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Gedrick G.

Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
CHAPTER 1
Introduction to Soil Mechanics

PRE-TEST (Questions)

1. The first scientific study on soil mechanics was undertaken by?

a. William Shakespeare
b. Charles – Augustin de Coulomb
c. William Rankine
d. Charles - William de Augustin

2. It involves the direct effect of atmospheric or biologically produced chemicals in the


breakdown of rocks, soils and minerals.

a. Chemical Weathering
b. Mechanical Weathering
c. Soil Weathering
d. Weathering

3. A natural aggregate of mineral particles including organic constituents.

a. Soil Mechanics
b. Soil
c. Land Mass
d. Soil Mass

4. Refers to the breakdown and composition of rocks, soils and minerals into smaller
pieces through contact with the atmosphere, biota and waters.

a. Chemical Weathering
b. Mechanical Weathering
c. Soil Weathering
d. Weathering

5. Aeolian soils are soils transported and deposited by _________.

a. Wind
b. Water
c. Land
d. Soil

6. Explain the importance of soil mechanics to civil engineering.

7. Discuss briefly the process of one field test for fine grained soil.
Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
CHAPTER 1
Introduction to Soil Mechanics

SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTION:

1. Do you have any basic knowledge on soil mechanics?

2. What is your own definition of soil mechanics?

3. Are you familiar on soil classification and description?

4. Are you familiar on any steps in soil exploration?

5. Are you familiar of the properties of soil favorable in civil engineering?


Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
CHAPTER 1
LESSON 1-Introduction to Soil Mechanics

Exercise 1.1

1. The first scientific study on soil mechanics was undertaken by?

a. William Shakespeare
b. Charles – Augustin de Coulomb
c. William Rankine
d. Charles - William de Augustin

2. In what year did theory on earth masses was published by Rankine?

a. 1857
b. 1758
c. 1773
d. 1587

3. A natural aggregate of mineral particles including organic constituents.

a. Soil Mechanics
b. Soil
c. Land Mass
d. Soil Mass

4. Choose the right answer from the box.

a. the degree to which a soil will conduct a flow of water Internal friction Cohesion
b. the ability of soil to re-expand after being compressed
c. the resistance of a soil mass to sliding Compressibility Elasticity
d. the degree to which water is drawn upward from the
normal water table Permeability Capillarity
e. the degree to which soil be able to support greater loads
f. molecular attraction between soil particle

5. Enumerate the sub-surface exploration techniques.

6. Discuss briefly the importance of soil mechanics to civil engineering applications.


Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
CHAPTER 1
LESSON 2-Origin of Soil and Rocks

EXERCISE 1.2

I. Write TRUE if the statement is correct, otherwise find the incorrect word and
write the correct answer.

1. Transported soils are soils which were formed from rock weathering at one
site and are now found at another site.

2. Mechanical weathering involves the direct effect of atmospheric or


biologically produced chemicals in the breakdown of rocks, soils and
minerals.

3. Aeolian soils are soils transported and deposited by water.

4. Lacustrine soils are formed by deposition in quiet lakes.

5. Mechanical weathering is the physical disintegration of the original rock


mass into smaller particles without any change in the chemical
composition.

6. Weathering refers to the breakdown and composition of rocks, soils and


minerals into smaller pieces through contact with the atmosphere, biota and
waters.

7. Diagensis is the process through which sediments are converted to


sedimentary rocks

8. Igneous rocks are formed by solidification of molten magma ejected from


deep within earth’s mantle.

9. Layers or beds of deposited sediments are called sediments.

10. Sedimentary rocks are formed if a rock is subjected to increase in


temperature, pressure, or both, to such degree that a new texture or
possibly a new mineral composition is produced.

II. Explain in your own words the formation of each kind of rocks.
Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
CHAPTER 1
LESSON 3-Site Investigation and Subsurface Exploration

EXERCISE 1.3

1. Give 3 objectives of Site investigation.

2. Name 3 general observations to be made during Site Reconnaissance.

3. Enumerate the general information obtained through Primary Site

4. Give 3 sections of a sub-soil investigation report.


Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
CHAPTER 1
LESSON 4-Soil Description and Identification and Field Test

EXERCISE 1.4

1. Discuss briefly the process of one field test for fine grained soil.

2. Discuss briefly the process of one field test for fine grained soil.

3. Explain the importance of these tests in the civil engineering practices.


Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
CHAPTER 1

POST-TEST

1 In what year did theory on earth masses was published by Rankine?

a. 1857
b. 1758
c. 1773
d. 1587

2 The physical disintegration of the original rock mass into smaller particles without any
change in the chemical composition.

a. Chemical Weathering
b. Mechanical Weathering
c. Soil Weathering
d. Weathering

3 Soils formed from rock weathering on one site and now found on other location.

a. Transported soil
b. Soil Deposit
c. Travelling soil
d. Soil Mass

4. Formed if a rock is subjected to increase in temperature, pressure, or both, to such


degree that a new texture or possibly a new mineral composition is produced.

a. Igneous Rock
b. Sedimentary Rock
c. Metamorphic Rock
d. Hard Rock

5. Soils formed by the deposition of quiet lakes.

a. Alluvial Soil
b. Lacustrine Soil
c. Lake Soil
d. Glacial Soil

6. Explain the importance of soil mechanics to civil engineering.

7. Discuss briefly the process of one field test for fine grained soil.
Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
CHAPTER 2
Fundamentals of Geotechnics

PRE-TEST

1. The first scientific study on soil mechanics was undertaken by?

a. William Shakespeare
b. Charles – Augustin de Coulomb
c. William Rankine
d. Charles - William de Augustin

2. It involves the direct effect of atmospheric or biologically produced chemicals in the


breakdown of rocks, soils and minerals.

a. Chemical Weathering
b. Mechanical Weathering
c. Soil Weathering
d. Weathering

3. A natural aggregate of mineral particles including organic constituents.

a. Soil Mechanics
b. Soil
c. Land Mass
d. Soil Mass

4. Refers to the breakdown and composition of rocks, soils and minerals into smaller pieces
through contact with the atmosphere, biota and waters

a. Chemical Weathering
b. Mechanical Weathering
c. Soil Weathering
d. Weathering

5. Aeolian soils are soils transported and deposited by _________.

a. Wind
b. Water
c. Land
d. Soil

6. Explain the importance of soil mechanics to civil engineering.

7. Discuss briefly the process of one field test for fine grained soil.
Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
CHAPTER 2
Fundamentals of Geotechnics

SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTION:

1. Do you have any basic knowledge on index properties of soils?

2. Are you familiar with the mass-volume relationship of soils?

3. Are you familiar with the consistency of soils?

4. Are you familiar with the Atterberg Limits?

5. Are you familiar with Soil Compaction Field Tests?

6. Are you familiar with the Classification Tests for Soils?

7. Do you have any basic knowledge on Soil taxonomy?


Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
CHAPTER 2
LESSON 1-Index Properties of Soil

EXERCISE 1.1

I. True or False. Write TRUE if the statement is correct, FALSE otherwise.

1. Soil index properties are properties which facilitate identification and


classification of soils for engineering purposes.

2. Plastic soils (clays) are normally described as non-cohesive.

3. Plastic and cohesive are not used as synonyms bearing in mind that all
plastic soils are not cohesive and cohesive soils are not plastic.

4. The 3D network of attraction between negative particles and positive


cations lead to plasticity.

5. The nature of some properties is the same for coarse- and fine-grained
soils.

II. Identification.

1. The index properties of a Coarse-Grained soil.

2. The index properties of Fine-Grained soil.


Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
CHAPTER 2
LESSON 2-Mass – Volume Relationship of Soil

Sample Problems:

PROBLEM 1:
Assume that a compaction mold having a volume of 1/30 ft3 was filled with moist soil. The total weight of the soil in
the mold was found to be 4.10 lb. The soil was oven dried and its weight after drying was 3.53 lb. The specific
gravity of solids was known to be 2.70. Water content, void ratio, porosity, degree of saturation, total unit weight,
and dry unit weight must be determined.

Given Quantities:
Total Weight (W) = 4.10 lbs.
Dry Weight or Weight of Solids (Ws) = 3.53lb
Specific Gravity (Gs) = 2.70

Drawing the phase diagram:


V = 1/30 ft3 W = 4.10 lb
Vv = ? Ws = 3.53 lb
Va = ? Ww = ?
Vw = ? Vs = ?

Solving for Mass of Water:


Total Weight (W) = Weight of Solids + Weight of Water
Weight of Water = Total Weight (W) – Weight of Solids
Weight of Water = 4.10 lbs. – 3.53 lbs.
Weight of Water (Ww) = 0.57 lbs.

Solving for Volume of Water:


Unit weight of water (Yw) = Weight / Volume; Yw = 62.4 lb/ft 3
Volume = Weight of water / Unit Weight of Water
Volume = 0.57 lbs / 62.4 lbs/ft3
Volume = 0.0091346153846154 ft3 = 0.0091 ft 3

Solving for Unit Weight of Solids:


Unit weight of solids (Ys) = Gs * Unit weight of Water (Yw); Yw = 62.4 lb/ft 3
Unit weight of solids = 2.70 * 62.4 lb/ft 3
Unit weight of solids = 168.48 lb./ft 3

Solving for Volume of Solids:


Unit weight of solids (Ys) = Weight / Volume; Ys = 168.48 lb/ft 3
Volume = Weight of Solids / Unit Weight of Water
Volume = 3.53 lbs / 168.48 lbs/ft 3
Volume = 0.0209520417853751 ft3 = 0.0210 ft33

Solving for Volume of Voids:


Total Volume (V) = Volume of Solids (Vs) + Volume of Voids (Vv)
Volume of Voids = Volume (V) – Volume of Solids (Vs)
Volume of Voids = 1/30 ft3 – 0.021 ft3
Volume of Voids = 0.0123812915479582 ft 3 = 0.0124 ft3
Solving for the unknown using all relationships:

a. Moisture Content, w = Weight of Water / Weight of Solids


w = 0.57 lbs / 3.53 lbs
w = 0.1614730878186969 * 100%
w = 16.15%

b. Void Ratio, e = Volume of Voids (Vv) / Volume of Solids (Vs)


e = 0.0124 ft3 / 0.0210 ft3
e = 0.5909348441926344 = 0.591

c. Porosity, n = Volume of Voids (Vv) / Total Volume (V)


n = 0.0124 ft3 / 0.0333 ft3
n = 0.3714387464387464 = 0.371

d. Degree of Saturation, S = Volume of Water (Vw)/Volume of Voids (Vv)


S = 0.0091 ft3 / 0.0124 ft3
S = 0.7377756471716224 * 100%
S = 73. 78%

e. Total Unit Weight, Y = Total Weight (W) / Total Volume (V)


n = 4.10 lbs / 0.0333 ft3
n = 123.0000000000001 lb/ft3 = 123.00 lb/ft3

f. Dry Unit Weight, Yd = Weight of Solids (Ws) / Total Volume (V)


n = 3.53 lbs / 0.0333 ft3
n = 105.9000000000001 lb/ft3 = 105.90 lb/ft3

PROBLEM 2:
A soil sample has a volume of 2.5 liters (2.5 x 10^ (–3) m3) and a total mass of 4.85 kg. A water content test
indicates the water content is 28%. Assuming that the specific gravity of solids is 2.72. It is desired to determine the total
density, total unit weight, dry density, dry unit weight, void ratio, porosity, and degree of saturation.

Given Quantities:
Total Volume (V) = 2.5 L = 0.0025 m3
Total Mass (M) = 4.85 kg
Water Content (w) = 28%
Specific Gravity (Gs) = 2.72

Drawing the phase diagram:


V = 0.0025 m3 M = 4.85 kg
Vv = ? Ms = ?
Va = ? Mw = ?
Vw = ? Vs = ?

From definition of Water content:


Water Content (w) = Mass of water / Mass of Solids

Mass of Water = Water Content * Mass of Solids


= 28% * Mass of Solids
Mass of Water= 0.28 Ms ----- Eq. 1

Solving for Mass of Solids from Total Mass:


Total Mass (M) = Mass of Solids + Mass of Water ----- Eq. 2

Substitute Eq. 1 to Eq. 2


Total Mass (M) = Ms + 0.28 Ms
Total Mass (M) = 1.28 Ms
Mass of Solids = Total Mass / 1.28
Mass of Solids = 4.85kg / 1.28
Mass of Solids (Ms) = 3.7890625 = 3.789 kg.
Solving for Mass of Water:
Total Mass (M) = Mass of Solids + Mass of Water
Mass of Water = Total Mass – Mass of Solids
Mass of Water = 4.85 kg – 3.789 kg
Mass of Water (Mw) = 1.0609375 = 1.061 kg

From Specific Gravity,


Gs = Density of Solids / Density of Water
Density of Solids = Gs * Density of Water
Density of Solids = 2.72 * 1000 kg/m3
Density of Solids = 2720 kg/m3

Solving for Volume of Solids:


Density of Solids = Mass of Solids / Volume of Solids
Volume = Mass of Solids / Density of Solids
Volume = 3.789 kg / 2720 kg/m3
Volume = 0.0013930376838235 m3 = 0.00139 m3

Solving for Volume of Water:


Density of Water = Mass of Water / Volume of Water
Volume = Mass of Water / Density of Water
Volume = 1.061 kg / 1000 kg/m3
Volume = 0.0010609375 m3 = 0.00106 m 3

Solving for Volume of Voids:


Total Volume (V) = Volume of Solids (Vs) + Volume of Voids (Vv)
Volume of Voids = Volume (V) – Volume of Solids (Vs)
Volume of Voids = 0.0025 m3 – 0.00139 m 3
Volume of Voids = 0.0011069623161765 m3 = 0.0011 m3

Solving for the unknown using all relationships:


a. Total Density, ρ = Total Mass / Total Volume
w = 4.85 kg / 0.0025 m3
w = 1,940 kg/m3

b. Total Unit Weight, γ = Density (ρ) * G


e = 1,940 kg/m3 * (9.81 m/s2)
e = 19,031.40 N/m3 / 1000
e = 19.03 kN/m3

c. Dry Density, ρ = Mass of Solids / Volume (V)


w = 3.789 kg / 0.0025 m3
w = 1,515.625 kg/m3

d. Dry Unit Weight, γ = Dry Density (ρ) * G


e = 1,515.625 kg/m3 * (9.81 m/s2)
e = 14,868.28125 N/m3 / 1000
e = 14.87 kN/m3

e. Void Ratio, e = Volume of Voids (Vv) / Volume of Solids (Vs)


e = 0.0011 m3 / 0.00139 m3
e = 0.7946391752577698
e = 0.795
f. Porosity, n = Volume of Voids (Vv) / Total Volume (V)
n = 0.0011 m3 / 0.0025 m3
n = 0.4427849264706
n = 0.443

g. Degree of Saturation, S = Volume of Water (Vw)/Volume of Voids (Vv)


S = 0.00106 m3 / 0.0011 m3
S = 0.9584224182667104 * 100%
S = 95.84 %
Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
CHAPTER 2
LESSON 2-Mass – Volume Relationship of Soil

Exercise 1.2

Problem 1
A soil sample has a volume of 1/30 ft3 and a total mass of 5.84 lb. A water content test indicates the water content
is 23%. Assuming that the specific gravity of solids is 2.70.

Determine the following:


1. Phase Diagram of the soil
2. Total density
3. Total unit weight
4. Dry density
5. Dry unit weight
6. Void ratio
7. Porosity
8. Degree of saturation
Problem 2
Assume that a compaction mold having a volume of 0.0025 m3 was filled with moist soil. The total weight of the soil
in the mold was found to be 4.75 lb. The soil was oven dried and its weight after drying was 3.53 lb. The specific
gravity of solids was known to be 2.72. (Use 1kg = 2.2 lbs.)

Determine the following:


1. Phase Diagram
2. Water content
3. Void ratio
4. Porosity
5. Degree of saturation
6. Total unit weight
7. Dry unit weight
Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
CHAPTER 2
LESSON 4- Atterbergs Limits

Sample Problem:
1. The following properties were determined for two soils X and Y:
Property X Y
Liquid Limit 0.62 0.34
Plastic Limit 0.26 0.19
Water Content 38% 25%
Specific Gravity of Solids 2.72 2.67
Degree of Saturation 1.00 1.00

Which of these soils:


1. Contains more clay particles
2. Has a greater wet density
3. Has a greater dry density
4. Has greater void ratio

Solution:
1.
Solving for PI of each soil
I. For soil X, PI = LL – PL
For soil X, PI = 0.62 – 0.26
For soil X, PI = 0.36

ii. For soil Y, PI = LL – PL


For soil Y, PI = 0.34 – 0.19
For soil Y, PI = 0.15
Therefore, SOIL X HAS MORE CLAY PARTICLES

2.
Solving for wet density of each soil sample
I. Soil X:
Given quantities: Equations:
Water content (w) = 38% = 0.38
Specific Gravity (Gs) = 2.72
Saturation (S) = 100% = 1.0
From:
S * e = Gs * w
e = (Gs * w)/S
e = (2.72 * 0.38) / 1.0
e = 1.0336

Computing for wet density;


ρ = (2.72+1.0 (1.0036))/(1+1.0336)(1000) = 1845.79 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3

II. Soil X:
Given quantities: Equations:
Water content (w) = 25% = 0.25
Specific Gravity (Gs) = 2.67
Saturation (S) = 100% = 1.0

From:
S * e = Gs * w
e = (Gs * w)/S
e = (2.67 * 0.25) / 1.0
e = 0.6675
Computing for wet density;
ρ = (2.67+1.0 (0.6675))/(1+0.6675)(1000) = 2001.50 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3
Therefore, SOIL Y HAS GREATER WET DENSITY

3.
Solving for dry density of each soil sample
I. Soil X:
Given quantities: Equations:
Water content (w) = 38% = 0.38
Wet Density (ρ) = 1845.79 kg/m3
Computing for wet density;
𝜌𝑑 = (1845.79)/(1+0.38)= 1337.53 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3

II. Soil X:
Given quantities: Equations:
Water content (w) = 25% = 0.25
Wet Density (ρ) = 2001.50 kg/m 3

Computing for wet density;


𝜌𝑑 = (2001.50)/(1+0.25)= 1601.20 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3
Therefore, SOIL Y HAS GREATER WET DENSITY

4. Comparing void ratios


Soil X e=1.0336 Therefore, Soil X HAS GREATER
Soil Y e=0.6675 VOID RATIO
Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
CHAPTER 2
LESSON 4- Atterbergs Limits

EXERCISE 1.3

Problem. The following properties were determined for two soils X and Y:

Property X Y
Liquid Limit 0.67 0.32
Plastic Limit 0.23 0.21
Water Content 35% 27%
Specific Gravity of Solids 2.67 2.70
Degree of Saturation 0.89 0.99

Which of these soils:


1. Contains more clay particles
2. Has a greater wet density
3. Has a greater dry density
4. Has greater void ratio
5. Has greater porosity
Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
CHAPTER 2
LESSON 5-Classification Test for Soils

SAMPLE PROBLEMS

1. Classify the soil shown by the solid curve in Fig. 15.1. Assume the soil is non-plastic.

The following data are obtained:


Percent passing No. 4 sieve: 90%
Percent passing No. 10 sieve: 70%
Percent passing No. 40 sieve: 23%
Percent passing No. 200 sieve: 4%
D60 size: 1.50 mm
D30 size: 0.61 mm
D10 size: 0.18 mm

Using AAASHTO Classification System:


1. Refer to the table then check values from Left to Right.

a. Check Percentage passing on Sieve No. 200


For percentage passing 35% or less – Granular Materials
For percentage passing more than 35% -- Silt-Clay Materials
Since, Percentage Passing = 4%; Soil is Granular & 4% Silt-Clay

b. Check A-1 Group requirement,


I. Check Percentage passing on Sieve No. 10 (2.00 mm)
For A-1-a group, passing percentage is 50% Max.
Since Passing Percentage = 70%, did not meet criteria
II. Check Percentage passing on Sieve No. 40 (0.425 mm)
For A-1-a group, passing percentage is 30% Max.
Since Passing Percentage = 23%, soil passed the criteria
Therefore, soil is classified as A-1-b

Using Unified Soil Classification System:

a. Check Percentage passing on Sieve No. 200


50% or more retained – Coarse grained soils
50% or more passing – Fine grained soils
Since, Percentage Passing = 4%, therefore coarse-grained soils

b. Check if gravel or sand,


50% fraction retained on Sieve No. 4 – gravel
50% fraction passing on Sieve No. 4 – sand
Since, Percentage Passing = 90%, therefore sand
c. Check if clean sand or sand (percent passing Sieve 200)
Less than 5% fines - clean sands
More than 12% fines – sand with fines
Since, Percentage Passing = 4%, therefore clean sand
d. Check if well-graded of poorly graded (SW or SP)
Cu ≥ 6 and 1 ≤ Cc ≤ 3 -- SW
Cu < 6 and/or Cc < 1 or Cc > 3 -- SP
Cu = 𝐷60/𝐷10=1.50/0.18= 8.333 > 6, greater than 6
Cc = (𝐷30)2/𝐷60∗ 𝐷10=(0.61)2/(1.50)∗(0.18)= 1.378 > 3 & < 1, between 1 & 3
Since, Cu is greater than 6, Cc is between 1 & 3, criteria passed
Therefore, soil is classified as SW.

2. Using USDA Textural Soil Classification System:


Percent Silt: 29%
Percent Clay: 58%
Percent Sand: 52%

Percent Silt – Red Line


Percent Clay – Green Line
Percent Sand – Blue Line
Therefore, soil is classified as CLAY LOAM
Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
CHAPTER 2
LESSON 5-Classification Test for Soils

EXERCISE 1.4

1. Classify the soil represented by the dashed curve in Fig. 15.1. The liquid limit and plastic limit are found to be 30
and 20, respectively.

The following data are obtained:


Percent passing No. 4 sieve: 100%
Percent passing No. 10 sieve: 91%
Percent passing No. 40 sieve: 60%
Percent passing No. 200 sieve: 20%
D60 size: 0.41 mm
D30 size: 0.12 mm
D10 size: <0.074 mm
Liquid limit: 30
Plastic limit: 20

2. Classify the soil shown by the solid curve in Fig. 15.1. Assume the soil is non-plastic.
The following data are obtained:
Percent passing No. 4 sieve: 95%
Percent passing No. 10 sieve: 75%
Percent passing No. 40 sieve: 28%
Percent passing No. 200 sieve: 3%
D60 size: 1.50 mm
D30 size: 0.60 mm
D10 size: 0.20 mm
Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
CHAPTER 2
LESSON 6- Soil Compaction Field Test

EXERCISE 1.6

FILL IN THE BLANKS.

1. The Proctor test was invented in the 1930s by ________, a field engineer for the
Bureau of Waterworks and Supply, in Los Angeles, California.

2. The standard Proctor test includes a 0.95-liter volume cylindrical mold in which the
soil mass is placed and compacted in _____ layers.

3. ________ is the procedure in which a soil sustains mechanical stress and is


densified.

4. The ______________ may be applied by kneading, or via dynamic or static


methods.

5. The degree of the compaction depends on these 3 properties. Identify each.

6. Within the framework of engineering applications, compaction is particularly useful


as it results in these 3 properties. Name each.
Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
CHAPTER 2
LESSON 7- Soil Taxonomy

EXERCISE 1.7
IDENTIFICATION. Fill in the correct word to make the statement correct.

1. ______ are soils with aluminum and iron.

2. ______ are acid soils with organic colloid layer complexed with iron and aluminum
leached from a layer above.

3. ______ are dry soils forming under desert conditions which have fewer than 90
consecutive days of moisture during the growing season and are nonbleached.

4. ______ are soft, deep, dark fertile soil formed in grasslands and some hardwood
forests with very thick A horizons. They are 7% of soils worldwide.

5. ______ are recently formed soils that lack well-developed horizons. Commonly found
on unconsolidated river and beach sediments of sand and clay or volcanic ash, some
have an A horizon on top of bedrock. They are 18% of soils worldwide.

6. ______ are volcanic ash soils.

7. ______ are permafrost soils with permafrost within two meters of the surface or gelic
materials and permafrost within one meter. They constitute 9% of soils worldwide.

8. ______ are organic soils, formerly called bog soils, are 1% of soils worldwide.

9. ______ are young soils. They have subsurface horizon formation but show little
eluviation and illuviation. They constitute 15% of soils worldwide.

10. ______ are heavily weathered, are rich in iron and aluminum oxides (sesquioxides) or
kaolin but low in silica. They have only trace nutrients due to heavy tropical rainfall
and high temperatures and low CEC of the remaining clays. They are 8% of soils
worldwide.
Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
CHAPTER 2
Fundamentals of Geotechnics

POST-TEST

1 In what year did theory on earth masses was published by Rankine?

a. 1857
b. 1758
c. 1773
d. 1587

2 The physical disintegration of the original rock mass into smaller particles without any
change in the chemical composition.

a. Chemical Weathering
b. Mechanical Weathering
c. Soil Weathering
d. Weathering

3 Soils formed from rock weathering on one site and now found on other location.

a. Transported soil
b. Soil Deposit
c. Travelling soil
d. Soil Mass

11. Formed if a rock is subjected to increase in temperature, pressure, or both, to such degree
that a new texture or possibly a new mineral composition is produced.

a. Igneous Rock
b. Sedimentary Rock
c. Metamorphic Rock
d. Hard Rock

12. Soils formed by the deposition of quiet lakes.

a. Alluvial Soil
b. Lacustrine Soil
c. Lake Soil
d. Glacial Soil

13. Explain the importance of soil mechanics to civil engineering.

14. Discuss briefly the process of one field test for fine grained soil.
Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
LECTURE 1 (SOIL COMPOSITION)

1.
2.
Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
LECTURE 1 (SOIL COMPOSITION)
Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
LECTURE 2 (CHARACTERISTICS OF SOILS)

#1. SAMPLE PROBLEM


A sample of dry coarse-grained material of mass 500 grams was
shaken through a nest of sieves and the following results were
obtained

1. Plot the particle size distribution curve


2. Determine (a) the effective size, (b) the average particle size, (c) the uniformity coefficient, and (d) the coefficient
of curvature
3. Determine the textural composition of the soil (i.e., the amount of gravel, sand, silt and clay)

SOLUTION

Total mass M = 499.7

#2. SAMPLE PROBLEM


A liquid limit test conducted on a soil sample in a cup device gave the following results:
Sample Water Content Penetration of Cone
1 60.0% 10
2 45.2 % 19
3 39.8 % 23
4 36.5 % 27
5 25.2 % 40
Two determinations for the plastic limit gave water contents of 20.3% and 20.8%. Determine the following:
1. The liquid limit and plastic limit
2. The plasticity index
3. The liquidity index if the natural water content is 27.4%

#3. SAMPLE PROBLEM


The results of a fall cone test are shown in the table below.

Compute the following:


1. Liquid limit
2. Plastic limit
3. Plasticity index
4. Liquidity index if the natural water content is 36%

Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
LECTURE 2 (CHARACTERISTICS OF SOILS)

Problem Set 2
#2. PROBLEM
A soil sample having a liquidity index of 0.87, a plasticity index of 16 and a plastic limit of 12. The soil sample has a
sp.gr. of 2.72 and a void ratio of 0.75
1. Compute the water content of the soil.
2. Compute the degree of saturation
3. Compute the air void ratio

#3. PROBLEM
A soil sample was determined in the laboratory to have a liquid limit of 41% and a plastic limit of 21.1%. If the water
content is 30%, determine the ff.
1. Plasticity Index
2. Liquidity Index
3. What is the characteristic of soil?
i. liquid
ii.Plastic
iii.Dense
iv.Brittle solid

Note: Characteristic of soil


LI < 0 – brittle solid
0< LI < 1 – plastic
LI > 1 – liquid

#4. PROBLEM
Laboratory test results for a sample of clay soil for the purpose of evaluating the potential for volume change
(swelling, expansion) are as shown
Liquid limit = 68%
Plastic Limit = 24%
Particles smaller than 0.002 mm = 44%
1. Compute the plasticity Index
2. Indicate the activity classification for this clay
3. The rate of volume change potential
i. very high
ii.medium
iii.low
iv.normal

Note:
LL > 60 and P.I.> 35 Very high
60 < LL > 50 and 25 < P.I. < 35 Medium
LL < 50 and P.I. < 25 Low

#5. PROBLEM
In a liquid limit test using Fall cone apparatus, the following readings were recorded.

Sample Water Content Penetration of Cone


1 40% 12 mm
2 45% 16 mm
3 50% 21 mm
4 58% 35 mm

While in a plastic limit test the following data were obtained:


wt. of wet soil + container = 22.12 grams
wt. of dry soil + container = 20.42 grams
wt. of container = 13.07 grams

1. Find the liquid limit


2. Compute the plastic limit
3. Determine the plasticity index
4. What is the consistency Index

#6. PROBLEM
In a liquid limit test using cup apparatus, the following data were taken:

Sample Water Content No. of Blows


A 41.8% 39
B 43.5 23
C 44.3 20
D 45.5 13

While in a plastic limit test the following values were observed:


wt. of wet soil + container = 21.19 grams
wt. of dry soil + container = 18.78 grams
wt. of container = 8.20 grams

1. Find the liquid limit


2. Compute the plastic Index
3. Solve for the liquidity index if natural water content is 38%

#7. PROBLEM
From the results of a shrinkage limit test, the following data were taken:

initial volume of soil in saturated state = 24.6 cu cm


Final volume of soil in dry state = 15.9 cu cm
initial mass of soil in a saturated state = 44 gms
Final mass of soil in a dry state = 30 gms
Specific gravity of solid is 2.70

1. Determine the shrinkage limit of soil


2. Find the void ratio
3. Compute the dry unit weight

FIELD DENSITY TEST


#8. PROBLEM
Following are the results of a field unit weight determination test using the sand cone method.

Dry unit weight of sand = 16.36 kN/m 3


Wt. of sand to fill the cone = 11.15 N
Wt. of jar + cone + sand (before use) = 58.9 N
Wt. of jar + cone + sand (after use) = 27.65 N
Wt. of moist soil from hole = 32.55 N
Moisture content of moist soil = 11.16 %
1. Compute the weight of sand to fill the hole
2. Compute the dry weight of soil from the field

Compacted fill

#9. PROBLEM
In a specific gravity test the following data were recorded:

Mass of pycnometric jar = 530 g


Mass of pycnometric jar when full of clean water = 1560 g
Mass of pycnometric jar containing soil only = 980 g
Mass of pycnometric jar containing soil and topped with water=1840 g
1. Compute the specific gravity of the soil particles
2. Compute the dry unit weight if the void ratio is 0.40
3. Compute the degree of saturation if the moisture content is 12 %.

Gedrick G. Sarmiento
BSCE-4A
CE12-Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Mechanics)
LECTURE 2 (CHARACTERISTICS OF SOILS)

PROBLEM FOR PRACTICE


PRACTICE PROBLEM 1
A sample of dry coarse-grained material was taken through a layer of sieves and the following results were
obtained:

Sieve no. Openings Mass of soil Retained


4 4.76 mm 46.0 grams
10 2.0 165.6
20 0.84 92.0
40 0.42 55.2
60 0.25 23.0
100 0.149 36.8
200 0.074 23.0
Pan 18.4

1. Find the effective particle size


a. 0.13 b. 0.28 c. 0.22 d. 0.16

2. Determine the uniformity coefficient


a. 11.45 b. 12.56 c. 13.67 d. 14.98

3. Find the coefficient of curvature


a. 1.2 b. 1.8 c. 0.6 d. 0.1

PRACTICE PROBLEM 2
The weight of moist soil as excavated from a hole is 895 grams with a volume of 426 cu.cm. After drying its weight
was only 779 grams. Of the dried soil only 400 grams was poured into a vessel in a very loose state, and its volume
was subsequently determined to be 276 cu.cm. That same 400 grams dried soil was then vibrated and tamped to a
volume of 212 cu.cm.

4. Compute the min. dry unit weight


a. 2.43 gr/cc b. 1.04 c. 1.45 d. 2.01

5. Compute the max. dry unit weight


a. 2.12 gr/cc b. 1.89 c. 1.39 d. 2.98

6. Compute the relative density of the soil sample


a. 78.6% b. 98.7% c. 81.4% d. 89.2%

PRACTICE PROBLEM 2
The laboratory compaction test of a certain type of soil gives a maximum dry density of 1.486 Mg/ m 3 with an
optimum moisture content of 12.5%. The following are the results of a field unit weight determination test using
sand cone method.
Volume of soil excavated from the hole = 0.001337 m 3
Weight of soil from the hole when wet = 2220 g
Weight of soil when dry = 1890 g.

7. Determine the field unit weight of soil


a. 1.66 gr/cc b. 1.98 c. 1.60 d. 1.72

8. What is the in-situ water content of soil


a. 17.46% b. 20.48% c. 19.68% d. 25.65%

9. Determine the relative compaction, is it within the allowable range for relative compaction of 95 ± 0.20?
a. 95.10%, yes b. 96.17%, no c. 95.01%, yes d. 95.39%, no

PRACTICE PROBLEM 3
Sand cone equipment is used to perform a field density test on a compacted earth fill.
Soil sample dug from test hole = 20.60 N
Dry weight of soil sample = 17.92 N
Ottawa sand used to fill the hole weighs 16.05 N and is known to have a density of 15.74 KN/m 3

10. Find the water content of the tested soil


a. 22.41% b. 19.46% c. 14.96% d. 17.57%

11. Determine the in-place dry density of the soil


a. 15.53 KN/cum b. 12.64 c. 19.45 d. 17.57

12. Compute the percentage of compaction if the dry unit weight at optimum water content is 18.10 KN/m 3
a. 98.64% b. 97.07% c. 85.45% d. 89.20%

PRACTICE PROBLEM 4
In a liquid limit, using a cone penetrometer, the following readings were recorded and tabulated as shown

PLASTIC LIMIT TEST


TRIAL σwet (kN/cu.m.) σdry (kN/cu.m.)
1 128.6 105.4
2 141.4 116.8
3 132.6 109.6
4 134.5 111.2
5 136.0 113.4

LIQUID LIMIT TEST


Sample Water Content Cone Penetration (mm)
A 42.5% 16.0
B 47.5 17.5
C 58.1 22.8
D 60.0 26.0

13. Find the liquid limit of the soil


a. 51% b. 53% c. 52% d. 54%

14. Compute the plastic Index of the soil


a. 34% b. 33% c. 31% d. 32%

15. If natural water content is 35%, determine the liquidity index


a. 0.65 b. 0.50 c. 0.50 d. 0.45

PRACTICE PROBLEM 5
The following data shows the result of the liquid limit and plastic test
Test Number
Liquid Limit
1 2 3 4
No. of blows 39 23 20 13
Weight of wet
22.24g 21.19g 21.27g 26.12g
soil + container
Weight of dry
19.44g 18.78g 18.75g 22.10g
soil + container
Weight of
12.74g 13.24g 13.06g 13.27g
container

18.Compute the liquid limit. The following data shows the result of the liquid limit and plastic test
a. 43.3% b. 44.50% c. 41.79% d. 44.28%

PRACTICE PROBLEM 6
Test Number
PLASTIC LIMIT
1 3
Weight of wet soil +
22.12g 21.84g
container
Weight of dry soil + 20.42g 20.19g
container
Weight of container 13.07g 13.18g

19.Compute the plastic index


a. 21.16% b. 19.96% c. 20.94% d. 18.45%

PRACTICE PROBLEM 5
From the result of sieve analysis and the grain size curves for soil A and B
%Passing %Passing
Sieve No. Diameter
Soil A Soil B
4 4.760 100 90
8 2.380 99 64
10 2.000 98 58
20 0.850 92 35
40 0.425 70 22
60 0.250 46 15
100 0.150 25 10
200 0.074 0 4

20. Determine the nearest value of the effective size of soil B


a. 0.149 b. 0.171 c. 0.139 d. 0.159

21. Classify soil B using USCS Method

PRACTICE PROBLEM 7
A saturated soil has the following characteristics
initial volume = 25 cu cm
Final volume = 16 cu cm
mass of wet soil= 45 gms
mass of dry soil = 31 gms

Determine the shrinkage limit of soil


a. 14.54% b. 17.64 c. 16.13 d. 19.63

Compute the shrinkage ratio


a. 1.67 b. 1.89 c. 1.39 d. 2.98

Find the specific gravity of soil


a. 2.65 b. 2.52 c. 2.82 d. 1.97

PRACTICE PROBLEM 8
A sand cone test has been performed in a compacted fill performed on a soil sample. The test results were as
follows
Initial mass of sand cone apparatus with sand = 5.912 kg
Final mass of sand cone apparatus with sand = 2.378 kg
Mass of soil recovered from hole = 2.883 kg
Density of sand = 1300 kg/cum
Volume of cone below valve = 1.114x10 -3m3

Determine the volume of soil recovered from hole.


a. 1.983x10-3m3 b. 2.083x10-3m3 c. 1.604x10-3m3 d. 1.531x10-3m3

Compute the moist unit weight of the soil sample in kN/m 3


a. 15.68 b. 17.63 c. 14.64 d. 18.45

Find the dry unit weight if the moisture content of soil from hole is 7% in kN/cum
a. 14.65 b. 13.68 c. 16.5 d. 17.25

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