Let $$\sigma$$'v and $$\sigma$$'h denote the effective vertical stress and effective horizontal stress, respectively. Which one of the following conditions must be satisfied for a soil element to reach the failure state under Rankine's passive earth pressure condition?
Let $$\psi $$ represent soil suction head and K represent hydraulic conductivity of the soil. If the soil moisture content $$\theta$$ increases, which one of the following statements is TRUE?
An uncompacted heap of soil has a volume of 10000 m3 and void ratio of 1. If the soil is compacted to a volume of 7500 m3, then the corresponding void ratio of the compacted soil is __________. (round off to one decimal place)
A concentrated vertical load of 3000 kN is applied on a horizontal ground surface. Points P and Q are at depths 1 m and 2 m below the ground, respectively, along the line of application of the load. Considering the ground to be a linearly elastic, isotropic, semi-infinite medium, the ratio of the increase in vertical stress at P to the increase in vertical stress at Q is ___________. (in integer)