Geo-technical Engineering -1
1. The following results were obtained from a standard compaction test on a sample of
soil.
Water content (%) 12 14 16 18 20 22
Mass of wet soil (kg) 1.68 1.85 1.91 1.87 1.87 1.85
The volume of the mould was 950 ml. Plot the compaction curve and obtain the
Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC). Also calculate
the void ratio, degree of saturation and the theoretical MDD. Assume G = 2.70.
Plot the 100% saturation line (Zero-air void ratio line). Also plot 90 % and 80%
saturation line.
2. An earthen embankment of 106 m3 volume is to be constructed with a soil having a
void ratio of 0.80 after compaction. There are three borrow pits marked A, B and C,
having soils with void ratios of 0.90, 1.50 and 1.80 respectively. The cost of excavation
and transporting the soil is Rs 0.25, Rs 0.23 and Rs 0.18 per m 3 respectively. Calculate
the volume of the soil to be excavated from each pit. Which borrow pit is the most
economical? Assume G = 2.65
If the natural water content of the soils in the borrow pits A, B and C is 10 %, 12 %, and
15 % respectively, calculate the additional amount of water required to bring the water
content of the embankment to 20%.
3. A borrow material has a water content of 8 %. Assuming that the 6kg of wet soil is
required for a laboratory compaction test, estimate the amount of water required to be
added to 6kg of samples to bring their water content upto 10, 12, 15, 18 and 25 percent.