Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6
HYDROSTATIC
HYDROSTATIC WATER
WA TER IN SOILS
SOILS AND
A ND ROCKS

6-1. The end of a clean glass tube is inserted in pure water. What is the height of capillary rise if
the tube is: (a) 0.15 mm, (b) 0.015 mm, and (c) 0.0015 mm in in diameter?

SOLUTION:
For pure water at 20 deg C, use Eq. 6.5 to calculate height of capillary rise
−0.03
hc =
d
0.03
(a) hc = = 0.20 m
0.15
0.03
(b) hc = = 2.0 m
0.015
0.03
(c ) hc = = 20.0 m
0.0015

6-2. Calculate the maximum capillary pressure for the tubes in Problem 6.1.

SOLUTION:
From Eq. 6.6a, uw = zρw g In th case, z = hc
this ca
(a ) u w = (−0.2 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81 m s ) = − 1962 N m = − 1.962 kPa
3 2 2

(b ) u w = (−2.0 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81 m s ) = − 19, 620 N m = − 19.62 kPa

3 2 2

(c ) u w = ( −20.0 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81 m s ) = − 196, 200 N m = − 196.2 kPa

3 2 2

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 Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

6-3. Calculate the theoretical height of capillary rise and the capillary tension of the three soils
whose grain size distribution is shown in Fig. 2.6.

SOLUTION:
(a) Wel
Well-gra
graded
ded soil
oil, D10 = 0.02mm
Capillary rise using Eq. 6.5: Dpore = 0.2(D10 ) = (0.2)(0.02) = 0.004 mm
0.03
0.03 m
Eq. 6.5: hc = = 7.5 m
0.004
0.004 mm
Capillary tension using Eq. 6.6b: uc = (−7.5 m )(
)(1000 kg m )(9.81m s ) = − 73, 57
3 2 575 N m = −73.58
73.58 kPa
2

(b) Gap-gra
graded
ded soil, D10 = 0.022mm
Capillary rise using Eq. 6.5: D pore = 0.2(D10 ) = (0.2)(0.022) = 0.0044 mm
0.03
0.03 m
Eq. 6.5: hc = = 6.82 m
0.004
0.0044
4 mm
Capi
Capill
llar
ary
y tens
tensio
ion
n usi
using
ng Eq.
Eq. 6.6b
6.6b:: uc = (−6.82
6.82 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81 m s ) = −66, 886 N m = − 66.89 kPa
m)(1000 3 2 2

(c ) Uniform so
soil, D 10 = 0.3 mm
Capillary rise using Eq. 6.5: Dpore = 0.2(D10 ) = (0.2)(0.3) = 0.06 mm
0.03
0.03 m
Eq. 6.5: hc = = 0.5 m
0.06
0.06 mm
Capi
Capill
llar
ary
y tens
tensio
ion
n usin
using
g Eq.
Eq. 6.6b
6.6b:: uc = (−0.5
0.5 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81 m s ) = −4905 N m = − 4.90 kPa
m)(100 3 2 2

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 Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

6-4. A tube, similar to that shown in Fig. 6.12, has a 0.0025-mm inside diameter and is open at
both ends. The tube is held vertically and water is added to the top end. What is the maximum
height h of the column of water that will be supported? [Hint: A meniscus will form at the top and
at the bottom of the column of water, as shown in Fig. P6.4.] (After Casagrande, 1938.)

SOLUTION:
2Tcos α
From vertical equilibrium, Eq. 6.4a becomes: hc =
dρ w g
2(0.03 m)
hc = = 24.0 m
0.0025 mm

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 Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

6-6. Figure P6.6 shows an angled, glass capillary tube with diameter 110 m. Other dimensions
are shown. (a) Where will the top of the capillary rise be? (b) What is the water pressure in the
horizontal section of the tube, in kPa? (c) What air pressure should be applied to the top opening
in the tube to cause the water level to be at 10 cm above the free water surface?

SOLUTION:
−0.03 m
For pure water at 20 deg C, use Eq. 6.5 to calculate height of capillary rise; h c =
d mm
0.03m
(a) hc = = 0.273 m = 27.3 cm above the free water surface
(110)(10)−3 mm
or, 12.3 cm above the horizontal tube section

(b) hw = 12.3 cm; u = hw ρw g = (− 0.123 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81m s ) = − 1206.6 N m = − 1.21kPa

3 2 2

(c) hw = 27.3 − 10 = 17.3 cm; u = hwρ w g = (0.173 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81m s ) = 1697.1N m = 1.70 kPa
3 2 2

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 Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

6-7. A glass tube with inside diameter 150 μmis placed in a water bath. (a) How high will the
water rise inside the tube? Give your answer in cm. (b) What will the water pressure be halfway
between the free water surface and the water level in the tube (i.e., at h c/2)? Give your answer in
2
kN/m . (c) If the tube is intended to model soil void size, what would the effective grain size of the
soil be? (d) What air pressure (+ or -) would have to be applied to the tube to get the water in the
2
tube to rise 25 cm above the free water surface? Give your answer in kN/m .

SOLUTION:
−0.03 m
For pure water at 20 deg C, use Eq. 6.5 to calculate height of capillary rise; hc =
d mm
0.03m
(a) hc = = 0.20 m = 20 cm above the free water surface
(150)(10)−3 mm

(b) hw = 10.0 cm; u = hwρ w g = (− 0.10 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81 m s ) = −981 N m

3 2 2 = −0.981 kN m2

(c) Use Eq. 6.5 and assume the effective pore diameter is about 20% of D10 .
0.03
0.10 = → D10 = 1.5 mm
(0.20)D10

(d) u = hw ρ w g = (0.20 − 0.25 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81m s ) = − 490.5 N m

3 2 2 = − 0.491kN m (suction pressure)
2

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 Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

6.8. Figure P6.8 shows a tube with two sections, each with a different diameter, d 1and d 2. The
tube is placed in the water bath as shown. (a) How high above the phreatic surface will the water
rise in the tube due to capillarity? What is the pore pressure at the surface of the capillary rise?
(b) If the capillary rise you found in part (a) occurred in a soil, what would you estimate as the
soil’s D10?

SOLUTION:
−0.03 m
For pure water at 20 deg C, use Eq. 6.5 to calculate height of capillary rise; hc =
d mm
0.03 m
(a) hc1 = = 0.05 m = 5 cm
(0.6) mm
0.03 m
hc2 = = 0.075 m = 7.5 cm
(0.4) mm
capillary rise above the free water = 7.5 cm

u = hc ρw g = ( −0.075 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81 m s ) = − 735.75 N m

3 2 2 = − 0.736 kN m
2

(b) Use Eq. 6.5 and assume the effective pore diameter is about 20% of D10 .
0.03
0.075 = → D10 = 2.0 mm
(0.20)D10

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 Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

6-9. Figure P6.9 shows a long, thin tube which was filled with a clay and placed in a water bath.
The D10for the clay is shown. (a) How high, h c, will the water rise in the tube? (b) What is the
2
capillary pressure at h c, in kN/m ?

SOLUTION
(a) Use Eq. 6.5 and assume the effective pore diameter is about 20% of D10 .
0.03 m
hc = = 0.652 m
(0.20)(230)(10)−3

(b) Capillary tension, Eq. 6.6b: u c = (−0.652 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81 m s ) = − 6397.8 N m = − 6.40 kNm
3 2 2 2

6-11. Assume that equations developed for height of capillary rise in constant-diameter tubes
can be applied. Calculate the net compressive stress on a soil pat at the shrinkage limit where the
average diameter of the surface pores is 0.0012 mm.

SOLUTION:
Use Eq. 6.5 and assume the effective pore diameter is about 20% of D10 .
0.03 m
hc = = 125 m
(0.20)(0.0012 mm)
Eq. 6.6b: uc = (125 m)(1000 kg m )(9.81m s ) = 1,226,250 N m = 1226 kN m
3 2 2 2

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 Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

6-12. Estimate the shrinkage limits of the soils A–F in Problem 2.58.

SOLUTION:

Estimate the Shrinkage Limit (SL) using the two approximate approaches described in the text:
1) Eq. 6.12 based on vertical distance from the A-Line and 2) Casagrande’s graphical method
using hinge point (-43.5, -46.4), as illustrated in Fig. 6.14 (see diagram below).

Soil pi (1) SL = 20 pi (2) SL - graphi cal

A -9.89 10 8
B +4.95 25 26
C -6.05 14 14
D -- NP NP
E +5.84 26 28
F -2.8 17 18

Atter ber g L im it Char t

50

(F)
30
I
P
,
x (C)
e
d
n 10
I
y (A) (B)
ti
c
(E)
i
t -50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
s
a -10
l
P

-30

(-43.5, -46.4) -50

Liquid Limit, LL

6-13. During a shrinkage limit test on a silty clay, the volume of the dry soil pat was found to be
3
11.02 cm and its dry mass was 22.78 g. If the shrinkage limit was 10.9, what is the density of the
soil solids?

SOLUTION:

⎛ 11.02 ⎞ g 1
Using Eq. 6.10; 0.109 = ⎜ −
⎟ × 1 cm 3 → ρs = 2.67 g cm 3

⎝ 22.78 ρs ⎠

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 Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

6-14. Estimate the volume change of an organic silty clay with LL = 65 and PL = 38, when its
water content is reduced from 48% to 18%.

SOLUTION:

Perform calculations for 1 Mg of soil; i.e., Mt = 1Mg (initial)

Mw = (0.48)Ms ; Mt = 1 = (0.48)Ms + Ms → Ms = 0.676 Mg
Estimate the SL using Eq. 6.12, SL = 20 ± Δpi
PI = 65 − 38 = 27
Distance from A-line: PIA − line = 0.73(LL − 20) = 0.73(65 − 20) = 32.85
Δpi = 32.85 − 27 = 5.85
∴ SL = 20 + 5.85 = 25.85 ≈ 26 (Casagrand e's graphical method yields similar results)
The final water content is less than the SL. Thus, assume S=100% at the SL, and
no additional volume change occurs below w = 26%.
Use Eq. 6.11 to determine ΔV = Vi − Vdry
⎛ ΔV(1 Mgm ) ⎞
0.26 = 0.48 − ⎜
3

⎟
⎝ 0.676 Mg ⎠
ΔV = 0.15 m3 of swell per 1000 kg of soil at winitial =48%

Att erb erg Li mi t Ch art

50

30
I 6.14
P
,
x
e
d
n 10
I
y
ti
ci
t -50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
s
a -10
l
P

-30

(-43.5, -46.4) -50

Liquid Limit, LL

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 Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

6-16. A saturated sample of clay with an SL of 20 has a natural water content of 32%. What
would its dry volume be as a percentage of its original volume if ρsis 2.67?

SOLUTION:

⎛ Vdry 1 ⎞
Eq. 6.10: SL = ⎜ − ⎟ ρ × 100%
⎝ Ms ρs ⎠ w
Ms = ρs × Vs = 2.67Vs
ρs 2.67
ρd = = = 1.44 Mg m
wρ s
3
(0.32)(2.67)
1+ 1+
ρw (1Mgm ) 3

Ms
ρd = ; 2.67Vs = (1.44)Vt → Vs = 0.539Vt
Vt
⎛ Vdry 1 ⎞ Mg
0.20 = ⎜ − ⎟ (1 m ) 3

⎝ 2.67Vs 2.67 ⎠
Vdry Vdry
= 1.534 → = 1.534
Vs 0.539Vt
Vdry
= 0.827 → Vdry = (82.7%)Vt
Vt

6-17. A sample of clayey silt is mixed at about its LL of 43. It is placed carefully in a small
3
porcelain dish with a volume of 18.9 cm and weighs 33.89 g. After oven drying, the soil pat
displaces 212.4 g of mercury. (a) Determine the SL of the soil sample. (b) Estimate the ρsof the
soil.

SOLUTION:

⎛ (Vi − Vdry )ρw ⎞

(a) Eq. 6.11: SL = w i − ⎜ ⎟ × 100%
⎝ M s ⎠
MHg 212.4 g
ρHg = ≈ 13.6 g cm 3 → Vdry = g
= 15.618 cm3
Vdry 13.6 cm3

Mw
wi = 0.43 = → Mw = 0.43Ms
Ms
Mt= 33.89 = Ms + 0.43Ms → Ms = 23.70 g
⎛ (18.9 − 15.618)(1.0) ⎞
SL = 43 − ⎜ ⎟ × 100 = 29.2%
⎝ 23.70 ⎠

⎛ Vdry ⎞1
(b)Eq. 6.10: SL = ⎜ − ⎟ ρ × 100%
⎝ Ms ρs ⎠ w
⎛ 15.618 1 ⎞
0.292 = ⎜ − ⎟ (1.0)
⎝ 23.7 ρs ⎠
ρs = 2.72 g cm 3

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 Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

6-18. The LL of a bentonitic clay is 442 and the PL is 69. The SL was determined to be about 9.
Calculate the expected volumetric decrease when a sample of this bentonite is dried, if its natural
water content was 91%.

SOLUTION:
Perform calculations for 1 Mg of soil; i.e., Mt = 1Mg (initial)
Mw = (0.91)Ms ; Mt = 1 = (0.91)Ms + Ms → Ms = 0.524 Mg
Given : SL = 9
Use Eq. 6.11 to determine ΔV = Vi − Vdry
⎛ ΔV(1 Mgm ) ⎞
0.09 = 0.91 − ⎜
3

⎟
⎝ 0.524 Mg ⎠
ΔV = 0.43 m3 of swell per 1000 kg of soil at winitial =91%

3
6-19. The shrinkage limit of a 0.12 m sample of a clay is 13 and its natural water content is 29%.
3
Assume the density of the soil solids is 2.70 Mg/m , and estimate the volume of the sample when
the water content is 11.8%.

SOLUTION:
Mw
SL = 0.13 = → Mw = 0.13Ms
Ms
Ms Mw Ms 0.13Ms
Vt = Vs + Vw = 0.12 = + = +
ρs ρ w 2.7 1.0
0.12 = 0.5Ms → Ms = 0.24 Mg
⎛ Vdry 1 ⎞
Eq. 6.10 : SL = ⎜ − ⎟ ρw × 100%
⎝ s ρs ⎠
M
⎛ Vdry 1 ⎞
0.13 = ⎜ − ⎟; → Vdry = 0.12 m3
⎝ 0.24 2.70 ⎠
At w = 11.8% :
Mw = 0.118Ms = (0.118)(0.24) = 0.0283 Mg
Mw 0.0283
Vw = = = 0.0283 m3
ρw 1.0
Vt = Vdry + Vw = 0.12 + 0.0283 = 0.148 m3

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 Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

6-20. During the determination of the shrinkage limit of a sandy clay, the following laboratory
data was obtained:

Wet wt. of soil + dish = 91.04 g

Dry wt. of soil + dish = 78.22 g
Wt. of dish = 51.55 g
Volumetric determination of soil pat:
Wt. of dish + mercury = 430.80 g
Wt. of dish = 244.62 g
3
Calculate the shrinkage limit of the soil, assuming ρs= 2.65 Mg/m .

SOLUTION:
Mw 91.04 − 78.22
wi = × 100% = × 100 = 48.07%
Ms 78.22 − 51.55
MHg = 430.8 − 244.62 = 186.18 g
MHg 186.18 g
ρHg = ≈ 13.6 g cm
3 → Vdry = g
= 13.69 cm3
Vdry 13.6 cm 3

Ms = 78.22 − 51.55 = 26.67 g

⎛ Vdry 1 ⎞
Eq. 6.10 : SL = ⎜ − ⎟ ρ w × 100%
⎝ s ρs ⎠
M
⎛ 13.69 1 ⎞
SL = ⎜ − ⎟ (100)
⎝ 26.67 2.65 ⎠
SL = 13.6

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 Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

6-21. The LL of a medium sensitive Swedish postglacial clay is 61 and the PI is 32. At its natural
water content, the void ratio is 0.99, while after shrinkage the minimum void ratio is 0.69.
Assuming the density of the soil solids is 2.69, calculate the shrinkage limit of the clay.

SOLUTION:

⎛ (V − V )ρ ⎞
Eq. 6.11: SL = w i − ⎜ i dry w ⎟ × 100%
⎝ Ms ⎠
V − Vv − f Vi − Vdry
ei − e f = v − i = = 0.99 − 0.69 = 0.30
Vs Vs

( V − V ) = 0.30V
i dry s

eρ w (0.99)(1.0 Mg m )
= = × 100 = 36.8%
3
w
ρs (2.69 Mg
m3
)
⎛ (0.30Vs )(1.0) ⎞ 30 30
Eq. 6.11: SL = 36.8 − ⎜ ⎟ × 100 = 36.8 − = 36.8 −
⎝ Ms ⎠ ρs 2.69
SL = 25.6

Estimate SL based on Atterberg Limits and Eq. 6.12; SL = 20 ± Δ pi

Distance from A-line: PIA − line = 0.73(LL − 20) = 0.73(61− 20) = 29.93
Δpi = 32 − 29.9 = 2.1
Estimated value : SL = 20 + 2.1 ≈ 22

6-23. Estimate the swelling potential of soils A–F, Problems 2.56 and 2.58. Use both Table 6.2
and Fig. 6.21.

SOLUTION:

Expansion Expansion
Potential Potential
SOIL LL PL PI Activity SL p. 0.002 mm p. 0.001 mm (Table 6.2) (Fig. 6.21)
A 13 8 5 -- 10 0 0 Low Low
B 35 29 6 1.5 25 4 2 Low Low
C 35 18 17 1.5 14 11 10 Low Low
D -- NP -- -- NP 0 0 Low Low
E 28 NP 28 -- 26 0 0 Low Low
F 60 28 32 0.6 17 52 39 High to v. high High

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 Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

6-24. Estimate the frost susceptibility of soils A–F, Problems 2.56 and 2.58, according to Beskow
(Fig. 6.29) and U. S. Army Corps of Engineers frost design classification system (Table 6.5).

SOLUTION:

Frost- Frost-
Su sc ep ti bi li ty Sus cep ti bi li ty
SOIL LL PL PI p. 0.002 mm p. 0.001 mm (Fig. 6.29) (Table 6.5)
A 13 8 5 0 0 non FH very low to med.
B 35 29 6 4 2 potential FH low to v. high
C 35 18 17 11 10 potential FH low to v. high
D -- NP -- 0 0 potential FH v. low to med.
E 28 NP 28 0 0 potential FH low to v. high
F 60 28 32 52 39 non FH low to v. high

6-27. A soil has the following profile with depth: The water table is at a depth of 10 ft. Plot the
total stress, effective stresses, and pore pressure versus depth. Show all of your calculations.
Assume that there is no capillarity.

0 — 10 ft γt = 110 pcf
10 — 25 ft γt = 95 pcf
25 — 50 ft γt = 113 pcf
SOLUTION:
Depth u '
(ft) (psf) (psf) (psf)
0 0 0 0
10 1100 0 1100
25 2525 936 1589
50 5350 2496 2854

Pressure (PSF)
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000
0

total stress
10 pore pressure
effective stress

20
)
T
F
(
t 30
h
p
e
D

40

50

60

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from the publisher prior to any prohibited reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
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 Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

6-28. Figure P6.28 shows the soil profile at the site of an existing warehouse (i.e., covers a large
area) that causes a surface loading of 2000 psf. Draw the σv, σv’ and u profiles with depth. Show
values at 0, 12, 25, 38 and 48 ft.

continu ed next page

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 Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

6-28 SOLUTION:

Assume the top 12 ft of silty sand is dry (i.e., γdry applies).

Depth u '
(ft) (psf) (psf) (psf)
0 2000 0 2000
12 3296 0 3296
25 4843 811.2 4031.8
38 6390 1622.4 4767.6
48 7600 2246.4 5353.6

Pressure (psf)
0 2000 4000 6000 8000
0

total stress
10 pore pressure
effective stress

20
)
T
(F
tf 30
p
e
D

40

50

60

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 Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

6-29. Refer to the soil profile shown in Fig. P6.29. (a) For the conditions shown, compute the σv,
σv’ and u values at the ground surface, water table, and at all soil layer interfaces. (b) During the

spring, the water rises to 4 ft above the ground surface. Determine the σv, σv’ and u at 25 ft.

SOLUTION:

For original conditions, assume top 5 ft of sand is dry (i.e., γdry applies).
original conditions shown spring conditions
Depth (ft) u ' u '
(ft) (psf) (psf) (psf) (psf) (psf) (psf)
0 0 0 0
5 550 0 550
10 1130 312 818
25 2915 1248 1667 3194.6 1809.6 1385
40 4700 2184 2516

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from the publisher prior to any prohibited reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
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 Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

6.30. For the soil profile of Example 6.8 plot the total, neutral, and effective stresses with depth if
the groundwater table is lowered 4 m below the ground surface.

SOLUTION: Assume groundwater is at a depth of 4 m below ground surface.

Use phase relations to determine ρd and ρsat for the upper sand layer.
n 0.5 ρs 2.70
e= = = 1.0; ρd = = = 1.35 Mg m 3
1− n 1 − 0.5 1 + e 1 + 1.0
ρs + ρ w e 2.70 + (1.0)(1.0)
ρsat = = = 1.85 Mg m ; 3 Re call : γ = ρ × g
1+ e 1 + 1.0
Depth u '
(m) (kPa) (kPa) (kPa)
0 0.00 0.00 0.00
2 26.49 0.00 26.49
4 52.97 0.00 52.97
8 131.45 39.24 92.21

Pressure (kPa)
0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 100.00 120.00 140.00
0

1 total stress
pore pressure
2 effective stress

3
)
(m4
tf
p
e5
D

6-31. Soil borings made at a site near Chicago indicate that the top 6 m is a loose sand and
miscellaneous fill, with the groundwater table at 3 m below the ground surface. Below this is a
fairly soft blue-gray silty clay with an average water content of 30%. The boring was terminated at
16 m below the ground surface when fairly stiff silty clay was encountered. Make reasonable
assumptions as to soil properties and calculate the total, neutral, and effective stresses at 3, 7,
12, and 16 m below the ground surface.

SOLUTION:

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 Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

A reasonable range for the upper sand fill; γ dry = 13 to 15 kN m 3

For the sand, assume γ dry = 14.0 kN m and γ sat

3 = 15.0 kN m 3

Use phase relations to estimate γ sat for the clay. Assume ρs = 2.70 Mg m
3

(1 + w ) ρs (1 + 0.30)(2.70)
ρsat = = = 1.94 Mg m ; γ sat = (1.94)(9.81) = 19.0 kN m
wρ s
3 3
(0.30)(2.70)
1+ 1+
ρw (1.0)

Depth u '
(m) (kPa) (kPa) (kPa)
0 0.00 0.00 0.00
3 42.00 0.00 42.00
6 87.00 29.43 57.57
7 106.00 39.24 66.76
12 201.00 88.29 112.71
16 277.00 127.53 149.47

6-32. Plot the soil profile of Problem 6.31 and the total, neutral, and effective stresses with depth.

SOLUTION:

Pressure (kPa)
0.00 50.00 100.00 150.00 200.00 250.00 300.00
0

2 total stress
pore pressure
4 effective stress

6
)
(m 8
tf
p
e 10
D

12

14

16

18

6-33. A soil profile consists of 5 m of compacted sandy clay followed by 5 m of medium dense
sand. Below the sand is a layer of compressible silty clay 20 m thick. The initial groundwater table
is located at the bottom of the first layer (at 5 m below the ground surface). The densities are 2.05
3 3 3
Mg/m ( ρ), 1.94 Mg/m ( ρ sat), and 1.22 Mg/m ( ρ’) for the three layers, respectively. Compute the
effective stress at a point at mid-depth in the compressible clay layer. Then, assuming that the
medium dense sand remains saturated, compute the effective stress in the clay layer at midpoint

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 Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

again, when the groundwater table drops 5 m to the top of the silty clay layer. Comment on the
difference in effective stress.

SOLUTION:

Groundw ater at 5 m
Depth u '
(m) (kPa) (kPa) (kPa)
0 0.00 0.00 0.00
5 100.55 0.00 100.55
10 195.71 49.05 146.66
20 413.49 147.15 266.34

Groundw ater at 10 m
Depth u '
(m) (kPa) (kPa) (kPa)
0 0.00 0.00 0.00
5 100.55 0.00 100.55
10 195.71 0.00 195.71
20 413.49 98.10 315.39

Lowering the groundwater causes the effective stress at the center of the clay to increase from
266.3 to 315.4 kPa, an increase of 18%.

6-35. For the soil profile of Problem 6.31, calculate the horizontal, total, and effective stresses at
depths of 3, 7, 12, and 16 m, assuming (a) Kois 0.45 and (b) K ois 1.6 .

SOLUTION:
(a) K o = 0.45 (b) Ko = 1.6
Depth v u v' h' h h' h

(m) (kPa) (kPa) (kPa) (kPa) (kPa) (kPa) (kPa)

0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
3 42.00 0.00 42.00 18.90 18.90 67.20 67.20
6 87.00 29.43 57.57 25.91 55.34 92.11 121.54
7 106.00 39.24 66.76 30.04 69.28 106.82 146.06
12 201.00 88.29 112.71 50.72 139.01 180.34 268.63
16 277.00 127.53 149.47 67.26 194.79 239.15 366.68

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 Hydrostatic Water in Soils and Rocks Chapter 6

6-36. The value of Kofor the compressible silty clay layer of Problem 6.33 is 0.68. What are the
total and effective horizontal stresses at mid-depth of the layer?

SOLUTION:
(a) For groundwater at 5 m:
σ 'h = σ 'v × K o = (266.34)(0.68) = 181.1 kPa
σh = σ 'h + u = 181.1+ 147.15 = 328.3 kPa

(b) For groundwater at 10 m:

σ 'h = σ 'v × K o = (315.39)(0.68) = 214.5 kPa
σh = σ 'h + u = 214.5 + 98.1= 312.6 kPa

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from the publisher prior to any prohibited reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
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