Questions and Answers
Hydrometer analysis is used for determining the grain-size distribution of coarse-grained soil.
False
Sieve analysis involves passing soil through progressively coarser sieves.
False
The specific gravity of soil is an index property considered in geotechnical properties.
True
The grain-size distribution of fine-grained soil can be determined using sieve analysis.
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The cumulative percentage of soil passing through each sieve in a sieve analysis is referred to as percent finer.
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Soil is defined as the cemented aggregate of mineral grains and decayed organic matter.
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Foundation engineering involves the design of foundations for various structures, including buildings and bridges.
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The primary focus of foundation engineering is only on the soil mechanics without considering rock mechanics.
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Liquid and gas occupy the empty spaces between solid particles in soil.
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Retaining walls are not considered in the analysis and design of earth-retaining structures in foundation engineering.
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Study Notes
Course Introduction
- CE427 focuses on Foundation Engineering and includes a review of soil classification.
- Instructors: Engr. Vera Karla Caingles and Engr. Christian Linares.
Understanding Soil
- Soil is an uncemented mixture of mineral grains, decayed organic matter, liquid, and gas.
- It occupies the interstitial spaces between solid particles.
Foundation Engineering
- Application of soil mechanics and rock mechanics principles in designing foundations for structures like buildings, bridges, and retaining walls.
- Involves analyzing and designing earth-retaining structures, such as sheet-pile walls and braced cuts.
Geotechnical Properties of Soil
- Index Properties: Include specific gravity, particle size and shape, and relative density or consistency of soil.
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Grain-Size Distribution:
- Coarse-grained soil assessed using sieve analysis.
- Fine-grained soil analyzed through hydrometer analysis.
Sieve Analysis
- A method for determining the grain-size distribution of soil.
- Involves passing dry, pulverized soil through a series of sieves.
- Cumulative percentage of soil passing each sieve is calculated, referred to as percent finer.
Grain-Size Distribution Curves
- Curve II: Well-graded soil with uniformity coefficient > 4 for gravels and > 6 for sands, coefficient of gradation between 1 and 3.
- Curve III: Gap graded soil with certain size particles missing, forming a hump in the curve.
Size Limits for Soil
- Organizations define size categories for gravel, sand, silt, and clay based on grain sizes present in soils.
Plasticity and Activity
- Correlation between Plasticity Index (PI) and clay-size fractions varies among clay types.
- Karl Skempton defined "activity" quantifying this correlation, expressed as a slope between PI and % finer than 2 mm.
Volume-Weight Relationships
- Understanding soil elements in natural states and their three phases aids in calculating relevant geotechnical properties.
Soil Classification Systems
- Major systems include:
- AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) System.
- Unified Soil Classification System (ASTM).
Historical Perspective of Soil Mechanics
- The era between 1910-1927 featured significant studies on clay behavior, including Atterberg limits by Atterberg (1911) and consolidation theory by Terzaghi (1925).
Contributions of Karl Terzaghi
- Pioneering figure in Geotechnical Engineering, born on October 2, 1883, in Prague.
- Key contributions: effective stress, elastic stress distribution, consolidation settlement, and shear strength.
- Recipient of the Norman Medal from ASCE four times; awarded nine honorary doctorates across eight countries.
- His work laid the foundation for modern soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering practices.
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Description
This quiz covers the introductory concepts of CE427 Foundation Engineering. It includes a review of index classification and soil classification essential for understanding the foundational aspects of engineering. Engage with the material to solidify your understanding of these core principles.
