1.

A road base soil sample was tested under standard proctor test, and the results were as
follows.
Test № 1 2 3 4 5
Weights (Newton) 14.5 15.6 16.3 16.4 16.1
Moisture content (w) 20 24 28 33 37
Given that g=10m/s and the volume of the soil was 0.000944m3
2

(i)Determine the optimum moisture content (O.M.C) of the soil

(ii)Find the maximum dry density of the soil

Answer
Weight=Mg; M=Weight/g; Given that g=10m/s2
Bulk density (ρ)=M/V; Dry density (ρd)=ρ/(1+ w)

Table (4 Marks)
Test № 1 2 3 4 5
Mass (kg) 1.45 1.56 1.63 1.64 1.61
Bulk density ρ (Mg/m3) 1.54 1.65 1.73 1.74 1.71
Dry density ρd(Mg/m3) 1.28 1.33 1.35 1.31 1.25

(4 Marks)
From the graph
(i) Optimum moisture content (O.M.C) of the soil=28% (1 Mark)
(ii) Maximum dry density =1.35 Mg/m3 (1 Mark)

2. A standard proctor compaction test was performed on samples at different moisture

contents, the results were as follows

Step 1, Dry Density determination

Determination No 1 2 3 4
Mass of wet soil + Mould (gm) 6040 6250 6395 6370
Mass of wet soil (gm) 1690 1900 2045 2020
 Bulk density gm/cm3
Dry density gm/cm3
Step 2, Water content determination
Container No 4 45 10 15
Mass of container M1(gm) 44.5 52.4 51.9 53.8
Mass of container + wet soil M2 (gm) 181.4 251.8 270.5 290.9
Mass of container + Dry soil M3 (gm) 175.4 238.5 249.5 260.4
Moisture content (%)

If the volume of the mould used was 944 cm3

(i)Determine the optimum moisture content (O.M.C) of the soil
(ii)Find the maximum dry density of the soil

Answer
Table (4 Marks)
Bulk density g/cm3 1.79 2.01 2.17 2.14
Moisture content 4.58 7.15 10.62 14.76
Dry density g/cm3 1.71 1.88 1.96 1.86

(4 Marks)
The Maximum Dry Density (MDD) is 1.96 g/cm³.(1 Marks)
The Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) is 10.62%.(1 Marks)
 3. An undisturbed soil sample was tested in a falling head permeameter. Results were:
Initial head of water in stand pipe = 1500 mm
Final head of water in stand pipe = 605 mm
Duration of test = 281 s
Sample length = 150 mm
Sample diameter = 100 mm
Stand-pipe diameter = 5 mm
Determine the coefficient of permeability of the soil in.

Answers
al h
k =2 .3 log 10 1
At h2 (2 Marks)

πd 2 πx 5 x 5
a= = =19 . 67 mm 2
4 4 (2 Marks)

πd 2 πx 100 x 100
A= = =7850 mm 2
4 4 (2 Marks)

19 .67 x 150 x0 . 3945 1500

k=2 .3 log10 =1 .21 x10−3 mm/ s=1. 2 x 10−6 m/s
7850 x281 605 (4 Marks)

4. An undisturbed sample of clay, 24 mm thick, consolidated 50% in 20 minutes, when

tested in the laboratory with drainage allowed at top and bottom. The clay layer, from
which the sample was obtained, is 4 m thick in the field. How much time will it take to
consolidate 50%, with double drainage? If the clay stratum has only single drainage,
calculate the time to consolidate 50%. Assume uniform distribution of consolidation
pressure.

Answer
For the same degree of consolidation, Tv is the same
(a) For the same case of double drainage
t2 d 22 d 22
= 2 t 2= 2 t 1
t1 d d1
1 (2 Marks)
d2 = drainage path in the field = 4/2 m = 200 cm; d 1 = drainage path in the laboratory specimen =
2.4/2 m = 1.2 cm; t1 = time for 50% consolidation in the laboratory specimen = 20 min
200 2
t 2= 20=386 days
1 . 22 (4 Marks)

(b)For the case of single drainage

 4002
t 2= 20=1544 days
d2 = 4 m = 400 cm 1. 22 (4 Marks)

5. Undrained shear box tests were carried out on a series of soil samples with the following
results.
No Total Normal stress  (kPa) Total Shear stress τ (kPa)
1 100 98
2 200 139
3 300 180
400 222
Determine the cohesion and angle of internal friction

Answer
The graph of Total Normal stress against total Shear stress is plotted

(7 Marks)
From the graph Cohesion (C)= 55 kPa; (1.5 Marks)
Angle of Internal Friction (φ) = 230 (1.5 Marks)

6. A series of undisturbed samples from normally consolidated clay was subjected to triaxial
tests. The results were:
Cell pressure (kPa) Deviator stress at failure (kPa)
200 118
400 240
600 352
Plot the strength envelope of the soil With respect to total stresses and determine internal angle
of friction and cohesion of this soil.

Answer

With respect to total stresses (φu)

Table (3 Marks)
Cell pressure σ3 (kPa) Principal stress σ1(kPa)
200 200 + 118 = 318
 400 400 + 240 = 640
600 600 + 352= 952

(5 Marks)
Cohesion = 0, (1 Marks)
Internal angle of friction = 130 (1 Marks)

7. Calculate the coefficient of permeability (k) of a soil sample, 6 cm in height and 50 cm 2

in cross-sectional area, if a quantity of water equal to 430 ml passed down in 10 minutes
under an effective constant head of 40 cm. The test specimen has γd = 1.66 g/cm3. Taking
the specific gravity of soil solids as 2.65 and γw = 1g/cm3, Calculate the discharge
velocity and seepage velocity (Vs) of water during the test.

Answer
Given,
Q = 430 ml; t = 10 x 60 = 600 se A = 50 cm2: l= 6 cm; h = 40 cm (1 Marks)
(i)From the equation for constant head permeability test
 Ql 430 x6
k= = =2.15 x 10 −3 cm /sec
Aht 50 x 40 x600 (3 Marks)

Q 430
= = =1 . 435 x10 -2 cm /sec
A 50 x 600 (2 Marks)
Discharge velocity (v)
γwGs 2 .65 e 0 . 595
e= −1= −1=0 . 595 n= = =0. 373
γd 1 .66 1+e 1+0 .595 (2 Marks)

v 1 . 435 x10 -2
Vs= = =3 . 85 x10 -2 cm /sec
n 0. 373 (2
Seepage velocity
Marks)

8. A 9.15 m thick layer of sandy soil overlies an impermeable rock. Ground water level is at
a depth of 1.22 m below the top of the soil. Water was pumped out of the soil from a
central well at the rate of 5680 l/min and the drawdown of the water table was noted in
two observation wells. These two wells were on a radial line from the centre of the main
well at distances of 3.05 and 30.5 m. During pumping the water level in the well nearest
to the pump was 4.57 m below ground level and in the furthest well was 2.13 m below
ground level. Determine an average value for the permeability of the soil in m/s

Answer
q = 5680 l/min = 5.68 m3/min = 0.0947m3/s, (2 Marks)

h1 = 9.15–4.57 = 4.58 m, (2 Marks)

h2 = 9.15–2.13 = 7.02 m (2 Marks)

2.3q 2 . 3 x 0 . 0947
k= log 10 r 2 /r 1= log 10 30 . 5/3 . 05=2 . 45 x 10−3 m/s
π( h22 −h21 ) π ( 7 . 02 −4 .58 )
2 2
(4 Marks)

9. i. List two methods used to determine the coefficient of consolidation

ii. Discuss three components of total settlement of the soils.
iii. Explain how one dimension consolidation is carried in the laboratory
 Answers
i.
- Logarithm of time fitting method.
- Square-root of time fitting method (2 Marks)

ii. -Initial compression

- Primary consolidation
- Secondary consolidation (3 Marks)

iii. One-dimensional consolidation is carried out in the laboratory using an oedometer

apparatus to simulate the behavior of saturated cohesive soil under vertical
loading. A cylindrical soil sample, typically taken undisturbed, is trimmed to fit
snugly inside a rigid metal ring. The specimen is placed between two porous
stones that allow drainage from the top and bottom, ensuring water can only flow
vertically, which replicates one-dimensional drainage conditions. The sample is
then submerged in water to maintain full saturation. A small seating load is first
applied to ensure proper contact, followed by a series of increasing vertical loads,
usually in doubling increments. Each load is maintained for a set period (often 24
hours), during which the vertical deformation (settlement) is measured over time
using a dial gauge or digital sensor. These measurements are used to determine
the rate and amount of consolidation. After the final load, the sample is unloaded
in stages to observe rebound or swelling. Data from the test is analyzed to
calculate key parameters such as the coefficient of consolidation (Cv),
compression index (Cc), and preconsolidation pressure (Pc), which are essential
for predicting soil settlement in engineering projects.
(5 Marks)

10. In a sample of clay the void ratio is 0.72 and the density of the solid phase is 2.71 g/cm3.
If the void is 92% saturated. Find
i. Bulk density
ii. Dry density
iii. Water content
Answer
Given:
 Void ratio e=0.72
 Degree of saturation S=92%
 Specific gravity Gs=2.71
 ρw=1.0g/cm3 (density of water) (1 Marks)
Step-by-Step Calculation:
i. Dry Density( ρd)
 ρd=Gs⋅ρw
1+e (1 Marks)

Ρd = 2.71⋅1/01+0.72
=1.575 g/cm3 (2 Marks)
ii. Water Content(w)

w=e. Sr
Gs (1 Marks)

w=0.92⋅0.72/ 2.71
≈0.2444 or 24.44% (2 Marks)

ρb=ρd⋅(1+w)
iii. Bulk Density 9(Pb)
(1 Marks)

ρb=1.575⋅(1+0.2444)=1.96 g/cm3 (2 Marks)

11. A 3 m thick saturated clay stratum of clay is under a surcharge loading that underwent
90% primary consolidation in 75 days. Find the coefficient of consolidation Cv of this
clay when a) the layer is doubly drained b) drainage is allowed on one end only. Given
Tv =0.848

Cv = Tv⋅H2
Answers
(1 Marks)
t
Given:
Thickness of clay layer: Htotal=3 m
Time t=75 days
Degree of consolidation U=90%
Time factor Tv=0.848T
Convert time to seconds:
t=75×24×60×60=6,480,000 second (1 Marks)

a) Doubly Drained (Drainage on Both Ends)

Drainage path H=Htotal/2=1.5 m (2 Marks)

Cv=0.848 x (1.5)
26,480,000
≈ 2.945×10−7 m2/s (2 Marks)
 b) Singly Drained (Drainage on One Side Only)
Drainage path H=Htotal=3 (2 Marks)

Cv=0.848⋅(3)
26,480,000
≈1.178×10−6 m2/s (2 Marks)

12. A sand sample of 35 cm2 cross sectional area and 20 cm long was tested in a constant
head permeameter. Under a head of 60 cm, the discharge was 120 ml in 6 min. The dry
weight of sand used for the test was 1120 g, and Gs = 2.68. Determine (a) the hydraulic
conductivity in cm/sec, (b) the discharge velocity, and (c)the seepage velocity.

Answers
(a)Given Q = 120 ml, t = 6 min, A =35 cm2, L = 20 cm, and h = 60 cm (1 Marks)
QL 120 x 20
k= = =3 . 174 x 10−3 cm /sec
hAt 60 x 35 x 360 (3 Marks)
-3 -3
(b)The discharge velocity v = ki = 3.174x10 x 60/20 = 9.52 x10 cm/sec (2 Marks)
W s 1120
γ d= = =1 .6 cm3
(c)The seepage velocity V 35 x 20 ;
γ G γ G
w s 2 .68
γ d = w s e= γ −1= 1 .6 −1=0 . 675
From 1+e d (2 Marks)
−3
e 0.675 9.52 x 10
n= = =0. 403 vs= =2.36 x10−2 cm /sec
1+e 1+0.675 0.403 (2 Marks)

13. i. Mention four types of retaining walls

ii. State the assumptions of Rankine’s theory of earth pressure
iii. Calculate the coefficient of active earth pressure, and active earth pressure for soil
having internal angle of friction of 30o using Rankine’s formulas.
Answers i
- Gravity retaining wall
- Semi gravity retaining walls
- Counterfort retaining walls
- Cantilever retaining walls
(4 Marks)
ii.
- The soil is homogeneous, isotropic, and semi-infinite.
- The backfill is dry, cohesionless, and has a horizontal surface.
- The wall yields sufficiently to allow the soil to reach its plastic (failure)
state.
- No friction is considered between the wall and the backfill. (2 Marks)

iii.
 Coefficient of Active Earth Pressure (Ka)
Rankine’s formula:
Ka=1−sinϕ

Ka=1−sin (30∘)
1+sinϕ (2 Marks)

1+sin (30∘)
=1−0.5
1+0.5
=0.333 (2 Marks)

14. i. What is soil compaction

ii. Explain three factors effecting soil compaction
iii. Mention five importances of soil compaction
iv. What would happen if improper compaction of soil isn’t carried out.

Answers i
Is the densification-reduction in void ratio o soil through expulsion of air using
mechanical means (1 Marks)
ii.
- Nature/type of soil
- Compaction effort
- Water/moisture content (3 Marks)
iii.
- Increased soil strength.
- Increase shear strength and therefore the bearing capacity.
- Reduction in settlement (lower compressibility).
- Reduction in the flow of water (water seepage).
- Reduction in soil swelling (expansion) and collapse (soil contraction).
- Increased soil stability.
- Reduction in frost damage. (3 Marks)
iv.
- Structural distress from excessive total and differential settlements.
- Cracking of pavements, floors, and basements.
- Structural damage to buried structures, water and sewer pipes, and utility
conduits.
- Soil erosion
(3 Marks)

15. i. Explain six causes of slope failure

ii. Mention two types of slope with example in each

Answers i.
- Gravitational force
 - Force due to seepage of water
- Erosion of the surface slope due to flow of water
- The sudden lowering of the water adjacent to a slope
- Forces due to earthquake
- Human activities
- Steep slope angle (6 Marks)

ii.
- Natural slope example mountain
- Artificial/man made slope example embankment (4 Marks)

16. Use Terzaghi’s bearing capacity equations to determine the ultimate bearing capacity of a
footing with the following information
- The soil is clay with cohesion 8 Kpa
- Soil friction angle = 35o
- Soil unit weight = 19 KN/m3
- The width of footing = 1200
- And the depth of footing = 450 mm
Answers
qu=cNc+γDfNq+0.5γBNγ (3 Marks)
Where:
q = ultimate bearing capacity (kPa)
c= cohesion of soil (kPa) = 8 kPa
ϕ = angle of internal friction = 35°
γ = unit weight of soil = 19 kN/m³
Df = depth of footing = 450 mm = 0.45 m
B = width of footing = 1200 mm = 1.2 m

Find Bearing Capacity Factors for ϕ=35∘

Using standard Terzaghi bearing capacity factor tables:
 Nc=57.8
 Nq=41.4
 Nγ=42.4 (3 Marks)
Plug into Terzaghi’s Formula
qu= (8) (57.8) + (19) (0.45) (41.4) +0.5(19) (1.2) (42.4)
qu =1299.73 Kpa (4 Marks)

17. A retaining wall 4 meters high is holding back a cohesionless soil with the following
properties.
- Unit weight of soil = 18 KN/m2
- Angle of friction = 30o
- The back of the wall is vertical and the ground surface is horizontal
Calculate coefficient of active earth pressure, total active earth pressure acting on the wall
and find the point of application of this force.
 Answers
Given
- Height of wall, H=4
- Unit weight of soil, γ=18 kN/m3
- Angle of internal friction, ϕ=30∘
- Cohesionless soil c=0
- Back of wall is vertical and ground is level → classic Rankine condition

Calculate Coefficient of Active Earth Pressure (Ka)

Ka=1−sin30o
1+sin30∘
= (1+0.51)/ (0.5=1.50.5)=0.333 (4 Marks)

Calculate Total Active Earth Pressure (Pa)

Total pressure is given by:
Pa=1/2KaγH
Pa=1/2×0.333×18× (4)
=47.95 kN/m (4 Marks)

Step 3: Point of Application of the Force

For triangular pressure distribution, the force acts at H/3 from the base.
Point of application=4/3=1.33 m from the base (2 Marks)

18. i. What are the four parameters should be determined after obtaining consolidation data
ii. In six steps explain how one-dimensional consolidation is carried out in the laboratory
Answers
i.
- Coefficient of Consolidation (Cv)
- Coefficient of compressibility (av)
- Coefficient of Volume Compressibility (mv)
- Chage in void ratio(e) (4 Marks)
ii.

- One-dimensional consolidation is carried out in the laboratory using an oedometer

apparatus to simulate the behavior of saturated cohesive soil under vertical loading. A
cylindrical soil sample, typically taken undisturbed, is trimmed to fit snugly inside a
rigid metal ring. The specimen is placed between two porous stones that allow
drainage from the top and bottom, ensuring water can only flow vertically, which
replicates one-dimensional drainage conditions. The sample is then submerged in
water to maintain full saturation. A small seating load is first applied to ensure proper
contact, followed by a series of increasing vertical loads, usually in doubling
increments. Each load is maintained for a set period (often 24 hours), during which
the vertical deformation (settlement) is measured over time using a dial gauge or
digital sensor. These measurements are used to determine the rate and amount of
 consolidation. After the final load, the sample is unloaded in stages to observe
rebound or swelling. Data from the test is analyzed to calculate key parameters such
as the coefficient of consolidation (Cv), compression index (Cc), and
preconsolidation pressure (Pc), which are essential for predicting soil settlement in
engineering projects. (6 Marks)

19. A field pumping test was conducted from an aquifer of sandy soil of 4 m thickness
confined between two impervious strata. When equilibrium was established, 90 liters of
water was pumped out per hour. The water elevation in an observation well 3.0 m away
from the test well was 2.1 m and another 6.0 m away was 2.7 m from the roof level of the
impervious stratum of the aquifer. Find the value of k of the soil in m/sec.
Answers

(2 Marks)

- q = 90 l/h = 90 x103cm3 /hr = 25 x10-6 m3 /sec (3 Marks)

2. 3 q 2 . 3 x (25 x 10−6 )
k= log r 2 /r 1= log6 /3=1 .148 x 10−6 m /sec
2 πH 0 ( h2 −h1 ) 2 x 3 .14 x 4 ( 2. 7−2. 1 )
- (5 Marks)

20. The following results were obtained from a compaction test using 2.5Kg rammer

Mass of mould + wet soil 2783 3057 3224 3281 3250 3196
(g)
Moisture contents (%) 8.1 9.9 12.0 14.3 16.1 18.2

The weight of the compaction mould without collar and base was 1130 g,
The mould used is showed in the figure bellow
Plot the curve of dry density against moisture content and determine the optimum moisture
contents and maximum dry density
Answer
- Volume of mould = 3.14 x (10.2 cm)2 x 11.7 cm = 956 cm3 (2 Marks)

Table (4 Marks)

Mass of Wet Soil Wet Dry

Moisture
Mould + Mass Density Density
Content (%)
Wet Soil (g) (g) (g/cm³) (g/cm³)

8.1 2783 1653 1.729 1.599

9.9 3057 1927 2.016 1.834

12.0 3224 2094 2.190 1.955

14.3 3281 2151 2.249 1.968

16.1 3250 2120 2.217 1.910

18.2 3196 2066 2.162 1.829

(4 Marks)