Semester 1 FA & DA Period, 2022
GEOT3002-DA Geotechnical Engineering Analysis
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School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering
EXAMINATION
Semester 1 FA & DA Period, 2022
GEOT3002-DA Geotechnical Engineering Analysis
This paper is for Bentley Campus, Miri Sarawak and Sri campus students
This is a CLOSED BOOK assessment or examination
Examination paper IS NOT to be released to student
Examination Duration 2 hours
For Examiner Use Only
Reading/Scanning/Uploading Time 30 minutes
Q Mark
Students may write notes in the margins of the exam paper during reading time
Total Marks 100
Supplied by the University
None
Supplied by the Student
Material
1mm Graph Paper Total ________
Calculator
A non-programmable calculator is permitted in this exam
Instructions to Students
Attempt all questions.
Examination Cover Sheet
Semester 1 FA & DA Period, 2022
GEOT3002-DA Geotechnical Engineering Analysis
Question 1 [30 Marks].
Points A and B in Figure Q1 below are located at 11 m and 7 m below the ground
surface, respectively. The soil has been found to have the following shear strength
parameters ɸ´ = 32°, c´ = 15 kPa, cu = 10 KPa and ko = 0.5.
Figure Q1 (Not to scale)
(a) What would be the most appropriate laboratory test method to use in determining
the shear strength parameters at both locations A and B? (6 marks)
(b) Point B is known to be the location of the minimum factor of safety along this
proposed failure plan. Given this, assess the stability of the slope if (1) the slope
slides slowly over a long time after it is formed (2) the slope slides suddenly a
short time after it is formed. (24 marks)
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Semester 1 FA & DA Period, 2022
GEOT3002-DA Geotechnical Engineering Analysis
Question 2: (10 Marks)
Figure Q2 shows a slope in a homogenous cohesive (clay) soil. The unit weight of
the soil is 17 kN/m3, β = 45° and α = 22.5°. What would be the maximum height of
the slope, H (m)? assuming that the cohesion of clay is 40 kPa. State any
assumption if any extra parameter is required. Hint: ℎ = 𝐻𝐻(cos 𝛽𝛽 − sin 𝛼𝛼)
β
α
Figure Q2 (not to scale)
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Semester 1 FA & DA Period, 2022
GEOT3002-DA Geotechnical Engineering Analysis
Question 3: [25 Marks]
Figure Q3 below (not to scale) shows a cross-section through a 9 m high soil slope.
Use the ordinary method of slices (Fellenius method) and effective stress analysis
to determine the factor of safety of the slip circle shown (ignore the effect of tension
crack also ignore the effect of seepage through the soil during pore water pressure
determination). Tabulate your answers and give detailed calculation for slice
number 3.
Figure Q3 (Not to scale)
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Semester 1 FA & DA Period, 2022
GEOT3002-DA Geotechnical Engineering Analysis
Question 4: [35 Marks]
Draw the distribution of the lateral pressures (active and passive earth pressures, and
hydrostatic pressure) acting on the sheet pile wall shown in Figure Q4, assuming
static condition (no seepage below the sheet pile). Calculate the total thrust on the
wall and determine its point of application from the Point (O) shown in the figure.
Tabulate your answers and give details of all necessary calculations.
Figure Q4 (not to scale)
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Semester 1 FA & DA Period, 2022
GEOT3002-DA Geotechnical Engineering Analysis
Shear strength
σ′ = σ – u
σ′1 = σ′3 + σd
K = 1- sin φ’ = σ’h /σ’v
εa = ΔL/L
εl = ΔD/D
εv = ΔV/V = εa + 2 εl
s = c + σ n tan φ
σ1 + σ 3 σ1 − σ 3
σn = + cos 2α
2 2
σ1 − σ 3
τ = sin 2α
2
σ 1 = σ 3 tan 2 (45 + φ / 2) + 2c tan(45 + φ / 2)
Slope stability
Lateral earth pressure
k
∑ c′l + [W cos α
i i i i − ui li ] tan φ'i
1 − sin φ ′
FS = i =1
k KA =
1 + sin φ ′
∑W sin α
i =1
i i
1 + sin φ ′ 1
cu R 2θ c KP = =
FS = 1 − sin φ ′ K A
Wd + Pw ( z s + 2 / 3 zcr )
2c σ ′A = σ v′ K A − 2c′ K A
Z cr =
1 − sin φ
γ
1 + sin φ σ P′ = σ v′ K P + 2c′ K P
2𝑐𝑐 ′ 𝑞𝑞
𝑍𝑍𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 = −
𝛾𝛾 �𝐾𝐾𝐴𝐴 𝛾𝛾
END OF EXAMINATION
End of Exam Paper
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