Correct Answer: 65 mm
Explanation: The permissible settlement for an isolated foundation on clayey soils is generally considered to be around 65 mm.
Correct Answer: 40 mm
Explanation: The maximum allowable differential settlement for a foundation on clayey soils is typically considered to be around 40 mm.
Correct Answer: Swedish circular arc method
Explanation: The stability analysis for normally consolidated clay deposits is often appropriate using the Swedish circular arc method.
Correct Answer: Is below the toe of the slope
Explanation: Base failure refers to a failure surface that is below the toe of the slope, indicating failure at the base of the slope.
Correct Answer: Steep slopes
Explanation: Toe failure is more likely to occur in the case of steep slopes, where the toe of the slope is a critical point.
Correct Answer: Masonry retaining wall
Explanation: Masonry retaining walls derive their stability from their self-weight, making them stable against overturning.
Correct Answer: Adopting gentle slopes
Explanation: Increasing the stability of slopes can be achieved by adopting gentler slopes, which reduce the risk of slope failure.
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation: The terms “natural slope line,” “stable line,” and “repose line” are often used interchangeably to refer to a plane inclined at an angle to the horizontal where soil is expected to remain stable without lateral support.
Correct Answer: Maximum height at which the stability of the slope is possible
Explanation: The critical height in the stability of the soil is the maximum height at which the stability of the slope is still possible without failure.
Correct Answer: Effective stresses
Explanation: Stability analysis should be conducted considering effective stresses, as these account for the intergranular stresses and are more relevant to soil stability.
Correct Answer: Increase factor of safety
Explanation: Berms are horizontal shelves or steps built into the slopes of embankments to increase the factor of safety by reducing the potential for sliding.
Correct Answer: FS= Shear strength / Shear stress
Explanation: The factor of safety for slopes is defined as the ratio of shear strength to shear stress to ensure stability against sliding.
Correct Answer: At least 1.5
Explanation: The factor of safety for embankments is typically required to be at least 1.5 to ensure stability and safety against failure.
Correct Answer: 0.5
Explanation: The factor of safety (FS) is calculated as the ratio of resisting moment to overturning moment. In this case, FS = 5 KN-m / 10 KN-m = 0.5.
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation: Coulomb’s theory assumes that the backfill is dry, homogeneous, isotropic, and cohesionless. It also assumes a linear rupture plane passing through the toe of the wall, and it considers the sliding wedge as a rigid body in equilibrium.
Correct Answer: Breast wall
Explanation: A breast wall is a retaining wall constructed to prevent earth from slipping on the hillside of a roadway.
Correct Answer: 2H/3
Explanation: The total pressure on a vertical wall due to liquid pressure acts at a distance of 2H/3 from the base of the wall.
Correct Answer: To provide a level surface for building construction
Explanation: While a foundation contributes to providing a stable and level base for building construction, its primary purposes are to distribute the weight of the structure and increase the safe bearing capacity of the soil.
Correct Answer: 100%
Explanation: Saturated soil has its voids completely filled with water, resulting in a moisture content of 100%.
Correct Answer: The decrease in the total volume
Explanation: The consolidation test is conducted to determine the decrease in the total volume of a soil sample over time, providing information about its consolidation characteristics.
Correct Answer: Both of the above
Explanation: The bearing capacity of soils is influenced by both the physical characteristics of soil particles and the moisture content of the soil.
Correct Answer: Retaining wall
Explanation: A retaining wall is specifically designed to resist horizontal pressure from soil or other materials and to maintain the desired ground level on one side of the wall.
Correct Answer: Attraction of molecules of the same material
Explanation: Cohesion refers to the attraction between molecules of the same material, particularly in cohesive soils.
Correct Answer: Aeolian soil
Explanation: Aeolian soil is soil that has been transported and deposited by the wind.
Correct Answer: Tractive force
Explanation: Tractive force is the force exerted by flowing water on sediment particles, causing them to move.
Correct Answer: Shear
Explanation: The bearing capacity is the maximum stress that the soil can withstand without undergoing shear failure.
Correct Answer: Clay
Explanation: Clay typically has a lower angle of internal friction compared to granular soils.
Correct Answer: Adhesive
Explanation: The shear resistance between soil particles is provided by adhesive forces.
Correct Answer: Solid state
Explanation: Beyond the shrinkage limit, further reduction in water content leads to a solid state in the soil.
Correct Answer: Parallel
Explanation: Shear stress is a stress applied parallel to a face of the material, causing deformation by sliding one part of the material parallel to another part.
Correct Answer: equal or greater than 1
Explanation: The uniformity coefficient (Cu) of a soil is the ratio of the size of the particles at the 60% finer point to the size of particles at the 10% finer point. It can be greater than 1.
Correct Answer: drainage controlled
Explanation: Shear tests on soils are often performed under controlled drainage conditions to simulate field conditions.
Correct Answer: the angle of repose
Explanation: The angle of repose is the maximum angle between the horizontal and the slope of a pile of granular material under the influence of gravity.
Correct Answer: are more plastic
Explanation: Cohesive soils have high plasticity and tend to stick together. They exhibit cohesive properties due to the presence of clay minerals.
Correct Answer: 1/3
Explanation: The coefficient of earth pressure for loose sand is approximately 1/3 times the vertical effective stress.
Correct Answer: all of the above
Explanation: Over-consolidation can occur due to various factors, including erosion, glacial processes, and permanent changes in water table levels.
Correct Answer: maximum
Explanation: The angle of repose is the maximum angle at which a pile of material remains stable without sliding.
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation: Specific gravity can be determined using various methods, including the Shrinkage Limit Method, Gas Jar Method, and Density Bottle Method.
Correct Answer: Elastic soils
Explanation: Elastic soils recover their volume after the removal of external loads, indicating elastic behavior.
Correct Answer: 45° + half of the angle of shearing resistance
Explanation: In soil mechanics, the angle between the directions of failure and the major principal plane is related to the angle of shearing resistance.
Correct Answer: Toe failure
Explanation: Toe failure in slope stability refers to failure occurring at the toe (bottom) of a slope.
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation: Terzaghi’s theory assumes homogeneity, full saturation, and incompressibility of water and soil particles. Deformation is considered due to volume change.
Correct Answer: Zero
Explanation: Cohesive soils, such as clays, typically have zero angle of internal friction.
Correct Answer: Coarse-grained, fine-grained, and highly organic
Explanation: The common classification includes coarse-grained soils (sands and gravels), fine-grained soils (clays and silts), and organic soils.
Correct Answer: 0.5 and 1.0
Explanation: Porosity is the ratio of void volume to total volume, and voids ratio is the ratio of void volume to solids volume. When the volume of voids equals the volume of solids, porosity is 0.5, and voids ratio is 1.0.
Correct Answer: Net safe settlement pressure
Explanation: Net allowable bearing pressure is related to the allowable settlement of the foundation.
Correct Answer: 1 and 3
Explanation: The coefficient of curvature for well-graded soils falls typically between 1 and 3.
Correct Answer: Specific gravity
Explanation: Specific gravity is the ratio of the unit weight of soil solids to the unit weight of water.
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation: The bearing capacity of soil is influenced by particle characteristics, cohesive properties, and internal frictional resistance.
Correct Answer: Confining pressure
Explanation: The shearing strength of cohesionless soils is influenced by factors such as confining pressure, which is the pressure applied to the soil in addition to the vertical stress.
FAQs on Soil Mechanics MCQs for Civil Engineers
▸ What is soil mechanics in civil engineering?
Soil mechanics is a branch of civil engineering that deals with the behavior of soil and its applications in construction. It involves studying the physical properties of soil, its classification, and the principles of stress, strain, and shear strength. For more detailed MCQs on soil mechanics, visit gkaim.com.
▸ How can I prepare for Soil Mechanics MCQs for civil engineering exams?
To prepare for Soil Mechanics MCQs, you should focus on understanding key concepts such as soil properties, compaction, consolidation, and slope stability. Practicing a variety of MCQs and reviewing detailed solutions will also be beneficial. Explore comprehensive MCQs on this topic at gkaim.com.
▸ What are the fundamental concepts covered in Soil Mechanics MCQs?
Fundamental concepts covered in Soil Mechanics MCQs include soil classification, compaction, permeability, consolidation, shear strength, and earth pressure theories. Each of these topics is crucial for designing stable foundations and structures. Visit gkaim.com for detailed MCQs and explanations.
▸ Where can I find reliable MCQs on Soil Mechanics?
Reliable MCQs on Soil Mechanics can be found on educational websites like gkaim.com. These sites offer a variety of questions with detailed explanations to help you understand the concepts thoroughly and prepare for exams effectively.
▸ What are the types of soil tests commonly included in Soil Mechanics MCQs?
Common soil tests included in Soil Mechanics MCQs are Atterberg limits, Proctor compaction test, permeability test, triaxial shear test, and consolidation test. Understanding these tests and their applications is essential for civil engineers. Detailed MCQs on these tests are available at gkaim.com.
▸ How does soil compaction affect construction projects?
Soil compaction increases the density of soil, which improves its load-bearing capacity and reduces settlement issues. Properly compacted soil ensures the stability and longevity of structures. For MCQs related to soil compaction and its impact, visit gkaim.com.
▸ Why is understanding soil permeability important for civil engineers?
Understanding soil permeability is crucial for designing effective drainage systems and ensuring the stability of structures. Permeability determines how easily water can flow through soil, affecting foundation design and soil stability. Find more about soil permeability in the MCQs at gkaim.com.
▸ What is the significance of shear strength in soil mechanics?
Shear strength is a critical property of soil that determines its ability to resist sliding or failure under load. It is essential for designing stable foundations and slopes. Detailed MCQs on shear strength and its significance can be found at gkaim.com.
▸ How do consolidation and settlement affect building foundations?
Consolidation and settlement affect building foundations by causing gradual deformation under load. Understanding these processes helps in designing foundations that minimize settlement and ensure structural stability. Explore MCQs on consolidation and settlement at gkaim.com.
▸ What are the applications of soil mechanics in civil engineering projects?
Applications of soil mechanics in civil engineering include foundation design, slope stability analysis, earth retaining structures, and pavement design. It helps in predicting and improving the performance of these structures. Visit gkaim.com for detailed MCQs on the applications of soil mechanics.