause a settlement of 15 mm.
(a) 279.6 (b) 402.18
(c) 512.2 (d) 558.8

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21. (a)
π
Q1 = 150 kN = × 0.752 q + π × 0.75 s
4
⇒ 150 = 0.44q + 2.36 s ...(i)
Similarly
Q2 = 50 kN
⇒ 50 = 0.071q + 0.94 s ...(ii)
Solving (i) and (ii)
s = 46.13 kN/m
q = 93.48 kN/m2
Now for footing
π
Q = × (1.2)2 × 93.48 + π × 1.2 × 46.13

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4
Q = 279.6 kN

Q.22 The following data on consistency limits are available for two soils A and B :
A B
1. Plastic limit 16% 19%
2. Liquid limit 30% 52%
3. Flow index
4. Natural water content
EA 11
32%
6
40%
The soil which is (i) more plastic and (ii) better foundation material, respectively are
(a) A, B (b) B, A
(c) A, A (d) B, B

22. (d)
E
(i) Plasticity index for soil A = 30 – 16 = 14
Plasticity index for soil B = 52 – 19 = 33
Since plasticity index of soil B is greater, it is more plastic than soil A.
wL − w 30 − 32
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(ii) Consistency index for soil A = = = −0.143

IP 14
wL − w 52 − 40
Consistency index for soil B = = = 0.364
IP 33
As consistency index for soil A is negative, it will turn into slurry when remoulded hence it is not a suitable
foundation material. Soil B, however, is suitable for foundations.
M

Q.23 Compound slope failure is a combination of

(a) wedge and translational failures
(b) rotational and translational failures
(c) rotation and wedge failures
(d) complex failures in the form of spreads and flows

23. (b)

Q.24 Pore pressure parameter A accounts for change in pore pressure due to change in
(a) minor principal stress (b) major principal stress
(c) deviator stress (d) All of these

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24. (d)
Pore pressure parameter, A = AB
d∆U
A = ∆σ
d

∆U C
B =
∆σ 3
Therefore, pore pressure parameter A accounts for change in pore pressure due to change in both minor
principal stress and deviator stress.

Numerical Answer Type Questions : Q. 25 to Q. 33 carry 2 marks each

Q. 25 The dry unit weight of a sand sample in the loosest state is 13.34 kN/m3 and in the densest state, it is
Q.25

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21.19 kN/m3. If the porosity and specific gravity of this sand are 33% and 2.68 respectively, then the
density index of the sand is ___________ %.

25. 65.4 (64 to 68)

Given: γd = 13.34 kN/m3
min
γd = 21.19 kN/m3
max
n = 33%
G =
EA
2.68
n 0.33
Now, Void ratio, e = = = 0.493
1 − n 1 − 0.33
Gγ w 2.68 × 9.81
γ d nat = = = 17.61 kN/m 3
1+ e 1 + 0.493
1 1
−
γ d min γ d nat
E

Density index, ID = × 100

1 1
−
γ d min γ d max
AD

 1 1 
−
 13.34 17.61 
=  × 100 = 65.4%
1 1 
 − 
 13.34 21.19 
M

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Q.26 For the permeameter shown in figure, the pressure head at point marked A is ____________ m.
Elevation (m)
10

6
Sand
A
3
2
0

26. (–0.5)

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Elevation (m)
10

B
6
Sand
A
EA
3
2
0
C

Total head at point B = D.H. + P.H.

= 6 + 4 = 10 m
E

Head loss 10
Hydraulic gradient, i = = = 2.5
Length 4
Head loss from entry point B to A = i × Length
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= 2.5 × 3 = 7.5 m
Total head at A = Total head at B – Head loss
= 10 – 7.5 = 2.5 m
Total head at A = Pressure head at A + Datum head at A
2.5 = (P.H.)A + 3
∴ (P.H.)A = 2.5 – 3 = –0.5 m
M

Q.27 A layer of fully saturated soft clay is 6 m thick and lies under a newly constructed building. The weight
of sand overlying the clayey layer produces a pressure of 260 kN/m2 and the new construction increases
the pressure by 100 kN/m2 both calculated at the center of clay layer. If the water content of the clay
layer is 40%, specific gravity is 2.65 and compression index is 0.5, then the settlement of the foundation
will be ____________ cm.

27. 17.54 (16 to 19)

wG 0.4 × 2.65
Void ratio, e = = [∵ Fully saturated]
S 1
⇒ e = 1.06
Saturated unit weight of clay,
G + e
γsat =   γw
1+ e 

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 2.65 + 1.06 
=   × 9.81
1 + 1.06 
= 17.667 kN/m3
Effective stress at centre of clay layer due to clay = 17.667 × 3 = 53 kN/m3
Total intial overburden pressure = 260 + 53 = 313 kN/m3
H0Cc  σ + ∆σ 
log10  0
 σ 0 
Consolidation settlement, S =
1 + e0

6 × 0.5  313 + 100 

= log10  
1 + 1.06  313 

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= 0.1754 m
= 17.54 cm

Q.28 A dam is constructed on a soil with coefficient of permeability as 3 × 10–3 cm/s. The flow net has 6 flow
channels and 11 equipotential drops. If the head difference between upstream and downstream end of the
dam is 3.3 m, then the loss of water through seepage is _____________ × 10–5 m3/s per meter length of dam.
EA
28. 5.4 (5.39 to 5.41)
Nf
q = kH
Nd

= (3 × 10 −3
)  6
× 10 −2 × 3.3 ×  
 11
= 5.4 × 10–5 m3/s/m length of dam
E
Q.29 The effective shear strength parameters of a soil are 25 kPa and 30°. The soil mass is in submerged
condition. The shearing resistance on a plane at which total normal stress is 328 kPa and pore water
pressure is 114 kPa is ________________ kPa.
AD

29. 148.55 (147 to 150)

Effective normal stress, σ = σ – u
= 328 – 114
= 214 kPa
Shear resistance, τ = c ′ + σ tan φ ′
= 25 + 214 × tan 30°
M

= 148.55 kPa

Q.30 A cutting is to be made in clay for which the cohesion is 35 kN/m2 and φ = 0°. The density of soil is
20 kN/m3. The cutting has side slope of 1.5 to 1. Taylor’s stability number for given conditions is 0.17. The
depth of cut for a factor of safety of 1.5 is ___________ m.

30. 6.86 (6.85 to 6.87)

c
Taylor’s stability number, Sn =
F γH
c 35
⇒ H = = = 6.86 m
F γSn 1.5 × 20 × 0.17

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Q.31 A rectangular footing 2 m wide and 3.6 m long is constructed at a depth of 1 m in a purely cohesive soil
(c = 20 kN/m2). The net ultimate bearing capacity as per Skempton’s approach will be __________ kN/m2.

31. 122.22 (120 to 125)

Df =1, B = 2 m, L = 3.6 m, c = 20 kN/m2
 Df 
0 <  = 0.5 < 2.5
B 

 0.2Df   0.2B 
⇒ Nc = 5 1 + 1+
 B   L 
 0.2 × 2 
= 5 [1 + 0.2 × 0.5 ] 1 + = 6.11
 3.6 
Net ultimate bearing capacity,

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qnu = cNc = 20 × 6.11
= 122.22 kN/m2

Q.32 A plate load test is conducted on a cohesionless soil with a test plate having width 60 cm and settlement
of this plate is 12 cm obtained at the same load intensity as on the foundation. A footing having a width
of 2 m is to be constructed as foundation. The settlement experienced by the footing will be ___________
EA
cm.

32. 20.42 (20 to 21)

Settlement of footing for a cohesionless soil,

 B (B + 0.3 ) 
2
Sf = S P  f P 
 BP (Bf + 0.3 ) 

 2 ( 0.6 + 0.3 ) 
2
E
Sf = 12   = 20.42 cm
 0.6 ( 2 + 0.3 ) 

Q.33 A timber pile was driven by a drop hammer, weighing 30 kN, with a free fall of 1.2 m. The average
AD

penetration of the last few blows was 5 mm. The safe capacity of the pile according to Engineering News
formula is _____________ kN.

33. 200 (199.99 to 200.01)

WH
Qa =
F (S + C)
M

Here, W = 30 kN, H = 1.2 m = 120 cm, F = 6, S = 5 mm = 0.5 cm, C = 2.5 (drop hammer)
30 × 120
∴ Qa = = 200 kN
6(0.5 + 2.5)



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