Engineering Behaviour of Perths Soils - Research Proposal Example

Engineering Behaviour of Perth’s Soils The primary aim of this project is to carry out tests and analyze soil samples were collected from four different sites in the Berth region namely Yechap, Swan River, Sothern River, Scarborough beach. The proposed methodology to be employed include conducting sieve analysis, measuring relative density, tests for angle of repose as well as carrying out permeability tests. Finally, a comprehensive project risk assessment has been carried out to provide important insights into the potential risks and hazards involved in the project as well as the likely control and risk mitigation measures. Engineering Behaviour of Perth’s Soils Introduction Analysis of engineering soil behavior is critically important in providing important information regarding the physical properties of the soil as well as the fundamentals of the soil’s behavior over time. Located in the Swan coastal plains, Perth region is primarily filled with sedimentary rocks. The soil samples collected from different the different locations ranged from brown to yellow although some regions were pale grey (Wyrwoll, 2003). The soil samples used in this project were collected from a number of sites including Yechap, Swan River, Sothern River, Scarborough beach. In each location, a sample of soil weighing 100Kg was collected for testing and analysis to help determine the engineering behavior of soils in the Perth region. Mamlouk and Zaniewski (2009) argues that as an engineering material, the behavior of soil has a number of potential environmental impacts that can be used to solve a wide range of environmental impacts related to geology, soil settlement and water flow among others. As a result, the tests and the analysis of the soil samples are critically important in determining the soil composition as well as the behavior. This project proposal seeks to determine the engineering behavior of soils in the Berth region based on an analysis of the soil samples collected from four different places situated in west, east, south and northern parts of the greater Perth region. Proposed Approach The proposed methodology for this project involved the use of a diverse range of soil analysis tools and methods some of which included carrying out sieve analysis, measuring relative density, tests for angle of repose as well as carrying out permeability tests. The actual procedure entailed taking soil samples in four different locations within Perth region and subjecting the soil samples to various tests and analysis to determine their composition, properties and engineering behavior. Generally, the tests that have already been carried out on the soil samples collected from different parts of the greater Berth region include sieve analysis, testing to determine the relative density. The two remaining tests are the angle of repose tests as well permeability tests. Sieve Analysis Sieve analysis and standard grain size analysis of the soil samples collected from the four different sites in the Berth region was carried out to determine the relative proportions of the grain sizes of the different soil samples that were collected. Additionally, the information obtained from sieve analysis will also be potentially helpful in predicting soil water movement. The primary objective of the sieve analysis was to help classify the soils as well as determine their suitability for various purposes based on the results of the analysis. The apparatus used in the sieve analysis of the soil samples included a vibrator machine, oven, stack of sieves and a balance. The first procedure of the sieve analysis involved taking representative samples of about 500g from each of the four sites and oven drying them before determining accurately the mass of each sample. Next, each of the samples were placed in the vibrator machine that shakes the sample columns in the sieve stacks for a specific period of time after which the vibrator machine was stopped and mass of the retained soil from each sieve in the stack was measured and recorded. After shaking, the weight of the soil samples retained in each sieve was divided by the total weight of the sample to determine the percentage of the soil retained in each sieve. Tests for Relative Density In soil mechanics, relative density is the ratio between the maximum index void ratio and field void ration of a free draining and cohesionless soil. During the analysis, the determination of the relative density of the soil samples was critically important in evaluating the engineering behavior of the soil samples particularly with regard to the compactness of a particular soil mass. Some of the engineering properties that were determined using the information obtained from relative density tests on the soil samples include the compressibility, shear strength and permeability of the soil. This is particularly because these properties depend on the level of compaction of a given soil. The analysis was carried out using done using a vibrating table and mold assembly composed of standard mold, guide sleeves, surcharge base plate, surcharge weights, surcharge base plate handle and dial indicator gauge, balance scoop and straight ledge. The relative density of the soil is the ratio, expressed as a fraction. The greatest index void ratio and the field void ratio of cohesionless differences were then determined. Relative density and ratio compaction are used to determine the state of compactness of a given soil mass. The degree of compaction determines engineering properties as shear strength, compressibility, and permeability of a specific soil. Test for Angle of Repose The test for angle of repose is scheduled to be undertaken between April 7, 2014 and April 21, 2014. Generally, the angle of repose is the greatest angle of decline compared to the plane to which a material can be piled without collapsing. The soil material on the slope face is on the threshold of descending at an angle. It can range from 00 to 900. The test determines the load carrying capacity of soils, stability of slopes and pile capacity. It obtained frictional resistance component, cohesive comment, and shear stress strain characteristics. The angle of repose can be used in the design of equipment for processing particulate solids as hoppers, silo and conveyor belts for transporting the material. It also evaluates whether a slope of un-compacted gravel bank will collapse. Segregation of materials and consolidation of aeration of the materials cause experimental challenges as the cone is formed. Test for Permeability Another important part of the project that is yet to be carried out is the test for permeability. According to the project timeline, the test for the permeability of the soil samples will be carried out between April 21, 2014 and May 05, 2014. Permeability tests are used to determine the hydraulic conductivity of soils. During the test, a known constant pressure through the sample of known dimensions forces water and the rate of flow is determined. The test primarily determines whether sand and gravel soils are suitable for drainage purposes. The constant head test method and the falling head test method can be used. Permeable soils are analyzed using the constant head method. The falling head method is used for soils with low permeability. Constant head test is done on soil samples, which are used as backfill for abutments and material for under drains. Permeability is the effortlessness with which water can flow through soil. Permeability is required for the calculation of seepage through earth dams or under sheet pile walls. It will also be used determine the rate of seepage from waste storage facilities and rate of settlement of clayey soil deposits (Mitchell and Hooper, 2005). Project Timeline Job/Date 24/02/14-10/03/14 10/03/14 - 24/03/14 24/03/14 - 7/04/14 07/04/14 - 21/04/14 21/04/14 - 05/05/14 05/05/14 - 12/05/14 12/05/14 - 26/05/14 Collect Data  Collect data             Test & Compile Data    Sieve test  Relative density test Angle of repose test Permeability test  Compile Data   Write Report      Proposal and risk assessment report write up   Write report  Write report  Write report Risk Assessment Based on the comprehensive risk assessment that was carried out, the average risk involved in the project is medium. However, the proposed control measures are expected to help lower the risk levels thereby reducing the likelihood of potential hazards or injuries taking place during the course of the project. Additionally, the supervisor will be need to focus more attention for additional controls while at the same time monitoring specific risks and initiating appropriate responses. Fig 1: Risk Assessment Matrix Specific Task/ Activity Potential Hazards Level of Risk Control Measures Vibrating Machine Eye, hand, upper body injury. M To make sure the machine off before putting the sample on. To tighten the machine nut before turning on. To keep the distance after turning on the machine. Vibrating Table for density Eye, hand, feet injury. Lung problem. M Mounting machine properly before turning on. To make sure wearing the goggles and the masks during using the machine. To carry the sample carefully. To wear the fully-covered shoes. Shear test machine Finger damage. M To make sure that hands away from the machine. Soil Oven Hand injury. M To wear the oven gloves. Constant Head Falling down, slippery. L To make sure putting a sign on the floor if the floor is slippery. Electrical Machine Short circuit. M To make sure the plug is plugged in properly. To make sure there is no water close to it. Conclusion In conclusion, determination of soil composition, properties and behavior of a given area is critically important in helping solve a wide range of environmental impacts related to geology, soil settlement and water flow among others. Although there are a few risks involved in the soil testing and analysis, the project risk assessment has shown the average risk involved in the project is medium. A number of control measures have been proposed to help minimize the risk levels during the course of the project. References Mamlouk, M., Zaniewski, J. (2009). Materials for Civil and Construction Engineers. Menlo Park CA: Addison-Wesley. Mitchell, J., Hooper, D. (2005). Permeability of Compacted Clay. Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, ASCE 91, 4, 41-65 Wyrwoll, K. (2003). The geomorphology of the Perth region, Western Australia. Australian Geomechanics, 38(3):17–32. Read More