Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Soil Properties & Soil Compaction

12. (Mid 2007):

The moist densiteis and degree of saturation of a soil sample are given in the
following table:
Soil Density (Kg/m3) Degree of Saturation (%)
1690 45
1808 75
3
Determine the weight of water in Kg, that will be in 7 m of the soil when it
saturated.

Solution
Firstly, we must find the values of Gs , e
Gs ×ρw ×(1+w) S.e
we know that ρmoist = , and w =
1+e Gs
S.e
Gs ×ρw ×(1+ G )
s Eqn.*
So, the eqn. will be in this form : ρmoist =
1+e

Case#1:
ρmoist = 1690 Kg/m3 , S = 45% , substitute in Eqn.*
0.45e
Gs × 1000 × (1 + )
Gs Eqn.1
1690 =
1+e

Case#2:
ρmoist = 1808 Kg/m3 , S = 75% , substitute in Eqn.*
0.75e
Gs × 1000 × (1 + )
Gs Eqn.2
1808 =
1+e
Now, by solving the two equations (solve by your self) the results are :
Gs = 2.49 , e = 0.648
Now, the required is the weight of water in Kg will be added in VT = 7 m3 when
S=100%(saturated)

Page (19) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Soil Properties & Soil Compaction

S × e 1 × 0.648
w100% = = = 0.26 = 26%.
Gs 2.49
Mwater
w= , → w = ✓ , Mwater (required) , but Msolid =? ? ?
Msolid

ρsolid
Now, Gs = → ρsolid = 1000 × 2.49 = 2490 Kg/m3
ρw

Msolid
ρsolid = → Msolid = 2490Vs .
Vs
e 0.648
n= = = 0.393.
1 + e 1 + 0.648
Vv
n= → Vv = 0.393 × 7 = 2.751 m3
VT

Vs = VT − Vv = 7 − 2.751 = 4.25 m3.

So, Msolid = 2490 × 4.25 = 10582.5 Kg.

Finally, Mwater = w × Msolid = 0.26 × 10582.5 = 2751.45Kg ✓.

Page (20) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Soil Properties & Soil Compaction

13. (Mid 2006):

A borrow material has a volume of 191,000 m3 and void ratio of 1.2. After
compaction its new void ratio is 0.7, find the corresponding volume?
Solution
Givens:
VT,1 = 191,000 m3 , e1 = 1.2 , VT,2 =? ?, e2 = 0.7
The main idea of this problem that the value of Vs is constant.
Befor compaction:
VT,1 −Vs 191,000−Vs
e1 = → 1.2 = → Vs = 86818.18 m3
Vs Vs
After compaction:
VT,2 −Vs VT,2 −86818.18
e2 = → 0.7 = → VT,2 = 147,590.9 m3 ✓.
Vs 86818.18

14. (Mid 2006):

The total volume of a soil soecimen is 80,000 mm3 and it weighs 150
grams. The dry weight of the specimen is 130 grams and the density of the soil
solids is 2680 Kg/m3. Find the following:
a) The water content.
b) Void Ratio.
c) Porosity.
d) Degree of saturation.
e) Saturated unit weight.
f) Dry unit weight.

Solution
Givens:
VT = 80,000 mm3 , Mmoist = 150 gm , Mdry = 130 gm , ρs = 2680 Kg/m3
a)
Mmoist −Mdry 150−130
%w = × 100% = × 100% = 15.38%✓.
Mdry 130

Page (21) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Soil Properties & Soil Compaction

b)
ρs 2680
Gs = = = 2.68
ρwater 1000
VT = 80,000 mm3= 80,000 × 10−9 = 80 × 10−6 m3
Mdry 130×10−3
ρdry = = = 1625 Kg/m3
VT 80×10−6

Gs × ρw 2.68 × 1000
ρdry = → 1625 = → e = 0.649✓.
1+e 1+e
c)
e 0.649
n= = = 0.393✓.
1 + e 1 + 0.649
d)
Gs .w 2.68×0.1538
S.e=Gs . w → S = = = 0.635 = 63.5% ✓.
e 0.649

e)
1×0.649
S=1→ w100% = = 0.242 = 24.2
2.68
Gs ×γw ×(1+w@s=1 ) 2.68×9.81×(1+0.242)
γmoist,100%(sat) = = = 19.8 KN/m3✓.
1+e 1+0.649

f)
ρdry = 1625 Kg/m3→ γdry = 1625 × 9.81 × 10−3 = 15.94 KN/m3✓.

Page (22) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Soil Properties & Soil Compaction

15. (Mid 2005):

A sample of moist soil was found to have the following characteristics:
Volume 0.01456 m3 (as sampled)
Mass 25.74 Kg (as sampled)
22.10 Kg (after oven drying)
Specific gravity of solids: 2.69
 Find the density, dry unit weight, void ratio, porosity, degree of saturation for
the soil.
 What would be the moist unit weight when the degree of saturation is 80%?
Solution
Givens:
VT = 0.01456 m3 , Mmoist = 25.74 Kg , Mdry = 22.1 Kg , Gs = 2.69

(The first required is density that means moist and dry densities)
Mmoist 25.74
ρmoist = = = 1767.56 Kg/m3✓.
VT 0.01456
Mdry 22.1
ρdry = = = 1517.86 Kg/m3✓.
VT 0.01456

ρdry = 1517.86 Kg/m3→ γdry = 1517.86 × 9.81 × 10−3 = 14.89 KN/m3✓.

Gs × γw 2.69 × 9.81
γdry = → 14.89 = → e = 0.772 ✓.
1+e 1+e
S.e=Gs . w → w =? ?
ρmoist = ρdry (1 + w) → 1767.56 = 1517.86(1 + w) → w = 0.1645 = 16.45%
Gs . w 2.69 × 0.1645
S= = = 0.573 = 57.3% ✓.
e 0.772


S. e 0.8 × 0.772
w= = = 0.229 = 22.9%
Gs 2.69
Gs ×γw (1+𝑤) 2.69×9.81×(1+0.229)
γmoist = = = 18.3 KN/m3✓.
1+e 1+0.772

Page (23) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Soil Properties & Soil Compaction

16. (Final 2009):

Dry soil with Gs = 2.7 is mixed with water to produce 20% water content
and compacted to produce a cylindrical sample of 40 mm diameter and 80mm long
with 5% air content. Calculate the following:
A- Mass of the mixed soil that will be required.
B- Void ratio of the sample.
C- Dry, moisture and saturated unit weight.
D- Amount of water to be added for full saturation.
Solution
Givens:
π
VT = volime of the cylindrical sample = × (0.04)2 × 0.08 = 1.005 × 10−4 m3
4
%w=20% , air content =5% , Gs = 2.7
Vair Vair
Important Note: Air content = → 0.05 = → Vair = 0.05VT .
VT VT
A-
(Mmixed soil = Msolid ) because the mixed soil is a dry soil and Mdry = Msolid
Mwater Mwater Mwater
w= → Msolid = = → Msolid = 5 Mwater Eqn.1
Msolid W 0.2

ρsolid
Gs = → ρsolid = 1000 × 2.7 = 2700 Kg/m3
ρwater

Msolid
ρsolid = → Msolid = 2700 Vs Eqn.2
Vsolid
Mwater Mwater
Vv = Vair + Vwater , and ρwater = → Vwater = , and Vv = VT − VS
Vwater ρwater
Mwater
→ VT − VS = 0.05VT + but, VT = 1.005 × 10−4 and ρwater = 1000 Kg/m3
ρwater
Mwater
So, VS = 0.95VT − → VS = 9.5 × 10−5 − 0.001 Mwater
ρwater
Now, substitute in Eqn.2: → Msolid = 0.2565 − 2.7 Mwater → Substitute in Eq. 1

→ 0.2565 − 2.7 Mwater = 5 Mwater → Mwater =0.0333Kg.

Msolid = 5 × 0.0333 = 0.1665 Kg ✓.

Page (24) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Soil Properties & Soil Compaction

B-
VV
e= → VS = 9.5 × 10−5 − 0.001 Mwater = VS = 9.5 × 10−5 − 0.001 × 0.0333
Vs
VS = 6.17 × 10−5 m3
VV = VT − VS = 1.005 × 10−4 − 6.17 × 10−5 = 3.88 × 10−5 m3
3.88×10−5
Then, e = = 0.628 ✓.
6.17×10−5
C-
Gs ×γw 2.7×9.81
γdry = = = 16.27 KN/m3 ✓.
1+e 1+0.628
Gs ×γw (1+w) 2.7×9.81(1+0.2)
γmoist = = = 19.52 KN/m3 ✓.
1+e 1+0.628
1×e
Gs ×γw (1+ ) 1×e
Gs
γsat = (Saturated → S = 1 → w =
1+e Gs
1×0.628
2.7×9.81(1+ 2.7 )
γsat = = 20.05 KN/m3 ✓.
1+0.628
D-
Amount (KN/m3) = γsat− γmoist → Amount (KN) = (γsat− γmoist ) × VT
Amount (KN) = (20.05− 19.52) × 1.00510−4 = 5.326510−5KN ✓.
1000
Amount (Kg) = 5.3265 × 10−5 × = 5.4296 × 10−3 Kg✓.
9.81

Page (25) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Soil Properties & Soil Compaction

17.
Moist clayey soil has initial void ratio of 1.5, dry mass of 80gm, and specific
gravity of solid particles of 2.5.The sample is exposed to atmosphere so that the
sample volume decrease to one half of its initial volume . Calculate the following:
a) The new void ratio.
b) Mass of water if degree of saturation became 25 %.
Solution
Givens:
e1 = 1.5 , Mdry = Msolid = 80gm , Gs = 2.5 , VT,2 = 0.5VT,1
a)
Firstly, we must calculate the value of VT that must be the same in each case.
VT,1 −Vs VT,1 −Vs
e1 = → 1.5 = , VT,1 =? ? ?
Vs Vs
Mdry Gs ×ρw 0.08 2.5×1000
ρdry = = → = → VT,1 = 8 × 10−5m3.
VT,1 1+e1 VT,1 1+1.5
8×10−5 −Vs
So, 1.5 = → Vs = 3.2 × 10−5 m3.
Vs
Now, VT,2 = 0.5 × 8 × 10−5 = 4 × 10−5 m3.
VT,2 − Vs 4 × 10−5 − 3.2 × 10−5
e2 = = = 0.25 ✓.
Vs 3.2 × 10−5
b)
e = 0.25 , S=25% , Gs = 2.5
0.25×0.25
S.e = Gs . w → w = = 0.025 = 2.5%.
2.5
Mwater
w= → Mwater = 0.025 × 0.08 = 2 × 10−3Kg = 2gm ✓.
Msolid

Page (26) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Soil Properties & Soil Compaction

18.
Soil has been compacted in an embankment at a bulk unit weight of 2.15 t/m3
And water content of 12% , the solid particles of soil having specific gravity of 2.65.
a) Calculate the dry unit weight, degree of saturation, and air content.
b) Would it possible to compact the above soil at a water content of 13.5% to a dry
unit weight of 2 t/m3.
Solution
Givens:
γbulk = γmoist = 2.15 t/m3 = 2.15 × 9.81 = 21.0915 KN/m3 (assume
g=9.81m/s2)
%w=12% , Gs = 2.65
a)
γmoist 21.0915
γdry = = = 18.83 KN/m3✓.
1+w 1+0.12
Gs × γw 2.65 × 9.81
γdry = → 18.83 = → e = 0.38.
1+e 1+e
2.65×0.12
S.e = Gs . w → S = = 0.837 = 83.7% ✓.
0.38
Vair
Air content = =? ?
VT

Vv = Vair + Vwater Eqn.∗

Vv = VT − VS

Wwater
w= → Wwater = 0.12 Wsolid
Wsolid

γsolid WS WS
Gs = → γsolid = → Gs = → WS = Gs × VS × γwater
γwater VS VS × γwater
Substitute in Eqn. 1 → Wwater = 0.12 × 2.65 × 9.81 × VS → Wwater = 3.12 VS
Wwater 3.12 VS
Vwater = → Vwater = = 0.318 VS
γwater 9.81
WS 𝐺𝑠 ×VS ×γwater
γdry = 18.83 = = → VS = 0.7243 VT
VT VT

→ Vwater = 0.318 × 0.7243 VT = 0.23 VT

Page (27) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Soil Properties & Soil Compaction

Substitute in Eqn.*

VT − VS = Vair + Vwater

→ VT − 0.7243 VT = Vair + 0.23 VT (Dividing by VT )

Vair Vair
→ 1 − 0.7243 = + 0.23 → = 0.0457 = 4.57% (Air content) ✓.
VT VT
b)
%w =13.5% , γdry = 2 t/m3 = 2 × 9.81 = 19.62 KN/m3(need to check)
If γZ.A.V > 19.62 → Ok , else → Not Ok.

Gs × γw Gs . w 2.65 × 0.135
γZ.A.V = → emin = = = 0.3577
1 + emin Smax 1
2.65×9.81
γZ.A.V = = 19.147 KN/m3 <19.62 → Not possible✓.
1+0.3577

Because the value of γZ.A.V is the maximum value of dry unit weight can be reach.
Another solution:
It’s supposed that the value of (e) must be greater than the value of (emin )
Gs . w 2.65 × 0.135
emin = = = 0.3577
Smax 1
Gs × γw 2.65 × 9.81
γdry = → 19.62 = → e = 0.325 < emin → Not possible✓.
1+e 1+e

Page (28) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Soil Properties & Soil Compaction

19.
A specimen of soil was immersed in mercury. The mercury which came out
was collected and it’s weight was 290gm. The sample was oven dreid and it’s
weight became 30.2gm. if the specific gravity was 2.7 and weight of soil in natural
state was 34.6gm. Determine :
a) Tge void ratio,and porosity.
b) Water content of the original sample.
c) Degree of saturation of the original sample.
[Hint: the dnsity of mercury is 13.6 gm/cm3]
Solution
Givens:
Mmer.(came out) = 290gm , Mdry = 30.2gm , Mwet = 34.6gm , Gs = 2.7
Archimedes Law: The volume of specimen equal the voulme of liquid came out.
Mmer 290
VT = = = 21.32 cm3= 21.32 × 10−6 m3.
𝜌𝑚𝑒𝑟 13.6
a)
Mdry 30.2×10−3
ρdry = = = 1416.51 Kg/m3
VT 21.32×10−6
Gs × ρw 2.7 × 1000
ρdry = → 1416.51 = → e = 0.906✓.
1+e 1+e
e 0.906
n= = = 0.475✓.
1 + e 0.906 + 1
b)
Mmoist − Mdry 34.6 − 30.2
%w = × 100% = × 100% = 14.57%✓.
Mdry 30.2
c)
2.7×0.1457
S.e = Gs . w → S = = 0.4342 = 43.42%✓.
0.906

Page (29) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Soil Properties & Soil Compaction

20. (Important)
The in-situ(field) moisture content of a soil is 18% and it’s moisture unit
weight is 105 pcf (Ib/ft3). The specific gravity of soil solids is 2.75. This soil is to
be excavated and transported to a construction site ,and then compacted to a
minimum dry weight of 103.5 pcf at a moisture content of 20 %.
a) How many cubic yards of excavated soil are needed to produce 10,000 yd3of
compacted fill?
b) How many truckloads are needed to transprt the excavated soil if each truck can
carry 20 tons?
[ Hint: 1ton = 2000Ib , 1yd3=27ft3 , γw = 62.4pcf ] (I advise you to remember these units)
Solution
Givens:
 For excavated soil (in-situ soil)
%w=18% , γmoist = 105 pcf , Gs = 2.75
 For soil in the constrction site
%w=20% , γdry = 103.5 pcf , Gs = 2.75
‫حيث أنه يراد استخدام هذه التربة‬.. ‫توجد لدي نا عينة تربة في موقع معين وبمواصفات معينة‬:‫شرح السؤال‬
‫بالتالي سوف يتم حفر هذه التربة ونقلها في عربات وعند وصولها لموقع‬..‫في موقع معين ألعمال اإل نشاءات‬
Vs ‫لكن دائما وأبدا كما ذكرنا سابقا أن قيمة‬... ‫اإل نشاء سوف يتم دمكها وبالتالي سوف تتغير بعض خصائصها‬
. ‫ألن الحبيبات الصلبة ال يتغير حجمها أبدا‬.. ‫ تبقى ثابتة‬Ws ‫تبقى ثابتة وأيضا قيمة‬
a)
VT,excavated soil =? ? , VT,constrction site soil = 10,000 yd3
For constrction site soil ∶
Gs × γw 2.75 × 62.4
γdry = → 103.5 = → e = 0.658
1+e 1+e
V −V 10,000−Vs
e = T s → 0.658 = → Vs = 6031.36 yd3 (That must be maintained)
Vs Vs
Now, for excavated soil ∶
Gs × γw (1 + w) 2.75 × 62.4 × (1 + 0.18)
γmoist = → 105 = → e = 0.9284
1+e 1+e
VT −Vs VT −6031.36
e= → 0.9284 = → VT = 11,631.4 yd3 ✓.
Vs 6031.36

Page (30) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Soil Properties & Soil Compaction

b)
To find the number of trucks to transport the excavated soil we need two things:
- The total volume of excavated soil (in part a we calculate it =11,631.4 yd3)
- The total volume of each truck.
Each truck can carry 20 tons of excavated soil ….we want to convert this weight to
volume as following:
For each truck:
Wmoist Wmoist,truck (20ton×2000)Ib
γmoist = → VT,truck = = = 380.95 ft3.
VT γmoist,excavated soil 105

380.95
VT,truck = 380.95 ft3 = = 14.1 yd3
27
VT,excavated soil 11,631.4
So, # of trucks = = = 824.9 truck ✓.
VT,truck 14.1
Don’t say 825 because you have only 90 % (0.9) of the truck.

Page (31) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Soil Properties & Soil Compaction

21. (Important)
An embankment for a highway 30 m wide and 1.5 m thick is to be
constructed from sandy soil, trucked in from a borrow pit .The water content of the
sandy soil in the borrow pit is 15% and its void ratio is 0.69. Specifications require
the embankment to compact to a dry weight of 18 KN/m3. Determine- for 1 km
length of embankment-the following:
a) The dry unit weight of sandy soil from the borrow pit to construct the
embankment, assuming that Gs = 2.7.
b) The number of 10 m3 truckloads of sandy soil required to construct the
embankment.
c) The weight of water per truck load of sandy soil.
d) The degree of saturation of the in-situ sandy soil.
Solution
Givens:
 For borrow pit (in-situ soil)
%w=15% , e = 0.69 , Gs = 2.7
 For embankment soil
VT = 30 × 1.5 × 1000 = 45,000 m3 , γdry = 18 KN/m3 , Gs = 2.7
‫يوجد لدينا سد رملي مراد إنشائه بتربة لها خواص معينة حيث أن هذه التربة يتم إحضارها‬:‫شرح السؤال‬
‫( والتي لها خواص معينة حيث سيتم نقلها الى مكان السد عن طريق‬borrow pit( ‫من أماكن مخصصة لها‬
‫ تكون نفسها في كال الحالتين وذلك ألنه مهما تم دمك التربة فان حجم‬Vs ‫ومن المعروف أن قيمة‬.. ‫شاحنات‬
.‫الحبيبات الصلبة ال يتغير‬
a)
Gs ×γw 2.7×9.81
γdry = = = 15.67 KN/m3.
1+e 1+0.69
b)
VT,truck = 10 m3 but VT,borrow pit soil =? ?
For embankment soil:
Gs × γw 2.7 × 9.81
γdry = → 18 = → e = 0.4715.
1+e 1+e
V −V 45,000−Vs
e = T s → 0.4715 = → Vs = 30,581 m3 (That must be maintained)
Vs Vs

Page (32) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Soil Properties & Soil Compaction

Now, for borrow pit soil:

VT −Vs VT −30,581
e= → 0.69 = → VT,borrow pit soil = 51,682 m3.
Vs 30,581
VT,borrow pit soil 51,682
So, # of trucks = = = 5168.2 truck ✓.
VT,truck 10

c)
For each truck → VT,truck = 10 m3
γdry = 15.67 KN/m3 for borrow pit soil
Wdry
Now, γdry = → for each truck → Wdry,truck = γdry × VT,truck
VT
→ Wdry,truck = 10 × 15.67 = 156.7 KN.
Wwater
%w= → Wwater,truck = 156.7 × 0.15 = 23.5 KN✓.
Wdry

d)
2.7×.15
S.e=Gs . w → S = = 0.587 = 58.7%✓.
0.69

Page (33) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Soil Properties & Soil Compaction

22. ( Very Important)

Your company has won a contract to provide and compact the fill material
for an earth levee (‫( سد رملي لمنع الفيضانات‬with the dimensions shown below. The
levee fill is a silty clay soil to be compacted to at least 95% of maximum standard
proctor of γdry = 106pcf at an OMC of 18%. Your borrow pit has a silty clay with
an in-situ moist density of 112.1pcf at 18% moisture content, and Gs = 2.68. When
the soil is excavated and loaded on to your trucks, the void ratio of material is
e=1.47. Your trucks can haul 15 yd3of materials per trip.
a) Determine the volume of fill required for levee.
b) Determine the volume required from the borrow pit.
c) Determine the required number of trucks.

Earth Levee

Solution
Givens:
 For borrow pit (in-situ soil)
γmoist = 112.1pcf , %w=18% , Gs = 2.68
 For earth levee fill
VT (Dimensions) , R. C = 95% (Relative Compaction) , γdry,max,proctor = 106pcf
%w = OMC =18% (Optimum Moisture Content) Gs = 2.68
 For excavated soil (that will be loaded): e = 1.47 , Gs = 2.68 , VT,truck = 15yd3

Page (34) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

‫‪Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics‬‬ ‫‪Soil Properties & Soil Compaction‬‬

‫شرح السؤال‪ :‬نالحظ في هذه المسألة أنه يوجد لدينا ‪ 3‬حاالت للتربة ‪..‬الحالة األولى عندما تكون التربة‬
‫مدفونة في األرض حيث تكون لها خواص معينة ‪...‬والحالة الثانية‪ :‬نالحظ أن التربة تغيرت خواصها بعد أن‬
‫تم تحضيرها للنقل في الشاحنات ‪..‬والحالة الثالثة‪ :‬هي حالة التربة في موقع السد المراد إنشاؤه بخواص‬
‫معينة‪ .‬نالحظ أيضا أن الحالة الثانية من المنطقي أن تحدث ألنه خالل نقل التربة من مكانها إلى الشاحنات‬
‫فإن حبيبات التربة سوف تتناثر وتتغير خواصها وهذا واضح من خالل القيمة الكبيرة ل ‪... e=1.47‬مع أن‬
‫هذه الحالة لم توجد في السؤالين السابقين لكنها األكثر واقعية وبالتالي يجب أخدها بإلعتبار‪..‬‬

‫)‪a‬‬
‫)‪Volume of Levee= (Area of trapezoidal) X (Length of Levee‬‬
‫‪1‬‬
‫‪VT,Levee = [( × (20 + (20 + 40 + 60))) × 20] × [450] = 630,000 ft3✓.‬‬
‫‪2‬‬
‫)‪b‬‬
‫‪For the earth levee:‬‬
‫‪γdry,field‬‬
‫= ‪R. C‬‬ ‫)‪→ γdry,field = 0.95 × 106 = 100.7pcf.(That’s the true value in site‬‬
‫‪γdry,proctor‬‬
‫‪Gs × γw‬‬ ‫‪2.68 × 62.4‬‬
‫= ‪γdry‬‬ ‫= ‪→ 100.7‬‬ ‫‪→ e = 0.66‬‬
‫‪1+e‬‬ ‫‪1+e‬‬
‫‪V −V‬‬ ‫‪630,000−Vs‬‬
‫= ‪e = T s → 0.66‬‬ ‫)‪→ Vs = 379,518 ft3 (That must be maintained‬‬
‫‪Vs‬‬ ‫‪Vs‬‬
‫‪Now, for borrow pit soil:‬‬
‫)‪Gs ×γw (1+w‬‬ ‫)‪2.68×62.4×(1+0.18‬‬
‫= ‪γmoist‬‬ ‫= ‪→ 112.1‬‬ ‫‪→ e =0.76‬‬
‫‪1+e‬‬ ‫‪1+e‬‬

‫‪VT −Vs‬‬ ‫‪VT −379,518‬‬

‫=‪e‬‬ ‫= ‪→ 0.76‬‬ ‫‪→ VT,borrow pit soil = 667,951.7 ft3 ✓.‬‬
‫‪Vs‬‬ ‫‪379,518‬‬
‫)‪c‬‬
‫‪VT,excavated(loaded) soil‬‬
‫= ‪# of trucks‬‬ ‫‪,‬‬ ‫‪e =1.47 for excavated soil‬‬
‫‪VT,truck‬‬
‫‪VT −Vs‬‬ ‫‪VT −379,518‬‬
‫=‪e‬‬ ‫= ‪→ 1.47‬‬ ‫‪→ VT,excavated soil = 937,409.5 ft3‬‬
‫‪Vs‬‬ ‫‪379,518‬‬
‫‪VT,truck = 15 yd3= 15 × 27=405 ft3‬‬
‫‪937409.5‬‬
‫= ‪# of trucks‬‬ ‫‪= 2314.6 truck✓.‬‬
‫‪405‬‬

‫)‪Page (35‬‬ ‫‪Ahmed S. Al-Agha‬‬

 Chapter (5)

Classification of Soil
Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Classification of Soil

How to classify soil according Unified Soil Classification System

(USCS)
1. Finding Group Symbol from (Table 5.2 P.131) According the
following procedures:
a. Determine whether the soil is Coarse-grained or Fine-grained:
- If R 200 > 50% → Coarse − grained soil.
- If R 200 ≤ 50% → Fine − grained soil
Where:R 200 = Cumulative % retain on sieve # 200 (0.075 mm sieve opening).
b. If the soil is Coarse-grained soil→ Follow the following:
R4
- If > 50% → The soil is Gravel.
R200
R4
- If ≤ 50% → The soil is Sand.
R200
Where: R 4 = Cumulative % retain on sieve # 4 (4.75 mm sieve opening).
R4
= Coarse fraction retained on #4 seive.
R200
- If the soil is gravel → Follow the following:
 If F200 < 5% →Choose Group Symbol according to values of (Cu & Cc)
 If F200 > 12% →Choose Group Symbol according to values of (PI) and
you may use the footnote (d) below table (5.2) if 4 ≤ PI ≤ 7.
 If 5% ≤ F200 ≤ 12% →Choose Group Symbol according to footnote (a)
below table (5.2).
- If the soil is sand → Follow the following:
 If F200 < 5% →Choose Group Symbol according to values of (Cu & Cc)
 If F200 > 12% →Choose Group Symbol according to values of (PI) and
you may use the footnote (d) below table (5.2) if 4 ≤ PI ≤ 7.
 If 5% ≤ F200 ≤ 12% →Choose Group Symbol according to footnote (b)
below table (5.2).
Where: F200 = Cumulative % passing from sieve # 200 (% Fines)
Important Notes:
 If you have to go to footnote (d) below the table you must choose
GC-GM→ if the soil is gravel , and choose SC-SM→ if the soil is sand
 “A” line equation→ PIA−line = 0.73(LL − 20)
If PI = PIA−line (on), If PI > PIA−line (above), If PI < PIA−line (below)

Page (37) Ahmed S. Al-Agha

Solved Problems in Soil Mechanics Classification of Soil

 If you have to go to footnote (a) or (b) below the table → you have
more than one choice. How to find the correct symbol:
Assume that you have a gravel soil (for example) and 5% ≤ F200 ≤ 12%
You have to go to footnote (a) and you have the following choices:
(GW-GM, GW-GC, GP-GM, GP-GC) only one of them is true.
You will take each symbol and check it whether achieve the conditions or not
Firstly, you take GW-GM and check it …you must check each part of this
dual symbol as following:
GW: check it from table 5.2 according to values of (Cu & Cc)
GM: check it from table 5.2 according to value of (PI)
If one of them doesn’t achieve the condition you will reject the symbol
(GW-GM) and apply the same procedures on other symbols till one of the
symbols achieve the conditions (each part (from the 2 parts)) achieve the
conditions …only one symbol will achieve the conditions.
If you check GW (for example) in GW-GM, you don’t need to check it
another time in GW-GC ..Because it is the same check.
The same procedures above will apply if you have to go to footnote (b).
c. If the soil is Fine-grained soil→ Follow the following:
- According to value of liquid limit (LL) either LL< 50 or LL≥ 50.
- Always we deal with inorganic soil and don’t deal with organic soil.
- If LL< 50 , Choose Group Symbol according to values of (PI) and you may
use the footnote (e) below table (5.2) if 4 ≤ PI ≤ 7 .
- If LL≥ 50, Choose Group Symbol according to comparison between PI of
soil and PI from “A” line.
2. Finding group name:
a. From (figure 5.4 P.133) for Coarse (gravel & sand) and from (figure 5.5
P.143) for Fines (silt & clay).
b. To find group name easily you should know the following:
 % Sand = R 200 − R 4 , % Gravel = R 4
 The value of (PI) >>>( in what range).
 Comparison between PI & PIA−line to know (on, above or below A-line).
 % Plus #200 sieve = % cumulative retained on #200 sieve = R 200 .
Important Note: All values of R 4 , R 200 and F200 must depend on sieve analysis>>
must be cumulative (“R” increase with opening decrease and “F” decrease with
opening decrease).

Page (38) Ahmed S. Al-Agha