Q. In a layered soil system, how does the presence of a weak layer affect the overall bearing capacity?
A.
Increases the bearing capacity
B.
Decreases the bearing capacity
C.
Has no effect
D.
Depends on the thickness of the weak layer
Solution
The presence of a weak layer generally decreases the overall bearing capacity because it can lead to shear failure at lower loads than would be expected from the stronger layers.
Correct Answer:
B
— Decreases the bearing capacity
Q. In the Terzaghi bearing capacity equation, what does the term 'q' represent?
A.
Effective stress
B.
Total stress
C.
Pore water pressure
D.
Net stress
Solution
In the Terzaghi bearing capacity equation, 'q' represents the effective stress at the depth of the foundation, which is crucial for determining the bearing capacity.
Q. What is the effect of water table on the bearing capacity of a foundation?
A.
Increases bearing capacity
B.
Decreases bearing capacity
C.
No effect
D.
Depends on soil type
Solution
The presence of a water table can decrease the effective stress in the soil, leading to a reduction in bearing capacity due to buoyancy effects and increased pore water pressure.
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 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 of the following methods is commonly used to determine the bearing capacity of a foundation?
A.
Standard Penetration Test
B.
Cone Penetration Test
C.
Plate Load Test
D.
All of the above
Solution
All of the listed methods (Standard Penetration Test, Cone Penetration Test, and Plate Load Test) are commonly used to determine the bearing capacity of a foundation.