Q. What is the primary factor that influences the bearing capacity of a foundation on cohesive soil?
A.
Soil density
B.
Soil cohesion
C.
Soil friction angle
D.
Water content
Solution
The primary factor influencing the bearing capacity of a foundation on cohesive soil is soil cohesion, as it directly affects the shear strength of the soil.
Q. What is the primary purpose of a sieve analysis in soil classification?
A.
To determine the moisture content of soil
B.
To classify soil based on particle size distribution
C.
To measure the shear strength of soil
D.
To assess the permeability of soil
Solution
Sieve analysis is used to classify soil based on the distribution of particle sizes, which is essential for understanding its behavior and suitability for various engineering applications.
Correct Answer:
B
— To classify soil based on particle size distribution
Q. What is the primary purpose of a Standard Proctor Test?
A.
To determine the shear strength of soil
B.
To assess the permeability of soil
C.
To find the optimum moisture content and maximum dry density
D.
To classify soil types
Solution
The Standard Proctor Test is used to determine the optimum moisture content and maximum dry density of soil, which are critical for compaction in construction.
Correct Answer:
C
— To find the optimum moisture content and maximum dry density
Q. What is the primary purpose of site investigation in geotechnical engineering?
A.
To assess environmental impact
B.
To determine soil properties and conditions
C.
To design foundations
D.
To evaluate construction methods
Solution
The primary purpose of site investigation is to determine soil properties and conditions, which are essential for safe and effective design and construction.
Correct Answer:
B
— To determine soil properties and conditions
Q. What is the primary role of a geotechnical engineer in settlement analysis?
A.
Designing structural elements
B.
Conducting soil tests and analyses
C.
Managing construction schedules
D.
Estimating project costs
Solution
The primary role of a geotechnical engineer in settlement analysis is to conduct soil tests and analyses to assess soil behavior and predict settlement.
Correct Answer:
B
— Conducting soil tests and analyses
Q. What is the purpose of a piezometer in site investigation?
A.
To measure soil density
B.
To measure pore water pressure
C.
To measure soil temperature
D.
To measure soil permeability
Solution
A piezometer is used in site investigation to measure pore water pressure, which is crucial for understanding groundwater conditions and their effects on soil behavior.
Correct Answer:
B
— To measure pore water pressure
Q. What is the purpose of a retaining wall in relation to bearing capacity?
A.
To support vertical loads
B.
To prevent soil erosion
C.
To resist lateral earth pressures
D.
To increase soil permeability
Solution
The primary purpose of a retaining wall is to resist lateral earth pressures exerted by the soil it retains, which is crucial for maintaining bearing capacity.
Correct Answer:
C
— To resist lateral earth pressures
Q. What is the purpose of a settlement plate in field monitoring?
A.
To measure soil permeability
B.
To monitor lateral earth pressures
C.
To measure vertical displacement over time
D.
To assess soil shear strength
Solution
Settlement plates are used in field monitoring to measure vertical displacement over time, allowing engineers to assess the amount of settlement occurring.
Correct Answer:
C
— To measure vertical displacement over time
Q. What is the purpose of a Standard Penetration Test (SPT) in site investigation?
A.
To measure the moisture content of soil
B.
To determine the density and strength of soil
C.
To assess the permeability of soil
D.
To classify soil types
Solution
The Standard Penetration Test (SPT) is used to determine the density and strength of soil by measuring the number of blows required to drive a sampler into the ground.
Correct Answer:
B
— To determine the density and strength of soil
Q. What is the purpose of the coefficient of consolidation (Cv) in settlement analysis?
A.
To measure soil strength
B.
To determine the rate of settlement
C.
To assess soil permeability
D.
To evaluate soil plasticity
Solution
The coefficient of consolidation (Cv) is used to determine the rate at which consolidation occurs in saturated soils, reflecting how quickly pore water can dissipate.
Correct Answer:
B
— To determine the rate of settlement
Q. What is the purpose of the Proctor test in soil mechanics?
A.
To determine the shear strength of soil
B.
To assess the compaction characteristics of soil
C.
To measure the permeability of soil
D.
To classify soil based on plasticity
Solution
The Proctor test is used to determine the compaction characteristics of soil, which is essential for ensuring adequate strength and stability in construction.
Correct Answer:
B
— To assess the compaction characteristics of soil