A sample of sand has a relative density of 40% with a solid specific gravity of 2.65. The minimum void ratio is 0.45 and the max. void ratio is 0.97. a) Determine the void ratio of the sand at a relative density of 40%. b) What is the density of this sand in a saturated condition? c) If the sand is compacted to a relative density of 65%, what will be the decrease in thickness of a 4 ft. thick layer.

In AASHTO, which group are the following soil likely to fail into? a. A well-graded gravel with approximately 10% fines b. A well-graded sand with approximately 10% fines c. A uniform fine sand d. A high plastic clay

Refer to the soil in Problem 4.5. Using the Casagrande plasticity chart, graphically estimate the shrinkage limit of the soil as shown in Figure 4.22. 4.5 The following data were obtained by conducting liquid limit and plastic limit tests on a soil collected from the site. Liquid limit tests: Plastic limit test: PL = 19.3% a. Draw the flow curve and determine the liquid limit. b. Using the Casagrande plasticity chart (Figure 4.21), determine the soil type.

The properties of seven different clayey soils are shown below (Skempton and Northey, 1952). Investigate the relationship between the strength and plasticity characteristics by performing the following tasks: a. Estimate the plasticity index for each soil using Skemptons definition of activity [Eq. (4.28)]. b. Estimate the probable mineral composition of the clay soils based on PI and A (use Table 4.3) c. Sensitivity (St) refers to the loss of strength when the soil is remolded or disturbed. It is defined as the ratio of the undisturbed strength (f-undisturbed) to the remolded strength (f-remolded)) at the same moisture content [Eq. (12.49)]. From the given data, estimate f-remolded for the clay soils. d. Plot the variations of undisturbed and remolded shear strengths with the activity, A, and explain the observed behavior.