GEOTECH-1_20Qs_ GATE (Unique & High level)

1. A cohesive soil sample of weight 130g was taken from a SPT and returned to the
laboratory in a glass jar. The sample was transferred to a container of volume V =
450 cm3, which was the filled with water for about 373 cm3. What was the Unit
weight in SI unit?

Ans. 16.5 kN/m3 – 16.9 kN/m3.

Solution:
Notice that the weight 130g is a mass. So the ratio mass to volume is a density ρ
130
Density, ρ = = 1.69 g/cm3
(450− 373)
On making conversions,
Unit Weight, Ɣ = ρg = 1.69 x 9.81 = 16.57 kN/m3 (SI Unit)

###TOPIC###Soil Mechanics||Properties of Soils||Properties of Soils###

2. The compaction of the base course for a newly constructed soil sample was found
to with a mean value of moisture content= 15.6%, Specific Gravity = 2.71 and Unit
weight = 18.2 kN/m3. The specifications required that the void ratio should be less
than 0.75. Check the adequacy of the test result.
A. 1.0
B. 0.9
C. 0.8
D. 0.7

Ans. Option D
Solution:
The weight – volume relationship can be given as
𝐺 Ɣ𝑤 (1+𝑤)
Ɣ=
1+𝑒
𝐺 Ɣ𝑤 (1+𝑤) 30.73
1+e= = = 1.69
Ɣ 18.2
Void ratio, e = 1.69 -1 = 0.69 < 0.80.
Hence the test results complied with the specification.

###TOPIC###Soil Mechanics||Properties of Soils||Properties of Soils###

3. A laboratory test report gave the following results of 3 samples (three phase soil)
taken from a single boring. They are as follows.
i. Water content = 20%, Ɣd = 17.5 kN/m3, Ɣs = 26 kN/m3, Silt
ii. Water content = 17%, Ɣd = 16 kN/m3, Ɣs = 24 kN/m3, Sand
iii. Water content = 34%, Ɣd = 14 kN/m3, Ɣs = 28 kN/m3, Clay
 Choose the incorrect sample(s).
A. i only
B. i and iii only
C. ii only
D. ii and iii only

Ans. Option D.
Solution:
eS = wG
Compare the natural water content with saturated water content so that, when w > wsat,
the sample result is found to be incorrect.
Considering degree of saturation = 1
e = wsat G
Ɣ
wsa = e/G = (Vv/Vs) / ( 𝑠⁄Ɣ )
𝑤
1 1
On further simplification, Wsat = Ɣ𝑤 [ − ]
Ɣ𝑑 Ɣ𝑠
Using the above relationship,
1 1
For sample i) Wsat = 9.81 [ − ] = 18.3 % < W WRONG
17.5 26
1 1
For sample ii) Wsat = 9.81 [ − ] = 20.4 % > W CORRECT
16 24
1 1
For sample iii) Wsat = 9.81 [ − ] = 35 % > W CORRECT
14 28

###TOPIC###Soil Mechanics||Properties of Soils||Properties of Soils###

4. Match List I and List II

Sl. List I List II
No

1 P.Two-phase
saturated soil
 2 Q.Two phase
partially
Saturated soil

3 R.Two phase soil

4 S.Three phase
soil

P Q R S
A. 3 1 4 2
B. 1 2 3 4
C. 4 1 2 3
D. 1 3 4 2

Ans. Option A.
Solution:
A three phase soil is with weights of air, water and soil solids
A two phase soil can be of either air- solids or air- water
Two phase saturated refers to the soil sample of solids completely saturated with
water.
Two phase partially saturated refers that the degree of saturation is less than 1.

###TOPIC###Soil Mechanics||Properties of Soils||Properties of Soils###

5. A moist soil sample is with an in-site void ratio of 1.57 and water content of 55%.
What is the moist unit weight and the air content? Take Gs = 2.70
A. 0.50 and 15 kN/m3
B. 16 kN/m3 and 0.50
C. 14 kN/m3 and 0.95
D. 0.95 and 16 kN/m3

Ans. Option B.
Solution:
To solve this, either take the Vs = 1 m3 or V = 1 m3
Here we take Vs = 1 m3
Given that void ratio, e = 1.57
1.57 = Vv/Vs
Vv = 1.57, therefore V = Vv + Vs = 1.57 + 1 = 2.57 m3
Moist Unit weight, Ɣmoist = W/V
𝑊
Natural Water content, w = 𝑤 = 0.55
𝑊𝑠
Ww = 0.55 Ws
𝑊𝑠
Ɣ𝑠 𝑉𝑠
Gs = = = Ws = 2.7 x 9.81 x 1 = 26.48 kN
Ɣ𝑤 Ɣ𝑤
Ww = 0.55 x 26.48 = 14.56 kN
W = Ws + Ww = 26.48 + 14.56 = 41.04 kN

41.04
Ɣmoist = W/V = = 15.97 kN/m3
2.57
Air content, ac = 1 – Sr
𝑊𝑤
𝑉𝑤 Ɣ𝑤
Sr = = = 0.945 = 95%
𝑉𝑣 𝑉𝑣
ac = 1 – Sr = 1 – 0.95 = 0.5 = 5%

###TOPIC###Soil Mechanics||Properties of Soils||Properties of Soils###

6. The maximum and the minimum dry unit weight of sand are 18.1 kN/m3 and 15.2
kN/m3 respectively. The sand in-situ is with a relative density of 75% at a moisture
content of 8%. Determine the bulk unit weight of sand (in kN/m3).
Ans.20.50 kN/m3 – 20.60 kN/m3.
Solution:
Ɣ𝑑 − Ɣ𝑑𝑚𝑎𝑥 Ɣ𝑑𝑚𝑎𝑥
Density Index, ID = [ ][ ]
Ɣ𝑑𝑚𝑎𝑥 −Ɣ𝑑𝑚𝑖𝑛 Ɣ𝑑
Ɣ𝑑 − 18.1 18.1
0.75 = [ ][ ] => Ɣ𝑑 = 20.57 kN/m3
18.1−15.2 Ɣ 𝑑
###TOPIC###Soil Mechanics||Compaction of Soil||Compaction of Soil###

7. For naturally occurring sand, the magnitude of maximum and the minimum void
ratio varies widely. The main factor responsible for this wide variation is
A. Uniformity Coefficient
B. Coefficient of curvature
C. Moisture content
D. Volume

Ans. Option A.
Solution:
For naturally occurring sands, the magnitude of emax and emin may vary widely mainly
because of the Uniformity Coefficient (Cu) and the roundness of the particle.

###TOPIC###Soil Mechanics||Properties of Soils||Properties of Soils###

8. Choose the correct statement (s) with reference to determine the denseness of the
granular soil.
i. Loosest state is achieved by free fall of about one centimeter
ii. Loosest state is achieved by vibration
iii. Densest state is achieved by static pressure
iv. Densest state is achieved by combination of static pressure and vibration
A. ii and iii
B. i and iii
C. i and iv
D. ii and iv

Ans. Option C.
Solution:
The loosest state for a granular material can usually be created by allowing the dry
material to fall into a container from a funnel held in such a way that the free fall is
about one centimeter. The densest state can be established by a combination of static
pressure and vibration of soil packed in a container.

###TOPIC###Soil Mechanics||Compaction of Soil||Compaction of Soil###

9. The relative density of a granular soil sample is 56.6% at its natural void ratio of
0.45. If the void ratio at its loosest state is 0.60, then the difference of void ratio at
their densest and loosest state will be

Ans. 0.26 – 0.265

Solution:
Given natural void ratio, e = 0.45
Void ratio at loosest state, emax = 0.60
Using the formula, emin = 0.34
The difference between void ratio at loosest and densest state = 0.26

###TOPIC###Soil Mechanics||Compaction of Soil||Compaction of Soil###

10. The relative compaction of a granular soil road base in- situ is 87%. The maximum and
the minimum dry unit weight of the sample are 19.4 kN/m3 and 13.2 kN/m3.
Determine the dry and the corresponding bulk unit weight in field when its moisture
content is 17%.

Ans. 16.45- 16.5 and 19 – 19.5 kN/m3.

Solution:
Relative compaction is the ratio of dry unit weight obtained in field to the unit weight
obtained from Proctor test.

RC =
Ɣ𝑑𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑
 0.85 = => Ɣ𝑑𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 = 16.49 kN/m3
19.4
Moist unit weight in field, Ɣmoist = Ɣ𝑑𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 (1 + 𝑤) = 16.49 (1 + 0.17) = 19.29 kN/m3

###TOPIC###Soil Mechanics||Compaction of Soil||Compaction of Soil###

11. The moisture content of a fully saturated undisturbed clay obtained from a volcanic
region is 235%. The dry unit weight is 17kN/m3 and the specific gravity is 2.72.
Compare the saturated and the submerged unit weight.
A. Ɣsub > Ɣsat
B. Ɣsat > Ɣsub
C. Ɣsub = Ɣsat
D. Ɣsat = Ɣsub – 9.81

Ans. Option B.
Solution:
Saturated unit weight, Ɣsat = Ɣt (100% saturated condition
W=Ww + Ws = w Ws + Ws = Ws (l + w) ---- (1)
Ɣt = W/V = W/ 1 = W kN/m3---- (2)
Hence Ɣt = Ɣd (1 + w) = 17 (1+2.35) = 56.95 kN/m3
Submerged Unit weight, Ɣsub = Ɣsat – Ɣw = 56.95 – 9.81 = 47.14 kN/m3

###TOPIC###Soil Mechanics||Properties of Soils||Properties of Soils###

12. An embankment for a highway of 1km length, 25m wide and 2m thick is to be
constructed from sandy soil, trucked in from a borrow pit. The water content and
natural void ratio of soil in the borrow pit is 16% and 0.59 respectively. It is
required to compact the embankment to a dry unit weight of 19%. Determine the
number of number of 10m3 truckloads required. Take Gs = 2.50.

Ans. 6-7.
Solution:
Number truckloads = Volume of borrow pit soil required/ Volume of the truck
Ɣ𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑
Volume of borrow pit soil = x Volume of Embankment
Ɣ𝑑𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑤 𝑝𝑖𝑡

Volume of Embankment = 1km x25m x 2m = 50 x 103 m3

Dry density of borrow pit,

 Dry density of borrow pit = 15.42 kN/m3

19
Volume of borrow pit = x 50 x 103 = 61.61 x 103 m3
15.42
61.61
Number of truck loads = = 6.161 = 7 truck load
10

###TOPIC###Soil Mechanics||Compaction of Soil||Compaction of Soil###

13. A standard proctor compaction test conducted on a crushed limestone sample

(with Gs = 2.65) resulted in a maximum dry unit weight of 16.5 kN/m3 at OMC. A
field compacted soil showed moisture content of 28 % and unit weight of 18.3
kN/m3. The relative compaction will be
A. 0.60
B. 0.70
C. 0.80
D. 0.90

Ans. Option D
Solution:
Ɣ
Ɣ𝑑𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 = 𝑚𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑡 = 18.3 / (1 + 0.28) = 14.30 kN/m3
1+𝑤

14.30
Relative compaction, RC = = = 0.866 = 86.66 % = 90%
16.5
 ###TOPIC###Soil Mechanics||Compaction of Soil||Compaction of Soil###

14. A soil sample has a unit weight of 18.7 kN/m3 and a saturation of 45%. On
increasing the degree of saturation to 70%, the unit weight increases to 20.8
kN/m3. What will be the specific gravity of the sample?
A. 2.70
B. 2.50
C. 2.30
D. 2.10

Ans. Option C.
Solution:

𝐺𝑠+0.50 𝑒
For Ɣ1 = 18.7 kN/m3 = ( )9.81 ----(1)
1+𝑒
𝐺𝑠+0.70 𝑒
For Ɣ2 = 20.8 kN/m3 = ( )9.81 -----(2)
1+𝑒
On solving (1) and (2), we get
e = 0.12 and Gs = 2.10

###TOPIC###Soil Mechanics||Properties of Soils||Properties of Soils###

15. In a specific gravity test for coarse – grained soil, the weight of soil solid is 1.03 N. The
weight of container with soil and water is 5.41 N. The weight of pycnometer filled with
water is 4.756 N. Report the specific gravity of soil at 4o C.
Ans.2.70
Solution:

GwT = Specific gravity of water at 4oC = 1.0

Ws = weight of dry soil solid = 1.03 N
W3 = Weight of Pycnometer + soil + water = 5.41 N
W4 = weight of Pycnometer + water = 4.756 N
1.03 𝑥 1 1.03
G= = = 2.70
1.03−(5.41−4.756) 0.376

###TOPIC###Soil Mechanics||Properties of Soils||Properties of Soils###

16. Choose the correct statement(s) on specific gravity (G)

 i. Apparent specific gravity does not account the void.
ii. Absolute specific gravity odes not account the voids.
iii. Absolute specific gravity is less than apparent specific gravity
A. i only
B. i and ii
C. ii and iii
D. i, ii and iii

Ans. Option C.
Solution:
Absolute specific gravity is the ratio of unit weight of soil solids to the unit weight of water.
It does not account the voids. It is denoted by Gs.
Gs = 2.65 (Sand); Gs = 2.70 (Clay)
Apparent / Bulk / mass specific gravity is the ratio of bulk unit weight of soil mass to the
unit weight of water. It is denoted as Gm.
Gm = 1.4 – 2.2
Gm<Gs

###TOPIC###Soil Mechanics||Properties of Soils||Properties of Soils###

17. The absolute specific gravity of a soil sample with the saturated unit weight and dry unit
weight as 20 kN/m3 and 15.69 kN/m3 respectively is . The natural moisture content
of the sample collected was 22 % with a void ratio of 0.57.
Ans. 2.55 – 2.65
Solution:

𝐺 𝑥 9.81
Ɣsat = (1 + 0.22)
1+(0.22 𝑥 𝐺)
On substituting the known values,
Absolute specific gravity, G = 2.64

###TOPIC###Soil Mechanics||Properties of Soils||Properties of Soils###

18. The weight of water (in kN) to be added to a m3 of soil to attain a degree of saturation of
92% which at its natural state has an void ratio of 0.49 and water content of 18.2 kN
is . The weight of solids is 17.5 kN and Specific gravity is 2.68.
Ans. 2.7 – 2.9 kN.
Solution:
 Weight of water at its natural state, Ww = W – Ws = 18.2 – 17.5 = 0.70 kN
We require a saturation of 92%, so
Water content = e.Sr/ G
0.49 𝑥 0.92
W= = 0.17
2.68
Ww = w x Ws = 0.17 x 17.5 = 2.98 kN
Already we have a water content of 0.17 kN
So the quantity of water to be added = (2.98 – 0.17) =2.81 kN

###TOPIC###Soil Mechanics||Properties of Soils||Properties of Soils###

19. A 12 m3 moist soil sample with volume of soil solid as 9m3 is examined and the
laboratory results reveal that the porosity of the soil sample is 25 %. The relative
porosity of the sample is
Ans. 0.33
Solution:
Void ratio or relative porosity can be determined by
i. e = Vv/ Vs
Vv = V – Vs = 12 – 9 = 3m3
3
e = = 0.33 (or)
9
𝑛 0.25
ii. e= = = 0.33
1−𝑛 1−0.25

###TOPIC###Soil Mechanics||Properties of Soils||Properties of Soils###

20. A saturated soil of 2 m3 is tested to be with a specific gravity pf 2.92 and the weight of
soil solid is 1.2 kN. The void ratio of the soil will be
Ans. 0.45 – 0.49.
Solution:
From the given data, the void ratio can be determined using the following relationship.
𝑉𝑣 𝑉−𝑉𝑠 𝑉
e= = = -1
𝑉𝑠 𝑉𝑠 𝑉𝑠
𝑉.𝐺.Ɣ𝑤
 – 1 = 46.7 % = 0.47
𝑊𝑠

###TOPIC###Soil Mechanics||Properties of Soils||Properties of Soils###