Q. What is the significance of the coefficient of consolidation (Cv) in settlement analysis?
A.
It indicates the soil's shear strength
B.
It measures the rate of pore water pressure dissipation
C.
It determines the soil's permeability
D.
It assesses the soil's compressibility
Solution
The coefficient of consolidation (Cv) is significant in settlement analysis as it measures the rate at which pore water pressure dissipates, influencing the rate of consolidation and settlement.
Correct Answer:
B
— It measures the rate of pore water pressure dissipation
Q. What is the significance of the consolidation settlement in foundation design?
A.
It indicates the soil's ability to support loads
B.
It measures the soil's shear strength
C.
It predicts the long-term settlement of structures
D.
It assesses the soil's permeability
Solution
Consolidation settlement is significant in foundation design as it predicts the long-term settlement of structures due to the expulsion of water from soil voids.
Correct Answer:
C
— It predicts the long-term settlement of structures
Q. What is the significance of the plasticity index in soil mechanics?
A.
It indicates soil density
B.
It measures the range of moisture content over which soil behaves plastically
C.
It determines soil color
D.
It assesses soil permeability
Solution
The plasticity index measures the range of moisture content over which a soil behaves plastically, indicating its workability and suitability for construction.
Correct Answer:
B
— It measures the range of moisture content over which soil behaves plastically
Q. What is the term for the settlement that occurs after the primary consolidation is complete?
A.
Elastic settlement
B.
Secondary compression
C.
Immediate settlement
D.
Total settlement
Solution
Secondary compression refers to the settlement that occurs after primary consolidation is complete, often due to ongoing rearrangement of soil particles over time.
Q. What is the typical method for predicting settlement in cohesive soils?
A.
Using the SPT N-value
B.
Empirical correlations based on field tests
C.
Laboratory consolidation tests
D.
Visual inspection
Solution
Laboratory consolidation tests, such as oedometer tests, are typically used to predict settlement in cohesive soils by measuring their compressibility.
Correct Answer:
C
— Laboratory consolidation tests
Q. What is the typical method used to predict settlement in granular soils?
A.
Terzaghi's one-dimensional consolidation theory
B.
Boussinesq's equation
C.
Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion
D.
Atterberg limits
Solution
Boussinesq's equation is typically used to predict settlement in granular soils, as it provides a method to calculate vertical stress distribution and resulting settlement.
Q. What is the ultimate bearing capacity of a shallow foundation on a cohesive soil with a cohesion of 50 kPa and a depth of 1.5 m?
A.
100 kPa
B.
150 kPa
C.
200 kPa
D.
250 kPa
Solution
The ultimate bearing capacity (q_u) can be calculated using the formula q_u = c*N_c, where c is the cohesion and N_c is the bearing capacity factor. For a depth of 1.5 m, N_c is approximately 5.0. Thus, q_u = 50 kPa * 5 = 250 kPa.
Q. What is the ultimate bearing capacity of a shallow foundation on saturated clay with a cohesion of 50 kPa and a depth of 1.5 m?
A.
100 kPa
B.
150 kPa
C.
200 kPa
D.
250 kPa
Solution
The ultimate bearing capacity (q_u) can be calculated using the formula q_u = c*N_c, where c is the cohesion and N_c is the bearing capacity factor. For saturated clay, N_c is typically around 5. Therefore, q_u = 50 kPa * 5 = 250 kPa.
Q. Which method is commonly used to estimate the amount of settlement in clayey soils?
A.
Terzaghi's one-dimensional consolidation theory
B.
Boussinesq's equation
C.
Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion
D.
Rankine's earth pressure theory
Solution
Terzaghi's one-dimensional consolidation theory is widely used to estimate settlement in clayey soils by considering the time-dependent behavior of saturated soils.
Correct Answer:
A
— Terzaghi's one-dimensional consolidation theory
Q. Which method is commonly used to estimate the settlement of shallow foundations?
A.
Terzaghi's theory
B.
Boussinesq's equation
C.
Meyerhof's method
D.
Rankine's theory
Solution
Terzaghi's theory is commonly used to estimate the settlement of shallow foundations, as it provides a framework for calculating settlement based on soil properties and loading conditions.