MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION

(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2005 Certified)
Model Answer: Summer 2017
Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Sub. Code: 17420
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Que. Sub. Total

Model Answers Marks
No. Que. Marks
Q.1 A Attempt any SIX of the following: 12

a) Explain the use of soil as a foundation material.

Ans. Soil is used as foundation material in the form of supporting soil to
support various foundations of civil engineering structures. 2 2
Depending upon the bearing capacity of soil , the type of foundation
can be decided as soil carries load of substructure and superstructure.

b) Define water content and voids ratio of soil.

Ans.
Water content- It is the ratio of weight of water to weight of soil 1
soilds which is measured in percentage called as water content. 2

Voids ratio – It is the ratio of volume of voids to volume of solids 1

called as voids ratio.

c)
Ans. Draw 3 – phase diagram for fully saturated soil.

2 2

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 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2005 Certified)
Model Answer: Summer 2017
Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Sub. Code: 17420
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Que. Sub. Total
Model Answers Marks
No. Que. Marks
Q.1 d. State 4 – field applications of Geo – Tech Engg.
Ans.
Field applications of Geo – Tech Engg. are as follows-
1. Design of foundation for various structures. ½
mark
2. Design of pavement for various roads.
each 2
3. Design of earth retaining structures i.e. retaining wall, sheet pile. (any
4. Design of water retaining structures i.e. Dam , weir etc. four)
5. Design of abutments of bridge.
6. Design of underground structures i.e. Pipeline, tunnels etc.

e.
Ans. State any 2 types of fault.
Types of fault are as follows-
1. Translational fault
1
2. Rotational fault mark 2
3. Normal or gravity fault each
(any
4. Reverse or thrust fault Two)
5. Dextral fault
6. Sinistral fault
7. Strike fault
8. Dip fault
9. Oblique fault
10. Radial fault
11. Enechelon fault
12. Accurate or peripheral fault

f. Define term porosity.

Ans.
Porosity- It is the ratio of volume of voids to the total volume of soil , 2 2
measured in percentage is called as porosity.

g. State the classification of rocks on the basis of their mode of

origin.
Ans. 1. Igneous Rock
2 2
2. Sedimentary Rock
3. Metamorphic Rock

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 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2005 Certified)
Model Answer: Summer 2017
Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Sub. Code: 17420
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Que. Sub. Total
Model Answers Marks
No. Que. Marks
Q.1 h. Enlist types of joints.
Types of joints are-
Ans. 1. Strike Joint 1
mark
2. Dip Joint
each
3. Oblique Joint (any 2
4. Columnar Joint Two)
5. Tension Joint
6. Shear Joint
7. Tight Joint
8. Block or Mural Joint
9. Sheet Joint

(B) Attempt any TWO of the following: 8

(a) Define outcrop, Dip , Strike and fold of Rocks.
1.Outcrop –The exposure of solid rock on the earth surface is known
Ans.
as outcrop. 1
2.Dip – It is the inclination of bedding plane of rock with horizontal is mark
called as Dip. each
3.Strike – It is the geographic direction in which bed, fault or joint 4
plane of rock occurs called as strike.
4.Fold – It is the bends or curvatures in rock formed due to action of
compressive forces on horizontal layers called as fold.

(b) Explain Different types of forms occurring in rock minerals.

Types of forms occurring in rock minerals-
Ans. 1. Tabular Form- In this type of form , minerals appears as slabs
of uniform thickness e.g. Feldspar.
1
2. Lamellar Form –Minerals appears as thin separable layers
mark
e.g. Vermiculite. each 4
3. Fibrous Form- Minerals exists in the form of separable or non (any
separable fine fibres e.g. Asbestos. four)
4. Bladed Form- Minerals are of rectangular lath shaped grains
eg. Kyanite.
5. Granular Form- In this , minerals appears in the form of
closely packed equal grains e.g. Chromite.
6. Reni Form- Minerals are available in the form of kidney
shaped or sub rounded shape e.g Hematite.
7. Mamillary Form- Minerals appear with large matually
interfering spheroidal surfaces e.g. Malachite.

Page No. 3 /19

 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2005 Certified)
Model Answer: Summer 2017
Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Sub. Code: 17420
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Que. Sub. Total

Model Answers Marks
No. Que. Marks
Q.1 b) 8. Prismatic form – Minerals are of independent elongated
crystals e.g. Quartz
9. Concretionary Form- Minerals consist of porous form made
of small irregular mass e.g. laterite
10. Nodular Form – Minerals appears in the form of irregular
shaped compact bodies with curved surfaces e.g. Limestone

c) Explain any four field of applications of Geotechnical Engineering

Knowledge.
Ans Field of applications of Geotechnical Engineering Knowledge-
1. Design of foundation- The knowledge of bearing capacity of
soil is useful to design of foundation for proposed structure.
The size , depth and type of foundation depends on type of soil
available.
2. Design of pavement- The flexible or rigid pavement can be
designed by knowing C.B.R ,shear strength and permeability
of subgrade soil. Geotechnical Engg. knowledge helps to know 1
these properties of soil to avoid future defects in pavement . mark
each 4
3. Design of Earth retaining structures- The geotech engg (any
knowledge provides information about earth pressure, slope four)
stability , density and moisture content of soil. It is useful to
design earth retaining structures like retaining wall and sheet
pile.
4. Design of water retaining structure- The water retaining
structure like dams,barrages and weirs requires knowledge of
index properties , particle size distribution , flow net, pore
pressure of soil Geotechnical Engg. Knowledge is also
applicable for complete design of percolation tank, contour
bunding etc.
5. Design of abutment- The abutment for bridges are designed
with the help of knowledge of shear strength, compaction,
frictional coefficient , angle of repose.
6. Design of underground structures- Geotechnical Engg.
knowledge in the form of density , compaction , permeability
and consolidation; requires to design underground structures
like pipe lines, tunnel etc

Page No. 4 /19

 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2005 Certified)
Model Answer: Summer 2017
Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Sub. Code: 17420
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Que. Sub. Total
Model Answers Marks
No. Que. Marks
Q.2 Attempt any FOUR of the following: 16

(a) Enlist various types of seismic waves and explain one.

Ans. Types of seismic waves-
1. Primary or Longitudinal Waves
1
2. Secondary or Traverse waves
3. Long or surface waves-Rayleigh waves and love waves
Primary Waves- (P-wave)- These waves propagates in longitudinal
direction and capable to pass through solids, liquid and gases . These
are fastest waves among all with speed of travel 8-13 km/s and hence
reach first to recording station on ground . These waves gives push or
pull or to and fro moment to particles of ground.
Secondary or Traverse waves (S-wave) – These waves moves in 4
perpendicular direction to direction of propagation of waves . It
passes through only solids . These waves has slow speed about 5 – 7
km/s . When secondary or shear waves moves horizontally during 3
propagation, then it is known as SH waves. But when it moves in
vertical plane, then it is SV waves.
Long waves (L-waves)-These waves travels along the surface or
earths crust to pass through solids and liquids. These surface waves
are slower with speed of 4-5 km/s confined to earth layers. These
waves gives major destruction during earthquake . these waves are
complex in nature having large amplitude.
(Note- Any one of the above explanation should be considered.)

(b) Define terms focus and epicenter related to earthquake.

Ans. Focus- The place or point of origin of an earth quake below ground 2
surface is termed as focus or hypocenter of earthquake. 4
Epicentre –The place or point on ground surface , where seismic
2
waves reaches firstly causing major damage is known as epicenter.

(c) State the types of earthquake based on their focus and richter
scale.
Ans.
Types of earthquake based on focus -
1. Shallow earthquake- Focus depth less than 60 km is taken as
shallow earthquake
1
2. Intermediate earthquake – Origin of earthquake is at a depth mark
in between 60 km to 300 km called as Intermediate each
earthquake. (any
two)
3. Deep earthquake – Focus is at depth in range of 300 km to
700 km such earthquake is considered as deep earthquake.

Page No. 5 /19

 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2005 Certified)
Model Answer: Summer 2017
Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Sub. Code: 17420
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Que. Sub. Total

Model Answers Marks
No. Que. Marks
Q.2 (c) Types of earthquake based on Richter Scale -

1. Minor or Instrumental Earthquake- Magnitude < 2 R.S.

2. Slight or feelable earthquake - Magnitude = 2 R.S. to 5 R.S.
1
3. Low or mild earthquake- Magnitude = 5 R.S. to 6 R.S. mark
4. Moderate or average earthquake- Magnitude = 6 R.S. to 7 each 4
R.S. (any
two)
5. Strong earthquake- Magnitude = 7 R.S. to 8 R.S.
6. Disastrous or destructive earthquake- Magnitude = 8 R.S. to
9 R.S.
7. Catastropic or extreme severe earthquake- Magnitude > 9
R.S.

(d) State the types of consistency limit and define any one.
Ans. Types of consistency limit-
1. Liquid limit
2. Plastic limit 2
3. Shrinkage limit
Liquid limit- It is minimum water content at which two separated
grooved soil parts mixed together under 25 blows of 4
2
casagrande’s liquid limit apparatus; is called as liquid limit. (any
Plastic limit –It is minimum water content at which soil begins to one)
crumble into parts when it is rolled into 3 mm diameter thread;
is known as Plastic limit.
Shrinkage limit- It is maximum water content at which there is no
reduction in volume of soil due to further decrease in water
content : is termed as shrinkage limit.

(e) Enlist two causes and two effects of earthquake.

Ans. Causes of earthquake-
1. Volcanic eruption 1
2. Technical movements mark
3. Natural disaster like landslide, tsunami each
(any
4. Massive civil structures like dams, reservoirs two)
5. High water flows
6. Manmade explosions

Page No. 6 /19

 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2005 Certified)
Model Answer: Summer 2017
Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Sub. Code: 17420
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Que. Sub. Total
Model Answers Marks
No. Que. Marks
Q.2 (e) Effects of earthquake-
1. Destruction of various Civil Engg. structures
2. Formation of irregularities (Unevenness) on ground 1
3. Sudden landslides along hill slopes mark
4. Change in river course each
5. Formation of new lakes, springs (any 4
6. Generation of high ocean tidal waves two)
7. Fire exposure due to short circuiting
8. Loss of human life and property
(f)
Explain the procedure of determination of liquid limit of soil.
Ans. Procedure of determination of liquid limit of soil-
1. Take 120 gm air dried soil passing through 425 µ IS sieve.
And add 20 ml water in it to prepare homogeneous soil paste
2. Fill this paste in brass cup of casagrande’s liquid limit
apparatus in horizontally leveled manner
3. Divide the soil centrally using grooving tool into two equal
parts as shown in figure No. 2-a
4. Now, rotate the handle at the rate of 2 rev/ s so that brass cup
will impact on hard rubber base through 10 mm dropping
height 3
5. Count the number of blows (N1) required to mix soil parts
together as shown in Fig No 2-b.
6. Take some soil from mixed grove and determine its water
content(w1%) using oven drying method
7. Repeat all above steps by increasing water in soil and record
number of blows N2, N3, N4, N5and corresponding water
content W2, W3, W4, W5.
8. Finally draw the graph of no of blows Vs water content as 4
shown Fig No. 2-c from graph , the water content at 25 blows
will be liquid limit of given soil.

Page No. 7 /19

 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2005 Certified)
Model Answer: Summer 2017
Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Sub. Code: 17420
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Que. Sub. Total
Model Answers Marks
No. Que. Marks
Q.2

Q.3 Attempt any FOUR of the following: 16

a) Explain step by step procedure for determination of water content
of soil by oven dry method.
Ans. Procedure for determination of water content of soil by oven dry
method-
1.Take container with lid , measure the empty weight of container
with lid as W1 gm.
2. Put sufficient quantity of moist soil sample in the container and take
the weight of container , lid and moist soil as W2 gm.
3. Keep this assembly in the thermostat oven at a temperature 1050c
to1100c for 24 hrs. with lid at bottom; so that water should be 4
evaporated completely to give us dry soil . 4
4. Take out container from oven and cool it in dessicator .Then take
weight of container , lid and dry soil as W3 gm.
5.Calculate the percentage water content of given soil as-
W = (W2- W3)/( W3 - W1) x 100
6.Repeat above steps two more times to determine average water
content of given soil sample.

b) State different characteristics of flow net.

Ans. Characteristics of flow net are as follows-
1. The flow lines and equipotential lines in the flow net
intersects each other orthogonally
2. The area or field formed due to intersection of these lines is
approximately square
1
3. The quantity of water flowing through each channel is almost mark
same. each 4
4. Smaller dimensions of the field indicates greater hydraulic (any
gradient and more velocity of flow. four)
5. The potential drop between two adjacent equipotential lines is
same.

Page No. 8 /19

 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2005 Certified)
Model Answer: Summer 2017
Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Sub. Code: 17420
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Que. Sub. Total

Model Answers Marks
No. Que. Marks
Q.3 c) Define with sketch active and passive earth pressure.
Ans. Active earth pressure – The minimum earth pressure on retaining
wall which is developed due to movement of wall away from
backfill , is called as active earth pressure. 1

Diagram of Active earth pressure-

Passive earth pressure - The maximum earth pressure on retaining 1

wall which is developed due to movement of wall towards backfill
, is called as Passive earth pressure.

Diagram of Passive earth pressure –

State the advantages of direct shear test and its any two
d)
limitations.
Ans. Advantages of direct shear test-
1. The direct shear test is simple and quick as compared to other
tests. 2
2. Quick drainage from soil takes place due to lesser thickness of
soil.
Page No. 9 /19
 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2005 Certified)
Model Answer: Summer 2017
Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Sub. Code: 17420
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Que. Sub. Total

Model Answers Marks
No. Que. Marks
Q.3 d) Dis-advantages of direct shear test-
1. The failure of soil along horizontal plane is not realistic in 1
nature. mark
2. The actual field loading condition is not considered in this test each 4
(any
3. The coarser particles along failure plane may give wrong
two)
results.
4. Pore pressure between soil particles cannot be measured which
generally affect the results.

A soil sample was tested in constant head permeameter, dia of

e)
sample is 4 cm and length is 10 cm under constant head 15 cm
discharge was found to be 70 cc in 10 mins. Find coefficient of
permeability.
Given , Find ,
Ans. D = 4 cm K= ?
L = 10 cm
H= 15 cm
Q = 70 cc
T = 10 min = 600 sec
Solution- 4
To find coefficient of permeability by constant head method
K = Q.L/(A.h.t) 1

Here, c/s Area of soil sample= A= Π/4 D2 = Π/4 x 42 = 12.566 cm2 1

K = 70 x 10/(12.566 x 15x 600) 1

K = 6.189 x 10-3 cm/sec 1

f) Calculate coefficient of uniformity and coefficient of curvature for

a soil sample for which D10 = 0.430 mm, D30 =0.790 and D60 =1.300
Ans. mm
Given, To find,
D10 = 0.430 mm Cu = ?
D30 =0.790 mm Cc = ?
D60 =1.300 mm

Cu = D60/ D10 = 1.300 / 0.430

1
Cu = 3.023 1 4

Cc = D302 / (D10 x D60) = 0.7902 / (0.430 x 1.300) 1

Cc = 1.116 1

Page No. 10 /19

 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2005 Certified)
Model Answer: Summer 2017
Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Sub. Code: 17420
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Que. Sub. Total
Model Answers Marks
No. Que. Marks
Q.4 16
Attempt any FOUR of the following:
(a) Enlist assumptions of Terzaghi’s bearing capacity theory.
Ans. Assumptions of Terzaghi’s bearing capacity theory:
1. Soil behave like ideally plastic material.
2. Soil is homogeneous , isotropic and its shear strength is 1
represented by coloumbs equation. mark
3. The total load on footing is vertical and uniformaly distributed. each
4. The footing is long enough with L/B = ∞ . (any 4
5. The shear strength above base of footing is neglected and taken four)
as uniform surcharge γDf .
6. The elastic zones developed has straight boundaries inclined at
ψ=ϕ.

(b) Differentiate between compaction and consolidation.

Ans. Sr. No Compaction Consolidation

1 Instant compression of Gradual compression of soil
soil under dynamic load is under steady load is called
called compaction. consolidation.
2 It is fast process. It is very slow process.
3 It is artificial process. It is natural process.
4 It is done to improve soil It takes place due to 1
properties like bearing structural load which does mark 4
capacity, shear strength, not improve soil properties. each
impermeability etc. (any
5 Settlement is prevented Settlement takes place due to four)
due to compaction. compaction.
6 Compaction is done Consolidation takes place
before construction of after construction of
structure. structure.

7 Pore water pressure is not Pore water pressure is very

important in compaction. important in compaction.
8 Compaction does not go Consolidation go
indefinitely. indefinitely.

Page No. 11 /19

 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2005 Certified)
Model Answer: Summer 2017
Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Sub. Code: 17420
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Que. Sub. Total
Model Answers Marks
No. Que. Marks
Q.4 c) State effect of water table on bearing of capacity of soil .
Ans.
Effect of water table on bearing of capacity of soil –
1. When water table is sufficiently well above the bae of footing ,
the submerged weight of soil should be consider for bearing
capacity calculations
2. When water table is somewhat or at the base of footing , then
elastic wedge of partially saturated soil should be consider .
The B.C. factor is reduced to half i.e. ½ γ B Nr in terzaghi,s 1
B.C. equations mark 4
3. When water table is at a depth equal to width of footing below each
the base of footing, then a linear interpolation in reduction
factor should be made according to depth of GWT in B.C.
calculations.
4. When water table is at a depth more than width of footing , then
no reduction factor should be used.
In short , as ground water table rises , accordingly bearing
capacity of soil decreases.

d) State any four methods of soil stabilization and explain any one.
Ans. Methods of soil stabilization –
1.Mechanical Stabilization 2. Lime Stabilization ½
3. Cement Stabilization 4.Bitumen Stabilization mark
5.Fly ash Stabilization 6.Stabilization by chemicals each
7.Stabilization by heating 8.Stabilization by grouting (any
four)

Mechanical Stabilization- In this method, stabilization of soil is done

without adding any chemicals or admixtures . The procedure of 4
mechanical stabilization is described below-
1. Initially the soil is excavated using excavator and then it is
ground to finer particles using pulveriser.
2. In this pulverized soil , well graded aggregates are spread and
mixed till homogeneous mixture will form.
3
3. Then water is sprinkled which is optimum moisture content i.e.
OMC for getting maximum dry density i.e. MDD
4. The heavy roller (8-10 tonne capacity ) is used to compact soil
15-20 cm thickness as per type of soil available.
5. The compacted surface is curved sprinkling water on it ,
followed by compaction . The curing and compaction is done
alternatively for 7 days . Then the stabilized portion is allowed
for its further use.
(Note - Explanation of any other method from above should be
considered.)

Page No. 12 /19

 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2005 Certified)
Model Answer: Summer 2017
Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Sub. Code: 17420
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Que. Sub. Total
Model Answers Marks
No. Que. Marks
Q.4 e) State necessity of soil exploration.
Ans. Necessity of soil exploration -
1. To know stratification below ground surface
2. To determining index properties of soil like bulk density, voids
ratio, water content, permeability, bearing capacity, 1
compressibility etc. mark
3. To determine safe bearing capacity for design of foundation of each 4
proposed structure (any
4. To control the seepage and rise of ground water below surface four)
5. To decide size , depth and type of foundation for the proposed
structure
6. To know grain size distribution by sampling undistributed soil
sample and classify soil accordingly
7. To decide suitability of soil for proposed structure.

f) Draw shear strength envelope for purely cohesive and cohesion

less soil with sketch.
1. purely cohesive soil-
Ans.

2. Cohesion less soil –

Page No. 13 /19

 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2005 Certified)
Model Answer: Summer 2017
Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Sub. Code: 17420
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Que. Sub. Total
Model Answers Marks
No. Que. Marks
Q.5 Attempt any TWO of the following: 16
a) Calculate shrinkage limit for a given soil sample from the
following data
1. Mass of empty container w1 = 13 gm
2.Mass of container with wet soil w 2 = 43 gm
3.Mass of container with dry soil- w3= 32.3 gm
4.Vol. of wet soil v1= 20.7 cm3
Ans. 5.Vol of dry soil pat v2=10.3 cm3
Given-
Mass of empty container w1 = 13 gm
Mass of container with wet soil w2 = 43 gm
Mass of container with dry soil- w3= 32.3 gm
Vol. of wet soil v1= 20.7 cm3
Vol of dry soil pat v2=10.3 cm3 8

Find- Shrinkage limit Ws = ?

Solution-
1
Mass of wet soil = M= w2 - w1 = 43-13 = 30 gm
1
Mass of dry soil = M= w3 - w1 = 32.3-13 = 19.3 gm
2
By formula- Ws = {[(M-Md) –(V-Vd) γw] / Md} x 100
2
Ws ={[(30-19.3)-(20.7-10.3)x 1]/ 19.3} x 100
Ws = 0.01554 x 100
2
Ws = 1.554 %

b) Explain core cutter method with sketch to find dry unit weight of
field soil.
Ans.

Page No. 14 /19

 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2005 Certified)
Model Answer: Summer 2017
Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Sub. Code: 17420
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Que. Sub. Total
Model Answers Marks
No. Que. Marks
Q.5 b) Procedure-
1. Measure the internal dimension of core cutter and calculate its
volume V in cm3.
2. Take weight of empty core cutter without dolly as W1 gm.
3. Clean the ground by removing loose soil if any and keep the
core cutter vertically on ground with sharp edge at bottom. 8
4. Now, drive the core cutter into the ground using 13.5 – 14 kg 3
hammer, so that half of dolly will remain above the ground.
5. Remove the soil around the core cutter using pick axe and
shape take out the core cutter using pick axe and spade and
take out the core cutter safely filled with soil
6. Remove the dolly and excess soil from top of core cutter
7. Take weight of core cutter completely filled with soil as W2
gm
8. Calculate the bulk unit weight of field soil as γ = (W2- W1) / V 1
in gm /cm3.
9. Now, take the soil specimen from the core cutter and
determine its water content by oven drying method 1
10. Calculate the dry unit weight of field as
γ d = γ / (1+w) in gm /cm3. 1
11. Repeat above steps two more times to calculate average dry
unit weight of soil.

c) Draw particle size distribution curve. Explain mechanical sieve

analysis for grading of soil with a sketch.
Ans.
Mechanical sieve analysis -The process of analyzing the particle size
present in soil by using mechanical means, is known as mechanical
sieve Analysis. By performing mechanical sieve analysis, a particle
size distribution curve is plotted for grading of soil.

Page No. 15 /19

 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2005 Certified)
Model Answer: Summer 2017
Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Sub. Code: 17420
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Que. Sub. Total
Model Answers Marks
No. Que. Marks
Q.5 c) Procedure-

i) Arrange the set of I.S. sieves in descending order i.e. coarser sieve at top
and finer sieve at bottom.. The I.S sieve set must include sieves of size
4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600µ,150µ,75µ.
ii) Take 500-1000gm oven dried soil sample and put it on topmost sieve.
Keep lid and pan at top and bottom respectively.
iii) Now, shake this assembly of sieve on mechanical sieve shaker for 10-15 4
minutes, so that soil sample will be sieved completely.
iv) Take the weight of soil mass retained on each sieve separately in gms.

v) Calculate % finer for each sieve using following tabular format.

Sieve
Mass Cumulative mass % Cumulative % Finer or
size
retained(gm) retained(%) mass retained (%) passing (%)
(mm)

vi) Finally, plot the particular size distribution curve on a semi log graph
paper as sieve size versus % finer of soil to classify soil as shown in
Fig.6(b) 8

vii) From above graph, soil is classified based on grading curves as follows-
a) Well graded soil
b) Poorly or gap graded soil
c) Fine grained soil
d) Coarse grained soil
e) Uniformly graded soil

Page No. 16 /19

 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2005 Certified)
Model Answer: Summer 2017
Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Sub. Code: 17420
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Model Answers Marks
No. Que. Marks
Q.6 Attempt any TWO of the following: 16
a)
i)Explain phreatic line in earthen dam with a sketch.
Ans. Phreatic line in earthen dam-
1.The line in earthen dam section below which there is positive
hydrostatic pressure exists. Phreatic line separates the dry and wet
part of earthen dam body as it acts as boundry between them, as
shown in Fig.No 7

2. Phreatic line indicates zone of seepage through earth dam at

which hydrostatic pressure acting is zero. Below phreatic line, soil is
always in fully saturated condition.
3.When phreatic line ends at down-stream side of earthen dam, then
there are chances of hydraulic failure of earthen dam in the form of
piping. Therefore, a hearting is provided to break the flow zone of 3
phreatic line.
4.When phreatic line ends at toe of earthen dam, then there may be
sloughing of toe material. Hence, a rock toe is necessary to avoid
removal of toe portion of dam.

ii)Explain different methods of field compaction of soil.

Ans. Methods of field compaction of soil-
i) Rolling- In this method, soil is compacted by using 6-8 tonne
heavy rollers. The rollers are selected as per type of soil. Due to
heavy weight, compression of soil takes place. 2
marks 4
ii) Ramming or Tamping- In this method, soil is compacted by each
using suitable rammers or tampers. Rammers may be flat footed and (any
tampers have spiny projection. It is done manually, which becomes two)
time consuming.
iii) Vibration- In this method, soil gets compacted under vibrational
energy produced by vibratory compactors. Vibrations of large
amplitude, rearrange the soil particles together and hence overall
compaction takes place.

Page No. 17 /19

 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2005 Certified)
Model Answer: Summer 2017
Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Sub. Code: 17420
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Que. Sub. Total
Model Answers Marks
No. Que. Marks
Q.6 b) A retaining wall with a vertical back of ht = 7.2 m supports
cohesionless soil of dry unit wt 18.5 KN/m3 and angle of repose 270,
the surface of soil is horizontal. By Rankine’s concept find the thrust
per m length of wall then soil is absolutely dry.
Ans.
Given,
H = 7.2 m
γd = 18.5 kN/m3
ϕ = 270
Find ,
Thrust per metre length of wall when soil is absolutely dry, P = ?
Solution,
Here, coefficient of active earth pressure 1
Ka = (1-sin ϕ)/ (1+ sin ϕ)
Ka = (1-sin 270)/ (1+ sin 270)
1
Ka = 0.3755 8
Therefore total active earth pressure on wall
Pa= Ka x γ x H 1
Pa= 0.375 x 18.5 x 7.2
Pa= 49.95 kN/m2 2
To calculate thrust i.e. active earth pressure per metre length
P = ½ x Pa x H x L 1
P = ½ x 49.95 x 7.2 X 1
2
P= 180.07 kN

c) Explain the step by step procedure for determination of plate load

test with sketches.

Ans.

Page No. 18 /19

 MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
(Autonomous)
(ISO/IEC - 27001 - 2005 Certified)
Model Answer: Summer 2017
Subject: Geotechnical Engineering Sub. Code: 17420
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Que. Sub. Total
Model Answers Marks
No. Que. Marks
Q.6 c. Procedure-
i) Excavate a pit of depth equal to 5 times to that of breath of proposed
footing.
ii) Keep the suitable bearing plate of specified size (30, 45, 60, 75cm square
in plan) on soil. Arrange the loading column on it as shown in fig. no.8.
above.
iii) Now apply the load on test plate above soil using sand bags or reaction 4
truss loading at a rate of (1/5)th to (1/10)th of total estimated load.
iv) Note down the settlements after 1,5,10,20,40,60 minutes at
corresponding applied loads.
v) Loading should be continued till 25mm total settlement or soil failure,
whichever is achieved earlier.
vi) Finally plot a graph of load vs. settlement as shown in Fig. No 8(b) to 8
find out load before failure as bearing capacity of soil.

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