DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Subject Code : CE6502

Subject Name : FOUNDTION ENGINEERING
Regulation : 2017
Semester : 05
Academic Year : 2019 - 2020
Prepared by : S.RAJIV GANDHI (AP/CIVIL)

UNIT I SITE INVESTIGATION AND SELECTION OF FOUNDATION

PART - A
1. What are the factors influencing in depth of exploration of subsoil?(April/May 2019)
(April/May 2017)
The depth of exploration required, depends on the type of proposed structure, its total
weight, the size, shape and disposition of the loaded areas, soil profile and the physical
properties of the soil that constitutes each individual stratum.
2. What are various methods of site exploration? (April/May 2019) (Nov/Dec 2016,
April/May 2017)
(i) The methods commonly adopted for site exploration are:
(ii) Open Excavation - Test pits
(iii) Sub-surface sounding.(SPT & SCPT)
(iv) Boring
(v) Geo-physical method.
3. Distinguish between representative sample and undistributed sample. (Nov/Dec 2018)
Disturbed soil samples do not retain the in-situ properties of the soil during the collection process.
Engineers do not consider these samples to be representative of underground soils except for
geotechnical testing that do not rely on the structure of the soil itself. Scientists commonly test
disturbed soil samples for soil type and texture, moisture content, and nutrient and contaminant
analysis, among other evaluations.
Undisturbed soil samples retain the structural integrity of the soil and have a high recovery rate
within the sampler. Collecting a perfectly undisturbed sample is difficult and the samplers may
contain a small portion of undisturbed soil at the top and bottom of the sample length. Undisturbed
samples allow an engineer to determine the geotechnical properties of strength, permeability,
compressibility and fracture patterns among others.
4. List out the factor deciding the depth of soil exploration. (Nov/Dec 2018)
• Type of structure
• Load on structure
• Size and shape of foundation
• Position of loaded areas
• Soil profile and its properties
5. What is the objective of soil investigation? (Apr/May 2018)
The objective of site investigation is to provide reliable, specific and detailed
information about the soil and ground water conditions of the site, economic design and
execution of the engineering works.
6. Define standard penetration number.(Apr/May 2018)
The Standard Penetration Number (N) is equal to the number of blows required for
300mm of penetration beyond a seating drive of 150mm. Useful for determining the
relative density and angle of shearing resistance of cohesionless soils and UCC strength of
cohesive soils.
7. Differentiate thick walled and thin walled sampler. (Nov/Dec 2017)
Samplers are of two types, Thick and thin wall sampler.
Thick wall sampler Thin Wall Sampler
It is used for obtaining disturbed but It is used for obtaining undisturbed soil
representative soil sample sample
Area ratio is greater than 10% Area ratio is less than 10%
8. When do you apply dilatancy correction in soils? (Nov/Dec 2017)
Dilatancy correction is applied to silty fine sand and fine sand below water table which
develop pore pressure that is not dissipated and affects the resistance of soil.
Nc = 15 + ½ (NR -15) , if NR >15
Where Nc = corrected N value
NR = Observed N value

9. What are the information obtained in general exploration? (Nov/Dec 2016)

The following are the information obtained from the general exploration
(i) The planning of the site exploration program: It involves location and depth of
borings, test pits or other methods to be used and methods of sampling and
tests to be carried out.
(ii) The purpose of the exploration program: It is to determine within practical
limits, the stratification and engineering properties of the soils underlying the
site.
10. Differentiate disturbed and undisturbed samples. (May/June 2016)
Disturbed soil sample: Natural structure of soils get partly or fully modified and
destroyed.
Undisturbed soil sample: Natural structure and properties remain preserved.
11. What are the limitations of static cone penetration test? (May/June 2016)
(i) This test is unsuitable for gravelly soil & soil for having SPT N value greater than
50. Also in dense sand anchorage becomes to cumbersome & expensive & for such
cases Dynamic SPT can be used.
(ii) This test is also unsuitable for field operation since erroneous value obtained due to
presence of brick bats, loose stones etc.
(iii) Soil sample will not be collected by the Static Cone penetration test
(iv) If a small rock piece is encountered, resistance shown is erratic & incorrect. –
Involves handling heavy equipment.
12. Write the uses of borehole report. (Nov/Dec 2015)
(i) Gives the description or classification of various strata encountered at different
depths
(ii) Used to record the water level
(iii) Used to record the water quality in deeper level
(iv) It recommends the suitable type of foundation, allowable soil pressure and
expected settlements
13. What is meant by significant depth of investigation? (April/May 2017, Nov/Dec 2014)
Exploration in general should be carried out to a depth up to which the increase in
pressure due to structural loading is likely to cause perceptible settlement or shear failure.
Such a depth is known as significant depth.
14. What are the functions of drilling mud? (April/May 2017, Nov/Dec 2014)
The main functions of drilling fluids include:
i) Providing hydrostatic pressure to prevent formation fluids from entering into the
well bore,
ii) Keeping the drill bit cool and clean during drilling,
iii) Carrying out drill cuttings, and
iv) Suspending the drill cuttings while drilling is paused and when
the drilling assembly is brought in and out of the hole.
15. Differentiate: Non-representative and undisturbed samples. (Apr/May 2015, Nov /Dec
2016)
Undisturbed sample – An undisturbed sample is that in which the natural structure and
 properties remain preserved. However it’s impossible to get truly undisturbed sample.
Undisturbed samples are used for determining the engineering and index properties of soil.
Non-Representative samples – In addition to alteration in the original soil structure, soils
from the other layers gets mixed up or the mineral constituents gets altered.
16. Write short notes on water boring. (Nov/Dec 2016)
It is a popular method due to the use of limited equipments. The advantage of this is the
use of inexpensive and easily portable handling and drilling equipments. Here first an open
hole is formed on the ground so that the soil sampling or rock drilling operation can be
done below the hole. The hole is advanced by chopping and twisting action of the light bit.
Cutting is done by forced water and water jet under pressure through the rods operated
inside the hole.
17. How do you decide the depth of soil exploration? List the factors you will consider.
(Apr/May 2010, 2015)
The depth of exploration required,
i) depends on the type of proposed structure,
ii) its total weight, the size, shape and disposition of the loaded areas,
iii) depth of influence zone,
iv) soil profile in horizontal and vertical directions and
v) the physical properties of the soil that constitutes each individual stratum.
18. What are the importances of site investigation? (May/June 2014)
Site investigations are generally important to obtain information useful for following
purposes
(i) To select the type and depth of foundation for a given structure
(ii) To determine the bearing capacity of soil
(iii) To establish maximum settlement
(iv) To establish ground water level and predict lateral earth pressure
19. How the depth of borehole is decided for various projects? (May/June 2014)
(i) The depth of boreholes should be driven is governed by the depth of soil affected by
the foundation bearing pressures.
(ii) The standard practice is to take the borings to the significant depth.
(iii) The depth the borehole as per this practice works out to be about 1.5 times the least
width of the foundation from the base level of the foundation for square footing.
Where strip or pad footings are closely spaced which results in the overlapping,
acts as raft foundation.
(iv) Hence the depth of boring should be at least 1.5 times the width of the entire
loaded area. In pile foundations, the depth of bore below the tip of bearing pile is
 taken as 1.5 times the width of pile group and for friction pile the depth of bore
from the lower third point is taken as 1.5 times the width of pile group.
20. What is site reconnaissance? (May/June 2012, 2016, 2013)
Site reconnaissance is the first step in a sub-surface exploration programme. It includes
i) the inspection of the site and study of topographical features,
ii) the soil and ground water conditions and
iii) in deciding the future programme of exploration.
iv) Visit to the site, study of maps and other relevant records are done in this step.
21. What is the objective of site exploration? (May/June 2013)
The objective of site investigation is to provide reliable, specific and detailed
information about the soil and ground water conditions of the site, economic design and
execution of the engineering works.
22. List the field tests used in subsurface investigations. (Nov/Dec 2013)
(i) Standard penetration test
(ii) Cone penetration test
(iii) Insitu vane shear test
(iv) Seismic test
(v) Electrical Resistivity
23. What is meant by inside and outside clearance? What is its use? (Nov/Dec 2013)
Inside clearance, C = (D3 – D1) / D1 x 100%
Where, D1 - Inner diameter of cutting edge D3 - Inner diameter of sample tube
The inside clearance is given to reduce the friction between the tube, by allowing for the
elastic expansion of the soil
𝐷2 −𝐷4
Outside clearance Co = x 100%
𝐷4
Where, D4 - Outer diameter of cutting edge;
D2 - Outer diameter of sample tube
The outside clearance will help in reducing the friction while the sampler is being driven
and when it is being withdrawn after the collection of the sample.
24. What are the factors affecting quality of a sample? (Nov/Dec 2010)
The following are the factors affecting quality of the sample.
Cutting edge Inside clearance
Outside clearance Inside wall friction
Non-return valves
25. Define Chunk samples. (May/June 2009)
Chunk samples are the hand carved samples obtained from the exposed portion of test
pit, shafts and tunnels.

26. What is Standard Penetration Number (N)?

The Standard Penetration Number (N) is equal to the number of blows required for
300mm of penetration beyond a seating drive of 150mm. Useful for determining the
relative density and angle of shearing resistance of cohesionless soils and UCC strength of
cohesive soils.
27. Define Area ratio. (April/May 2004)

Area ratio = (D22 – D12) / D12 x 100

Where D1 = Inner diameter of cutting shoe

D2 = Outer diameter of cutting shoe

28. How will you reduce the area ratio of a sampler? (Nov/Dec 2005)

Generally samples will area ratio less than 15% are said to be undisturbed. So
area ratio is reduced by reducing the thickness of the cutting shoe.

29. What are the limitations of hand augers in soil exploration? (May/ June 2012)

i) Hand augers are not suitable for sands and gravels above the water table.

ii) The sample is disturbed and suitable for identification purpose only.
PART - B
1. Explain wash boring method of advancing borehole with a neat sketch and highlight the
limitations of the method. (April/May 2019) (Nov/Dec 2017, 2014, May/June 2016)
2. Describe the principle and procedure of conducting subsoil exploration study using seismic
refraction method. (April/May 2019) (Nov/Dec 2017)
3. Describe with neat sketch different types drilling adopted exploration works. (Nov/Dec
2018)
4. Write detailed notes on: (i) Soil samplers (ii) Bore log ' (iii) Geophysical methods of soil
exploration (iv) Factors deciding number and depth of boreholes. (Nov/Dec 2018)
5. Explain static cone penetration test in detail. (April/May 2018)
6. Describe the salient features of good sub-soil investigation report. (Apr/May 2018)
7. Briefly discuss about the various types of boring with neat sketch. (April/May 2017)
8. (i) Write short notes on bore log report with neat sketch. (April/May 2017, 2016)
(ii) Explain in detail about the test procedure of static cone penetration test. (April/May
2017)
9. Explain any two methods of soil exploration in detail. (Nov/Dec 2016)
10. Explain in detail about the geophysical method of site exploration with neat sketch.
(Nov/Dec 2015, Nov/Dec 2016)
11. Explain various types of samples. Also discuss various factors affecting quality of samples.
(April/May 2017, 2014, 2013)
12. Explain with neat sketches about SPT and SCPT (Nov/Dec 2016)
13. Assume that the blown count shown in Table 1 is an uncorrected blow count profile
obtained for a silty sand. Assume further that the energy recorded during these SPT test was
332J, that the ground water level was at the surface. Create the corrected profile for energy
level N60, the corrected profile for stress level N1 and the corrected profile for silt content
N'. Then create combined corrected profile for energy, stress level, and silt content N' 60.
Assume relevant γsat (May/June 2015)
Table 1
SPT Values
Depth (m) 1.5 3 4.5 6
N measured 15 20 17 12
Energy (J) measured 332 332 332 332
14. (i) Compare standard penetration test with dynamic cone penetration test. (Nov/Dec 2014)
(ii) Distinguish between non-representative, representative and undisturbed samples and
name the various laboratory tests that could be conducted in each of these samples.
(iii) Explain the terms inside clearance and outside clearance for a sampler. (Nov/Dec 2014)

PART - C
1. Describe the salient features of good sub-soil investigation report. (Nov/Dec 2016)
2. Write short notes on: (Nov/Dec 2015, May/June 2013)
(i) Selection of foundation based on soil condition
(ii) Disturbed and undisturbed soil sample
(iii) Uses of soil exploration
3. (i) Discuss briefly the methods of taking undisturbed samples in non-cohesive and cohesive
soils.(April 2015)
(ii) A 70 storey building has an imprint of 35mx25m and will be supported on a mat
foundation located at a depth of 10m. How many boring would you propose and to what
depth? Where would you place the borings on the building plan view.(May/June 2015)
4. Explain in detail the standard penetration test. State also the corrections to be applied on the
observed SPT ‘N’ value. (April/May 2017, 2014)
5. (i) Why SPT ‘N’ values recorded in sand at different depths are corrected for overburden
and submergence? How these corrections are applied? (May/June 2016)
(iii) Explain the arrangements and operation of stationery piston sampler. State its
advantages over other samplers. (May/June 2016)
UNIT II SHALLOW FOUNDATION
PART - A
1. Define net pressure intensity. (Apr/May 2019) (Nov/Dec 2016, April/May 2017, 2014,
2013)
It is defined as the ultimate pressure per unit area of the foundation that can be
supported by the soil in excess of the pressure caused by the surrounding soil at the
foundation level.
qn = q – γ D
Where qn = Ultimate pressure, q = net pressure, γ = unit weight of soil , D = depth of
foundation.
2. List out the methods of computing elastic settlements. (Apr/May 2019) (Nov/Dec 2016)
(i) Elastic settlement based on the theory of elasticity.
(ii) Janbu et al., (1956) method of determining settlement under an undrained condition.
(iii) Schmertman’s method by using CPT values.
3. What is meant by zero settlement foundation? (Nov/Dec 2018)
A floating foundation is a type of foundation constructed by excavating the soil in such
a way that the weight of structure built on the soil is nearly equal to the total weight of the
soil excavated from the ground including the weight water in the soil before the
construction of structure. Floating foundation is also called balancing raft and causes zero
settlement to the structure.
4. State the requirements of good foundation. (Nov/Dec 2018)

• The design and the construction of the foundation is done such that it can sustain as
well as transmit the dead and the imposed loads to the soil. This transfer has to be
carried out without resulting in any form of settlement that can result in any form of
stability issues for the structure.
• Differential settlements can be avoided by having a rigid base for the foundation.
These issues are more pronounced in areas where the superimposed loads are not
uniform in nature.
• Based on the soil and area it is recommended to have a deeper foundation so that it
can guard any form of damage or distress. These are mainly caused due to the
problem of shrinkage and swelling because of temperature changes.
• The location of the foundation chosen must be an area that is not affected or
influenced by future works or factors.
5. In what way the local shear failure differs from general shear failure?(Apr/May 2018)

• General shear failure:

1. It has well defined failure surfaces, reaching up to ground surface.
2. Failure is accompanied by tilting of the footing
3. Load-settlement curve is clear
4. Failure is sudden, with pronounced peak resistance

• Local shear failure:

1. Failure pattern is clearly defined only immediately below the footing
2. Failure is not sudden & there is no tilting of footing
3. Load-settlement curve is not clear
6. Define coefficient of settlement.
Coefficient of settlement is defined as the settlement taking place over a long period of
time.
7. Mention the important factors affecting bearing capacity of soils. (Nov/Dec 2017)
(i) Nature of the soil and its Physical and engineering properties.
(ii) Size and shape of the foundation.
(iii) Total and differential settlements that the structure can withstand without functional
failure.
(iv) Location of ground water table.
(v) Initial Stresses, if any
8. Determine the immediate settlement under the foundation of dimension 12m x 24m
that exerts a pressure of 150 kN/m2 in sand. The value of E for sand is 60 x 103 kN/m2.
Take Is =1 and poisson’s ratio as 0.5. (Nov/Dec 2017)
Given: B= 12m, q = 150 kN/m2 , E = 60 x103 kN/m2 , Is =1, µ =0.5
Immediate Settlement =Si = qB (1-µ2) / Es Is
= 150 x12 (1-0.52)/ 60 x103 x 1
= 0.0225 m = 22.5mm
9. Write down the components of settlement. (April/May 2017, 2016, 2014, 2013, Nov
/Dec 2016)
The settlement of foundation base is (a) Elastic / Immediate settlement (b)
Consolidation Settlement (c) Secondary Consolidation Settlement
ΔH = ΔHi + U ΔHc + ΔHs
Where
ΔH = total settlement, ΔHi =immediate settlement, ΔHc = consolidation settlement,
 ΔHS = secondary compression, U = average degree of consolidation.
Generally, the final settlement of a foundation is of interest and U is considered equal to 1
(i.e. 100% consolidation)
10. Draw the contact pressure distribution diagram below rigid footing resting on clay
and sand. (April/May 2017, 2016, 2010, Nov/Dec 2016 )

A rigid foundation has infinite stiffness and will not deform or bend, so it moves
downwards uniformly. This would apply to a thick, relatively small reinforced
concrete pad foundation.
11. What are the modes of failure of shallow foundations? (May/June 2016, Nov/Dec 2011)
(i) Punching shear failure
(ii) Local shear failure
(iii) General shear failure
12. List various methods of minimizing total and differential settlement. (May/June 2016)
I. Differential Settlement:
(i) Use raft foundation with a thick slab
(ii) Deeper underground space to reduce pressure on soil.
(iii) Transfer load to the stronger and not easily compressible soil with the foundation
applied such a piles, caisson etc.
(iv) Method of repair of soil – increase in soil strength.
13. What is the allowable maximum settlement of commercial, industrial and warehouse
building? (Nov/Dec 2015)
Allowable maximum settlement for
• Commercial building - 25mm,
• Industrial building - 38mm &
• Warehouse - 50mm
14. What is the ultimate bearing capacity of a circular footing of 1.5m diameter resting on
the surface of saturated clay of unconfined compressive strength of 100 kN/m2. Take
Nc=5.7, Nq=1, Nr=0, D=0, σ =0 (Nov/Dec 2015)
Given: Diameter = 1.5m, Saturated clay,
 Unconfined compressive strength = qu = 100 kN/m2
Depth =D = 0, σ = γD= 0
Cohesion=c= qu/2=100/2=50 kN/m2
Ultimate bearing capacity = qf =1.3cNc + D =1.3x50x5.7 + 0 = 370.5kN/m2
15. What is meant by ultimate bearing capacity? (April/May 2017, 2014, 2013)
The ultimate bearing capacity is defined as the minimum gross pressure intensity at the
base of the foundation at which the soil fails in shear.
16. What is the influence of size on bearing capacity of a surface continuous footing
resting on a purely cohesive soil as per IS 6403. (Nov/Dec 2014)
When C = 0, qnu=cuNcscdcic where Nc=5.14
Continuous footing = Sc = 1
Surface footing = = dc = 1, ic = 1 for vertical load,
qnu= 5.14 c
So, bearing capacity of a surface continuous footing is independent of size.
17. What factors determine whether a foundation type is shallow or deep? (Nov/Dec 2016)
April/May 2015)
S.No Factors
1. Transmission of load
2. Depth –width ratio
3 Type of soil
4 Load from structure
Shallow foundation - If the depth is equal to less than depth
Deep foundation - If the depth is greater than the width.
18. Why are bearing capacity equations for clay usually the undrained shear strength?
(April/May 2015, Nov/Dec 2016)
Skempton's equation is widely used for undrained clay soils:
qf = su .Ncu + qo
where, Ncu = Skempton's bearing capacity factor, which can be obtained from a chart
or by using the following expression:
Ncu = Nc.sc.dc
qo = γD (i.e. density x depth)
where, sc is a shape factor, undrained shear strength, su and dc is a depth factor As per
IS 6403

Where undrained shear strength, cu

19. Say true or false and justify your answer: In Terzaghi’s bearing capacity theory, as
the shearing resistance above the base of the footing is ignored, the bearing capacity is
independent of depth of footing.(Nov/Dec 2014)
False, Even though shearing resistance is ignored, the soil above the above the base of
the footing is taken as a surcharge (γDf)
20. What is spread footing? (May/June 2012, May 2014)
It is a type of shallow foundation used to transmit the load of isolated column, or that of
wall to sub soil. The base of footing is enlarged and spread to provide individual
support for load. Spread footing is a foundation which transmits the load to the ground
through one or more stepped footings. One spread foot is pad. Two or more spread step is
stepped footing.
21. What is cantilever footing? (May/June 2012)
Cantilever footing consists of an
eccentric footing for the exterior column and
a concentric footing for the interior column
and they are connected by a strap or a
cantilever beam. Such footings are used
when it is not possible to place a footing
directly below a column because of
limitations of boundary or eccentric loading
conditions

22. What is the effect of rise of water table on the bearing capacity and the settlement of a
footing on sand? (Nov/Dec 2013)
The pressure of water affects the unit weight of soil. Hence bearing capacity is affected
due to the effect of water table. For practical purpose it is more sensitive when the water
table rises above depth 13 m from footing.
23. What are the major criteria to be satisfied in the design of a foundation? (Nov/Dec
2013)
• Foundation design is based on providing a means of transmitting the loads
from a structure to the underlying soil without
• A soil shear failure, shear failure means that, it is a plastic flow and/ or a
lateral expulsion of soil from beneath the foundation.
• Causing excessive settlements of the soil under the imposed loads.
24. Define punching shear failure. (Nov/Dec 2012)
Punching Shear failure occurs when there is relatively high compression of soil under
the footing, accompanied by shearing in the vertical direction around the edges of the
footing. Punching shear may occur in relatively loose sand with relative density.
25. Define safe bearing capacity (Nov/Dec 2010)
Safe bearing capacity is the maximum intensity of loading that the soil will safely carry
with a factor of safety without risk of shear failure of soil irrespective of any settlement that
may occur.
26. A footing was designed based on ultimate bearing capacity arrived for the condition of
water table at the ground surface. If there is a chance for raise in water level much
above the ground level do you expect any change in the bearing capacity, why?
(Nov/Dec 2010)
The raise in water level above the ground level would not change the bearing capacity
of the soil. Because the soil under submerged condition when the water reaches the ground
surface. Therefore the water above the ground level does not affect the unit weight of soil.
27. What are the allowable maximum and differential settlements for reinforced concrete
structure transferring load through isolated foundation resting on sand and plastic
clay respectively. (Nov/Dec 2011)
Isolated foundation resting on
(i) Sand
*Maximum settlement-50mm *Differential settlement-0.0015L [L-column spacing]
(ii) Plastic clay
Maximum settlement-75mm Differential settlement-0.0015L
28. Compare general and local shear failure.

S.No General Shear Failure Local Shear Failure

Well defined wedge and slip surfaces only
1 Well defined failure pattern
beneath the foundation
A sudden – catastrophic failure There is no tilting of foundation. Slip
2 accompanies by tilting of surface not visible beyond the edges of the
foundation foundation.
Bulging of ground surface adjacent Slight bulging of ground surface adjacent to
3
to the foundation. the foundation.
The load – Settlement curve The load – Settlement curve does not
4
indicates the ultimate load clearly. indicate the ultimate load clearly.
29. What are the limitations of Terzaghi's analysis. (May/June 2011)
As the soil compresses, ϕ changes slight down ward movement of footing may not
develop fully the plastic zones. Error due to assumption that the resultant passive pressure
consists of three components is small.

PART - B
1. (i) Determine the ultimate bearing capacity of a strip footing, 1.5m wide with its base at a
depth of 1m, resting on a dry sand stratum. Take γ = 17 kN/m3; Ф = 38o. Use IS Code
method. For Ф = 38o, Nq = 48.9 and Nγ = 56.2(Apr/May 2019)(May/June 2016)
(ii) The following data was obtained from a plate load test carried out an a 60 cm square
test plate at a depth of 2m below ground surface on a sandy soil which extends upto a large
depth. Determine the settlement of a foundation 3.0 m x 3.0 m carrying a load of 1100 kN
and located at a depth of 2m below ground surface. (Apr/May 2019) (May/June 2016)

Load intensity, kN/m2 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400

Settlement, mm 2 4 7.5 11 16.3 23.5 34 45

2. (i) A strip footing of 1.5 m wide, resting on a sand stratum with its base at a depth of 1m.
The properties of the sand are γ = 17 kN/m3, γsat = 20 kN/m3 , Ф = 38o and c’=0. Determine
the ultimate bearing capacity of the footing using Terzagh’s theory of the ground water table is
located at a depth of 0.5m below the base of the footing. For Ф = 38o, assuming general shear
failure Nq=60 and Nγ = 75. (Apr/May 2019)(May /June 2016)
(ii) Find the net allowable load on a square footing of 2.5 m x 2.5 m. The depth of
foundation is 2 m and the tolerable settlement is 40mm. The soil is sandy with Standard
Penetration number of 12. Take a factor of safety of 3. The water table is very deep.
(Apr/May 2019)(May /June 2016)

3.With the help of a neat sketch, describe how plate load test can be performed? How bearing
capacity and settlements of foundation are arrived in? What are the limitations of this test?
(Nov/Dec 2018)

4.Compete the safe bearing capacity of a circular footing 2.6 m diameter, located at a depth of
2.0 m below the ground level in a soil with unit weight γ =19.5 kN/m3, cohesion c = 22.5
kN/m2, angle of shearing resistance Ф= 26°, factor of safety 2. 5. Bearing capacity factors for
Ф =26°a as NC = 22.604, Nq = 12. 208 and Nr = 13.182. Find the permissible load per meter
run when the water table 13 at great depth, at footing level and at ground level Use IS 6403
procedure. (Nov/Dec 2018)
5.A footing foundation of 3 m x 3 m is to be constructed at a site at a depth of 1.5 m below
ground level. The water table is at the base level of foundation. The average static cone
penetration resistance obtained at the site is 20 kg/m2. The soil is cohesive determine the safe
bearing capacity for a settlement of 40 mm.(Apr/May 2018)
6.Explain in different modes of failure of foundation soil. (Apr/May 2018)
7.In the field, a soft normally consolidated clay layer exists for a thickness of 20 m the natural
water content, specific gravity of solids and the liquid limit of the clay are 40%, 2.7 and 60%
respectively. The ground water table is at the surface and the saturated unit weight is
19.81kN/m3. The vertical stress increment at the centre of the clay layer due to the foundation
load is 10kN/m2. Estimate the settlement of the foundation. (Nov/Dec 2017).
(ii). Explain the factors governing the location and the depth of foundation. (Nov/Dec 2017)
8.A strip footing 2m wide carries a load intensity of 560 kN/m2 at a depth of 1.2m in sand. The
saturated unit weight of sand is 18 kN/m3 and unit weight above water table is 16.8kN/m3. The
shear strength parameters are c=0 and Ф=35° determine the factor of safety with respect to
shear failure for the following cases of location of WT
(i) WT is 3m below ground level, (ii) WT is at GL itself, (iii) WT is 4m below GL
(iv) WT is 0.5m below GL (Nov/Dec 2015)
9. (i) A rectangular footing of size 1.5m x 3 m rests on a clayey layer at a depth of 1.5 m
below ground level. The load acts at an angle of 5o to the vertical and eccentric in the direction
of width by 100 mm. The unconfined compressive strength of the clay is 150 kPa. Determine
the safe load the footing can carry without the risk of shear failure. Adopt a factor of safety of
3. Use IS 6403 recommendations. (April/May 2017)
(i) Distinguish between Net Safe Bearing Capacity and Allowable Bearing Capacity.
(April/May 2017)
10.(i) A building undergoes a settlement of 20 mm in 2 years and the ultimate settlement of
the building is estimated to be 60 mm. Another building has a compressible layer underneath it
similar to the other building except that it is 25% thicker. Assuming that the average pressure
increase in both the cases is alike, find the ultimate settlement of the second building. Also,
compute settlement of this building in 2 years. (April/May 2017)
(ii)Enumerate the factors governing the selection of permissible settlement. (April/May
2017, Nov/Dec 2014)
11.Discuss in detail about the plate load test by reaction truss method with suitable sketch.
(April/May 2017, 2014)
12.(i) Differentiate : Safe Bearing Capacity, Allowable Bearing Capacity, Allowable Bearing
Pressure. (April/May 2017)
(ii) A circular concrete pier of 3m diameter carries a gross load of 3500 kN. The
 supporting soil is a clayey sand having the following properties C= 5 kN/m2, Ф = 30o and
γ = 18.5kN/m3. Find the depth at which the pier is to be located such that a factor of safety
of 3.0 is assumed. The bearing capacity factors for Ф =30o are Nc =30.1, Nq =18.4 and
Nγ =22.4 (Nov/Dec 2016, May/June 2015)
13.(i) Draw Terzagh’s bearing capacity failure surface with all details. (Nov/Dec 2016,
May/June 2015)
(ii)The results of a plate load test conducted on a 300 mm square plate at a depth of 1m on a
dry sand is given below.
Unit applied pressure, (kN/m2) 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
Settlement (mm) 3 5 98 13 19 28 65
Determine the ultimate bearing capacity, the safe bearing capacity (F.S=3). The size of
square footing to be placed at the same depth and to carry a load of 2500 N and the
settlement of the footing. (Nov/Dec 2016, May/June 2015)
14.(i).A rectangular footing of size 1.5mx3m rests on a clayey layer at a depth of 1.5m below
ground level. The load acts at an angle of 5° to the vertical and eccentric in the direction of
width by 100 mm. The unconfined compressive strength of the clay is 150kPa. Determine the
safe load the footing can carry without the risk of shear failure. Adopt a FOS of 3. Use IS
6403 Recommendations. (Nov/Dec 2014)
(ii) A raft foundation 10.5m wide and 12.30m long is to be constructed in a clayey soil
having shear strength of 11.40 kN/m2. Unit weight of soil is 15 kN/m3. If the ground
surface carries a surcharge of19.50 kN/m2, calculate the maximum depth of foundation to
ensure a FOS of 1.20 against base failure. Nc for clay is 5.70. (May/June 2013)
PART - C
1. A strip footing 2 m wide carries a load intensity of 400 kN/m2 at a depth of 1.2 m in sand.
The saturated unit weight of sand is 19.5 kN/m and unit weight above water table is 16.8
kN/m3. The shear strength parameters are c = 0 and Ф =35°. Determine the factor of safety
with respect to shear failure for the following cases of location of water table. Determine
the ultimate bearing capacity of the footing, if the ground water table is located (a) at a
depth of 0.5 m below the ground surface, (b) at a depth of 0.5 m below the base of the
footing, (c) at the base of footing, (d) at the ground level. Use Terzaghi theory.(Apr/May
2018)
2. Derive the expression of determining the ultimate bearing capacity of strip footing by
Terzaghi’s method. (Nov/Dec 2017)
3. Explain the Terzaghi’s analysis for determining the safe bearing capacity of the soil with
their assumptions. (April/May 2017, Nov/Dec 2016)
4. Explain different types of shear failures of soil with neat sketch. (Nov/Dec 2016)
5. Explain in detail about IS code for computing the bearing capacity of soil with various
types of failure and shape factor. (Nov/Dec 2015)

UNIT – III FOOTINGS AND RAFTS

PART - A
1. Define contact pressure. (April/May 2019) (Nov/Dec 2017)
Contact pressure is the distribution of normal stress over the contact surface of two bodies.
A foundation is the interface between a structural load and the ground. The stress q applied
by a structure to a foundation is often assumed to be uniform. The actual pressure then
applied by the foundation to the soil is a reaction, called the contact pressure p and its
distribution beneath the foundation may be far from uniform. This distribution depends
mainly on:
(i) stiffness of the foundation, i.e. flexible ~ stiff ~ rigid
(ii) compressibility or stiffness of the soil loading conditions - uniform or point loading.
2. What is floating foundation? (April/May 2019) (Nov/Dec 2017)
A building support on soft soil that consists of a stiff reinforced concrete slab which
distributes the concentrated loads by columns to the soil so that the pressure intensity on
the soil is nowhere more than the acceptable amount.
3. Furnish the situations under which combined footing will be adopted. (Nov/Dec
2018)
Following Situations can lead to use of combined footing preferred over isolated
footing:-

• When the columns of buildings are spaced very closely or the bearing strength of
soil is less, this is done to leave out differential settlement in building.
• When the isolated footing cannot be provided due to less area, this generally
happens in exterior part of building.
• In high rise buildings combined footing is more preferred in some cases than the
isolated one.

4. Calculate the efficiency of nine member square pile group u put Converse
labarre’s formula if the centre to centre spacing in 2.5 times that of diameter of
pile. (Nov/Dec 2018)
5. Explain the procedures for the SPT,SCPT and Plate Load Test. (Apr/May 2018)
The test uses a thick-walled sample tube, with an outside diameter of 50.8 mm and an
inside diameter of 35 mm, and a length of around 650 mm. This is driven into the ground
at the bottom of a borehole by blows from a slide hammer with a mass of 63.5 kg (140 lb)
falling through a distance of 760 mm (30 in). The sample tube is driven 150 mm into the
ground and then the number of blows needed for the tube to penetrate each 150 mm (6 in)
up to a depth of 450 mm (18 in) is recorded. The sum of the number of blows required for
the second and third 6 in. of penetration is termed the "standard penetration resistance" or
the "N-value".

6. What are the circumstances necessitating combined footing?(Apr/May 2018)

In some cases, a column is to be provided near the edge of property and it may not be
permissible to extend the footing beyond a certain limit. In such a case, the load on the
footing will be eccentric and hence this will result in uneven distribution of load to the
supporting soil. Combined footings under two or more columns are used closely spaced,
heavily loaded interior columns where individual footings, if they were provided would be
either very close to each other or overlap each other. This footing is called “combined
footing”
7. What are the advantages of combined footing? (April/May 2017)
(i) A combined footing supports two columns.
(ii) When a foundation is built close to an existing building or the property line, there
may not be sufficient space for equal projections on the sides of the exterior column.
(iii) This results in an eccentric loading on the footing. It may lead to tilting of the
foundation.
(iv) To counteract the tilting tendency, a combined footing is provided which joins the
exterior column with interior column.
(v) A combined footing is also required when the two individual footings overlap.
(vi) A combined footing may be rectangular or trapezoidal in plan.
8. Where mat (Raft) foundation is used? (April/May 2011, 2017, Nov/Dec 2016)
(i) When the structural loads are heavy and the supporting soil is very weak or highly
compressible.
(ii) If the soil has very low bearing capacity.
(iii) In the bridging over weak spots or loose pockets in the underlying soil.
(iv) To minimize differential settlement.
(v) If the individual footings cover more than half of the area then use of raft is more
exponential.
 (vi) In high compressible soil, if the settlement under individual footings are quite high.
9. What are the assumptions made in combined footing? (Nov/Dec 2016)
(i) The footing is rigid and rests on a homogenous soil to give rise to linear stress
distribution on the bottom of the footing.
(ii) The resultant of the soil pressure coincides with the resultant of the loads,
then it is assumed to be uniformly distributed.
10. When does strap footing preferred? (May/June 2016, 2015, 2010)
When the distance between the two columns is so great, so that trapezoidal footing is
very narrow and so it is uneconomical. It transfers the heavy load of one column to other
column.
11. List out the types of footing. (Nov/Dec 2015)
I. Isolated footing
(i) Spread footing or pad footings
(ii) Stepped footing
II. Strip / continuous footing
III. Combined footing
(i) Rectangular combined footing
(ii) Trapezoidal combined footing
(iii) Strap footings
IV. Raft or mat foundation
12. What is meant by spread footing? (April/May 2017, 2016, 2014)
It is a type of shallow foundation used to transmit the load of isolated column, or that of
wall to sub soil. The base of footing is enlarged and spread to provide individual support for
load.
13. List and sketch different types of mat foundations. Which type of raft commonly
used?(Apr/May 2016, 2015, Nov/Dec 2016)
(i) Flat plate
(ii) Flat plate thickened under column
(iii) Beam and slab construction
(iv) Flat plates with pedastals
(v) Slab with basement walls as a part of the mat
The commonly used one is Flat plate thickened under column.
14. Indicate the circumstances under which combined footings are adopted. (April/May
2015)
In some cases, a column is to be provided near the edge of property and it may not be
permissible to extend the footing beyond a certain limit. In such a case, the load on the
footing will be eccentric and hence this will result in uneven distribution of load to the
supporting soil. Combined footings under two or more columns are used closely spaced,
heavily loaded interior columns where individual footings, if they were provided would be
either very close to each other or overlap each other. This footing is called “combined
footing”.

15. Plate load test is not applicable for heterogeneous soils. Why? (Nov /Dec 2014)
If the soil is heterogeneous the bearing capacity calculated is either over estimated or
under estimated.
16. What is meant by partially floating foundation? (Nov /Dec 2014)
To execute a floating foundation, excavation is to be carried out till a depth D is reached
where the weight of the excavated soil equals to the weight of the structure. In this case, the
excess superimposed load at the foundation level is equal to zero and the foundation suffers
no settlement.
(i) If the full weight of the building = Q
(ii) Weight of the soil excavated = Ws
(iii) Excess load at the foundation level = Qe
(iv) In case of floating foundation Q =Ws
In case of partially floating foundation, Qe has a certain value which when divided by
foundation area gives the allowable bearing capacity of the soil. Qe /A =qa
17. What is safe bearing pressure? (May/June 2013)
It is the intensity of loading that will cause a permissible settlement or specified
settlement for the structure.
18. What are the footings comes under shallow foundation? (Nov/Dec 2015)
(i) spread footing or pad footings
(ii) strap footings
(iii) combined footings
(iv) raft or mat foundation
19. What are the footings comes under deep foundation?
(i) Pile foundation
(ii) Pier foundation
(iii) Caissons (well foundation)
20. What is meant by proportioning of footing?
Footings are proportional such that the applied load including the self-weight of the
footing including soil action are not exceeding the safe bearing capacity of the soil.
21. What are the criteria for allowable bearing capacity?
In conventional design, the allowable bearing capacity should be taken as the smaller of
the following two values:
(i) The safe bearing capacity based on ultimate capacity
(ii) The allowable bearing pressure on tolerable settlement.
22. What is allowable bearing pressure?
It is defined as the net loading intensity at which, neither the soil fails in shear nor there
excessive settlement detrimental to the structure.
23. When trapezoidal combined footings are provided? (Apr/May 2016)
(i) When the projection parallel to the length of the footing is restricted on both the
sides.
(ii) When the length of the footing is restricted.
24. What is the use of plate load test and write down the systems of loading on the plate?
(i) Plate load test is a field test which is conducted to determine the settlement of
footing at site and bearing capacity of the soil.
(ii) Gravity loading system and reaction truss system are the systems of loading on the
plate.
25. What is the function of strap beam in a strap footing?
The strap connects the two isolated footing such that they behave as one unit. The strap
simply acts as a connecting beam.
26. What are the methods of design for raft foundation?
Conventional method, Elastic method or soil line method
27. State the design requirement of a foundation.
(i) The pressure coming on the soil from the superstructure should be below the safe
bearing capacity of soil
(ii) The foundation must not settle more to damage the structure
(iii) The foundation is located such that loose fill, etc., are avoided.
(iv) The foundation is located such that any future influence does not adversely affect its
performance
(v) The foundation should be located below the depth of frost penetration
(vi) The foundation should be located below the constant moisture zone in highly
expansive and swelling soils
(vii) The foundation should be located below the depth of scour.
28. What is a strip footing?
A strip footing is provided for a load bearing wall. A strip footing is also provided for a
row of columns which are so closely placed that their spread footings overlap or nearly
touch each other. In such a case that is more economical to provide a strip footing than to
provide a number of spread footings in one line. A strip footing is also known as
continuous footing.
29. List the limitations of plate load test.
(i) Size effect
(ii) Scale effect
(iii) Time effect
(iv) Interpretation of failure load
(v) Reaction load
(vi) Water table
25. Define modulus of subgrade reaction?
The ratio of soil reaction (p) to the deflection (y) at any point is defined as the
modulus of subgrade reaction Es or soil modulus.
PART - B
1. A trapezoidal footing is to be provided to support two square columns of 30 cm and 50 cm
sides respectively. Columns are 6 m apart and the safe baring capacity of the soil is 400
kN/m2. The bigger column carries 5000 kN and the smaller 3000 kN. Design a suitable size
of the footings so that it does not extend beyond the faces of the columns. (Apr/May 2019)
(Apr/May 2018)
2. Write the IS codal provision for design of raft foundation. (Apr/May 2019)
3. Critically discuss the choices of different shallow foundations with different site conditions.
State the merits and demerits of each foundation type. (Nov/Dec 2018)
4. Two adjacent columns are to be supported by a trapezoidal combined footing. The heavier
column carries a load of 5000 kN and size of 500 mm x 500 mm. The lighter column carries
a load of 3500 kN with a size of 350 mm x 350 mm. The columns are 6.30 m c/c. Take
allowable bearing capacity as 320 kN/m2. Assume the heavier column is on the property line.
Proportion a suitable foundation. (Nov/Dec 2018)
5. Explain the procedure for dosigning the P.C.C. strip footings. (Apr/May 2018)
6. Design a square footing to carry a load of 1000 kN on a column 300 x 300 mm
allowable soil pressure 200 kN/m2. Permissible stress 500 kN/m Use M20
and Fe115 steel. (Apr/May 2018)
7. Discuss briefly the various types of shallow foundation with simple sketches and under what
circumstances these foundation types are preferred? (Nov/Dec 2017)
8. Proportion a strap footing for the following data. The allowable soil pressure for dl=reduced
ll is 150kN/m2 and for DL+LL is 250 kN/me. Centre to centre distance between the columns
is 5m and the projection beyond column A is not to exceed 0.5m. The column loads are
tabulated below. (Nov/Dec 2017)
Loads Column A Column B
DL 600 kN 750 kN
LL 400 kN 880

9. (i)Explain the design procedure of a combined footing. (April/May 2017)

(ii) List out the various factors consider in earthquake area. (April/May 2017)
(ii) Explain with neat sketch different types of shallow foundations. (May/June 2016,
Nov/Dec 2016)
(i) Explain the conventional method of proportioning of raft foundation.
(ii) Proportion a rectangular combined footing for two columns 5 m apart. The exterior
column of size 0.3 m x 0.3 m carries a load of 600 kN and interior column of size 0.4 m x
0.4 m carries a load of 900 kN. The allowable soil pressure is 100 kN/m2. (May/June 2016)
10.Column loads on Column A and B are 1920 kN and 1500 kN respectively. Column B is a
boundary column. Proportion a trapezoidal footing. The allowable soil pressure is 200 kPa.
(April/May 2017, 2015)
11.(i)What is meant by floating foundation? List the different types. List the problems that are
encountered during executions. Also brief how they are manages.? (April/May 2017)
 (ii) It is decided to provide a strap footing for two columns A and B as detailed below.
Column loads: load on a = 1500 kN, Load on B = 1450kN. Size of column = 0.5m, centere
to centre of column = 5.8 m , allowable soil pressure = 370 kN/m2. (April/May 2017, 2015)
12.Explain the design procedure of rectangular combined footing. (April/May 2017, 2013,
Nov/Dec 2016)
13.Explain the design procedure of mat footing. (April/May 2017, 2014, 2013, Nov /Dec
2016)
14.Describe the procedure of design of trapezoidal footing. (Nov / Dec 2016, May/June 2014)
15.A combined footing is to support two columns 250mmx250mm and 300mmx300mm
carrying loads of 300kN and 450kN respectively. The columns are spaced at 4 m c/c. The
allowable bearing capacity of the soil is 150kPa. Find the plan dimensions of the footing if
(i) The first column alone is on the boundary line 2.Both the columns are on the boundary
line
(ii) Draw the contact pressure distribution diagram for flexible and rigid footings resting
on sand and clay respectively. (Nov/Dec 2014)
PART - C
1. Discuss briefly the various types of shallow foundation with simple sketches and under what
circumstances these foundation types are preferred? (Nov/Dec 2017, April/May 2017)
2. Discuss in detail about the design procedure for rectangular combined footing and
trapezoidal combined footing with suitable sketches. (Nov/Dec 2015)
3. Write brief notes on: 1.Mat foundation 2.Floating foundation, 3.Seismic force consideration
in footing design. (Nov/Dec 2015)
4. Draw the contact pressure distribution below flexible and rigid footing resting on sandy
deposits. Also draw the settlement pattern also. Explain. (April/May 2017, 2015)
UNIT IV PILE FOUNDATION
PART - A
1. What are methods to determine the load carrying capacity of a pile? (April/May 2019)
(Nov/Dec 2016, 2015)
(i) Dynamic formulae
(ii) Static formula

2. For a pile designed for an allowable load of 400 kN driven by a Steam hammer
(Single acting) with a energy of 221 t-cm, what is the approximate terminal of
pile? (April/May 2019)
3. Define negative Skin Friction. (Nov/Dec 2018) (April/May 2017, 2014)
When the soil layer surrounding a portion of the pile shaft settles more than a pile, a
downward drag occurs on the pile. The downward drag is known as negative skin friction.
Negative skin friction force for a single pile is equal to the sharing resistance times the
surface area of the pile. Therefore the negative skin friction on a pile group is
Fn = τLp + γLA for group
Fn = n τ L ԓ d for individual
4. Define group efficiency. (Nov/Dec 2018)
The efficiency of a pile group r\g is defined as the ratio of the actual capacity of
thegroup to the summation of the capacities of the individual piles in the group when tested
as single piles.Generally, higher efficiencies occur with an increase in the number of piles in
the group.
5. What is modulus of sub grade reaction (Ks)? (Apr/May 2018)
The modulus of subgrade reaction (k) is used as a primary input for rigid pavement
design. It estimates the support of the layers below a rigid pavement surface course (the
PCC slab). The k-value can be determined by field tests or by correlation with other tests.
6. State the methods of pile driving. (Apr/May 2018)
• By drop hammer,
• By Steam hammer,
a. Single acting,
b. Double acting,
c. Differential acting,
• By water jet boring,
• By boring.
7. How does a pile group behave in cohesionless and cohesive soils? (Nov/Dec 2017)
Behaviour of pile group in cohesionless soil: Ultimate bearing capacity is equal to number
of piles times the ultimate bearing capacity of an individual pile.
Behaviour of pile group in cohesive soil: Bearing capacity of pile group may be equal to
or less than number of piles times the bearing capacity of individual pile.
8. Give the classification of piles based on their functions. (Nov/Dec 2017)
(i) Compaction pile
(ii) Tension Pile
(iii) Anchor Pile
(iv) Fender Pile
(v) Sheet Pile
(vi) End bearing Pile
(vii) Friction pile.
9. Compute the safe bearing of a pile of 550 mm diameter and 12 cm long driven in clay
soil having unconfined compressive strength of 140 kN/m2. Take  = 0.55, FOS = 3.
(April/May 2017)
Given: m =  =0.55, C= q /2 = 140 /2 = 70kN/m2
Safe Bearing capacity = Ultimate bearing capacity / FS
Ultimate bearing capacity = Qup =mCAs + 9CpAp
As = πDl = π x 0.55 x 0.12 = 0.21 m2
Ap = (π x D2)/4 = ( π x 0.552) /4 =0.238 m2
Qup = (0.55 x 70 x0.21) + (9 x 70 x 0.238) =158.025
Safe Bearing capacity = 158.025 /3 =52.675 kN
10. What is meant by group settlement ratio? (Nov/Dec 2016)
The settlement of pile group is found to be many times that of a single pile. The ratio of
the settlement of the pile group to that of a single pile is known as the group settlement
ratio.
11. What is under reamed pile? When is it preferred? (April/May 2016)
These are boreed cast in-situ, concrete piles with one or more bulbs formed by
enlarging the pile stem. They are suitable for loose and filled up sites or where soils are
weak or expansive like black cotton soil.
They are also effective in resisting the downward drag due to the negative skin friction
that arises in loose or expansive soils. Bulb spacing should not exceed 1.5 times the bulb
diameter.
12. State Feld’s rule for determining group capacity of pile groups. (April/May 2016)
The use of Feld's rule is probably the simplest. It states that the load capacity of
each pile in a group is reduced by 1/16 on account of the nearest pile in each diagonal
or straight row.
 2 piles 3 piles
η = (16-1) / 16 x 100 = 94% η = (16-3) / 16 x 100 = 87%
13. For a pile designed for an allowable load of 400 kN driven by a steam hammer (single
acting) with a energy of 221 t-cm, what is the approximate terminal set of pile? (Nov
/Dec 2015)
Qa = WH / (6(S+0.25))
= 0.67 CM
14. What type of piles would you recommended for the following types of soil and site
conditions?
(i) For a multi-storeyed building in the central part of a city surrounded by existing
buildings, (ii) For a harbor structure (April/May 2017, 2016, 2015)
(i) The sub-structure of city centre projects tends to be complex because of the high loads
that are supported, the need to avoid affecting the foundations of neighbouring buildings,
and to avoid obstructions and services in the ground contiguous concrete bored pile
foundation may be adopted for this type.
(ii) Fender piles may be adopted as they need to protect the structure against impact from
ships or other floating objects.

15. Does the choice of a pile hammer have any relevance to the type of piles/ give reasons.
(April/May 2017, 2015)
Yes the choice of a pile hammer has relevance to the type of pile.
i) Steel pile has high modulus of elasticity thereby reducing elastic deformation losses.
This pile has a low driving resistance due to its small cross sectional area. Therefore
light hammers tend to operate efficiently.
ii) Concrete pile has low modulus of elasticity thereby higher elastic deformation
losses. This pile has allow driving resistance due to its small cross sectional area.
This type of pile of pile will usually require a larger heavier hammer of low impact
velocity.
iii) Timber piles are similar to concrete piles in their hammer requirements.
16. What are Anchor piles? (Nov /Dec 2016, May /June2013)
Anchor piles are the type of the piles which provide anchorage edge against horizontal
pull from the sheet piling or other pulling forces.
17. What are fender piles? (Nov /Dec 2016, May/June 2013)
Fender piles are the type of the piles which are used to protect water front structures
against impact from ships or other floating objects.
18. How do the location of site and type of soil encountered influence the selection of the
type of piles? (Nov /Dec2014)
• Cohesive soil – bored pile
• Cohesionless soil – bored piles or cast-in-situ concrete piles.
19. Can you design a driven pile using dynamic formulae? Justify your answer. (Nov /Dec
2014)
Yes, driven pile can be designed using dynamic formula.
i) Engineering News formula - used for wood piles driven with drop hammers and for
short pile s driven with steam hammers.
ii) Hiley's formula: used for piles driven in cohesionless soil.
20. What are friction piles? (May /June 2014)
Friction piles do not reach the hard stratum. These piles transfer the loads through skin
friction between the embedded surface of the pile and the surrounding soil. Friction piles are
used when a hard stratum does not exist at a reasonable depth.
21. Define group efficiency of pile.(May/June 2011)
The ratio of resting capacity of a pile group to the sum of individual capacities of piles
in the group is termed as group efficiency.
Group efficiency, η = Qg / (Np x Qp)
Where, Qg - Group capacity Qp – Pile load on single pile Np – Number of piles
22. What are the conditions where a pile foundation is more suitable than a shallow
foundation?
(i) Huge vertical load with respect to capacity
(ii) Very weak soil
(iii) Huge lateral loads
(iv) For fills having very large depth
(v) Uplift situation
(vi) Urban areas for future and huge construction near the existing building.
23. For identical soil conditions, the load permitted on bored pile is lesser than driven pile
of identical shape and dimensions, why?
The load carrying capacity of bored cast in situ pile will be much smaller than that of a
driven pile in sand. The angle of shearing resistance of the soil is reduced by 30, to account
for the loosening of the sand due to the drilling of the hole.
24. List out the type of pile based on material used?
(i) Timber pile
(ii) Concrete pile
(iii) Steel pile
(iv) Composite pile
25. What are the factors governing selection of pile? (Nov/Dec 2011)
(i) Soil condition
(ii) Type of structure or building
(iii) Adjacent site condition
(iv) Construction techniques availability
(v) Location of ground water table
(vi) Durability etc.
26. What is mean by group settlement ratio? (Apr/May 2016)
The settlement of pile group is found to be many times that of a single pile. The ratio of
the settlement of the pile group to that of a single pile is known as the group settlement ratio.
27. What are the types of hammer?
The types of hammer available for the erection of pile foundation are
i) Drop hammer
ii) Diesel hammer
iii) Double acting hammer
iv) Single acting hammer
v) Vibratory hammer
28. What is pile driver?
Piles are commonly driven by means of a hammer supported by a crane or by aspecial
device known as a pile driver.
29. What is meant by single and multi under ream?
When the piles has only one bulb ,it is known as single under –reamed pile, while
the pile with more than one bulb is known as multi-under –reamed bulbs is kept equal
to2.5 times the diameter of pile stem.
PART - B
1. Discuss in detail about the method of estimating the individual and group capacity of piles.
(April/May 2019) (April/May 2017)
2. Define pile foundation. Briefly discuss about the type of pile and their functions.
(April/May 2019) (April/May 2017)
3. Design a pile group to carry a load of 4200 kN including the weight of the pile cap at a
site where the soil is uniform clay to a depth of 25 m, underlain by rock. Average UCC
 strength of the clay is 68,1N/m2. The factor of safety may be assumed as 3 against shear
failure. Also compute the settlement of the group assuming the load to be transferred at
2/3 length of pile. (Nov/Dec 2018)
4. Describe with neat sketch, the procedure for pile load tent and explain how pile capacity can
be determined using the test. (Nov/Dec 2018)
5. Explain the dynamic formulae for estimating the load carrying capacity of a
single driven pile. (Apr/May 2018)
6. Design a square pile group to carry 400 kN in clay with an unconfined
compressive strength of 60 kN/m2. The piles are 300 mm diameter and 6 m
long. Adhesion may be taken as 0.6. (Apr/May 2018)
7. A square group of 25 piles extends between depths of 3 m and 10m in a deposit of 20 m
thick stiff clay which is undrained by rock. The diameter of the pile is 0.5m and the c/c
spacing of piles is 1m. The undrained shear strength of clay at the pile base level is 150 kPa
and the average value of the undrained shear strength over the depth of the pile is 100 kPa.
Calculate the capacity of the pile group if Nc=9, = 0.7 and factor of safety is 3.(Nov/Dec
2017)
8. Write explanatory notes on the following: (Nov/Dec 2017)
1) Under reamed piles
2) Drag down phenomenon.
9. A group of 16 piles of 50cm diameter is arranged with a center to center spacing of 1.0 m.
The piles are 9m long and are embedded in soft clay with cohesion 30 kN/m. Bearing
resistance may be neglected for the pile. Adhesion factor is 0.6. Determine the ultimate load
capacity of the pile group. (Nov/Dec 2016)
10. Explain the method of determining the load carrying capacity of a pile. (Nov/Dec 2016)
11. (i) Classify the pile foundation based on (1) method of installation (2) load transfer
mechanism. (April/May 2016)
(ii) It is proposed to provide pile foundation for a heavy column; the pile group consisting 4
piles, placed at 2 m centre to centre, forming a square pattern. The underground soil is clay,
having Cu at surface as 60 kN/m2 and at a depth 10 m, as 100 kN/m2. Compute the
allowable column load on the pile cap, if the piles are circular having diameters 0.5 m each
and length as 10m. (April/May 2016)
12. A group of nine piles, 12 m long and 250 mm in diameter, is to be arranged in a square form
in a clay soil with an average unconfined compressive strength of 60 kN/m2. Work out the
centre to centre spacing of the piles for a group efficiency factor of 1. Neglect bearing at the
tip of the piles. (April/May 2016)
13. Discuss the method of obtaining ultimate load and also allowable load on a single pile from
 pile load test. (April/May 2016)
14. Explain in detail about the various types of pile foundation with neat sketch and write their
functions. (Nov/Dec 2015)
15. (i) Group the pile foundation based on method of installation and its effect on ground.
(April/May 2015)
(ii) In a two-layered cohesive soil, bored piles of 400 mm are installed. The top layer has a
thickness of 5m and the bottom ones is of considerable depth. The shear strength of the top
clay layer is 45 kN/m2 and that of the bottom is 100kN/m2. Determine the length of the
bored pile required to carry a safe load of 380 kN, allowing FOS 2.5.(April/May 2015)
16. (i) What is meant by under-reamed pile. When and where they are used. Why? Discuss.
(ii) A 4x3 pile group has the following details: Diameter of each pile, d=350mm, Centre-to-
centre spacing of pile=1050mm Capacity of a single pile=400kN Determine the efficiency
of the free-standing pile group. (April/May 2015)
17. (i) A group of 9 piles arranged in a square pattern is used a s foundation for a column in
sand of angle of internal friction of 30°. Piles 300mm in diameter and 10m in length are
placed at a spacing of 750mm in each direction. Calculate the load carrying capacity of the
pile group adopting a FOS of 2.5. Assume the unit weight of the soil as 18 kN/m3. The Nq
and Nγ values are 26 and 22.4 respectively. (Nov/Dec 2014)
(ii)The results of the pile load test conducted on one of the above mentioned piles are given
below:
Load kN 0 150 200 250 300 400 500 600
Settlement mm 0 1.45 2.35 2.75 3.6 5.75 10.75 30
Make an estimate of settlement of pile group, if the calculated safe load were applied on it.
(Nov/Dec 2014)
18. A pile group of 3 rows with 3 piles in a row is made in a uniform clay deposit extending for
a large depth with an unconfined compressive strength of 150kPa. The diameter and length
of the piles are 500mm and 12m respectively. The c/c spacing of the pile is 1.5m in both the
directions. The adhesion factor can be taken as 0.4. Find the load carrying capacity of the
pile group by Converse Labarre's formula and Terzaghi's approach.
PART-C
1. Write explanatory notes on the following: (a) Under – reamed piles. (b) Drag down
phenomenon. (Nov/Dec 2017)
2. Discuss in detail about the method of estimating the individual and group capacity of piles.
(April/May 2017).
3. Explain the pile load test to determine the load carrying capacity of pile.(May/June
 2012,2013, 2014)
4. Explain the various stages involved in the construction of under reamed pile
UNIT-V RETAINING WALLS
PART- A
1. Draw the variation of lateral earth pressure with wall movement. (Apr/May 2019)
(April/May 2016)

2. Draw the force polygon for lateral active pressure on wall retaining cohesion less soil
according to Coulomb”s wedge theory. (Apr/May 2019) (April/May 2016)

3. What are the stability conditions should be checked for the retaining wall?
(Nov/Dec 2018) (Apr/May 2018)
• The wall should be stable against sliding
• The wall should be stable against overturning
• The base of the wall should be stable against bearing capacity failure
4. Enumerate the assumptions made in Rankine's theory. (Nov/Dec 2018) (Apr/May
2018)
• The soil mass is semi-infinite, homogeneous, dry and cohesionless.
• The ground surface is a plane which may be horizontally inclined.
• The back of the wall is smooth and vertical.
5. What is critical depth? (Nov/Dec 2017, Apr/May 2015)
Due to negative pressure, a tension crack usually developed in the soil near the top of the
wall, upto to a depth Z0. Also, the total pressure upon a depth 2Z0is zero. This means that a
cohesive soil should be able to stand with a vertical face upto a depth 2Z0without any lateral
support. The critical height Hc of an unsupported vertical cut in cohesive soil is thus given
by,Hc = 2Z0 = 4 C tanα
6. Distinguish between active and passive earth pressure. (Nov/Dec 2017)
Active Earth Pressure Passive Earth Pressure
Active earth pressure occurs When Passive earth pressure occurs when
retaining wall moves away from the retaining wall moves towards the backfill
backfill leading to stretching. thus compressing the soil
Co-efficient of active earth pressure Co-efficient of active passive pressure
Ka = (1-sin ϕ /1+sin ϕ) Kp = (1+sin ϕ / 1-sin ϕ)
7. Write the assumptions of Coulomb’s Theory. (Apr/May 2017, 2011, Nov/Dec 2016)
• The backfill is dry, cohesionless, isotropic, homogenous,
• The slip surface is plane which passes through the head of the wall
8. Calculate the active earth pressure give that C = 20 kN/m2 and unit weight of soil being
20 kN/m2 for a vertical cut of depth 3m the soil is cohesionless soil. (April/May 2017)
Given: γ = 20kN/m3
Active pressure = pa = 1/2 ka γ H2
= 1/2 x 0.172 x 20 x 32
= 15.48 kN/m2
9. Distinguish Coloumb’s wedge theory from Rankine’s theory? (Apr/May2010, Nov/Dec
2016)
Rankine’s theory Coulomb’s theory
The intensity of earth pressure at Only the total earth pressure value acting on the
each depth is known. So point of retaining structures can be calculated. The point
application of the earth pressure is of application of earth pressure can be calculated
known at any depth from Coulomb‟s assumption that all points on
the back of the retaining
wall are essentially considered as feet of failure
surface
Wall is smooth and vertical Wall is rough and sloped
Wall moved sufficiently so soil is Wallis rigid, straight failure plane and rigid
a plastic failure mass failure wedge
10. Define surcharge angle. (Nov/Dec 2015, April / May 2014, 2013)
The angle of surcharge of a material is the angle to the horizontal, which the surface of
the materials assumes, while the material is at rest on a moving conveyor belt. The
surcharge angle is generally 5o to 15o less than the angle of repose.
11. What force is acting on retaining wall? (Nov/Dec 2015)
The forces acting on the retaining wall are
• Lateral force: Earth pressure due to backfill and surcharge
• Vertical Force: Self weight of the retaining wall, weight of soil above heel slab and
weight of soil below base slab.
12. Why retaining walls are usually designed for active pressure? (April/May 2017)
From Rankine's assumption, no-existence of frictional forces at the wall face, the
resultant pressure must be parallel to the surface of the backfill. The existence of friction
makes the resultant pressure inclined to the normal to the wall at an angle between the soil
and the wall.
13. What is meant by the critical depth of vertical cut for a clay soil? (April/May 2017,
2015)
Due to negative pressure, a tension crack usually developed in the soil near the top of
the wall, upto to a depth Z0. Also, the total pressure upon a depth 2Z0is zero. This means
that a cohesive soil should be able to stand with a vertical face upto a depth 2Z0without any
lateral support. The critical height Hc of an unsupported vertical cut in cohesive soil is thus
given by, Hc = 2Z0 = 4 C tanα.

14. Write any three assumption of Rankine’s theory. (Nov/Dec 2016)

(i) The soil mass is semi-infinite, homogeneous, dry and cohesionless
(ii) The ground surface is a plane which may be horizontally inclined
(iii) The back of the wall is smooth and vertical.
15. Write down the types of retaining wall. (Nov /Dec 2016)
The earth retaining walls are of following types:
a. Gravity wall
(i) Mass concrete or masonry wall
(ii) Wall on wells
(iii) Precast block wall
(iv) Two row sheet pile wall
 (v) Crib wall
b. Reinforced concrete wall
(i) Cantilever type T wall or L wall
(ii) Counterforted or butteressed wall
c. Sheet pile wall
(i) Cantilever sheet pile wall
(ii) Anchored sheet pile wall or Anchored bulkhead.
16. Why granular materials are preferred for the backfill of a retaining wall?(Apr/May
2015)
Granular materials are preferred for backfill since they maintain an indefinite active
state of stress and have free drainage. Clay backfills tend to creep and have a very low
permeability. They should be avoided as climatic changes are likely to cause successive
swelling and shrinkage of the soil.
17. State the direction and magnitude of wall movement required for the mobilization of
active and passive earth pressure respectively. (Nov/Dec 2014)
Active case: Wall moves away from the backfill
Ka = (1-sin ϕ /1+sin ϕ) = Ka γ H
Passive Case: Wall moves towards the backfill
Kp = (1+sin ϕ / 1-sin ϕ) = Kp γ H
18. If the ratio between coefficient of passive earth pressure and of active earth pressure is
9, find the angle of internal friction of the soil. (Nov/Dec 2014)
Co-efficient of active earth pressure = Ka = (1-sin ϕ /1+sin ϕ) = tan2(45- ϕ/2)
Co-efficient of active passive pressure = Kp = (1+sin ϕ / 1-sin ϕ) = tan2(45+ ϕ/2)
Kp /Ka = tan2(45+ ϕ/2) / tan2(45- ϕ/2) =9
ϕ = 30o
19. What is earth pressure at rest? (May / June 2014, 2013)
The earth pressure at rest is defined as the intensity of lateral earth pressure when the
lateral strain is zero and it is expressed as PR = KR .γ . Z, where KR– coefficient of earth
pressure.
20. How do you check the stability of retaining walls? (Apr/May 2010)
(i) The wall should be stable against sliding
(ii) The wall should be stable against overturning
(iii) The base of the wall should be stable against bearing capacity failure
21. What is passive earth pressure?
If the retaining wall moves towards the backfill then the lateral pressure acting on the
wall is called passive earth pressure where the backfill soil wedge slides upward and the
 shear resistance acts downward towards the retaining wall and hence the wall experiences
maximum lateral earth pressure.
22. Define angle of repose (Apr/May 2015)
Maximum natural slope at which the soil particles may rest due to their internal friction,
if left unsupported for sufficient length of time
23. Define theory of plasticity?
The theory on which the condition of the stress is in a state of a plastic equilibrium is
called as theory of plasticity. A body of soil is said to be in plastic equilibrium, if every
point of it is on the verge of failure.
24. Draw the lateral earth pressure diagram of clay depends for active and passive
condition.

Active earth pressure condition Passive earth pressure condition

25. What are the methods used for analysis of earth pressure?
(i) Coulomb‟s wedge theory (Graphical theory)
(ii) Poncelete theory ( based on Coulomb‟s wedge theory)
(iii) Rehbann‟s theory (based on Coulomb‟s wedge theory & Poncelete theory)
(iv) Culmann‟s theory ( based on Coulomb‟s wedge theory)
(v) Rankine‟s theory (Analytical method)
26. Draw the lateral earth pressure diagram of sand depends for active and passive
condition. For active earth pressure condition

Active earth pressure condition Passive earth pressure condition

27. How do tension cracks influence the distribution of active earth pressure in pure
cohesion? (April /May 2015, 2016)
Tension cracks are developed in the soil near the top of the wall, due to negative
pressure upto a height of Zc. Also the net pressure upto a depth 2 Zc is zero. This means
that the cohesive soil should be able to stand with a vertical face upto a depth of 2Zc
without any lateral support.

For C- ϕ : Pa=

PART- B
1. Explain Culmann’s graphical method to evaluate active thrust. (Apr/May 2019)
(Nov/Dec 2015, 2016, April/May 2017, April/May 2016)
2. Discuss in detail about the Rankines theory for the following cases of cohesion less soil
and cohesive soil. (i) Submerged back fill (ii) back fill with sloping surface. (Apr/May
2019) (Nov/Dec 2015) (May/June 2013)
3. A retaining wall, 4 m high supports a backfill having cohesion 22 Kpa, angle of internal
friction 29o, and bulk unit weight 19.25 kN/m2mth horizontal top flushes with top of the
wall. The backfill carries a surcharge of 25kN/m2. Draw the lateral earth pressure
distribution diagram and compute the total active and passive earth pressure on the wall and
their point of application. (Nov/Dec 2018)
4. Describe in details about,
(i) Assumptions made in Coulomb’s wedge theory.(4)
(ii) Culmaan’s graphical method. (5)
(iii) Stability analysis of retaining wall.(4)
5. A retaining wall of 6m high has a saturated backfill of soft clay soil. The
properties of the clay sol are 17.56 kN/m3, unit cohesion Cu 18 kN/m
Determinc (a) the expected depth of tensile crack in the soil (b) the active earth
pressure before the oecurrence of tensile crack, and (c) the active pressure
after the occurrence of tensile. (Apr/May 2018)
6. A rigid retaining wall of 6 m height has two layers of back fill. The top layer
upto depth of 1.5 m is sandy clay having p 30°C, c 0, 17.25 kN/m2. (Apr/May 2018)
7. (i) Compare coulomb’s theory and Rankine’s theory of earth pressure. (Nov/Dec 2017)
(ii) A concrete retaining wall of 5 m height supports sandy backfill and has been designed to
 resist a horizontal force of 150 kN/m. the properties of backfill are Ф =32o and γ =
18kN/m3. Determine the height to which water can be allowed to rise before the allowable
force on the wall is exceeded? (Nov/Dec 2017)
8. Explain Culmann’s graphical method to evaluate active thrust. (Nov/Dec 2017, Apr/May
2016)
9. (i) A retaining wall is 5 m high. It’s back is vertical and it has got sandy backfill upto it’s
top. The top fill is horizontal and carries a uniform surcharge of 80 kN/m 2. Determine the
active earth pressure on the wall per meter length of the wall. Water table is 1.5 m below the
top of the fill, γd =18.5kN/m3. Moisture content above water table is 13%, Ф =30o, G=2.6
and n= 30. The wall friction may be neglected. (May/June 2017)
(ii) Write a short notes on type of retaining wall. (May/June 2017)
10. Check the stability of a cantilever retaining wall of smooth vertical back of 6 m height and
0.2 m thick at top and 0.3 m at bottom. The foundation base of retaining wall of depth 0.6m
projected on the left side of 0.5m and 0.2 m on the right side. It supports a sandy back fill
with unit weight 18kN/m3 leveled to the top of wall. The angle of internal frictional of soil
is 340. Use Rankine theory. (May/June 2017)
11. What are the different methods of soil stabilization? Explain with neat sketches.
(April/May 2017,2016)
12. Explain the Rankine‟s theory for various backfill condition to calculate active earth
pressure Consider both presence and absence of tension crack for active case. (April/May
2016, 2013, Nov/Dec 2016)
13. Explain the Rebhann’s graphical method for active earth pressure calculation. (Nov/Dec
2016)
14. A vertical retaining wall of height 6.5 m retains a non-cohesive level backfill weighing 19.2
kN/m3, with the angle of friction being 18°. Compute the total thrust on the wall adopting
Culman's graphical method. Later it is planned to place a piece of machinery weighing 30
kN on the surface, parallel to the crest of the wall. Find the minimum horizontal distance
from the back of the wall at which the machinery could be placed without increasing the
pressure on the wall. Take Ф = 30°. (May/June 2015)
15. For a cantilever retaining wall shown in fig, determine the maximum amd minimum
pressure under the base of the cantilever. The relevant shear strength parameters of the
backfill and foundation soil are C’ =0, Ф= 35o and unit weight of the soil = 17.5 kN/m3.
Then unit weight of the wall material is 23.5 kN/m3. Find also the factor of safety against
sliding, considering the reduced value of base friction as 2/3 Ф. (May/June 2015)

0.5 m 10o

1m
0.7m

4.8 m
16. The height of a retaining wall with smooth vertical back is 6 m. the cohesionless backfill has
a horizontal top surface and carries uniformly distributed surcharge of 30 kPa. The angle of
internal friction of soil is 30° and the water table is at a depth of 3 m below the top of the
fill. Draw the active earth pressure diagram if the unit weight of soil above and below water
table is 18 kN/m3and19.81 kN/m3respectively. (Nov/Dec 2014)

17. A retaining wall with a vertical back is 8 m high and retains a cohesionless soil of angle of
internal friction and unit weight of 30° and 18 kN/m3respectively. The angle of wall friction
is 20°. The backfill surface is horizontal. By Culmann's graphical method, find the total
active thrust, when there is (i) No surcharge (ii) A surcharge of 36 kPa.(Nov/Dec 2014,
May/June 2016)
18. A retaining wall, 4 m high support a back fill (C= 20 kN/m2; Ф =30o, γ = 20 kN/m3) with
horizontal top, flush with the top of the wall. The backfill carries a surcharge of 20kN/m 2. If
the wall is pushed towards the backfill compute the total passive pressure on the wall and
it’s point application. (Nov/Dec 2016)
19. A retaining wall 6m high retains with Ф =30o and unit weight 24 kN/m3 upto a depth of 3m
from top. From 3 m to 6 m the materials is a cohesive soil with C=20 kN/m3 and Ф = 20 o.
Unit weight of cohesive soil is 18 kN/m3. A uniform surcharge of 100 kN/m2 acts on the top
of soil determine the total lateral pressure acting on the wall and its points of application.
(Nov/ Dec 2016)
20. A smooth vertical retaining wall 8 m high retains a cohesive soil. The surface is level with
the top of the wall and it carries a uniform pressure intensity of 20 kPa. The unit weight of
 the soil is 16 kN/m3. The soil has cohesion of 50 kPa and angle of internal friction is 10°.
Determine Rankine's total active earth pressure acting on the wall. (May/June 2014)
PART -C
1. Compute the active earth pressure distribution and the total force for a smooth vertical wall
of 5m with clay backfill
(i) For the short term; C= 45kN/m2, Ф = 0o and γ= 18kN/m3
(ii) For the long term : C= 5 kN/m2, Ф = 20o and γ =18kN/m3. (Apr/May 2019) (Nov/Dec
2017)
2. Explain why the displacement necessary to produce the passive state is much more than
that required to produce the active state? (Apr/May 2019) (Nov/Dec 2017)
3. The pile load test data of 5300 mm diameter and 15 m long pile is as follows. Design a
pile group system to carry a load of 4000 kN. Compute the settlement of the pile group
for the designed load. (Nov/Dec 2018)

Load in KN 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500

Settlement in mm 0 8.5 16.5 25.5 38.0 60.0

4. Design a retaining wall for a 8 m sandy soil backfill with unit weight as 17.5kN/m3 and
angle of internal friction 30 degrees. Check the stability of the designed retaining wall.
(Nov/Dec 2018)
5. Explain the Coulombs wedge theory of earth pressure with a next sketch.(May/June
2013, 2014)

Faculty Incharge HOD Dean