Chapter 6

Seepage Analysis, Stress

Distribution and Compaction

CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS

☞ Introduction ☞ Flow net in a non-homogeneous soil mass

☞ Seepage analysis ☞ Flow net in a non-homogeneous soil
☞ Characteristic of flow net ☞ Flow net in earth dams
☞ Uses of flow net ☞ Stresses due to applied loads
☞ Flow Net in anisotropic soils

Introduction 4. The ratio of length and width of each field is constant,

that is, flow net consists of approximate squares.
In this chapter, the concept of seepage analysis and the
stresses due to applied loads are discussed. This chapter (i) Flow channel: The space between two adjacent
also outlines the concept of compaction and optimum levels flow lines is known as a flow channel.
of moisture content. (ii) Flow field: The space between two adjacent
flow lines and two adjacent equipotential lines
Seepage Analysis is known as flow field.
• Seepage is the flow of water under gravitational force in (iii) Equipotential drop: The difference between
a permeable medium. two adjacent equipotentential lines is known as
1. Flow line: The path taken by a water particle is repre- equipotential drop.
sented by a flow line.
2. Equipotential line: The lines connecting the points of
equal total head is known as a equipotential line.
3. Flow net: Flow lines and equipotential lines together Uses oF Flow Net
form a flow net. Flow net gives a pictorial representa- 1. Discharge:
tion of the path taken by water particles and head vari-
ation along the path. K ⋅h⋅ N f
Total discharge, q =
Nd
Characteristic oF Flow Net
Where
1. A flow line and equipotential line always should be at
K = Coefficient of permeability
right angles.
H = Difference between upstream and downstream
2. The discharge between any two adjacent flow lines to
level
be constant.
Nf = Number of flow channels
3. The drop in head between adjacent equipotantial lines
Nd = Number of potential drops
is constant.

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Nf z z
The ratio is a characteristic of the flow net. It is
Nd
known as shape factor. It is independent of
Δz Vx
permeability of soil and depends only on the Δz Vx
configuration or shape of soil mass.
Δx
2. Total head: The loss of head from one equipotantial Δxt
h
line to the next is .
Nd x x
  Total head at any point (P);
hp = h – n∆h (A)  Original section (B)  Transformed section

 h  •• Transformed section is obtained only by changing the ‘x’

hp = h − n ×   value without change in any z-value.
 Nd  •• Laplace equation, in case of anisotropic soils, is given by:
3. Pressure head: The pressure head at any point is ∂2h ∂2h
equal to total head minus the elevation head. + =0
∂xt2 ∂z 2
•• Pressure head at point p, (hp)p = total head (hp) –
elevation head (he)p
Flow Net in a
( hp ) p = hp − ( he ) p
Non-homogeneous Soil Mass
4. Hydraulic gradient: For any flow field, hydraulic Let k1 and k2 be the coefficient of permeability of two soils.
gradient is given by:
•• In case of non-homogeneous soils, flow lines and equipo-
∆h tential lines get deflected at the interface.
i=
∆L
Normal

Where Interface
  Δh = Loss of head
  ΔL = Length of the flow field α1
Flow line
α2
Flow Net in Anisotropic Soils
The discharge through an anisotropic soil mass is given by:
(k1 > k2 )
Nf 
q = K ′h  
 Nd  Flow Net in a Non-homogeneous
 Where
Soil
k1 k2
K ′ = K X KZ =
tan α1 tan α 2
•• Laplace equation used in the construction of flow
in isotopic soils is given by: Flow Net in Earth Dams
∂2h ∂2h
+ =0 A
∂x 2 ∂z 2 ∇ Directrix
S
•• In case of anisotropic soils, Laplace equation is not h Phreatic line
valid.
B
•• In order to satisfy the Laplace equation, original
Kz D C Filter
section has to be transformed by, xt = x
Kx S

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•• The line ‘AB’ is known as phreatic line or seepage line or 3. Soil is weightless and free from residual stresses
top flow line. before the application of the load.
•• On phreatic line, pressure head is zero and total head is •• Vertical stress (σ z ) at point ‘p’ due to a point load
equal to the elevation head. ‘Q’ is given by:
•• Kozney’s solution is used to find discharge through the 5
body of earth dam.  2
 
q = k ⋅s 3Q  1 
σz =
2π z 2   r 2 
Where, s is the distance between the focus and directory 1 +   
  z  
known as focal distance.
z = Vertical distance of point below ground
r = Radial distance of point = x2 + y2
SOLVED EXAMPLES
Q
Example 1 σ z = IB
z2
The flow net constructed for the dam is shown in the fol-
lowing figure. Taking the coefficient of permeability as 3.8 Where
× 106 m/s, the quantity of flow (in cm3/s) under the dam per
metre of dam is: 3
IB = 5
50 M   r 2  2
2π 1 +   
∇
  z  
S
6.3 M  The coefficient IB is known as Boussinesq
influence coefficient.
∇
1.6 M S
9.4 M Important Points
17.2 M 1. sz does not depend on modulus of elasticity (E) and
Poison’s ratio (m). Hence, these are applicable for
every type of soils.
2. Applicable for shallow footings only.
Impermeable stratum
3. The vertical stress decreases rapidly with an increase
r r
in   ratio and becomes extremely small at = 5.0
Solution  z z
From the given figure: or more. Theoretically, sz is zero only at an infinite
Number of flow channel, Nf = 3 distance from the point load.
Number of equipotential drop, Nd = 10
r
•• Radial shear stress ς rz = (σ z )
K ⋅H ⋅Nf z
Quantity of flow in cm3/s = q =
Nd At top, z = 0, ζ rz = 0.
3
= 3.8 × 105m /s × 6.3 × Isobar Diagram
10
= 7.182 × 10 −6 × 106 cm3 /s/n •• An isobar is a curve joining the points of equal vertical
stress intensity.
Q = 7182 cm3 /s/m. •• An isobar is a spatial curved surface and has the shape of
a lemniscate curve.
•• It is symmetrical about the vertical axis passing through
Stresses Due to Applied Loads the load point.
Boussinesq’s Theory •• The zone within which stresses have significant effect on
the settlement of structures is known as pressure bulb.
1. Soil mass is an elastic continuum. •• The pressure inside an isobar is greater than the pressure
2. Soil is homogeneous, isotropic and semi-infinite. present on that isobar.

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Q
 3
  1 2 
 
σ z = q 1 −   R 2  
 1 +    
   z   

σ z = q(1 − cos3θ )

0.1 Q Where
 q = Intensity of load per unit area  t  .
 m2 
 R = Radius of loaded area.
Z = 2.185 mm  Z = Vertical distance of the point below the centre of uni-
Z I
formly loaded circular area.
Isobar of 0.1Q
Newmark’s Influence Charts
Stress Distribution •• To find the vertical stress, below the loaded are of any
Vertical stress distribution on a horizontal plane: shape.
•• The vertical stress at any point ‘p’ is given by:
Q
σ z = Inq

Where
Z I = Influence coefficient
n = Number of small area units covered by the plan
q = Intensity of load
r
•• The point ‘p’ at which the vertical stress is required may
Z
be anywhere within or outside the loaded area.
Vertical stress distribution on a vertical plane: •• Newmark’s influence chart is based on the Boussinesq
Q
theory.

Vertical Stress Under a Corner of Rectangular Area

39° 15′ •• Vertical stress
σ z = IN q

Where, IN = Newmark’s influence coefficient

•• IN depends on m and n values.
σ z variation on vertical σ z variation on vertical
plane just below the load at a distance ‘r’ from load L B
=m = ; n
z z

Vertical Stress Under a Circular Loaded Area •• Both m and n can be interchangeable.
R
NOTE
Intensity = q
If a point ‘p’ is not at the corner of a rectangular area,
make it as a corner and find the vertical stress.
O
For example, point ‘p’ is lying in the inner part of the rectan-
gular area as shown in the figure.
A E B
Z
θ
(1) (2)
P
H F
P
(3) (4)
Circular load
Vertical stress due to a circular loaded area is given by: D G C

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The given rectangle is sub-divided into 4 small rectangles, Contact Pressure Distribution
each having one corner at point ‘p’. The vertical stress of p •• The upward pressure, due to soil on under side of the
is equal to that from four small rectangles. footing, is termed as contact pressure.
σ z = [ ( I N )1 + ( I N )2 + ( I N )3 + ( I N )4 ] q •• Contact pressure depends on various factors, such as elas-
tic properties of the footing, material and soil, the thick-
ness of footing.
Westergaard’s Theory
•• Westergaard’s solution assumes that soil mass consists GS GS
of infinitely rigid thin sheet of materials sandwiched in a Settlement
homogeneous soil mass.
•• Westergaard’s theory is applicable for sedimentary Contact pressure
deposits. (a) Flexible footing (b) Rigid footing
•• Vertical stress at a point ‘p’ below the concentrated load
‘Q’ is given by: Contact pressure on saturated day

3
 2
  Settlement
Q 1
σz = 2  
πz  2
1 + 2  r  
Contact-pressure
  z   (a) Flexible footing (b) Rigid footing
Q Contact pressure on sand
σ z = Iw
Z2

Where, Iw = Westergaard’s influence coefficient Example 2

•• Fenske’s charts are based on Westergaard’s solution. A footing, 2 m × 1 m, exerts a uniform pressure, 150 kN/m2,
on the soil. Assuming that a load dispersion of 2 vertical to
Approximate Method 1 horizontal, the average vertical stress (kN/m2) at 1.0 m
below the footing is
Two-to-one Load Distribution Method (A) 50 (B) 75
Z (C) 80 (D) 100
Q
Solution
The given footing is rectangular.
1 ∴Using the formula:
Z
2
Q 150 × ( 2 × 1)
σz = =
( B + Z )( L + Z ) ( 2 + 1)(1 + 1)
B+Z σ z = 50 kN/m 2 .

The average vertical stress (σ z ) depends upon the shape of Compaction

loaded area are as follows: •• Compaction is compression of soil mass by mechanical
qB 2 methods.
1. Square Area ( B × B ), σ z = •• Compaction of a soil mass is done to improve its engi-
( B + Z )2
neering properties.
2. Rectangular area (B × L), sz •• Due to compaction shear strength of soil increases, per-
q( B × L ) meability and compressibility decrease.
=

( B + Z )( L + Z )
Compaction Tests
q ⋅ D2
3. Circular area (diameter, D), σ z = •• Compaction tests are done to assess the amount of com-
( D + Z )2
paction and the water content required in the field.
The maximum stress is, generally, taken as 1.5 times •• Compaction test provide a relationship between water
the average stress. content and dry density.

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Standard Proctor Test (IS Light •• The lines for other degree of saturation, such as 90%,
Compaction Test) 80% are not identical with the lines for other percentages
of air voids, such as 10%, 20%.
•• Mould is of 100 mm diameter, 127.3 mm height and 1000
•• For plotting air void line, the following equation is used.
ml capacity.
•• Weight of rammer recommended is 2.6 kg and height of
(1 − na )G γ w
fall is 31 cm. (γ d ) =
•• Soil is compacted in 3 layers with each layer given by 25 1+ w G
hammer blows.
•• Standard proctor test is recommended for the compaction
of fills behind retaining wall and in highways and earth Factors Affecting Compaction
dams where light rollers are used. 1. Water content: As water content increases, the soil
particles get lubricated and particles have closer
Modified Proctor Test (IS Heavy packing. This leads to increase in dry density. As
Compaction Test) water content increases, dry density increases reaches
to the maximum at optimum water content and, then
•• Test is recommended in modern highways and runways
decrease as the soil particles are replaced by water.
where heavier compaction is required.
•• Mould used is same as the standard proctor test. 2. Amount of compaction: With increase in the amount
•• Weight of rammer recommended is 4.90 kg and height of of compaction there is an increase in dry density and
fall is 45 cm. decrease in optimum water content.
3. Type of soil: The maximum dry density and the
NOTES optimum water content for different soils are shown
  1. The compactive effort in the modified proc- in the following figure.
tor test is about 4.55 times that in standard
proctor test. (1) (1) Well graded sand
Dry density (gm/ml)

  2. If the percentage of soil retained on 4.75 mm sieve (2) Low plasticity silt
is more than 20%, large mould of capacity 2250 (2) (3) Low plasticity clay
ml is used. In this case, 56 blows are required for (4) High plasticity clay
(3)
each layer.
(4)

Compaction Curve
•• A compaction curve is a plot between the water content as
abscissa and corresponding dry density as ordinate. Water content (%)
Compaction curves for different soils
(2) (1) Standard proctor test
(2) Modified proctor test
Dry density (gm/ml)

From the given figure, it is inferred that the coarse-

(1) Zero air void line grained soil have less optimum water content and
(S = 100%) high dry density, whereas fine-grained soils have
more optimum water content and less dry density
Line of optimum because of more surface area.
4. Admixtures: The compaction characteristics of the
soils are improved by adding admixtures. Commonly
Water content (%)
used admixtures are lime, cement and bitumen.
•• The line of optimum shown in the figure joins the points
indicating the maximum dry density. It is roughly parallel
to the zero air void line. This line corresponds to air voids Effect of Compaction on
of about 5%. the Properties of Soil
•• The line indicating the theoretical maximum dry density •• Dry of optimum means, when the water content is less
is known as zero air void line or 100% saturation line. than the optimum standard. Wet of optimum means, when
•• Theoretical maximum dry density: the water content is more than the optimum standard.
•• Soil compacted to the dry of optimum has flocculated
Gγw
(γ d ) theomax = structure and has more swelling, more shear strength and
1+ w ⋅ G less shrinkage characteristic.

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•• With increase in water content on dry side of optimum, Relative Compaction

permeability decrease and minimum permeability occurs •• It is defined as the ratio of the dry density in the field
at or slightly above water content. to the maximum dry density obtained in laboratory, is
•• Soil compacted to the wet of optimum has dispersed known as relative compaction.
structure and have low swelling, low shear strength and
high shrinkage characteristics.
Relative compaction
Methods of Compaction Used in Field =
Dry density in the field
× 100
Maximum dry density in the laboratory
1. Tampers: Tampers are used to compact soils
adjacent to existing structure or confined areas, such
as trenches and behind the bridge abutments. Example 3
2. Rollers: In a standard proctor test, 18 kg of moist soil was filling the
(a) Smooth wheel rollers: Smooth wheel rollers are mould (Volume = 944 cc) after compaction. A soil sample
useful for finishing operations after compaction weighing 23 g was taken from the mould and oven dried
of fills and for compacting granular base course of for 24 hours at a temperature of 110°C. Weight of the dry
highways. These are not effective for compaction sample was found to be 20 g. Specific gravity of soil solids
of deep layers of soils. These rollers are, generally, is G = 2.7. The theoretical maximum volume of the dry unit
used to seal the surface of the fill at the end work weight of the soil at that water content is equal to
to provide a smooth surface to quickly drain off (A) 4.67 kN/m3 (B) 11.5 kN/m3
any rain water. (C) 16.26 kN/m 3 (D) 18.85 kN/m3
(b) Pneumatic tyred rollers: The rollers of this
type compacts the soil primarily by kneading Solution
action. These rollers are effective for compacting Theoretical maximum dry density,
cohesive as well as cohesionless soils.
(c) Sheep foot rollers: Sheep foot rollers are ideally G ⋅γ w
(γ d ) theomax =
suited for compaction of cohesive soils. The 1+ w ⋅G
rollers compact the soil by a combination of
tamping and kneading action. W − Wd 23 − 20
Water content, w = × 100 = × 100 = 15%
Wd 20
3. Vibratory compactors: Suitable for compacting
granular soils. 2.7 × 9.81
(γ d ) theomax =
1 + (0.15)( 2.7)
Placement Water Content
(γ d ) theomax = 18.85 kN/m3 .
•• Actual water content used in the field for compaction.
•• To avoid large expansions and swelling pressure under
pavements, floors and core of an earth dam, soil should
be compaction on wet side of optimum.
•• Soil should be compacted to dry of optimum in case of
highway, embankments and in the outer shell of earth dam.

Exercises

1. For an anisotropic soil, permeability in x and y direc- respectively. The base length of a concrete dam resting
tion are Kx and Ky respectively in a two dimensions in this soil is 100 m. When the flow net is developed for
flow. The effective permeability for the soil is given by this soil with 1 : 25 scale factor in the vertical direction,
Kx the reduced base length of the dam will be
(A) Kx + Ky (B)
Ky (A) 2.63 m

( )
1/ 2 (B) 4.00 m
(C) K x2 + K y2 ( K x K y )1/ 2
(D)
(C) 6.08 m
2. The coefficients of permeability of a soil in hori- (D) 5.43 m
zontal and vertical direction are 3.46 and 1.5 m/day

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3. The following figure shows two flow lines for seepage 3m

across an interface between two soil media of different
coefficient of permeability. If entrance angle α1 = 30°, 2m
the exit angle α2 will be
6m
k1 = 1.0 × 10−7 m/s
α2 k2 = 4.0 × 10−7 m/s
α1
α2
α1 4m
2m
(A) 7.50°
3m
(B) 14.03°
(C) 66.59°
(A) 25 (B) 100
(D) 75.96°
(C) 200 (D) 400
4. The flow net constructed for the dam is shown in the 8. For conducting a standard proctor compaction test, the
figure. Taking the coefficient of permeability as 3.8 × weight of hammer (P in kg), the fail of hammer (Q in
10−6 m/s, the quantity of flow (in cm3/s) under the dam mm), the number of blows per layer (R) and the num-
per metre of dam is _____. ber of layers (S) required are respectively
50 m P Q R S
(A) 5.89 550 50 3
S (B) 4.89 450 25 3
6.3 m (C) 3.60 310 35 4
(D) 2.60 310 25 3
1.6 m S 9. Assertion (A): For a given soil, the optimum mois-
9.4 m ture content increases with the increase in compactive
effort.
17.2 m
Reason (R): Higher the compactive effort, higher is the
dry density at the same moisture content.
Impermeable stratum
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explana-

tion of A.
(B) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct expla-
5. A 25 kN point load acts on the surface of an infinite
nation of A.
elastic medium. The vertical pressure intensity in
(C) A is true but R is false.
kN/m2 at a point 6.0 m below and 4.0 m away from the
(D) A is false but R is true.
load will be
(A) 132 (B) 13.2 10. An increase in compaction effort will lead to which of
(C) 1.32 (D) 0.132 the following?
(A) Decrease in both the optimum moisture content
6. There are two footings resting on the ground surface. (OMC) and maximum dry density.
One footing is square of dimension ‘B’. The other is (B) Decrease in the optimum moisture content (OMC)
strip footing of width ‘B’ both of them are subjected to and increase in the maximum dry density.
a loading intensity of q. The pressure intensity at any (C) Increase in the optimum moisture content (OMC)
depth below the base of the footing along the center and decreases in the maximum dry density.
line would be (D) Increase in both the optimum moisture content
(A) equal in both footings. (OMC) and maximum dry density.
(B) large for square footing and small for strip footing.
11. A concentrated load of 50 t acts vertically at a point on
(C) large for strip footing and small for square footing. the soil surface. If Boussinesq’s equation is applied for
(D) more for strip footing at shallow depth (≤ B) and computation of stress, then the ratio of vertical stresses
more for square footing at large depth (> B). at depths of 3 m and 5 m respectively vertically below
7. The vertical stress at some depth below the corner of the point of application of load will be
a 2 m × 3 m rectangular footing due to a certain load (A) 0.36
intensity is 100 kN/m2. What will be the vertical stress (B) 0.60
in kN/m2 below the centre of a 4 m × 6 m rectangular (C) 1.66
footing at the same depth and same load intensity? (D) 2.77

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12. In the case of stratified soil layers, the best equation (A) 4.67 kN/m3
that can be adopted for computing the pressure distri- (B) 11.5 kN/m3
bution is (C) 16.26 kN/m3
(A) Prandtl’s (B) Skempton’s (D) 18.85 kN/m3
(C) Westergaard’s (D) Boussinesq’s 19. The intensity of radial shear stress at a point 8 m below
13. Westergaard’s formula for vertical stress gives greater vertically and 5 m horizontally below a point load of 3
value of stress than that by the Boussinesq’s formula, tonnes is
when r/z exceeds (A) 1.438 t/m2 (B) 1.583 t/m2
(A) 1.5 (B) 2.5 (C) 1.875 t/m2 (D) 2.013 t/m2
(C) 3.5 (D) 4.0 20. The curves indicating the distribution of excess hydro-
14. A point load of 700 kN is applied on the surface of static pressure in the soil are known as
thick layer of saturated clay. Using Boussinesq elastic (A) isobars (B) isochrones
analysis, the estimated vertical stress (σv) at a depth of (C) isotopes (D) isohyts
2 m and a radial distance of 1.0 m from the point of 21. A 50 kN load acts on the surface of an infinite elastic
application of load is medium the vertical pressure intensity in kN/m2 at
(A) 47.5 kPa (B) 47.6 kPa 10 m below and 4 m away from the load will be
(C) 47.7 kPa (D) 47.8 kPa (A) 0.048 kN/m2
15. In a compaction test, as the compaction effort is (B) 0.096 kN/m2
increased, the optimum moisture content (C) 0.049 kN/m2
(A) decreases. (D) 0.035 kN/m2
(B) remains same. 2 2. For a given flow net, if number of flow channels and
(C) increases. number of potential drops are found as 12 and 8; then
(D) increases first there after decreases. what would be the shape factor of the flow net?
16. A clayey soil has a maximum dry density of 16 (A) 4 (B) 1.67
kN/m3 and optimum moisture content of 12%. A con- (C) 1.5 (D) 1.71
tractor during the construction of core of an earth dam 23. The seepage occuring through an earthen dam is rep-
obtained the dry density 15.2 kN/m3 and water content resented by a flownet comprising of 12 equipotential
11%. This construction is acceptable because drops and 24 flow channels. The coefficient of perme-
(A) the density is less than the maximum dry density ability is 4 mm/min and the head loss is 5 m. The rate of
and water content is on dry side of optimum. seepage (expressed in cm3/s per m length of the dam)
(B) the compaction density is very low and water con- through the earthen dam is _____.
tent is less than 12%. (A) 665 (B) 775
(C) the compaction is done on the dry side of the (C) 525 (D) 420
optimum.
24. A 40 kN point load acts on the surface of an infinite
(D) both the dry density and the water content of the
elastic medium. The vertical pressure intensity in kN/
compacted soil are within the desirable limits.
m2 at a point 4.0 m below and 3.0 m away from the load
17. Compaction of an embankment is carried out in will be _____ kN/m2.
500 mm thick layers. The rammer used for compaction (A) 0.10 (B) 0.20
has a foot area of 0.05 sq. m and the energy imparted (C) 0.30 (D) 0.40
in every drop of remmar is 400 Nm. Assuming 50%
25. A granular soil possess saturated density of 21 kN/
more energy in each pass over the compacted area due
m3. Its effective angle of internal friction is 40 degrees.
to overlap, the number of passes required to develop,
If the desired factor of safety is 1.5, the safe angle of
compactive energy equivalent to Indian standard light
slope for this soil, when seepage occurs at and parallel
compaction for eacllayer would be
to the slope surface, will be (take γw: 10 kN/m3)
(A) 10 (B) 16
(C) 20 (D) 26 (A) 25° (B) 20°
(C) 16° (D) 12°
18. In a standard proctor test, 1.8 kg of moist soil was fill-
ing the mould (volume = 944 cc) after compaction. A 26. Water is following in an upward direction through a
soil sample weighing 23 g was taken from the mould stratum of sand, 5 m thick, under a total head difference
and oven dried for 24 hours at a temperature of 110°C. of 2.5 m. The sand has a specific gravity of 2.65 and
Weight of the dry sample was found to be 20 g. Specific void ratio of 0.07. The factor of safety against quick
gravity of soil solids is G = 2.7. The theoretical maxi- sand condition will be
mum volume of the dry unit weight of the soil at that (A) 1.0 (B) 1.5
water content is equal to (C) 2.0 (D) 3.0

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 Chapter 6 ■ Seepage Analysis, Stress Distribution and Compaction | 3.493

27. Westergaard’s formula for vertical stress gives greater 28. A point load of 700 kN is applied on the surface of
value of stress than that by the Bousinnesq’s formula, thick layer of saturated clay. Using Boussinesq’s elastic
when r/z exceeds, analysis, the estimated vertical stress (sv) at a depth of
(A) 1.5 2 m at a radial distance of 2 m from the point of appli-
(B) 2.5 cation of the load is _____.
(C) 3.5 (A) 41.7 kPa (B) 21.7 kPa
(D) 4 (C) 14.7 kPa (D) 12.7 kPa

PreVious Years’ Questions

1. A footing of 2 m × 1 m exerts a uniform pressure of 5. Two geometrically identical isolated footing, X (linear
150 kN/m2 on the soil. Assuming a load dispersion of elastic) and Y (rigid), are loaded identically (shown in
2 vertical to 1 horizontal, the average vertical stress the figure). The soil reaction will [GATE, 2011]
(kN/m2) at 1.0 m below the footing is [GATE, 2008]
Uniform pressure
(A) 50 (B) 75
(C) 80 (D) 100
2. Compaction by vibratory roller is the best method of Footing X : Footing Y : Rigid
Linear elastic
compaction in case of [GATE, 2008]
(A) moist silty sand. Isotropic linear Isotropic linear
(B) well graded dry sand. elastic soil elastic soil
(C) clay of medium compressibility.
(D) silt of high compressibility. (A) be uniformly distributed for Y but not for X.
(B) be uniformly distributed for X but not for Y.
3. The vertical stress at point P1 due to the point load
(C) be uniformly distributed for both X and Y.
Q on the ground surface as shown in the figure is s2.
(D) not be uniform distributed for both X and Y.
According to Boussinesq equation the vertical stress at
a point P2 shown in the figure will be [GATE, 2010]
Direction for questions 6 and 7:
Q The flow net around a sheet pile wall is shown in
Z/2 the figure. The properties of soil are: permeability
coefficient = 0.09 m/day (isotopic) specific gravity = 2.70
and void ratio = 0.85. The sheet pile wall and the bottom
P2 of soil are impermeable. [GATE, 2012]
Z
γ
2
S
10 m
1.5 m S
3m
r P1
σz
(A) (B) sz
2
(C) 2sz (D) 4sz
4. In a compaction test, G, w, S and e represent the spe-
cific gravity, water content, degree of saturation and 6. The seepage loss (in m3 per day per unit length of the
void ratio of the soil sample, respectively. If γw rep- wall) of water is
resents the unit weight of water and γd represents the (A) 0.33 (B) 0.38
dry unit weight of the soil, the equation for zero air (C) 0.43 (D) 0.54
voids line is [GATE, 2010] 7. The factor of safety against the occurrence of piping
failure is
Gγ w Gγ w
(A) γ d = (B) γ d = (A) 3.55 (B) 2.93
1 + Se 1 + Gw (C) 2.60 (D) 0.39
Gw Gw 8. Two series of compaction tests were performed in
(C) γ d = (D) γ d = the laboratory on an inorganic clayey soil employ-
1+ γ wS 1 + Se
ing two different levels of compaction energy per

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 3.494  |  Part III  ■  Unit 7  ■  Geotechnical Engineering

unit volume of soil. With regard to the above tests, 10. The contact pressure for a rigid footing resting on
the following two statements are made clay at the centre and the edges are respectively
 [GATE, 2014]
 [GATE, 2012]
(A) maximum and zero.
I. The optimum moisture content is expected to be (B) zero and maximum.
more for the tests with higher energy. (C) maximum and minimum.
II. The maximum dry density is expected to be more (D) minimum and maximum.
for the tests with higher energy.
11. The seepage occurring through an earthen dam is
The correct option evaluating the above statements is represented by a flownet comprising of 10 equipo-
(A) Only I is true tential drops and 20 flow channels. The coefficient
(B) Only II is true of permeability of the soil is 3 mm/min and the head
(C) Both I and II are true loss is 5 m. The rate of seepage (expressed in cm3/s
(D) Neither I nor II is true per m length of the dam) through the earthen dam is
_________. [GATE, 2016]
9. The ratio Nf  /Nd is known as shape factor, where Nf 12. OMC-SP and MDD-SP denote the optimum mois-
is the number of flow channels and Nd is the num- ture content and maximum dry density obtained
ber of equipotential drops. Flow net is always drawn from standard Proctor compaction test, respectively.
with a constant b/a ratio, where b and a are distances OMC-MP and MDD-MP denote the optimum mois-
between two consecutive flow lines and equipotential ture content and maximum dry density obtained from
lines, respectively. Assuming that b/a ratio remain the the modified Proctor compaction test, respectively.
same, the shape factor of a flow net will change if the Which one of the following is correct?
 [GATE, 2013]  [GATE, 2016]
(A) upstream and downstream heads are interchanged. (A) OMC-SP < OMC-MP and MDD-SP < MDD-MP
(B) soil in the flow space is changed. (B) OMC-SP > OMC-MP and MDD-SP < MDD-MP
(C) dimension of the flow space are changed. (C) OMC-SP < OMC-MP and MDD-SP > MDD-MP
(D) head difference causing the flow is changed. (D) OMC-SP > OMC-MP and MDD-SP > MDD-MP

Answer Keys

Exercises
1. D 2. A 3. C 4. 7.18 5. D 6. C 7. D 8. D 9. D 10. B
1 1. D 12. C 13. A 14. D 15. A 16. D 17. D 18. D 19. C 20. B
21. D 22. C 23. A 24. D 25. C 26. D 27. A 28. C

Previous Years’ Questions

1. A 2. B 3. D 4. B 5. B 6. B 7. C 8. B 9. C 10. D
11. 500 12. B

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