1. The permissible settlement in the case of an isolated foundation on clayey soils is:
ⓐ. 25 mm
ⓑ. 45 mm
ⓒ. 65 mm
ⓓ. 85 mm
Correct Answer: 65 mm
Explanation: The permissible settlement for an isolated foundation on clayey soils is generally considered to be around 65 mm.
2. The maximum differential settlement in the case of a foundation on clayey soils is:
ⓐ. 10 mm
ⓑ. 20 mm
ⓒ. 30 mm
ⓓ. 40 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.
3. For normally consolidated clay deposits, the stability analysis of slope by the following method is appropriate:
ⓐ. Friction circle method
ⓑ. Swedish circular arc method
ⓒ. Stices method
ⓓ. None of the above
Correct Answer: Swedish circular arc method
Explanation: The stability analysis for normally consolidated clay deposits is often appropriate using the Swedish circular arc method.
4. Base failure refers to a failure surface that:
ⓐ. Is above the toe of the slope
ⓑ. Includes the toe of the slope
ⓒ. Is below the toe of the slope
ⓓ. None of the above
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.
5. Toe failure is most likely in the case of:
ⓐ. Steep slopes
ⓑ. Gentle slopes
ⓒ. All inclinations
ⓓ. Very steep slopes
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.
6. The structure that derives its stability due to self-weight is:
ⓐ. Sheet pile wall
ⓑ. Bulkhead
ⓒ. Cantilever retaining wall
ⓓ. Masonry retaining wall
Correct Answer: Masonry retaining wall
Explanation: Masonry retaining walls derive their stability from their self-weight, making them stable against overturning.
7. Stability of slopes can be increased by:
ⓐ. Adopting gentle slopes
ⓑ. Adopting great heights
ⓒ. Storing water on one side
ⓓ. Constructing on clay deposits
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.
8. A plane inclined at an angle to the horizontal at which the soil is expected to stay in the absence of any lateral support is known as:
ⓐ. Natural slope line
ⓑ. The stable line
ⓒ. Repose line
ⓓ. All of the above
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.
9. The critical height in the stability of the soil is the:
ⓐ. Maximum height at which the stability of the slope is possible
ⓑ. Minimum height at which the stability of the slope is possible
ⓒ. Maximum vertical height of the soil in an open excavation
ⓓ. None of the above
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.
10. Stability analysis shall be made considering:
ⓐ. Total stresses
ⓑ. Normal stresses
ⓒ. Effective stresses
ⓓ. Shear stresses
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.
11. Berms are used to:
ⓐ. Increase the weight of the dam
ⓑ. Reduce seepage losses
ⓒ. Increase shear strength
ⓓ. Increase factor of safety
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.
12. The factor of safety of slopes is defined as:
ⓐ. FS= Total stress / Effective stress
ⓑ. FS= Shear strength / Shear stress
ⓒ. FS= Overturning moment / Resisting moment
ⓓ. FS= Shear stress / Normal stress
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.
13. The factor of safety of embankments shall be:
ⓐ. At least 1.0
ⓑ. At least 1.5
ⓒ. At least 2.0
ⓓ. At least 2.5
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.
14. Overturning moment due to the pressure of the soil is 10 KN-m while the resisting moment is 5 KN-m. Find the factor of safety:
ⓐ. 2
ⓑ. 1
ⓒ. 0.5
ⓓ. None of the above
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.
15. The assumption of Coulomb’s theory is:
ⓐ. Backfill is dry, homogeneous, isotropic, and cohesionless
ⓑ. Rupture plane is linear and passes through the toe of the wall
ⓒ. Sliding wedge acts as a rigid body, and the value of earth pressure is obtained by considering the equilibrium of the wedge
ⓓ. All of the above
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.
16. A wall constructed to retain the earth from slippage on the hillside of the roadway is called:
ⓐ. Breast wall
ⓑ. Retaining wall
ⓒ. Parapet wall
ⓓ. Wing wall
Correct Answer: Breast wall
Explanation: A breast wall is a retaining wall constructed to prevent earth from slipping on the hillside of a roadway.
17. A vertical wall is subjected to a liquid pressure on its one side, the total pressure on the wall acts at a distance of:
ⓐ. H/3
ⓑ. H/2
ⓒ. 2H/3
ⓓ. 3H/4
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.
18. Which of the following is not the purpose of a foundation?
ⓐ. To distribute the weight of the structure
ⓑ. To load the substratum evenly
ⓒ. To provide a level surface for building construction
ⓓ. To increase the safe bearing capacity of the soil
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.
19. Moisture content of saturated soil equals:
ⓐ. 0%
ⓑ. 100%
ⓒ. 50%
ⓓ. 90%
Correct Answer: 100%
Explanation: Saturated soil has its voids completely filled with water, resulting in a moisture content of 100%.
20. Consolidation test of a soil sample is carried out to determine:
ⓐ. The void ratio in soil
ⓑ. The decrease in the total volume
ⓒ. The liquid limit of soil
ⓓ. The plastic limit of soil
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.
21. Bearing capacity of soils depends on:
ⓐ. Physical characteristics of soil particles
ⓑ. Moisture content of soil
ⓒ. Both of the above
ⓓ. None of the above
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.
22. The wall constructed to resist horizontal pressure is:
ⓐ. Main wall
ⓑ. Partition wall
ⓒ. Retaining wall
ⓓ. All of the above
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.
23. Cohesion is defined as:
ⓐ. Attraction of molecules of the same material
ⓑ. Attraction of molecules of different materials
ⓒ. Both of the above
ⓓ. None of the above
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.
24. The soil transported by wind and deposited is called:
ⓐ. Lacustrine soil
ⓑ. Aeolian soil
ⓒ. Marine soil
ⓓ. Alluvial soil
Correct Answer: Aeolian soil
Explanation: Aeolian soil is soil that has been transported and deposited by the wind.
25. The force exerted by flowing water on the sediment particles to cause their motion is called:
ⓐ. Eddy force
ⓑ. Buoyant force
ⓒ. Tractive force
ⓓ. Kinematic force
Correct Answer: Tractive force
Explanation: Tractive force is the force exerted by flowing water on sediment particles, causing them to move.
26. * For a properly designed footing, the bearing stress must be less than the bearing capacity, which is the bearing stress that causes a ……… failure within the foundation soil.
ⓐ. Tensile
ⓑ. Expected
ⓒ. Unexpected
ⓓ. Shear
Correct Answer: Shear
Explanation: The bearing capacity is the maximum stress that the soil can withstand without undergoing shear failure.
27. * Angle of internal friction is minimum for:
ⓐ. Angular grained loose soil
ⓑ. Angular grained dense soil
ⓒ. Round grained loose soil
ⓓ. Clay
Correct Answer: Clay
Explanation: Clay typically has a lower angle of internal friction compared to granular soils.
28. * The shear resistance between particles is provided by:
ⓐ. Terzaghi’s
ⓑ. Pairwise
ⓒ. Adhesive
ⓓ. Broken
Correct Answer: Adhesive
Explanation: The shear resistance between soil particles is provided by adhesive forces.
29. * When water content in a soil is reduced beyond the shrinkage limit, the soil will be:
ⓐ. Solid state
ⓑ. Liquid state
ⓒ. Semi-solid state
ⓓ. Plastic state
Correct Answer: Solid state
Explanation: Beyond the shrinkage limit, further reduction in water content leads to a solid state in the soil.
30. * A ‘shear stress’ is a stress which is applied…….to a face of material.
ⓐ. Perpendicularity
ⓑ. Parallel
ⓒ. Softly
ⓓ. With a bang
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.
31. Uniformity coefficient of a soil is:
ⓐ. always less than 1
ⓑ. always equal to 1
ⓒ. equal to or less than 1
ⓓ. equal or greater than 1
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.
32. Most of the shear tests are done in equipment which is:
ⓐ. stress controlled
ⓑ. strain controlled
ⓒ. drainage controlled
ⓓ. volume controlled
Correct Answer: drainage controlled
Explanation: Shear tests on soils are often performed under controlled drainage conditions to simulate field conditions.
33. The angle between the horizontal and the slope of a heap produced by pouring clean dry sand from a small height is known as:
ⓐ. the angle of equilibrium
ⓑ. the angle of bulk
ⓒ. the angle of rest
ⓓ. the angle of repose
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.
34. Cohesive soils:
ⓐ. bear high shear strength
ⓑ. are more plastic
ⓒ. are good for backfill
ⓓ. are strong against landslides
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.
35. The coefficient of earth pressure for loose sand having an angle of internal friction of 30° is:
ⓐ. 0.5
ⓑ. 1/3
ⓒ. 3
ⓓ. 1
Correct Answer: 1/3
Explanation: The coefficient of earth pressure for loose sand is approximately 1/3 times the vertical effective stress.
36. Over-consolidated soils caused due to:
ⓐ. erosion of overburden
ⓑ. melting of ice sheets after glaciations
ⓒ. permanent rise of water table
ⓓ. all of the above
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.
37. The angle of repose of soil is defined as the angle that an inclined plane makes with the horizontal when a body placed on it just sliding is:
ⓐ. maximum
ⓑ. minimum
ⓒ. average
ⓓ. vertical
Correct Answer: maximum
Explanation: The angle of repose is the maximum angle at which a pile of material remains stable without sliding.
38. Specific gravity of solid particles is determined in a laboratory with:
ⓐ. Shrinkage Limit Method
ⓑ. Gas Jar Method
ⓒ. Density Bottle Method
ⓓ. All of the above
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.
39. If a solid suffers a change in volume by the application of external loads but recovers its volume immediately after the load is removed, such a soil is termed as:
ⓐ. Compressive soils
ⓑ. Plastic solids
ⓒ. Elastic soils
ⓓ. Perfect soils
Correct Answer: Elastic soils
Explanation: Elastic soils recover their volume after the removal of external loads, indicating elastic behavior.
40. The angle between the directions of the failure and the major principal plane is equal to:
ⓐ. 90° + effective angle of shearing resistance
ⓑ. 90° + half of the angle of shearing resistance
ⓒ. 45° + half of the angle of shearing resistance
ⓓ. 45° – half of the angle of shearing resistance
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.
41. If the failure of a finite slope occurs through the toe, it is known as:
ⓐ. Slope failure
ⓑ. Base failure
ⓒ. Face failure
ⓓ. Toe failure
Correct Answer: Toe failure
Explanation: Toe failure in slope stability refers to failure occurring at the toe (bottom) of a slope.
42. Terzaghi’s theory of one-dimensional consolidation assumes:
ⓐ. Soil is homogeneous and fully saturated
ⓑ. Water and soil particles are incompressible
ⓒ. Deformation of the soil is entirely due to a change in volume
ⓓ. All of the above
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.
43. The angle of internal friction for cohesive soils is equal to:
ⓐ. Zero
ⓑ. 30°
ⓒ. 45°
ⓓ. 15°
Correct Answer: Zero
Explanation: Cohesive soils, such as clays, typically have zero angle of internal friction.
44. If you are asked to classify soils into 3 categories, which of the following categorizations would you prefer?
ⓐ. Clayey, Silty, and Sandy
ⓑ. Clayey, Sandy, and Granular
ⓒ. Clayey, Silty, and Loamy
ⓓ. Coarse-grained, fine-grained, and highly organic
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.
45. If the volume of voids is equal to the volume of solids in a soil mass, then the values of porosity and voids ratio, respectively, are:
ⓐ. 1.0 and 0.0
ⓑ. 0.0 and 1.0
ⓒ. 0.5 and 1.0
ⓓ. 1.0 and 0.5
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.
46. The value of net allowable bearing pressure is:
ⓐ. Net safe bearing capacity
ⓑ. Net safe settlement pressure
ⓒ. Minimum of net safe bearing capacity and net safe settlement pressure
ⓓ. Gross safe bearing capacity
Correct Answer: Net safe settlement pressure
Explanation: Net allowable bearing pressure is related to the allowable settlement of the foundation.
47. For a well-graded soil, the coefficient of curvature will be between:
ⓐ. 1 and 10
ⓑ. 2 and 8
ⓒ. 3 and 7
ⓓ. 1 and 3
Correct Answer: 1 and 3
Explanation: The coefficient of curvature for well-graded soils falls typically between 1 and 3.
48. The ratio of the unit weight of soil solids to that of water is called:
ⓐ. Void ratio
ⓑ. Porosity
ⓒ. Specific gravity
ⓓ. Degree of saturation
Correct Answer: Specific gravity
Explanation: Specific gravity is the ratio of the unit weight of soil solids to the unit weight of water.
49. The bearing capacity of soil depends upon:
ⓐ. Shape and size of the particles
ⓑ. Cohesive properties of particles
ⓒ. Internal frictional resistance of particles
ⓓ. All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Explanation: The bearing capacity of soil is influenced by particle characteristics, cohesive properties, and internal frictional resistance.
50. The shearing strength of a cohesionless soil depends upon:
ⓐ. Dry density
ⓑ. Rate of loading
ⓒ. Confining pressure
ⓓ. Nature of loading
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.