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A Self-Learning Manual - Institution of Engineers Mauritius

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A <strong>Self</strong>-<strong>Learning</strong> <strong>Manual</strong><br />

Mastering Different Fields <strong>of</strong> Civil Engineering Works (VC-Q&A Method) Vincent T. H. CHU<br />

corrosion <strong>of</strong> steel reinforcement. The low permeability <strong>of</strong> cohesive fill<br />

materials tends increase the duration <strong>of</strong> contact between reinforcement<br />

and water and may cause corrosion problems. Moreover, consideration<br />

should be given if cohesive materials could also achieve the required<br />

compaction.<br />

23. How does geogrid function in reinforced fill? (S7)<br />

Geogrid allows the fill on one side <strong>of</strong> the grid can key with fill on the other<br />

side <strong>of</strong> the grid. Hence, it is different in its interlocking ability when<br />

compared with strip soil reinforcement. The keying-in <strong>of</strong> both sides <strong>of</strong> fill<br />

could be achieved by compaction and static load above the fill.<br />

To trigger shearing across the plane <strong>of</strong> geogrid, work has to be done to<br />

dilate the soils and overcome the frictional forces.<br />

24. What are the effects <strong>of</strong> pile groups on slope stability?<br />

The ground conditions in hillsides <strong>of</strong> Hong Kong normally consist <strong>of</strong><br />

colluvium overlying weathered and fresh rock. The groundwater flow in<br />

sloping ground may involve both perched and main water flow. As<br />

permeability <strong>of</strong> soil tends to decrease with depth, groundwater flow may<br />

take place in the upper aquifer which contains a perched water table.<br />

The presence <strong>of</strong> pile groups below groundwater level hinders the flow <strong>of</strong><br />

groundwater, leading to an increase on groundwater level. For major<br />

development in hillsides with plenty <strong>of</strong> deep foundations, the effect <strong>of</strong> rise<br />

in water table is sever. The increase in water table owing to damming<br />

effects <strong>of</strong> pile groups decreases the stability <strong>of</strong> slopes by reduction <strong>of</strong> shear<br />

strength <strong>of</strong> soils and may eventually cause slope failures.<br />

The rise in groundwater levels tend to increase with slope angle and the<br />

depth <strong>of</strong> groundwater flow.<br />

25. How can decomposed dolerite dykes affect slope stability? (S8)<br />

Decomposed dolerite dykes contain high clay content display high plasticity.<br />

Moreover, the material is generally <strong>of</strong> low permeability than decomposed<br />

granite which is found in many slopes.<br />

The presence <strong>of</strong> decomposed dolerite dykes in a direction parallel to slope<br />

surface may cause slope failure after heavy and prolonged rainfall. Owing<br />

299

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