Multiple choice

The embankment is to be constructed with a granular soil (bulk unit weight = 20 kN/m3) on a saturated clayey slit deposit (undrained shear strength = 25 k Pa). Assuming undrained general shear failure and bearing capacity factor of 5.7 the maximum height (in m) of the embankment at the point of failure is

  1. 7.1

  2. 5.0

  3. 4.5

  4. 2.5
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A Correct answer
Explanation

For undrained general shear failure of an embankment on soft clay, the bearing capacity is calculated using the formula H = (c * Nc) / gamma, where Nc is the bearing capacity factor. Using H = (25 * 5.7) / 20 = 7.125 m.

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