M1 CONCEPTS

Question 1

Subdiscipline of civil engineering that involves natural materials found close to the surface of the earth.

Answer 1

Geotechnical Engineering

Question 2

Physical properties of soil behavior, or soil masses subjected to various types of forces

Answer 2

Soil Mechanics

Question 3

Defined as the uncemented aggregate of mineral grains and decayed organic matter along with the liquid, and gas that occupy the empty spaces between the solid particles.

Answer 3

Soil

Question 4

TRUE OR FALSE

Natural soil is always uniform. Its properties changes from point to point while our knowledge of its properties are definite with those few spots of which the samples have been collected.

Answer 4

FALSE

Natural soil is NEVER uniform
properties are LIMITED to those few spots

Question 5

Father of Geotechnical Engineering

Answer 5

Karl Terzaghi

Question 6

Cost of site investigations for foundation design

Answer 6

rarely exceeds 0.5% of project costs

Question 7

Adequate knowledge of soil condition is very important for analysis, design, and construction of foundations and earth retaining structures.

Answer 7

Site Characterization

Question 8

Purposes of Site Characterization

Answer 8

• To evaluate the general suitability of the site to the proposed project
• To enable an adequate and economical design to be made
• To obtain physical and mechanical properties of the soils
• To obtain groundwater condition
• To disclose and make provisions for difficulties that may arise during construction
• To determine suitability of materials for construction

Question 9

Phases of Site Characterization

Answer 9

1. Collection of Available Information
2. Site Visit
3. Detailed Soil Exploration
4. Laboratory Testing
5. Writing the Soil Report

Question 10

Makes use of the following:

*Maps
*Existing Soil Report
*Newspaper Clippings
*Site Plans

Answer 10

Phase 1 : Collection of Available Information

Question 11

Provides general picture of the topography and geology of the site
* Photographs
* Access to the site
* Sketch of all the notable structures.
* Utility services (i.e. water and electricity)
* Sketch of topography
* State of an existing site nearby
* Geological features from any exposed area or road cut

Answer 11

Phase 2 : Site Visit

Question 12

Provides information on the nature of soils at site, design parameters, groundwater conditions, and possible construction problems

Answer 12

Phase 3 : Detailed Soil Exploration

Question 13

• To classify the soils
• To determine soil strengths, failure stresses and strains, stress strain response, permeability, compactibility, and settlement parameters

Answer 13

Phase 4 : Laboratory Testing

Question 14

• Clear description of the soil
• Methods of soil exploration used
• Soil stratigraphy
• In situ and laboratory test results
• Location of the ground water
• Geotechnical recommendations

Answer 14

Phase 5 : Writing the Soil Report