Q-e Would the e-log o' plot from an oedometer test on a normally consolidated soil reveal the normal consolidation line (NCL) from the start of the test? Explain with reference to the curve you expect to be produced. How would you determine that the soil is normally consolidated?

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.

Following results are obtained for a liquid limit test using a fall cone device. Estimate the liquid limit of the soil and the flow index.

The subsurface characteristics for a highway pavement rehabilitation project in the southeastern United States are shown in a boring log in Figure 5.13. The highway structure consists of the asphalt pavement underlain by four different soil strata up to a depth of 20 ft, after which the boring was terminated. Some data on the grain size and plasticity characteristics are also provided for each stratum. Perform the following tasks: 1. Determine the AASHTO soil classification and the group index (GI) for each layer. 2. Determine the most probable group symbols and group names for the various layers according to the Unified soil classification system. Use Table 5.3 and the soil characteristics given in the boring log.

Refer to Problem 2.C.1. Results of the sieve analysis for Soils A, B, and C are given below. To obtain a more representative sample for further geotechnical testing, a ternary blend is created by uniformly mixing 8000 kg of each soil. Answer the following questions. a. If a sieve analysis is conducted on the mixture using the same set of sieves as shown above, compute the mass retained (as a percentage) and cumulative percent passing in each sieve. b. What would be the uniformity coefficient (Cu) and the coefficient of gradation (Cc) of the mixture?

Repeat Problem 2.4 with the following data. 2.4 The following are the results of a sieve analysis. a. Determine the percent finer than each sieve and plot a grain-size distribution curve. b. Determine D10, D30, and D60 for each soil. c. Calculate the uniformity coefficient Cu. d. Calculate the coefficient of gradation Cc.

Repeat Problem 2.8 using the following data. 2.8 The following are the results of a sieve and hydrometer analysis. a. Draw the grain-size distribution curve. b. Determine the percentages of gravel, sand, silt and clay according to the MIT system. c. Repeat Part b according to the USDA system. d. Repeat Part b according to the AASHTO system.

Since laboratory or field experiments are generally expensive and time consuming, geotechnical engineers often have to rely on empirical relationships to predict design parameters. Section 6.6 presents such relationships for predicting optimum moisture content and maximum dry unit weight. Let us use some of these equations and compare our results with known experimental data. The following table presents the results from laboratory compaction tests conducted on a wide range of fine-grained soils using various compactive efforts (E). Based on the soil data given in the table, determine the optimum moisture content and maximum dry unit weight using the empirical relationships presented in Section 6.6. a. Use the Osman et al. (2008) method [Eqs. (6.15) through (6.18)]. b. Use the Gurtug and Sridharan (2004) method [Eqs. (6.13) and (6.14)]. c. Use the Matteo et al. (2009) method [Eqs. (6.19) and (6.20)]. d. Plot the calculated wopt against the experimental wopt, and the calculated d(max) with the experimental d(max). Draw a 45 line of equality on each plot. e. Comment on the predictive capabilities of various methods. What can you say about the inherent nature of empirical models?