1. The coefficient of earth pressure at rest (K₀) in normally consolidated soil is
usually:
A. Equal to 1
B. Less than 1
C. Greater than 1
D. Equal to the coefficient of friction
Answer: b) Less than 1
Rationale: In normally consolidated soils, the coefficient of earth pressure at rest (K₀)
is typically less than 1. This value depends on the soil’s stress history.
2. What is the primary function of a deep foundation?
A. To prevent erosion
B. To transfer loads to deeper, stronger soil layers
C. To support structures in soft soils
D. To increase soil cohesion
Answer: b) To transfer loads to deeper, stronger soil layers
,Rationale: Deep foundations, such as piles or caissons, are used to transfer loads from
a structure to deeper, stronger soil or rock layers that are capable of supporting the
weight.
3. In soils, the primary cause of differential settlement is:
A. Soil heterogeneity
B. Moisture content variation
C. Improper soil compaction
D. All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Rationale: Differential settlement occurs due to variations in soil properties, moisture
content, and compaction, all of which influence the amount of settlement experienced
by different parts of a foundation.
4. The formula for calculating the ultimate bearing capacity of a foundation according
to Terzaghi’s theory is:
A. q_u = cN_c + qN_q + 0.5γBN_γ
B. q_u = cN_c + qN_q + γBN_γ
C. q_u = γBN_γ + cN_c
, D. q_u = 0.5cN_c + γBN_γ
Answer: a) q_u = cN_c + qN_q + 0.5γBN_γ
Rationale: Terzaghi’s bearing capacity equation combines the effect of cohesion (c),
the depth of the foundation (q), and the weight of the soil (γ).
5. The total vertical stress at a depth of 10m in soil with a unit weight of 18 kN/m³ is:
A. 180 kN/m²
B. 1800 kN/m²
C. 100 kN/m²
D. 1000 kN/m²
Answer: a) 180 kN/m²
Rationale: The total vertical stress is calculated using the formula σ_v = γ × depth.
Therefore, σ_v = 18 kN/m³ × 10m = 180 kN/m².
6. The primary reason for conducting a permeability test on a soil sample is to:
A. Determine its shear strength
B. Assess its drainage characteristics
C. Measure its consolidation rate
D. Determine its compaction
usually:
A. Equal to 1
B. Less than 1
C. Greater than 1
D. Equal to the coefficient of friction
Answer: b) Less than 1
Rationale: In normally consolidated soils, the coefficient of earth pressure at rest (K₀)
is typically less than 1. This value depends on the soil’s stress history.
2. What is the primary function of a deep foundation?
A. To prevent erosion
B. To transfer loads to deeper, stronger soil layers
C. To support structures in soft soils
D. To increase soil cohesion
Answer: b) To transfer loads to deeper, stronger soil layers
,Rationale: Deep foundations, such as piles or caissons, are used to transfer loads from
a structure to deeper, stronger soil or rock layers that are capable of supporting the
weight.
3. In soils, the primary cause of differential settlement is:
A. Soil heterogeneity
B. Moisture content variation
C. Improper soil compaction
D. All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Rationale: Differential settlement occurs due to variations in soil properties, moisture
content, and compaction, all of which influence the amount of settlement experienced
by different parts of a foundation.
4. The formula for calculating the ultimate bearing capacity of a foundation according
to Terzaghi’s theory is:
A. q_u = cN_c + qN_q + 0.5γBN_γ
B. q_u = cN_c + qN_q + γBN_γ
C. q_u = γBN_γ + cN_c
, D. q_u = 0.5cN_c + γBN_γ
Answer: a) q_u = cN_c + qN_q + 0.5γBN_γ
Rationale: Terzaghi’s bearing capacity equation combines the effect of cohesion (c),
the depth of the foundation (q), and the weight of the soil (γ).
5. The total vertical stress at a depth of 10m in soil with a unit weight of 18 kN/m³ is:
A. 180 kN/m²
B. 1800 kN/m²
C. 100 kN/m²
D. 1000 kN/m²
Answer: a) 180 kN/m²
Rationale: The total vertical stress is calculated using the formula σ_v = γ × depth.
Therefore, σ_v = 18 kN/m³ × 10m = 180 kN/m².
6. The primary reason for conducting a permeability test on a soil sample is to:
A. Determine its shear strength
B. Assess its drainage characteristics
C. Measure its consolidation rate
D. Determine its compaction
