Roll Number:

Thapar University, Patiala

Department of Civil Engineering
B. E. (Third Year): Odd semester-2016-17 Course Code: UCE501
(CiE)
Course Name: Soil Mechanics
September 20, 2016
Tuesday, 13.00 - 15.00 Hrs
Time: 2 Hours, M. Marks: 24 (Weightage:24) Name of Faculty: Dr. Aditya Parihar
Note: Write to the point. Don't elaborate where not asked.
No marks will be awarded for writing answers without proper steps or units,
All questions are compulsory. Assume missing data, if any, with reason.

Q.1 • Answer very briefly the following (draw figure where necessary)
a) What are index properties and how are they important regards geotechnical
engineering?
b) What are the characteristics of shrinkage limit?
c) What is adsorbed water and how it affects the behaviour of clay?
d) Draw a detailed plasticity chart for use in Indian Standard Soil
Classification System.
(01 x 04)
Q.2(a) Derive the relationship between bulk unit weight 't
, specific gravity of soil solids (02)
Gs, void ratio e, water content w and unit weight of water yw. (NO marks for
writing down the relationship without steps involved)
Q•2(b) Which IS code is followed for determination of in-situ unit weight? Draw figure
(0.5+3.5)
and write in points the sand-replacement test procedure and the calculation steps
involved.
Q.2(c) Particles of five different sizes are mixed in the proportion shown below and
enough water is added to make 1000cc of the suspension.
Particle size (mm) Mass (g)
0.050 6
0.020 20
0.010 15
0.005 5
0.001 4
It is ensured that suspension is thoroughly mixed so as to have uniform
distribution of particles. Assuming all particles to have specific gravity of 2.7
and viscosity of water to be 0.9 x 10-6 kN-s/m2,
I. What is the largest particle size present at a depth of 6 cm after 5 mins
from the start of sedimentation?
II. How long should sedimentation be allowed so that all the particles have (1.5 x
. settled below 6 cm? 02)
Q.3 Discuss Isomorphous substitution with one example. (02)

1I Pa ge
 ▪▪

Q.4 The results of a particle size analysis are plotted in figure 1. (4.5)
Classify the soil sample according to Indian Classification system and mention
the criteria clearly for whatever prefix and suffix you use in answer. If necessary,
assume liquid limit, wL and plastic limit, wp to be 35% and 26% respectively.
(NO marks wil! be awarded for writing answer without the criterion)

Grain Size Distribution

7 H - ---
- 3
90-
g 0-- —
70
60
cJ 50

• 70

10
-
100 10 0.1 0.01 0.001
Particle Diameter (mm)

Figure 1. Grain size distribution plot for the soil sample

Draw a figure showing typical compaction curves for (i)SW-SM, (ii)ML and
(iii)CH. Give reason for difference in curves. (02)
Q.5(b) The compaction of an airfield is to be carried out in layers of150 mm thick lifts.
Heavy pneumatic tyred rollers having tyre pressure of/00 kPa and average drop
ofe).5m, are used for the purpose. Assuming that 60% more energy is transferred
in each pass due to overlap, determine the number of passes of the roller required
to achieve the required compactive effort in field.
* Assume the missing information (if any) according to your engineering (2.5)
judgement.

* Evaluated answer sheets can be seen on 26/09/2016 according to following schedule

Grp1: 9-9.30, Grp2: 9.30-10, Grp3: 10-10.30, Grp4. 10.30-11, Grp5: 11-11.30, Grp6: 11.30-
12.00. Venue - Room CD213 in Civil Engg. Department.

2page