Question: In a layered soil system, how does the presence of a weak layer affect the overall bearing capacity?

Options:

1. Increases the bearing capacity
2. Decreases the bearing capacity
3. Has no effect
4. Depends on the thickness of the weak layer

Correct Answer: Decreases the bearing capacity

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.