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CIVL 7132
Examination #1
Fall 2008
1. The 2:1 method provides a simple way to estimate the dissipation of applied surface stress
with depth. As presented in class, it can only be used with rectangular foundations. Develop
a 2:1 method for use with circular foundations and plot the influence factor as a function of
normalized depth (i.e., depth divided by foundation radius). These results will be needed for
the next problem.
2. A new bulk fuel storage tank is to be built at the Port of Belledune tank farm (below) in New
Brunswick, Canada. The tank will be built in a low-lying area prone to flooding. The existing
ground surface is 2 feet above sea level (el. 2.0) and will have to be raised to el. 18.0 before
constructing the tank. The fill material is a clayey sand. Standard Proctor compaction results
for the fill material are provided on Page 3. You will have to develop appropriate compaction
specifications for the fill. Clearly state these specifications.
Boring logs indicate 5 feet of desiccated clay crust (γsat = 123 lb/ft3) that can be assumed to
be incompressible. Below this is 50 feet of normally-consolidated silty clay (γsat = 109.5 lb/ft3)
underlain by dense sand (which can also be assumed to be incompressible). Consolidation
test results for the normally-consolidated silty clay are provided on Page 3. You will have to
develop a field consolidation curve from this data.
I hereby affirm that the work attached is entirely my own; I have neither given nor
received any help on this examination.
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