Geotechnical Engineering SPPU Endsem Question Paper Nov 2023

Questions

1. Q1

   1. a)

      Explain Standard Proctor Compaction Test with neat sketch.

      Also asked:Nov 2025

      [6]
   2. b)

      A concentrated load of 30 kN acts on the surface of homogenous soil mass of large extent. Find the stress intensity at a depth of 8m and horizontal distance of 2.5 m by using Boussinesq’s theory. Compare the value with Westergaard’s theory.

      [6]
   3. c)

      Enlist and explain factors affecting compaction.

      [5]
   OR

2. Q2

   1. a)

      Differentiate between Standard proctor Test and Modified Proctor Test. Draw typical compaction curve for both the tests.

      [6]
   2. b)

      State and explain the terms involved in Boussinesq’s point load and circular load equation for vertical stress determination.

      [6]
   3. c)

      Write a note on Proctor needle test with neat sketch.

      [5]

3. Q3

   1. a)

      Explain with the help of Mohr circle how shear strength parameters are determined in direct shear test.

      [6]
   2. b)

      Explain the types of triaxial test according to drainage conditions.

      [6]
   3. c)

      A vane 75 mm in diameter and 150 mm in height was pressed into clay in a bore hole. The torque was applied and gradually increased to 50 N.m when failure took place. Determine underained shear strength. 2

      [5]
   OR

4. Q4

   1. a)

      A soil has an angle of shearing resistance 18° and cohesion of 30 kN/m 2 . If the specimen of this soil is subjected to triaxial compression test, determine the value of cell pressure for failure to occur at a total stress of 300 kN/m 2 . Also calculate deviator stress.

      Also asked:Nov 2024

      [7]
   2. b)

      State and explain factors affecting shear strength of cohesive soil.

      Also asked:Nov 2025

      [6]
   3. c)

      Define total and effective stresses.

      [4]

5. Q5

   1. a)

      In a cohesionless soil deposit having unit weight of 15 kN/m 3 and angle of internal friction 30°. Determine resultant active and passive earth pressure and their positions, if the height of retaining wall is 10 m.

      [6]
   2. b)

      Explain step by step procedure for determination of lateral earth pressure graphically by Rebhann’s method with neat sketch.

      [6]
   3. c)

      Discuss how to calculate earth pressure of soil for Backfill with uniform surcharge.

      [6]
   OR

6. Q6

   1. a)

      Define the various types of earth pressures w.r.t. wall movement with sketches.

      Also asked:Nov 2024 ·May 2023

      [6]
   2. b)

      Explain step by step procedure for determination of lateral earth pressure graphically by Culmann’s method with neat sketch.

      [6]
   3. c)

      A smooth backed vertical wall is 6.3 m high and retains a soil with a bulk unit weight of 18 kNm 3 and angle of internal friction 18°. If the soil surface carries a uniformly distributed load of 5 kN/m 2 . Determine total active earth pressure and its point of application.

      [6]

7. Q7

   1. a)

      Explain classification of slopes based on different criteria.

      [6]
   2. b)

      What is Taylor’s Stability Number? How it can be used to chek the stability of slopes?

      [6]
   3. c)

      Classify the different modes of failure of finite and infinite slope.

      [6]
   OR

8. Q8

   1. a)

      Write a note on causes and remedial measures of landslide.

      Also asked:May 2025 ·Nov 2024 ·May 2023

      [6]
   2. b)

      Explain ‘Swedish Slip Circle’ method for stability analysis of finite slope.

      [6]
   3. c)

      Derive the expression for factor of safety for dry infinite slope in sandy soils. 

      Also asked:May 2025

      [6]