Tutorial questions and solutions

1. One of the 3 phases of a soil exploration program is reconnaissance. Describe in

detail how a reconnaissance is conducted.

Solution:

The engineer should visit the site, determine the type of existing structures, how
long they have been existing, what type of columns used, spacing of the
columns, approximate loads, find out how long it takes for drainage runoff from
locals, make a trial pit (1-3m), look at the strata, feel the texture of the soil,
determine WT, look for differential settlement – ALLOF THIS
INFORMATION WILL TELL YOU WHAT DETAILED INVESTIGATIONS
TO REQUEST
2. Explain in detail the difference between general and local share failure. Use sketches
to support your answer.

Solution:
3. Explain in detail the following test along with sketches:
a. Plate loading test
b. Standard Penetration Test
c. Cone penetration test.

Solution:
Standard penetration test:
Cone penetration testing:
The cone penetrometer test (CPT) provides valuable information in geotechnical
investigations when used in conjunction with other equipment and procedures.
Results of CPT can be used to make reliable estimates of settlement and undrained shear
strength in areas where some basic information about the engineering properties of the soil
is available. Results, however, should always be confirmed or correlated with laboratory
analyses of actual samples. The test can be performed in the following steps:

I. For the soundings, the penetrometer thrust system of the CPT truck or drill
rig must be set to as near vertical as possible.
II. For penetration in compacted fills or hard soils, it may be necessary to pre-
bore a hole through the upper material, using a diameter slightly larger than
the cone. This will prevent damage to the cone.
III. Before beginning the sounding, check individual push rods for straightness.
Assemble and tighten pushrods by hand, cleaning the threads if necessary to
ensure that the shoulders are tightly butted to prevent damage to the rods.
IV. The standard rate of push for CPT soundings is 2 centimetres per second
(cm/s), usually applied in 1-meter increments, the length of a standard cone
rod. With dedicated CPT rigs, the hydraulic system automatically adjusts the
pressures to maintain a constant rate. When using a rotary drill rig, the driller
must manually adjust the pressure to maintain the 2 centimetres per second
rate. Cone results are generally not sensitive to slight variations in the rate of
penetration.
 V. As the rods are pushed, electrical cones produce continuous readings of cone
resistance and sleeve friction. Electrical cones produce analog data, but most
systems convert it to digital form at selected intervals. Most standards
require the interval to be no more than20 centimetres (~8 in); ASTM D5778
requires intervals not to exceed 5 centimetres (~2 in).
VI. During testing, monitor the tip and sleeve forces continuously for signs of
proper operation. As data re recorded, note any unusual occurrences in
testing. These can include “crunching” sounds that may indicate gravel and
directional drift of the penetrometer as it passes through or alongside
obstructions such as boulders, cobbles, soil concretions, or thin rock layers.
Inclination is a useful indicator of imminent danger to the system, as damage
can be caused if resistant layers or obstructions are penetrated. Generally, a
5-degreechange in inclination over 1 meter of penetration can result in rod
bending.
VII. As push rods are added, interruptions of short duration can affect initial cone
and sleeve readings at the beginning of the next push. During a pause in the
penetration, excess pore pressures will begin to dissipate. For that reason, it
is important to note and record the depths at which long pauses may have
affected initial start-up resistances.
VIII. At the end of the sounding, obtain a final set of base line readings with the
penetrometer tip hanging freely and check them against the initial readings.
Maintain a continuous record of initial and final baselines for the tip and
sleeve load cells and the porewater transducers, as they may indicate
problems with the equipment.
IX. Inspect penetrometer tips before and after soundings for damage, soil
ingress, and wear. If soil ingress is significant, the cone assembly may need to
be dismantled, cleaned, and lubricated before the next sounding.
4. What are the different types of settlement which can occur after construction of a
foundation?

Solution:

5. Explain disturbed vs undisturbed samples and the test and parameters which can be
obtained.

Solution:
6. Explain how the depth of boring is determined in accordance with ASCE 1972.

Solution:
7. Describe in detail the content of a site investigation report.

Solution:
8. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of laboratory test and field test.

Solution:

Laboratory tests
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Controlled environment Samples are limited
Wide range of tests can be done on sample No site survey can be done
Results are accurate Skilled work is required
No heavy and messy work required Expensive machinery needed for testing
Some tests are complex
Long periods for results (waiting time)

Field tests:

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Tests are quick and reliable Can be bulky and messy
Site survey and reconnaissance can be done Not as accurate as lab testing
Testing is done on site (portable) Machinery needed is heavy
Results are immediate Site conditions vary
9. Under what conditions would you select a pile foundation over that of a
shallow pad foundation?

Solution:
10. What is the difference between a low displacement and a high
displacement pile?

Solution:

11.What are the main merits of selecting steel, concrete or timber

piles?

Solution:
12.What are the main advantages of employing ground improvement
techniques?

Solution:
Explain in details the procedure for conducting the following:
 Dynamic compaction
 Vibro compaction - Vibro displacement
 Vibro flotation - high pressure water jets (improves penetration
of hard substrates)
 Pressure grouting
 Surcharging
 Geotechnic membranes
 Soil modification and stabilization.

Solution:

Dynamic compaction:
Vibro compaction- vibro replacement:
Vibro flotation:

Pressure grouting:
Surcharging:
Geotechnic membranes:
13.Explain how the following equation is derived:

Solution: