History of Soil Mechanics
41 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Who studied the natural slopes of soils for the design of retaining walls in 1717?

  • Bernard Forest de Belidor
  • Jean Rodolphe Perronet
  • Henri Gautier (correct)
  • Charles Augustin Coulomb

    • Which theory was developed by Bernard Forest de Belidor as a follow-up to Henri Gautier's work?

  • Slip plane observation
  • Ultimate bearing-capacity theory
  • Soil friction angle symbol usage
  • Theory for lateral earth pressure (correct)

    • What significant observation did Francois Gadroy make in 1746?

  • Principles of calculus applications
  • Existence of slip planes at failure (correct)
  • First ultimate bearing-capacity theory
  • Distinction between intact ground and fills

    • What was a key contribution of Charles Augustin Coulomb in soil mechanics?

    <p>Graphical method for lateral earth pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which engineer first used the symbol Ф to represent the soil friction angle?

    <p>Jean Victor Poncelet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes the developments in geotechnical engineering during the Classical phase?

    <p>Focus on arbitrary failure surfaces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which period focused heavily on studies involving unit weights of soils and earth pressure theories?

    <p>Preclassical period</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Jean Rodolphe Perronet distinguish between in his studies in 1769?

    <p>Intact ground and fills</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of mechanical analysis in soil testing?

    <p>To find the size range of particles in soil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is used for particle sizes larger than 0.075 mm in diameter?

    <p>Sieve analysis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What specifically is recorded during the sieve analysis procedure?

    <p>The percentage of material retained on each sieve</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a sieve analysis, how are the sieves arranged?

    <p>With progressively smaller openings from top to bottom</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step in the sieve analysis procedure?

    <p>Prepare the stack of sieves for testing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which particle size range requires hydrometer analysis?

    <p>Smaller than 0.075 mm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to break all lumps into smaller particles before analysis?

    <p>To ensure uniformity and accuracy in size measurement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of materials is sieve analysis primarily used for?

    <p>Granular materials like soil and sand</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concept did Alexandre Collin theorize regarding soil failure?

    <p>Failure happens when the mobilized cohesion exceeds the existing cohesion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who provided a notable simplification of Coulomb's theory related to earth pressure?

    <p>William John Macquorn Rankine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term did Henri Philibert Gaspard Darcy introduce in his 1856 study?

    <p>Coefficient of permeability</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of soil mechanics did Joseph Valentin Boussinesq focus on in his 1885 development?

    <p>Stress distribution under loaded bearing areas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Osborne Reynolds demonstrated which phenomenon in sand in 1887?

    <p>Dilatancy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significant focus of research published between 1910 and 1927 regarding clay?

    <p>Fundamental properties and parameters of clay</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Albert Mauritz Atterberg define in relation to soil particles?

    <p>Clay-size fractions based on particle weight</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a notable development in the study of soil mechanics during Phase II (1856 to 1910 A.D.)?

    <p>Experimental testing on sand</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does D10 refer to in a particle size distribution curve?

    <p>Diameter where 10% of the particles are finer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the uniformity coefficient (Cu) calculated?

    <p>Cu = D60/D10</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the coefficient of gradation (Cc) assess?

    <p>Overall grading of particle sizes in the sample</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which parameter is indicated by the sorting coefficient (So)?

    <p>Uniformity in grain sizes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If 20% of particles are finer than a particular size, which size is indicated by D20?

    <p>The size corresponding to 20% finer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the x-axis represent in a particle size distribution curve?

    <p>Particle size diameter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be inferred if the uniformity coefficient (Cu) is greater than 5?

    <p>The soil is poorly graded</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following represents a measure of overall particle size variability?

    <p>Uniformity coefficient (Cu)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which equation correctly describes the relationship between D30, D10, and Cc?

    <p>Cc = D60 / D10</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of geotechnical engineering?

    <p>Natural materials found close to the earth's surface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which branch of civil engineering applies mechanics and hydraulics to soil engineering problems?

    <p>Soil mechanics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is recognized as the 'Father of Soil Mechanics'?

    <p>Karl Terzaghi</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant period in geotechnical engineering history is marked by the years 1910 to 1927?

    <p>Modern soil mechanics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the key responsibilities of geotechnical engineering?

    <p>Investigation of existing subsurface conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following years marks the end of the Preclassical period in geotechnical engineering?

    <p>1776 A.D.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The study of the characteristics and behavior of soil under various conditions is known as?

    <p>Soil mechanics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does soil engineering specifically focus on?

    <p>Practical problems using soil mechanics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Soil Mechanics

    • Geotechnical engineering deals with the mechanics of materials found near the surface of the earth, utilizing soil and rock mechanics to design foundations, retaining structures, and earthworks.

    History of Soil Mechanics

    • The foundations of geotechnical engineering date back to the 18th century.
    • Karl Terzaghi is recognized as the "Father of Soil Mechanics".
    • Four major periods represent the advancement of geotechnical engineering (as per Skempton, 1985):
      • Preclassical (1700-1776 A.D.)
      • Classical soil mechanics - Phase I (1776-1856 A.D.)
      • Classical soil mechanics - Phase II (1856-1910 A.D.)
      • Modern soil mechanics (1910-1927 A.D.)

    Preclassical Period (1700 to 1776 A.D.)

    • Henri Gautier (1717) studied the natural slopes of soils for retaining wall design.
    • Bernard Forest de Belidor (1729) proposed a theory regarding lateral earth pressure on retaining walls.
    • Francois Gadroy (1746) observed the existence of slip planes in soil during failure.
    • Jean Rodolphe Perronet (1769) studied slope stability and distinguished between intact ground and fills.

    Classical Soil Mechanics - Phase I (1776 to 1856 A.D.)

    • Early focus on lateral earth pressure on retaining walls was based on assumptions.
    • Charles Augustin Coulomb (1736-1806) used calculus to determine the sliding surface in soil behind retaining walls.
    • Jean Victor Poncelet (1788-1867) developed a graphical method for calculating lateral earth pressure and introduced the symbol "Ф" for soil friction angle. He also proposed the first bearing-capacity theory for shallow foundations.
    • Alexandre Collin (1808-1890) explained deep slips in clay slopes and the significance of cohesion in soil failure.
    • William John Macquorn Rankine (1820-1872) provided a simplified theory on earth pressure and equilibrium.

    Classical Soil Mechanics - Phase II (1856 to 1910 A.D.)

    • This period witnessed advancements in laboratory testing of sands.
    • Henri Philibert Gaspard Darcy (1803-1858) published a study on the permeability of sand filters, defining the coefficient of permeability.
    • Sir George Howard Darwin (1845-1912) conducted laboratory tests to determine overturning moments on retaining walls.
    • Joseph Valentin Boussinesq (1842-1929) developed a theory of stress distribution beneath loaded areas.
    • Osborne Reynolds (1842-1912) demonstrated the phenomenon of dilatancy in sand.

    Modern Soil Mechanics (1910-1927 A.D.)

    • Focus shifted to research on clays and defining their properties.
    • Albert Mauritz Atterberg (1911), a chemist and soil scientist, identified clay-size fractions and the importance of clay particles and plasticity in soil.

    Mechanical Analysis

    • This involves determining the particle size distribution of soil, often expressed as a percentage of total dry weight.
    • Two primary methods are commonly employed:
      • Sieve analysis: for particles larger than 0.075 mm in diameter
      • Hydrometer analysis: for particles smaller than 0.075 mm in diameter

    Sieve Analysis

    • A fundamental technique in civil engineering for determining the particle size distribution of granular materials.
    • The process involves passing a material sample through a series of sieves with progressively smaller mesh sizes.
    • The percentage of material retained on each sieve is recorded, providing a detailed breakdown of the particle size distribution.

    Sieve Analysis Procedure

    • Prepare the stack of sieves, with smaller openings at the bottom.
    • Record the mass of each sieve.
    • Break all lumps into smaller particles.
    • Dry the soil sample and determine the percentage loss after drying.
    • The percentage loss is calculated using the formula: (500 - WTi) / 500 * 100, where WTi is the final weight of the soil sample.

    Sieve Analysis Graph

    • The results of the sieve analysis are plotted on a graph, called a particle size distribution curve.
    • D10, D30, and D60 values are obtained from this curve, representing the diameters corresponding to 10%, 30%, and 60% finer material, respectively.
    • The following parameters can be determined from the graph:
      • Uniformity coefficient (Cu): D60 / D10
      • Coefficient of gradation (Cc): D30² / (D60 * D10)
      • Sorting coefficient (So): D75 / D25

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Geotechnical Engineering - A Historical Perspective PDF

    Description

    Explore the evolution of geotechnical engineering through its major historical phases, from the preclassical period to modern advancements. Learn about key figures like Karl Terzaghi and significant contributions that shaped the field. This quiz delves into the foundations and developments of soil mechanics.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser