Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of constructing embankments on highways?

  • To increase traffic speed
  • To create recreational spaces
  • To keep the foundation above the water table (correct)
  • To beautify the landscape

Geotechnical engineering focuses solely on the construction of buildings.

False (B)

Name one notable structure in Ilocos Norte that involves geotechnical engineering.

Paoay Church

Geotechnical engineering can be defined as the use of earth materials (soil and rock) for improving and defending __________.

<p>society and life</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following structures with their associated geotechnical engineering principles:

<p>Burgos Wind Farm = Renewable energy production Cape Bojeador Lighthouse = Coastal navigation guidance Patapat Viaduct = Highway elevation and flood prevention Sinking Bell Tower = Historical landmark stability</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of engineering deals with the engineering behavior of earth materials?

<p>Geotechnical Engineering (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Soil mechanics was established as a branch of civil engineering in the 1930s.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is referred to as the 'Father of Soil Mechanics'?

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

The main objective of soil mechanics is to lay down certain principles, theories, and procedures for the design of a ______________ structure.

<p>safe and sound</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scientist extended Coulomb's theory by providing a graphical method for determining the magnitude of lateral earth pressure?

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

Match the following engineers with their contributions to soil mechanics:

<p>Karl Terzaghi = Coined the term 'Soil Mechanics' Henri Gautier = Studied natural slopes of soils Bernard Forest de Belidor = Published a theory for lateral earth pressure Francois Gadroy = Reported first laboratory test results on retaining walls</p> Signup and view all the answers

Gaspard Clair Marie Riche de Prony was known for his contributions to soil mechanics in the 1700s.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT included in the scope of Geotechnical Engineering?

<p>Designing buildings (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant phenomenon did Osborne Reynolds demonstrate in his research?

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

Charles Augustin Coulomb is associated with the study of retaining walls and used the principles of __________.

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

The preclassical period of soil mechanics began in the 18th century.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which year did the first laboratory model test results on a retaining wall occur?

<p>1746</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following scientists with their contributions:

<p>Charles Augustin Coulomb = Theories on retaining walls Henri Darcy = Study on permeability of sand filters Osborne Reynolds = Demonstrated dilatancy in sand Joseph Valentin Boussinesq = Theory of stress distribution</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase did most developments in geotechnical engineering come from France?

<p>Phase I (1776-1856) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Henri Philibert Gaspard Darcy and Sir George Howard Darwin both contributed to the study of lateral earth pressure.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the focus of Beresford's 1898 study?

<p>Uplift pressure on the Narora Weir (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Albert Mauritz Atterberg contributed to the understanding of sand properties.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critical aspect of soil mechanics did Alexandre Collin contribute to?

<p>Details for deep slips in slopes, cuttings, and embankments</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who developed the theory of consolidation for clays?

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

The type of foundation required depends on the __________ of the soil.

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

Match the following individuals with their contributions to soil mechanics:

<p>Albert Mauritz Atterberg = Explained the consistency of cohesive soils Wolmar Fellenius = Developed stability analysis for saturated clay Karl Terzaghi = Theorized consolidation for clays</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of foundation is appropriate for weak soil?

<p>Pile foundation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are three properties of soil that need to be regularly checked for earthen dams?

<p>Permeability, strength, density</p> Signup and view all the answers

Earthen dams are low-cost structures with minimal risk of failure.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Geotechnical Engineering

The branch of civil engineering dealing with the behavior of earth materials (soil and rock).

Soil Mechanics

A branch of engineering science focused on the properties and behavior of soil as a building material.

Earth Materials

Soils and rocks, used as building materials, foundations.

Karl Terzaghi

Father of Soil Mechanics, pivotal in the study of soil mechanics and earth pressure theories.

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Subsurface Conditions

The characteristics of the ground below the surface, like soil type and its properties.

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Soil Properties

Characteristics of soil like strength, permeability, density, and moisture content.

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Engineering Works

Structures built by civil engineers, like dams, bridges, buildings and their foundations.

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Foundation Design

Planning and creating the base of structures to support the load.

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Coulomb's Theory

A theory developed by Charles-Augustin de Coulomb, used to calculate lateral earth pressure against retaining walls.

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Lateral Earth Pressure

The force exerted by soil on a retaining structure, such as a wall.

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Geotechnical Engineering

The branch of engineering that deals with the properties and behavior of soil and rock.

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Soil Mechanics

A branch of geotechnical engineering that deals with the mechanical behavior of soil.

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Classical Period of Soil Mechanics

The period (1776–1856) where many early advancements in soil mechanics occured predominantly in France.

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Permeability

The ability of a material to allow fluids to pass through it.

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Darcy's law

A law describing the flow rate of groundwater through porous media.

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Dilatancy

A phenomenon where soil expands (dilates) when subjected to stress in certain conditions.

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Embankments

Structures built of soil to raise highway levels or keep foundations above water.

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Soil Properties

Characteristics of soil that determine its suitability for engineering projects.

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Geotechnical Engineering

Using earth materials (soil and rock) to improve or protect society.

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Civil Engineering Structures

Buildings, roads, and bridges designed using geotechnical principles to ensure stability over time.

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Water Table

The level below the ground where water accumulates. A critical factor in embankment design.

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1898 Beresford's Study

A study on uplift pressure on the Narora Weir on the Ganges River, documented in a 1902 government report.

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Modern Soil Mechanics (1910-1927)

Period of research focused on clay properties and parameters, leading to key concepts like consistency limits and stability analysis.

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Atterberg Limits

Classification of cohesive soil consistency (liquid, plastic, shrinkage) defined by Mauritz Atterberg.

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Fellenius's Work

Developed stability analysis for saturated clay in the early 20th century.

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Terzaghi's Theory

Developed the theory of consolidation for clays.

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Shallow Foundations

Foundations resting on relatively strong soils.

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Deep Foundations

Foundations like piles or wells used for weak soils.

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Importance of Soil Mechanics

Essential for proper design and construction of foundations and earthen dams.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering

  • Geotechnical engineering is a branch of civil engineering focused on the behavior of earth materials (soil and rock).
  • It applies principles and methods of soil and rock mechanics to solve engineering problems and design projects.

Soil Mechanics

  • Soil mechanics is a branch of engineering science focusing on the properties and behavior of soil as a structural material.
  • The goal of studying soil mechanics is to establish principles, theories, and procedures for creating safe and sound structures.
  • Foundation engineers need to interpret soil mechanics principles to adjust projects to site conditions.

History of Soil Mechanics

  • In 1930, Karl Terzaghi established soil mechanics as a civil engineering branch.
  • Terzaghi's contributions were significant, and he is known as the "Father of Soil Mechanics".

Preclassical Period (1709-1776)

  • Studies focused on natural slopes and unit weights of various soil types.
  • Semi-empirical earth pressure theories were developed.

Classical Period - Phase I (1776-1856)

  • French scientists, like Charles Augustin Coulomb, used calculus to study retaining walls.
  • Gaspard Clair Marie Riche de Prony included Coulomb's theory in his textbook.

Classical Period - Phase II (1856-1910)

  • Jean Victor Poncelet expanded Coulomb's theory with a graphical method for lateral earth pressure.
  • Alexandre Collin provided details for deep slips in slopes and embankments.
  • Henri Philibert Gaspard Darcy studied sand filter permeability, and other notable contributions were made by Sir George Howard Darwin and Joseph Valentin Boussinesq.

Modern Period (1910-1927)

  • Albert Mauritz Atterberg explained the consistency of cohesive soils through liquid, plastic, and shrinkage limits.
  • Wolmar Fellenius developed stability analysis for saturated clay.
  • Karl Terzaghi developed the theory of consolidation for clays.

Importance of Soil Mechanics

  • Structures rely on soil to carry loads.
  • Foundation types (shallow or deep) depend on soil strength.
  • Dams, embankments, and roadways require soil analysis for successful construction.

Notable Structures in Ilocos Norte

  • Paaoy Church, Bangui Windmills, Patapat Viaduct, Laoag International Airport, Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Burgos Wind Farm, Crobaric Bell Tower, Sinking Bell Tower, Museo Ilocos Norte are examples of structures embodying geotechnical engineering principles.

Overall Significance of Geotechnical Engineering

  • Geotechnical engineering plays a vital role in improving society by enhancing the durability of civil engineering structures.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts in geotechnical engineering and soil mechanics, including the behavior of earth materials and the historical development of soil mechanics as a discipline. Gain insights into the principles and practices essential for safe engineering structures and their foundation design.

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