Kandahar University
Engineering Faculty
Civil Department
Subject – Soil Mechanics
Lecturer – Eng. Esmatullah “Masoom”
Assignment # - 1st
Date – 2023/Feb/17
Name Nasratullah “Kazim” Roll # 2nd
F/Name Rozi Mohammad Department Civil
What is UPLIFT PRESSURE?
Uplift pressure refers to the upward force exerted by water or other fluids on submerged or partially submerged structures,
such as foundations or retaining walls.
Or it also referred to as hydrostatic uplift represents an upward force exerted on a structure with potential to elevate it
relative to its surroundings. This hydrostatic pressure can lead to various consequences, including structural instability and damage.
Dewatering & Water Injection
Dewatering is used to describe the artificial means of removing groundwater or surface water for favorable condition of any
construction. Normally dewatering process is done by pumping or evaporation. It is usually done prior to excavation for footings or to
lower water table that might be causing problems during excavations.
Water injection refers to as water injected into the oil reservoir in order to maintain pressure or to drive oil towards the top
of the well, and thereby increase production. Or water injection is a secondary hydrocarbon recovery technique where water is
injected into a well’s formation under high pressure and temperature condition to recover more of the oil initially in place (OIIP).
Geosynthetics & Their Applications
Geosynthetics are artificial synthetic material in the shape of strips, sheets, or three – dimensional structures constructed of
polymeric or natural materials. They are simple to prepare and transport, and they can aid in the greening of construction projects.
When used in construction, they serve five critical functions: separation, reinforcement, filtration, drainage, and containment.
The purpose of geosynthetics can be derived easily from the word itself. “Geo” means earth, the sense of ground or land, and
“Synthetic” means manmade, in the sense of an artificial substance. The polymeric nature of the products makes them suitable for
use in the ground where high levels of durability are required.
There are nine different types of geosynthetics, each differing in the way that they’re designed and created, as well as what
they’re used for:
1. Geogrids. 4. Geonets. 7. Geo – composites.
2. Geotextiles. 5. Geo – pipes. 8. Geomembranes.
3. Geocells. 6. Geofoam. 9. Geosynthetics clay liners.
These products have a wide range of applications and are currently used in many civil, geotechnical, transportation, geo –
environmental, hydraulic, and private development applications including:
1. Roads. 6. Reservoirs. 11. Landfill Liners.
2. Airfields. 7. Canals. 12. Landfill Covers.
3. Railroads. 8. Dams. 13. Mining.
4. Embankments. 9. Erosion Control. 14. Aquaculture.
5. Retaining Structures. 10. Sediment Control. 15. Agriculture.
Soil Mechanics Based Mitigation and its Examples
Soil mechanics – based mitigation refers to the application of soil mechanics principles and techniques to address geotechnical
challenges and mitigate potential risks associated with soil behavior. Following are a few examples of how soil mechanics principles
can be applied to mitigate geotechnical risks.
The specific mitigation measures depend on the site conditions, project requirements, and the nature of the soil – related challenges
being addressed
1. Slope Stabilization slope instability can pose significant risks, such as landslides or slope failures. Soil mechanics – based
mitigation techniques for slope stabilization include:
a. Installing retaining walls or soil nails to provide lateral support and prevent slope movement.
b. Implementing ground reinforcement methods, such as geosynthetics or soil anchors, to increase soil strength and
stability.
c. Modifying slope geometry through terracing or benching to reduce the risk of failure.
d. Grouting or soil improvement techniques to enhance the soil’s shear strength and stability
2. Ground Improvement soil mechanics – based ground improvement techniques are employed to enhance the properties
and performance of weak or problematic soils. Examples includes:
a. Compaction: applying mechanical force to increase soil density and improve load – bearing capacity.
b. Pre – loading & surcharging: applying temporary load to the consolidate and improve the settlement characteristics
of compressible soils.
c. Soil Stabilization: incorporating additives, such as lime, cement, or chemical stabilizers, to improve soil strength and
reduce settlement.
d. Vibro – Compaction: using vibratory probes to densify loose granular soil by rearranging soil particles.
e. Deep Soil Mixing: introducing cement or other stabilizing agents into the soil through deep mixing to improve strength
and reduce permeability.
3. Foundation Design and Construction soil mechanics principles play a crucial role in designing and constructing
foundations that can withstand the loads and maintain stability. Mitigation measures include:
a. Conducting sire investigations to assess soil properties and determine appropriate foundation types, such as shallow
or deep foundation.
b. Designing foundations with proper bearing capacity and settlement considerations based on soil strength
parameters.
c. Employing techniques like soil improvement or ground treatment to enhance the foundation’s performance.
d. Implementing appropriate drainage systems to manage groundwater and mitigate potential issues like soil
liquefaction.
4. Earth Engineering soil mechanics is essential in mitigating the effects of earthquakes on structures. Examples include:
a. Assessing site – specific seismic hazards and ground response analysis to determine design parameters.
b. Incorporating appropriate foundation design techniques, such as base isolation or deep foundations, to reduce
seismic vulnerability.
c. Implementing soil improvement methods, such as densification or compaction, to minimize liquefaction potential.
d. Strengthening soil – structure interaction through measure like pile foundation or soil reinforcement.
5. Groundwater Control in certain construction projects, controlling groundwater is crucial to prevent soil instability or water
– related issues. Soil mechanics – based mitigation techniques for groundwater control helps to maintain soil stability, prevent
excessive pore water pressure buildup, and minimize the risk of soil liquefaction or instability caused by water related issues.
a. Dewatering: removing groundwater from the soil by installing wellpoints, deep wells, or sump pumps to lower the
water table and create a drier working environment.
b. Grouting: injecting grout or cementitious material into the soil to reduce permeability and prevent water flow.
c. Drainage systems: implementing subsurface drainage systems, such as French drains or interceptor trenches, to
collect and redirect groundwater away from critical areas.
– End –
