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ANNA UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI-25

SYLLABUS COPY
REGULATION 2013
CE6405 SOIL MECHANICS LTPC3003
UNIT I SOIL CLASSIFICATION AND COMPACTION 9

Nature of soil – phase relationships – Soil description and classification for
engineering purposes, their significance – Index properties of soils - BIS
Classification system – Soil compaction – Theory, comparison of laboratory and field
compaction methods – Factors influencing compaction behaviour of soils.
UNIT II SOIL WATER AND WATER FLOW 9
Soil water – static pressure in water - Effective stress concepts in soils – capillary
stress – Permeability measurement in the laboratory and field pumping in pumping
out tests – factors influencing permeability of soils – Seepage – introduction to flow
nets – Simple problems. (Sheet pile and weir).
UNIT III STRESS DISTRIBUTION AND SETTLEMENT 9
Stress distribution - soil media – Boussinesq theory - Use of Newmarks influence
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chart – Components of settlement –– immediate and consolidation settlement –
Terzaghi‟s one dimensional consolidation theory – computation of rate of settlement.
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- √t and log t methods– e-log p relationship - Factors influencing compression
behaviour of soils.
UNIT IV SHEAR STRENGTH 9
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Shear strength of cohesive and cohesionless soils – Mohr – Coulomb failure theory –
Measurement of shear strength, direct shear – Triaxial compression, UCC and Vane
shear tests – Pore pressure parameters – cyclic mobility – Liquefaction.
UNIT V
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SLOPE STABILITY
Slope failure mechanisms – Types - infinite slopes – finite slopes – Total stress
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stability number - slope protection measures. gin

analysis for saturated clay – Fellenius method - Friction circle method – Use of
TOTAL: 45 PERIODS
TEXT BOOKS:
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1. Murthy, V.N.S., “Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering”, CBS Publishers
Distribution Ltd., New Delhi, 2007.
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2. Gopal Ranjan and Rao A.S.R. “Basic and Applied soil mechanics”, Wiley Eastern
Ltd, New Delhi (India), 2000.
3. Arora K.R. “Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering”, Standard Publishers .ne
and Distributors, New Delhi, 2002.
REFERENCES:
1. McCarthy D.F. “Essentials of Soil Mechanics and Foundations”. Prentice-Hall,
2002.
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2. Coduto, D.P. "Geotechnical Engineering – Principles and Practices", Prentice Hall
of India Pvt.Ltd, New Delhi, 2002.
3. Das, B.M. "Principles of Geotechnical Engineering”. Thompson Brooks / Coles
Learning Singapore, 5th Edition, 2002.
4. Punmia, B.C. "Soil Mechanics and Foundations”, Laxmi Publications Pvt. Ltd.,
New Delhi, 2005.
5. Palanikumar. M, “Soil Mechanics”, Prentice Hall of India Pvt. Ltd, Leaning Private
Limited, Delhi, 2013.
6. Craig. R.F., "Soil Mechanics". E & FN Spon, London and New York, 2007
7. Purushothama Raj. P., “Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering”, 2nd Edition,
Pearson Education, 2013.
-2-

TABLE OF CONTENT
S.NO CONTENTS PAGE NO
a Aim and Objective of the subject 4
b Detailed Lesson Plan 5
Unit I - Soil Classification and

c 6
Compaction -Part-A
d Part-B 8
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Unit II - Soil Water And Water Flow -
Part-A
17
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Unit III - Stress Distribution And
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Settlement -Part-A
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h Part-B
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i Unit IV Shear Strength -Part-A 60
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j Part-B 62 t
k Unit V - Slope Stability -Part-A 86
l Part-B 88
m University Question Papers 100
-3-

GROUP OF INSTITUTIONS
Department of Civil Engineering
Detailed Lesson Plan
Name of the Subject& Code CE6405 SOIL MECHANICS
AIM OF THE SUBJECT:
 To apply principles of soil mechanics to engineering problems pertaining to retaining

structures, foundations and embankments.
 Retaining Structures include Retaining wall, dikes, dams etc.
 Foundation: Types and design principles
 Embankments: Filling and cutting etc.
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OBJECTIVES OF THE SUBJECT:
The following are the objectives of various topics:

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Permeability through stratified layer of soils.

Design of filters.
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 gin
Stress distribution diagram on horizontal and vertical planes.
Stress at a point outside the loaded area use Newmark's influence charts.
 Vertical stresses due to a line and strip loads.

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 Theories of settlement of building.
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 Methods of analysis: Taylor's stability number method, Swedish circle method.
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 Types of failure and remedial measurements.
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Hours Cumulative
Sl. Books
Unit Topic / Portions to be Covered Required / Hrs
No Referred
Planned
1. 1 Nature of soil 1 1 TB1,RB4
2. 1 Phase relationships 1 2 TB1,RB4
1 Soil description and classification 1 3 TB1,RB4
3. for engineering purposes, their
significance
4. 1 Index properties of soils 1 4 TB1,RB4
5. 1 BIS Classification system 1 5 TB1,RB4
6. 1 Soil compaction 1 6 TB1,RB4
1 Theory, comparison of laboratory 1 7 TB1,RB4
7.
and field compaction methods
8. 1 Factors influencing compaction 1 8 TB1,RB4
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9. 1 Behaviour of soils 1 9 TB1,RB4

10. 2 Soil water 1 10 TB1,RB4
11. 2 Static pressure in water 1 11 TB1,RB4
2 Effective stress concepts in soils & 1 12 TB1,RB4
12.
capillary stress
2 Permeability measurement in the 1 13 TB1,RB4
13.
laboratory
14. 2 Field pumping in pumping out tests 1 14 TB1,RB4
2 Factors influencing permeability of 1 15 TB1,RB4
15.
soils
16. 2 Seepage 1 16 TB1,RB4
17. 2 Introduction to flow nets 1 17 TB1,RB4
2 Simple problems. (Sheet pile and 1 18 TB1,RB4
18.
weir).
19. 3 Stress distribution 1 19 TB1,RB4
20. 3 Soil media & Boussinesq theory 1 20 TB1,RB4
21.
22.
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3
3
3
Use of Newmarks influence chart
Components of settlement
Immediate and consolidation
1
1
1
21
22
23
TB1,RB4
TB1,RB4
TB1,RB4
23.
24.
3 w.E
settlement
Terzaghi‟s one dimensional 1 24 TB1,RB4
25. 3
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consolidation theory
Computation of rate of settlement
√t and log t methods & e-log p
1
1
25
26
TB1,RB4
TB1,RB4
26.
3
relationship
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Factors influencing compression 1 27 TB1,RB4
27.
4
behaviour of soils.
Shear strength of cohesive and gin 1 28 TB1,RB4
28.
29. 4
cohesion less soils
Mohr & Coulomb failure theory 1eer 29 TB1,RB4
30.
31.
4
4
Measurement of shear strength
Direct shear Test
1
1 ing 30
31
TB1,RB4
TB1,RB4
32.
33.
4
4
Triaxial compression test
UCC and Vane shear tests
1
1
32
33 .ne TB1,RB4
TB1,RB4
34.
35.
36.
37.
4
4
4
5
Pore pressure parameters
cyclic mobility
Liquefaction.
Slope failure mechanisms
1
1
1
1
34
35
36
37
TB1,RB4
TB1,RB4
TB1,RB4
TB1,RB4
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38. 5 Types of infinite slopes 1 38 TB1,RB4
39. 5 Types of finite slopes 1 39 TB1,RB4
5 Total stress analysis for saturated 1 40 TB1,RB4
40.
clay
5 Total stress analysis for 1 41 TB1,RB4
41.
unsaturated clay
42. 5 Fellenius method 1 42 TB1,RB4
43. 5 Friction circle method 1 43 TB1,RB4
44. 5 Use of stability number 1 44 TB1,RB4
45. 5 Problems of stability number 1 45 TB1,RB4
-5-

CE 6405 - SOIL MECHANICS

UNIT 1 – SOIL CLASSIFICATION AND COMPACTION
Nature of soil – phase relationships – Soil description and classification for
engineering purposes, their significance – Index properties of soils - BIS
Classification system – Soil compaction – Theory, comparison of laboratory and field
compaction methods – Factors influencing compaction behavior of soils.
1. Define: Water Content. (w) (APR/MAY 2011)

Water content is defined as the ratio of weight of water to the weight of solids in
a given mass of soil.
2. Distinguish between Residual and Transported Soil. (APR/MAY 2012)

 Transported soil is formed due to gravity, flowing water, ice and wind.

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3. What is Void Ratio? (e) (NOV/DEC 2010) (NOV/DEC 2013)
Void ratio of a given soil sample is the ratio of the volume of soil solids in the
given soil mass.
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4. What is Porosity? (n) (APR/MAY 2011) (NOV/DEC 2010) (NOV/DEC 2013)
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The porosity of a given soil sample is the ratio of the volume of voids to the total
volume of the given soil mass.
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5. Determine the maximum possible void ratio for a uniformly graded sand of
perfectly spherical grains.


Uniform Sand (loose) has a void ratio of 0.85
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(NOV/DEC 2010)
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Uniform Sand has a void ratio of 0.51
6. Define: Zero Air Voids line. (NOV/DEC 2011)

At Zero Air void the soil is in saturation.
Thus e=wG .ne
The relation between moisture content and dry unit weight for a saturated soil is the
zero air voids line. t
7. Define effective size of a particle in sieve analysis. (NOV/DEC 2010)
The size corresponding to 10 percent on the grain size, D 10 is called as
effective size of a particle.
8. What is Plasticity Index? (MAY/JUNE 2012) (NOV/DEC 2014)

The plasticity index (PI) is a measure of the plasticity of a soil. The plasticity index is
the size of the range of water contents where the soil exhibits plastic properties. The
PI is the difference between the liquid limit and the plastic limit (PI = LL‐PL). Soils
with a high PI tend to be clay, those with a lower PI tend to be silt, and those with a
PI of 0 tend to have little or no silt or clay
9. What are all the Atterberg limits for soil and why it is necessary?
(NOV/DEC 2012)
The three major types are
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 Liquid Limit
 Plastic Limit
 Shrinkage Limit
It is used to identify the Soil Position
10. Define Shrinkage Ratio. (NOV/DEC 2014)

The Shrinkage Ratio is defined as the ratio of reduction in volume of soil mass
expressed as percentage of its dry volume to the corresponding reduction in water
content.
11. Define: Bulk Density and Dry Density.

Bulk Density:
Bulk density is the total mass M of the soil per unit of its total volume.
Dry Density:
The dry density is mass of soils per unit of total volume of the soil mass.
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12. Define: Bulk Unit Weight and Dry Unit Weight.
Bulk Unit Weight:
The bulk weight is the total weight of a soil mass per unit of its total volume.
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Dry Unit Weight:
The dry unit weight ifs ht weight of solids per unit of its total volume of the soil mass.
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13. Degree of saturation: Define (Sr).
The degree of saturation is defined as the ratio of the volume of water present in
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volume of water present in a given soil mass to the total volume of voids on it.
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14. Define: Density Index ( ID) or Relative Compactive.
The density index is defined as the ratio of the differences between the voids ratio of
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the soil in the loosest state and its natural voids ratio & to the differences between
voids ratio in the loosest and densest states.
15. What is compaction? Aim of the compaction (AUC May/Jun-2011)

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Compaction is a process by which the soil particles are artificially rearranged and
packed together into a closer strata of contact by mechanical means in order to
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decrease the porosity ( or voids ratio) of the soil and thus increase its dry density.
AIM:


To increase the shear strength soil
To improve stability and bearing capacity
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 To reduce the compressibility
 To reduce the permeability of the soil.
16. Define: percentage of air voids (na) and Air content (AUC May/Jun-2012)
 Percentage of air voids is defined as the ratio of the volume of air voids to the total
volume of soil mass.
 The air content is defined as the ratio of volume of air void to the volume of voids.
17 . Liquid limit and plastic limit : define (AUC May/Jun-2010)
 Is the water content at which the soil, changes from liquid to plastic state liquid.
 The maximum water content at which, soil changes from plastic to semi-solid state.
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PART - B
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3(i)
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3(ii)
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4 t
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When the soil has water content W=8%

g=1.64xgw=1.64x9.81=16.09kN/m3
gd=g/(1+w) =16.09/(1+0.08)=14.9 kN/m3
e=Ggw/gd = (2.7x9.81)/ 14.9 = 0.78
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5(ii)
4 marks
PART- C (15 MARKS)

(1)
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(2)
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3. What are the factors affecting soil compaction?
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UNIT 2 - SOIL WATER AND WATER FLOW

Soil water – static pressure in water - Effective stress concepts in soils – capillary
stress – Permeability measurement in the laboratory and field pumping in pumping
out tests – factors influencing permeability of soils – Seepage – introduction to flow
nets – Simple problems. Sheet pile and weir.
1. Define soil water. NOV/DEC

2012
Water present in the voids of a soil mass is called soil water.
2. State the types of soil water. NOV/DEC 2010 NOV/DEC 2012 MAY/JUNE
2013
 Free water or Gravitational water
 Held water
o Structural water
o Absorbed water
o
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3. Write down the uses of Flow net.

NOV/DEC 2010


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b. To determine Seepage Pressure
To determine Exit Gradient

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To determine Hydrostatic Pressure
4. Write down the methods of drawing Flow net. MAY/JUNE
2012
 a . Analytical Method
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


b. Energy flow analogy
Capillary flow analogy gin

Sand Model
Graphical Method
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5. Define capillary action or) capillarity.
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It is the phenomenon of movement of water in the interstices of a soil due to capillary
forces. The capillary forces depend upon various factors depend upon various
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factors such as surface tension of water, pressure in water in relation to atmospheric
pressure and the size and conformation of soil pores.
6. Define Darcy’s law. APR/MAY 2010 APR/MAY 2015
Darcy’s law states that for laminar flow conditions in a saturated soil, the rate of flow
or the discharge per unit time is proportional to the hydraulic gradient.
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q = KiA
7. What is the importance of effective stress? NOV/DEC 2013 MAY/JUNE
2013 NOV/DEC 2014
It is the pressure transmitted from particle through their point of contact
through the soil mass and it is also termed as inter granular pressure. It is effective in
decreasing the void ratio of the soil mass and in mobilizing its shear strength.
8. Define capillary siphoning. APR/MAY 2015

When the water level in the reservoir is corresponding to the flood level H.F.L, the
portion to the u/s of the dam will be saturated. The water level in the u/s pervious
shell will be practically the same as the H.F>L. Due to capillarity, water will rise
through a height hc. If the top of the core is situated at a height y< hc above the
17

H.F.L, , the capillary forces ill pull the water in descending part of the earth dam, and
will slowly empty it. This process is known as capillary siphoning.
9. Define surface tension. APR/MAY 2011

Surface tension of water is the property which exists in the surface film of water
tending to contract the contained volume into a form having a minimum superficial
area possible.
10. What is Quick Sand? NOV/DEC 2013
In cohesion less soil loses all its strength and the particles have a tendency to move
up in the direction of flow. This phenomenon of lifting of soil particle is called quick
condition, boiling condition or quick sand.
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11. Define free water and held water.
Free water:
Water that is free to move through a soil mass under the influence of gravity is
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known as free water.
Held water:
Held water is the part of water held in soil pores by some forces existing within the
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pores: such water therefore is not free to move under gravitational forces.
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12. Define structural, Adsorbed and capillary water.
Structural water:
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Structural water is the water chemically combined in the crystal structure of the soil
mineral and can be removed only by breaking the structure.
Adsorbed water:
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Adsorbed water, also termed as the hygroscopic water or the contact moisture or
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surface bound moisture. It is the part which the soil particles freely adsorb from
atmosphere by the physical forces of attraction and is hold by the force of adhesion.
Capillary water:
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Water held in the interstices of soil due to capillary forces is called capillary water.
13. Define contact moisture.

Water can also be held by surface tension round the point of contact of two particles
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spheres) capillary water in this form is known as contact moisture or contact
capillary water.
14. Define Permeability.

Permeability is defined as the property of a porous material which permits the
passage of water or other fluids through its interconnecting voids. A material having
continuous voids is called permeable. Grovels are highly permeable while stiff clay is
a least permeable, and hence clay may be formed impermeable.
15. Define seepage velocity or) Actual velocity.

The actual velocity or seepage velocity is defined as the rate of discharge of
percolating water per unit cross-sectional area of voids perpendicular to the direction
of flow.
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PART - B (13 marks)
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PART – C (15 MARKS)
1 (i gin 4 marks
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11 (ii
11 marks
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UNIT -3
STRESS DISTRIBUTION AND SETTLEMENT
Stress distribution - soil media – Boussinesq theory - Use of Newmarks influence
chart – Components of settlement –– immediate and consolidation settlement –
Terzaghi‟s onedimensional consolidation theory – computation of rate of settlement.
- √t and log t methods– e-log p relationship - Factors influencing compression
behaviour of soils.
PART – A 2 marks
1. What are the assumptions of Boussinesq Equtions? NOV/DEC 2012
 The soil mass is an elastic medium for which the modulus of Elasticity, E is
constant.
 The soil mass in homogeneous, that is all its constituent parts or elements are
similar and it has identical properties at every point in it in identical directions.
 The soil mass is isotropic, that is it has identical elastic properties in all
ww
directions through any point of it.
The soil mass is semi‐infinite, that is it extends infinitely in all directions below
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a level surface.
2. Define isobar. APR/MAY 2011
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An isobar is a curved or contour connecting all points below the ground surface of
equal vertical pressure.
3. Define pressure bulb.

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The zone in a loaded soil mass bounded by an isobar of given vertical pressure
intensity is called a pressure bulb.
4. Define Influence Chart. eer NOV/DEC 2011
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It may not be possible to employ Fadum’s method for irregularly shaped foundations
and a numerical solution is then only possible by the use of Bossinesques equation,
K. and the principle of superposition.
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5. Define consolidation. NOV/DEC 2010 APR/MAY 2015
According to Terzaghi : “Every process involving a decrease in the water content of a
saturated soil without replacement of the water by air is called a process of
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consolidation.
6. Define secondary consolidation. NOV/DEC 2012 MAY/JUNE 2013

NOV/DEC 2014
Even after the reduction of all excess hydrostatic pressure to zero, some
compression of soil takes place at a very slow rate. This is known as secondary
consolidation. During secondary compression, some of the highly viscous water
between the points of contact is forced out from between the particles.
7. Define coefficient of compressibility, av. NOV/DEC 2013
The coefficient of compressibility is defined as the decrease in voids ratio per unit
increase of pressure.
41

8. When a soil mass is said to be Homogeneous? APR/MAY 2011

Soil mass is said to be Homogeneous when upto a depth the nature of soil is same
without any change.
9. List the components of settlement in Soil. NOV/DEC 2010
The total vertical settlement of a foundation is the sum of the three components,
namely immediate or distortion settlement, consolidation settlement and secondary
compression settlement.
10. What are Isochrones? NOV/DEC 2011
The distribution of hydrostatic excess pressure with depth is sinusoidal at other
instants of time as shown by dotted lines. These curves are called as Isochrones
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11. Briefly explain about immediate settlement.
The immediate settlement or distortion settlement occurs almost immediately after
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the load is imposed, as a result of distortion of the soil without any volume change.
The immediate settlement is usually determined by using the elastic theory even
though the deformation itself is not truly elastic.
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12. Define primary consolidation.
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The reduction in volume of soil which is due principally to a squeezing out of water
from the voids is termed primary consolidation.
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13. Write any 5 assumptions of Terzaghi’s theory of one dimensional
consolidation.


Compression and flow are one dimensional
Darcy’s law is valid eer


The soil is homogeneous
The soil is completely saturated ing
 The soil grains and water are both incompressible.
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14. Define Contact Pressure.
Contact pressure defined as the vertical pressure acting at the the surface of contact
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between the base of footing and the underlying soil mass.
15. What is Compressibility?
When the compressive load is applied to soil mass, a decrease in its volume takes
places. The decrease in the volume of soil mass under stress is known as
compression and the property of soil mass compressibility.
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PART – B (13 marks)
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7. With neat sketches explain the procedure of determination of
effective stress by Newmark chart method.
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PART – C (15 MARKS

1. Discuss Terzhaghis theory of consolation, stating the various
assumptions and their stability.
NOV/DEC2013)NOV/DEC 2012)MAY/JUNE2012)
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UNIT – 4 SHEAR STRENGTH

Shear strength of cohesive and cohesionless soils – Mohr – Coulomb failure theory –
Measurement of shear strength, direct shear – Triaxial compression, UCC and Vane
shear tests – Pore pressure parameters – cyclic mobility – Liquefaction.
PART - A 2 marks
1. What is shear strength? APR/MAY 2011
It is the principle engineering property which controls the stability of a soil mass
under loads. The shear strength of soil is the resistance to deformations by
continuous shear displacement of soil particles.
2. How will you find the Shear strength of Cohesive Soil? NOV/DEC 2010
Shear strength of Cohesive Soil is determined by Unconfined Compression Test.
3. What are shear strength parameters? APR/MAY 2015

c and φ
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where c is known as apparent cohesion, φ is called angle of internal friction.
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4. What is Mohr coulomb theory?
2012
NOV/DEC
The Mohr coulomb theory of securing strength of a soil, first propounded by coulomb
asy
1976 and later generalized by Mohr, is the most commonly used concept. The
functional relationship between the normal stress on any plane and the shearing
strength available on that plane was assumed to be linear by coulomb. Thus the
En
following is usually known as coulomb’s law.
S= C + σ tand
C = apparent cohesion
φ = internal friction gin
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5. What are the merits and demerits of direct shear test? NOV/DEC 2012
MAY/JUNE 2013 NOV/DEC 2014
Merits ing

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This is the only test where both the shearing stress and the normal stress on
the plane of failure are measured directly.



Volume changes during the test can be measured easily.
Demerits
The shear stress distribution over the plane of failure is non‐uniform
The drainage cannot be controlled, and so the pore pressure behavior cannot
t
be obtained
6. What do you mean by stress‐path? MAY/JUNE 2012

A stress‐path is a curve or a straight line which is the locus of a series of stress
points depicting the changes in stress in a test specimen or in a soil element in‐situ,
during loading or unloading.
7. What are advantages of tri axial tests? NOV/DEC 2010

 The shear test under all the three drainage conditions can be performed with
complete control.
 The precise measurements of the pore pressure and volume change during
the test are possible.
60

 The stress distribution on the failure plane is uniform

 The state of stress with in the specimen during any stage of stress, as well as
at failure is
completely determines.
8. How will you find the Shear Strength of Cohesion less Soil? NOV/DEC
2011
The shear strength of soil is determined in laboratory by the following methods
 Direct Shear
 Un confined compression test
 Tri axial Test
 Vane Shear Test
9. List out the types of shear tests based on drainage. NOV/DEC 2011
 UU unconsolidated undrained test
 CU consolidated undrained test

ww CD consolidated drained test
10. What is the effect of pore pressure on Shear Strength of Soil?MA Y/JUNE
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2012
Shear Strength is reduced due to pore water. In Shear Strength equation, Effective
stress is used.
σ'= σ-u
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Effective stress = Total Stress – Pore Water Pressure

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11. What are the factors that influence shear strength?
Resistance due to interlocking of particle

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Frictional resistance between the individual soil grains which may be sliding
friction, rolling friction.
 Adhesion between soil particle or cohesion.
12. What is principle plane and principle stress?
eer
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A principle plane is defined as a plane on which the stress is wholly normal on one.
Which does not carry shearing stress. From mechanics it is known that there exist
three principle planes at any point in a stressed material. The normal stress acting
on the principal plane are known as principal stresses.
13. What is strength envelope? .ne
It the normal and shear stress corresponding to failure are plotted, then a curve is
obtained. The plot or the curve is called strength envelope.
14. What are the factors that affect shear strength of cohesion less soils and
t
cohesive soils?
Cohesion less soil: Shape of particles, gradation, confining, pressure, deviator
stress, vibration and repeated loading, type of minerals.
Cohesive soils: Structure of clay, clay content, drainage condition, rate of strain,
repeated loading, confining pressure, plasticity index, disturbance.
15. What is Mohr’s circle? What are the characteristics of Mohr’s circle?
The graphical method for the determination of stresses on a plane inclined to the
principal stress is called Mohr’s wide. The characteristics are
 The maximum angle of obliquity β max is obtained by drawing a tangent to the
circle from the origin o.
 Shear stresses plane at right angle to each other are numerically equal but
are of opposite signs.
61

PART – B (13MARKS
1. Explain Vane Shear test with neat sketch NOV/DEC 2012)
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2. Explain the Unconfined compression test with neat sketch .

APRIL / MAY 2015) NOV/DEC 2012
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3. Explain direct shear test stating clearly its advantages and

disadvantages. APRIL / MAY 2015)
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4.
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PART – C (15 MARKS

1. Explain in detail with neat sketches about tri axial shear test
conducted in laboratory along with its merits and demerits.
NOV/DEC 2014) NOV/DEC 2013
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3. Explain the Mohr-Coulomb Failure theory NOV/DEC 2011)
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UNIT – 5 SLOPE STABILITY
Slope failure mechanisms – Types - infinite slopes – finite slopes – Total stress analysis for
saturated clay – Fellenius method - Friction circle method – Use of stability number - slope
protection measures.
PART - A 2 marks
1. What do you know about Infinite slope? NOV/DEC 2012

A Infinite slope is very large in extent and is theoretically infinite and the properties
of the soil will be same at identical points.
2. What do you mean by Finite Slope? NOV/DEC 2012

A Finite slope is limited in extent and the properties of the soil will n’t be same at
identical depths. So that the slip surface may be curved.
3. What are the two basic types of slope failure occurring in finite slope?
ww
 Rotational Failure
APR/MAY 2011

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4. What are the two types of slope failure? NOV/DEC 2013 NOV/DEC 2010
Face failure
 Toe failure
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Face failure : If the failure occurs above the toe, then the failure is said to be face
failure.
En
gin
Toe failure : If the failure occurs through the toe, then the failure is said to be Toe
failure.
5. What are the types of slip surface in a Finite slope?
 Planar failure surface eerAPR/MAY 2011


Circular failure surface
Non circular failure surface ing
6. What do you mean by slide? APR/MAY 2011
The failure of a mass of soil located beneath a slope a called a slide. .ne
7. Define Stability number. MAY/JUNE 2013 NOV/DEC 2014
The force causing instability is the weight of the wedge which I equal to unit weight
t
γ and the area of the wedge which I proportional to the square of the height H. It is
a dimensionless quantity.
8. What are the Factor of safety used in stability Analysis of slopes?

NOV/DEC 2013
 Factor of safety with respect to cohesion assuming to be fully mobilized.
 Factor of safety with respect to friction assuming to be fully mobilized.
 Factor of safety with respect to shear strength
 Factor of safety with respect to height.
9. Define: normally consolidated soil NOV/DEC 2012
A normally consolidated soil is which had not been subjected to a pressure greater
than the present exiting pressure.
- 86 -

10. Define: over consolidated soil. NOV/DEC 2012

A soil is to be over consolidated it had been subjected it had been subjected in the
past to a pressure in excess of the present pressure.
11. What are the factors leading to the failure of slopes?

The factors leading to the failure of slope may be classified in to two categories.
 The factors which cause an increase in the shear stresses loads, seepage
pressure.
 The factors which cause a decrease in the shear stresses. This is due to
increase in water content, increase in pore water, weathering. or
The failure of slope occurs due to
 The action of gravitational forces
 Seepage forces within the soil
 Excavation or undercutting of its foot, or due to gradual disintegration of the
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soil.
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12. What is a land slide?
Failure involving downward or outward movement of portion of the soil is the case
of natural slope is known as land slide.
13. Define Depth factor.asy

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The ratio of total depth H+D to depth H is called depth factor Df.


For toe failure, Df = 1
For base failure, Df > 1
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14. What do you mean by planar failure?
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Planar failure surface may commonly occur in a soil deposit or embankment with a
specific plane of weakness. It is common in stratified deposit and the failure plane is
11el to the strata.
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15. Write down the assumptions made in the analysis of slope?


The stress is assumed to be two dimensional.
Coulomb equation for shear strength is applicable and parameters and Ф are
t
known.
 Seepage pressure was estimated from the assumed seepage conditions and
water levels.
 The conditions of plastic failure are assumed to be satisfied along the critical
surface.
16. Define stability number.
- 87 -

PART B – 13 MARKS
1. Explain the Swedish circle method of analysis of slope stability
with neat diagrams MAY/JUNE 2013)
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2. Discuss the stability analysis of slopes by fellenius method.
APRIL /
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PART – C 15 MARKS)
1. Explain briefly the procedure of Friction Circle Method of

Analysis of slope stability with neat sketches NOV/DEC 2014)
MAY / JUNE 2014 NOV/DEC 2013)
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2. Discuss about different methods of slope protection measures

with neat sketches NOV/DEC 2014) MAY / JUNE 2014)
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ANNA UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI-25

UNIT I SOIL CLASSIFICATION AND COMPACTION 9

stability number - slope protection measures. gin

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S.NO CONTENTS PAGE NO

a Aim and Objective of the subject 4

b Detailed Lesson Plan 5

Unit I - Soil Classification and

m University Question Papers 100

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AIM OF THE SUBJECT:

 To apply principles of soil mechanics to engineering problems pertaining to retaining

 Retaining Structures include Retaining wall, dikes, dams etc.

 Foundation: Types and design principles

 Embankments: Filling and cutting etc.

The following are the objectives of various topics:

 Vertical stresses due to a line and strip loads.

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9. 1 Behaviour of soils 1 9 TB1,RB4

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CE 6405 - SOIL MECHANICS

1. Define: Water Content. (w) (APR/MAY 2011)

2. Distinguish between Residual and Transported Soil. (APR/MAY 2012)

6. Define: Zero Air Voids line. (NOV/DEC 2011)

8. What is Plasticity Index? (MAY/JUNE 2012) (NOV/DEC 2014)

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10. Define Shrinkage Ratio. (NOV/DEC 2014)

11. Define: Bulk Density and Dry Density.

15. What is compaction? Aim of the compaction (AUC May/Jun-2011)

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When the soil has water content W=8%

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PART- C (15 MARKS)

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3. What are the factors affecting soil compaction?

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UNIT 2 - SOIL WATER AND WATER FLOW

1. Define soil water. NOV/DEC

8. Define capillary siphoning. APR/MAY 2015

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9. Define surface tension. APR/MAY 2011

10. What is Quick Sand? NOV/DEC 2013

13. Define contact moisture.

14. Define Permeability.

15. Define seepage velocity or) Actual velocity.

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PART - B (13 marks)

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