W1-2-60-1-6

JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY

OF
AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS 2015/2016

YEAR IV SEMESTER II EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF

SCIENCE IN CIVIL, CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
ECE 2508: GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
DATE: APRIL 2016 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: ANSWER ANY THREE QUESTIONS OUT OF THE FIVE. ALL
QUESTIONS CARRY EQUAL MARKS (20 MARKS)

QUESTION ONE
(a) State the FIVE common methods used to excavate soils and rocks.
[3 marks]

(b) Explain the THREE phases of site investigation prior to the design of the major works.
[4 marks]

(c) Describe the THREE rock groups which are distinguished on the basis of their original
formation. [6 marks]

(d) Explain FOUR functions of geotextiles when they are incorporated into a soil structure.
[7 marks]

QUESTION TWO
(a) Define the following terms used in geomechanical properties of rock discontinuities;
(i) Spacing
(ii) Persistence
(iii) Aperture
(iv) Filling. [4 marks]

(b) Explain how geosynthetics improve the load carrying capacity of weak soils.
[4 marks]

(c) Define a tunnel, stating its advantage and disadvantages and briefly explain various forms
of tunneling hazards. [12 marks]
QUESTION THREE
(a) State FIVE types of soils as determined by practical size and also outline their
classification for the purpose of establishing the abilities to safely carry a load.
[10 marks]

(b) Explain the THREE classes of computer and the THREE types of programmes storages in
computers. [10 marks]

QUESTION FOUR
(a) Differentiate surface evaluation from site investigation.
[2 marks]

(b) Define a dam and reservoir, explaining two major design considerations that must be used
to safeguard an earth dam from the vulnerable principal risks.
[8 marks]

(c) Explain the THREE methods of classifying piles and explain the four methods of
variations for loads transfer characteristics. [10 marks]

QUESTION FIVE
(a) State THREE reasons for testing soils and the objectives of in-situ field testing.
[3 marks]

(b) Discuss Frost Action in soils and outline how this problem can be solved.
[3 marks]
(c) Outline the meaning of the following rock terms;
(i) Folds
(ii) Faults
(iii) Joints
(iv) Dykes [4 marks]

(d) An under-reamed bored pile is to be installed in a stiff clay and the diameters of the pile
shaft and under reamed base are 1.05m and 3.0m respectively. The pile is to be driven
from a depth of 4m to a depth of 22m in the clay. The top of the under-reamed base
being at a depth of 20m. The adhesion coefficient is 0.4.

Determine the allowable load on the pile to ensure that;

(i) An overall load factor of 2

(ii) A load factor of 3, under the base when shaft resistance is fully mobilized.
[10 marks]