Geotechnical Engineering Set 4 MCQs

Q1 | Effective stress is

The stress at particles contact

A physical parameter that can be measured

Important because it is a function of engineering properties of soil

All of the above

Q2 | The angle of internal friction is maximum for

angular-grained loose sand

angular-grained dense sand

round-grained dense sand

round-grained loose sand

Q3 | If the coefficients of volume change and compressibility of a soil sample are 6.75 × 10-2 and 3 × 10-2 respectively, the void ratio of the soil sample, is

1.1

1.15

1.2

1.3

Q4 | When a cohesionless soil attains quick condition, it looses

Shear strength

Bearing capacity

Both (a) and (b)

Neither (a) nor (6)

Q5 | Select the correct statement.

The greater the viscosity, the greater is permeability

The greater the unit weight, the greater is permeability

The greater the unit weight, the smaller is permeability

Unit weight does not affect permeability

Q6 | A direct shear test possesses the following disadvantage:

A relatively thin thickness of sample permits quick drainage

A relatively thin thickness of sample permits quick dissipation of pore pressure developed during the test

As the test progresses the area under shear, gradually changes

None of these

Q7 | A stratum of clay 2 m thick will get consolidated 80% in 10 years. For the 80% consolidationof 8 m thick stratum of the same clay, the time required is

100 years

120 years

140 years

160 years

Q8 | When the seepage pressure becomes equal to the pressure due to submerged weight of a soil, the effective pressure is reduced to zero and the soil particles have a tendency to move up in the direction of flow. This phenomenon is generally known

Quick condition

Boiling condition

Quick sand

All the above

Q9 | If drainage is permitted throughout the test, during the application of both normal, and shear stresses so that full consolidation occurs and no excess pore pressure is set up at any stage of the test, is known as

Quick test

Drained test

Consolidated undrained test

None of these

Q10 | Degree of consolidation is

Directly proportional to time and inversely proportional to drainage path

Directly proportional to time and inversely proportional to square of drainage path

Directly proportional to drainage path and inversely proportional to time

Directly proportional to square of drainage path and inversely proportional to time

Q11 | Terzaghi's theory of one dimensional consolidation assumes

Load is applied in one direction

Coefficient of permeability is constant

Excess pore water drains out only in the vertical direction

All the above

Q12 | The shear resistance of a soil is constituted basically of the following component.

The frictional resistance to translocation between the individual soil particles at their contact point

To the structural relation to displacement of the soil because of the interlocking of the particles

Cohesion and adhesion between the surfaces of the soil particles

All the above

Q13 | The consolidation time for soils

Increases with increasing compressibility

Decreases with increasing permeability

Increases rapidly with increasing size of soil mass

All the above

Q14 | Coefficient of compressibility is

Constant for any type of soil

Different for different types of soils and also different for a soil under different states of consolidation

Different for different types of soils but same for a soil under different states of consolidation

Independent of type of soil but depends on the stress history of soil

Q15 | The ratio of the weight of water to the weight of solids in a given mass of soil, is known

Porosity

Specific gravity

Void ratio

Water content

Q16 | In a liquid limit test, the moisture content at 10 blows was 70% and that at 100 blows was 20%. The liquid limit of the soil, is

35%

50%

65%

None of these

Q17 | The critical exist gradient of seepage water in soils, increases with

An increase in specific gravity

A decrease in specific gravity

A decrease in void ratio

Both (a) and (c)

Q18 | The Mohr's straight theory is based on the following fact:

Material fails essentially by shear

Ultimate strength of the material is determined by the stress in the plane of slip

Failure criterion is independent of the intermediate principal stress

All the above

Q19 | According to Coulomb's wedge theory, the active earth pressure slides the wedge

Down and outwards on a slip surface

Up and inwards on a slip surface

Horizontal upward and parallel to base

Horizontal inward and parallel to base

Q20 | Pile foundations are generally preferred to for

Bridge foundations

Sky scrapper buildings

Residential buildings

Runways

Q21 | The rise of water table below the foundation influences the bearing capacity of soil mainly by reducing

Cohesion and effective angle of shearing resistance

Cohesion and effective unit weight of soil

Effective unit weight of soil and effective angle of shearing resistance

Effective angle of shearing resistance

Q22 | A soil mass is said to be in plastic equilibrium if

It is stressed to maximum

It is on the verge of failure

It is in plastic stage

It starts flowing

Q23 | Stoke's law states that the velocity at which a grain settles out of suspension, the other factors remaining constant, is dependent upon

Shape of grain

Weight of grain

Size of grain

Shape, size and weight of grain

Q24 | Pick up the correct statement from the following:

A soil having pH value more than 7 is an acidic soil

A soil having pH value less than 7 is an acidic soil

A soil having pH value more than 7 is an alkaline soil

A soil containing chemicals for the manufacture of Portland cement is preferred

Q25 | Contact pressure beneath a rigid footing resting on cohesive soil is

Less at edges compared to middle

More at edges compared to middle

Uniform throughout

None of the above