CE 510

Spring 2007

Dr. Adrian Rodriguez-Marek

Due February 16th, 2007

Homework #2
Part A: Strains and Dilation Angle
1.

The Figure below shows and element of soil behind a vertical retaining wall,
which is supported by vertical props. If a slight yielding of the props allows the
element to strain horizontally by an amount h = 0.16%
i. Find the vertical strain v if the angle of dilation for the soil is +15. Assume h
and v are principal strains. Determine the volumetric strain v of the
element and the shear strains across zero extension lines.
ii. Repeat (i) for an angle of dilation of zero. Comment on the results.

2.

Consider a triaxial compression test (e.g. 1 = a, 2=3=r). In the Cambridge

notation:
1
1 2 3 1 a 2 r
3
3
q 1 3 a r
p

Show that the appropriate strain parameter in triaxial tests corresponding to the
variable q in the Cambridge notation is = a 1/3 v; where v = a + 2r
3.

Show that if p' = (1' + 3')/2 and q = (1' 3')/2 are used as stress variables, then
= 1 3 and v = 1 + 3 are adequate strain parameters for plane strain
loading.

CE 510
Spring 2007

Dr. Adrian Rodriguez-Marek

Part B: Stress Paths and failure criteria

For the questions below, consider the paper by Griffiths (1990), "Failure criteria
interpretation based on Mohr-Coulomb Friction," J. Geot. Eng, 116(6).
Observe that in this paper, different sets of stress invariants are used as defined by
equations 5 to 7. As a result, the Lode Angle is defined differently (see Figure 1).
1.

Show that the Lode angle for triaxial extension and triaxial compression is given
by -30 and 30, respectively.

2. Equations 14 and 15 correspond to a triaxial compression test. Derive equations 14

and 15 starting from Equation 12. You may follow the steps outlined below:
a.

b.

Show that for triaxial compression, equation 14 is correct [Hint: recall that
1/3 = (1+sin')/(1-sin')]
Replace Equation 14 into Equation 12.

3. A triaxial compression test is conducted on a sand with a confining stress of 100 kPa.
Failure occurs when the deviatoric stress is 269 kPa (this should give you a friction
angle of 35). A triaxial extension test is conducted on the same sand with the same
initial confining stress (sc = 100 kPa) [Recall, the triaxial extension test is conducted
by increasing 2=3=radial while keeping 1=c constant].
a. Use Mohr-Coulomb criteria to predict at which radial failure will occur
b. Use and external cone fitted to the triaxial compression test to predict at
which radial failure will occur.
4. Repeat problem #3 but considering a case when 1/3 at failure is 4 (e.g. a deviatoric
stress at failure of 300 kPa) [you should get a "strange" result, explain why].
5. Consider the soil tested in problem 3 (e.g. a sand with ' = 35). In a plane strain test
for this test, the stress state corresponds to a Lode angle (as defined in Griffiths 1990)
of zero. If 3 = 100 kPa, compute 1 according to:
a. Mohr-Coulomb.
b. Lade's failure criteria.
c. Matsuoka-Nakai's failure criteria.
For each case, compute the Mohr-Coulomb friction angle that you would have
estimated from the plane strain test (e.g., using only 1 and 3).
6. Consider the soil tested in problem 3. Estimate what would be the friction angle
measured in a direct shear test? (You may have to do some research to answer this).