Question

For a saturated clay of 20KN/m^3 and cu=24 kN/m^2, find the height of tension cracks.

(a) 2.4 m

(b) 6.9 m

(c) 3.5 m

(d) 1.7 m

I have been asked this question in examination.

This question is from Earth Pressure Problems topic in section Failure Envelopes & Earth Pressure of Geotechnical Engineering II

Answer 1

The correct choice is (a) 2.4 m

The explanation: Given,

cu=24 KN/m^2

γsat=20 KN/m^3

Therefore height of the tension cracks is,

\(Z_0=\frac{2c_u}{γ_{sat}} = \frac{2×24}{20}=2.4 m. \)