Given the following SPT result, determine the N-value and the soil’s relative density (No correction due to the effective overburden pressure is required). Cumulative Depth (in.) Number of Blows     6 5 12 6 18 7  Which of the following is incorrect regarding the Soil Classification Systems? a. The AASHTO Soil Classification System is commonly used in highway design and construction b. In the USCS, SP stands for Poorly Graded Sand c. Both AASHTO and USCS, percent passing #200 sieve is a crucial piece of information d. Percent passing #4 sieve is required in order to use the

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

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

The properties of seven different clayey soils are shown below (Skempton and Northey, 1952). Investigate the relationship between the strength and plasticity characteristics by performing the following tasks: a. Estimate the plasticity index for each soil using Skemptons definition of activity [Eq. (4.28)]. b. Estimate the probable mineral composition of the clay soils based on PI and A (use Table 4.3) c. Sensitivity (St) refers to the loss of strength when the soil is remolded or disturbed. It is defined as the ratio of the undisturbed strength (f-undisturbed) to the remolded strength (f-remolded)) at the same moisture content [Eq. (12.49)]. From the given data, estimate f-remolded for the clay soils. d. Plot the variations of undisturbed and remolded shear strengths with the activity, A, and explain the observed behavior.

Refer to the soil in Problem 4.5. Using the Casagrande plasticity chart, graphically estimate the shrinkage limit of the soil as shown in Figure 4.22. 4.5 The following data were obtained by conducting liquid limit and plastic limit tests on a soil collected from the site. Liquid limit tests: Plastic limit test: PL = 19.3% a. Draw the flow curve and determine the liquid limit. b. Using the Casagrande plasticity chart (Figure 4.21), determine the soil type.

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

Repeat Problem 2.11 with the following data. 2.11 The grain-size characteristics of a soil are given in the following table. a. Draw the grain-size distribution curve. b. Determine the percentages of gravel, sand, silt, and clay according to the MIT system. c. Repeat Part b using the USDA system. d. Repeat Part b using the AASHTO system.