PRACTISE QUESTIONS

QUESTION 1

a.) Calculate the vertical stresses on a vertical plane due to a line load, if the radial
distance (r) is constant =1 and the depth changes. The values for the depth are as
follows: 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, 1.50, 2.00, 2.50, and 5.00. Show all workings.
(25 marks)
b.) b.)Considering that there are limitations to the use of elasticity theory in solving
foundation problems, what is the real requirement to be considered? (10
marks)
QUESTION 2

A strip footing 2 m wide carries a load intensity of 400 kPa at a depth of 1.2 m in sand. The
saturated unit weight of sand is 19.5 kN/m3 and unit weight above water table is 16.8
kN/m3. If c = 0 and ϕ = 35o, determine the factor of safety with respect to shear failure for
the following locations of water table.

a. Water table is 4 m below Ground Level

b. Water table is 0.6 m below Ground Level

c. Water table is 2.5 m below Ground Level

d. Water table is at Ground Level.

QUESTION 3

a.)Discuss the importance of sub soil investigation in recommending a foundation type

ii.) According to Terzaghi, what is a shallow foundation?

b.)A client wants a 2-storey building on a firm ground. Which is the most economical
foundation to recommend and give reasons for your choice
(10marks)

QUESTION 4

a.)i. What is the importance of bearing capacity in foundation engineering

[Link] one field method of determining the bearing capacity of a soil.

b.)What will be the net ultimate bearing capacity of sand having ϕ = 36o and γd = 19 kN/m3
for (i) 1.5 m strip foundation and (ii) 1.5 m X 1.5 m square footing. The footings are placed
at a depth of 1.5 m below ground level. Assume F = 2.5. Use Terzaghi’s equations.
(12marks)

QUESTION 5
 5a. It is more economical to use pile foundation for the construction of a 1 storey-building
classroom block, in the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun.

Critically analyse the statement written above and discuss in favour of,or against. (7
marks)

b. A junior colleague came to you for advice on the use of pad footing as a choice of
foundation for the construction of a 6-storey building shopping mall. The building is to be
constructed on a piece of land having 10m of peat.

Considering the conditions given above, what will be your advice? Support your argument
with reasons
(7 marks)

c. What are the fundamental requirements to be met, in design and construction of a

QUESTION 6

a. Using suitable diagrams and equations, discuss the effect of water table on the bearing
capacity of a soil.
(12marks)
b. A strip footing of width 3m is founded at a depth of 2m below the ground surface, in a soil
having a cohesion c = 30kN/m2 and angle of shearing resistance = 35◦. The water table is at
a depth of 5m below the ground level. The moist weight of soil above the water table is
17.25kN/m3. Determine:
i.) The ultimate bearing capacity of the soil
ii.) The net bearing capacity
iii.) If the water table in the question above occupies a position of 1.25m below
the base of the foundation, what will be the net safe bearing pressure
(8marks)

QUESTION 1 (COMPULSORY)

a. A footing exerts a vertical stress of 0.1Q at varying depths on a soil mass. Using a
pressure bulb model, compute and tabulate the isobaric influence at depths of 0.25m,
0.50m, 0.75m, 1.00m, 1.25m, 1.50m, 1.75m, 2.00m, and 2.185m along a vertical plane. Use
appropriate influence factors and show your full calculations.
(25 marks)

b. Outline the key requirements for designing a structurally safe and cost-effective
foundation for a commercial building. Explain how each requirement can be ensured during
planning and execution.
(10 marks)

QUESTION 2
A building column transmits a concentrated load of 1000 kN into a sandy soil layer through a
square footing.

a. Estimate the vertical stress (σz) using the Boussinesq equation:

 Directly under the center of the column at a depth of 5 meters, and

b. Define the concept of the Pressure Bulb (Stress Bulb) beneath a foundation. Discuss its
importance in foundation design.
(10 marks)

QUESTION 3

a. A continuous footing transfers load to the soil surface. Estimate the vertical stress
distribution on a horizontal plane 2 meters below ground level using Boussinesq’s theory.
Consider radial distances from the center of the footing: 0, 0.5m, 1.0m, 1.5m, 2.0m, 2.5m,
3.0m, and 4.0m.
Show your full workings.
(14 marks)

b. With the aid of well-labeled diagrams, describe the various stress distribution profiles
below a footing and their construction relevance (e.g., triangular, uniform).
(6 marks)

QUESTION 4

a. A strip footing and a square footing each 1.5 m in width are placed at 1.5 m depth in
cohesionless sand (φ = 37°, γ = 20 kN/m³). Using Terzaghi’s bearing capacity equations and
F = 2.5, calculate the net ultimate bearing capacity for:

 (i) A strip footing, and

b. Identify and briefly describe one in-situ (field) method for determining the bearing
capacity of a soil on a construction site.
(5 marks)

QUESTION 5

a. Upon returning to your family home after 5 years, you observe that your neighbor's
structure is tilting sideways. Identify possible geotechnical cause of this failure and discuss
why it may have occurred.
(5 marks)
b. You’re contracted to construct a single-storey commercial plaza. A geotechnical report
confirms that the soil’s bearing capacity is sufficient. Recommend the most suitable and
economical foundation type, and justify your recommendation based on soil condition and
load.
(9 marks)

c. A client intends to build a parking area on elevated ground within their property. As the
supervising engineer, what construction method would you recommend to achieve a stable
elevation, and why?
(6 marks)

QUESTION 6

A strip footing of width 2 m carries a uniform load of 500 kN/m at a depth of 1.2 m in sandy
soil. The soil properties are:

 Saturated unit weight = 19.5 kN/m³

Calculate the factor of safety against shear failure using Terzaghi’s theory for the following
water table positions:

a. Water table at 4.0 m below ground level (4 marks)

b. Water table at 1.2 m (i.e., at footing base level) (6 marks)

c. Water table at 2.5 m below ground level (6 marks)

d. Water table at ground level. (4 marks)