A critical hydraulic gradient may occur when

seepage pressure is in upward direction

The neutral stress in a soil mass is

stress taken up by solid particles.

stess taken up by the pore water

stress taken up by solid particles.

The shear resistance of a soil is con-tituted 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

The density of soil can be increased

by reducing the space occupied by air

by elastic compression of soil grains

The consistency index of a soil is defined as the ratio of

natural water content of a soil minus plastic limit to the plasticity index of the soil

liquid limit plus the natural water content to the plasticity index of the soil

liquid limit minus the natural water content to the plasticity index of the soil

natural water content of a soil minus plastic limit to the plasticity index of the soil

natural water content of a soil plus its plastic limit to the plasticity index of the soil.

Sedimentation analysis is based on the assumption:

particles settle independent of other particles

walls of the jar do not affect the settlement .

Tergazhi'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 change in volume

Darcey's law for the velocity of flow of water through soil, is perfectly valid

Hydrometer readings are corrected for:

meniscus and dispersing agent corrections

A failure wedge develops if a retaining wall

stresses equally by vertical and horizontal forces.

fields are rectangles whose length is twice the breadth

flow lines and equipotential lines cross each other at right angles

fields are rectangles whose length is twice the breadth

smaller the dimensions of the field, smaller will be the hydraulic gradient and velocity of flow through it

for homogeneous soil, the curves are smooth and circular.

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.

The compression index of a soil

decreases with an increase in the plastic limit

decreases with an increase in the liquid limit

increases with an increase in the liquid limit

decreases with an increase in the plastic limit

is not related with plastic limit.

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

up and inwards on a slip surface

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.

Geologic cycle for the formation of soil, is

Upheavel ‚Üí transportation ‚Üí deposition ‚Üí weathering

Weathering ‚Üí upheaval ‚Üí transportation ‚Üí deposition

Transportation ‚Üí upheaval ‚Üí weathering ‚Üí deposition

Weathering ‚Üí transportation ‚Üí deposition ‚Üí upheaval

The compressibility of clays, is caused due to:

expulsion of double layer water from in between the grains

sliping of particles to new positions of greater density

bending of particles as elastic sheets

The quantity of seepage of water through soils is proportional to

coefficient of permeability of soil

total head loss through the soil

266 + Mcqs in Soil Mechanics And Foundation Engineering in Civil Engineering Page 4 McqOptions

151.	The ratio of the undrained strength in the undrained state to the undrained strength, at the same water content, in the remoulded state, is called the sensivity of the clay. Its value for quick clays is
A.	4
B.	8
C.	12
D.	16
Answer» E.

Discussion

152.	A flow net may be utilised for the determination of
A.	exit gradient
B.	seepage
C.	hydrostatic pressure
D.	seepage pressure
Answer» E.

Discussion

153.	For testing a saturated clay for shear strength, the test recommended, is
A.	direct shear test
B.	triaxial compression test
C.	unconfined compression test
D.	all the above.
Answer» D. all the above.

Discussion

154.	A critical hydraulic gradient may occur when
A.	flow is in upward direction
B.	seepage pressure is in upward direction
C.	effective pressure is zero
D.	all the above.
Answer» E.

Discussion

155.	The equation œÑ = C + œÉ tan œÜ is given by
A.	Rankine
B.	Coulomb
C.	Culaman
D.	Mohr.
Answer» C. Culaman

Discussion

156.	The neutral stress in a soil mass is
A.	force per neutral area
B.	force per effective area
C.	stess taken up by the pore water
D.	stress taken up by solid particles.
Answer» D. stress taken up by solid particles.

Discussion

157.	The shear resistance of a soil is con-tituted basically of the following component.
A.	The frictional resistance to translocation between the individual soil particles at their contact point
B.	To the structural relation to displacement of the soil because of the interlocking of the particles
C.	Cohesion and adhesion between the surfaces of the soil particles
D.	All the above.
Answer» E.

Discussion

158.	The slip at critical angle, is generally known
A.	Œ¥ 1-line
B.	rupture plane
C.	slip plane
D.	all the above.
Answer» E.

Discussion

159.	The density of soil can be increased
A.	by reducing the space occupied by air
B.	by elastic compression of soil grains
C.	by expelling water from pores
D.	All the above.
Answer» E.

Discussion

160.	Water formed transported soil is
A.	alluvial
B.	marine
C.	lacustrine
D.	loess.
Answer» B. marine

Discussion

161.	The specific gravity of Calcite is
A.	2.65
B.	2.72
C.	2.85
D.	2.9
Answer» C. 2.85

Discussion

162.	If there is no impervious boundary at the bottom of a hydraulic structure, stream lines tend to follow :
A.	a straight line
B.	a parabola
C.	a semi-ellipse
D.	a semi-circle.
Answer» D. a semi-circle.

Discussion

163.	The property of a soil which permits water to percolate through it, is called
A.	moisture content
B.	permeability
C.	capillarity
D.	none of these.
Answer» C. capillarity

Discussion

164.	A moist soil sample weighing 108 g has a volume of 60 cc. If water content is 25% and value of G = 2.52, the void ratio is
A.	0.55
B.	0.65
C.	0.75
D.	0.8
Answer» D. 0.8

Discussion

165.	The consistency index of a soil is defined as the ratio of
A.	liquid limit plus the natural water content to the plasticity index of the soil
B.	liquid limit minus the natural water content to the plasticity index of the soil
C.	natural water content of a soil minus plastic limit to the plasticity index of the soil
D.	natural water content of a soil plus its plastic limit to the plasticity index of the soil.
Answer» C. natural water content of a soil minus plastic limit to the plasticity index of the soil

Discussion

166.	Sedimentation analysis is based on the assumption:
A.	soil particles are spherical
B.	particles settle independent of other particles
C.	walls of the jar do not affect the settlement .
D.	all the above.
Answer» E.

Discussion

167.	Tergazhi's theory of one dimensional consolidation assumes
A.	soil is homogeneous and fully saturated
B.	water and soil particles are incompressible
C.	deformation of the soil, is entirely due to change in volume
D.	Darcey's law for the velocity of flow of water through soil, is perfectly valid
Answer» E.

Discussion

168.	A sample of saturated soil has 30% water content and the specific gravity of soil grains is 2.6. The dry density of the soil mass in g/cm3, is
A.	1.47
B.	1.82
C.	1.91
D.	none of these.
Answer» B. 1.82

Discussion

169.	According to the Indian Standards the specific gravity is the ratio of the unit weight of soil solids to that of water at a temperature of
A.	17¬∞C
B.	23¬∞C
C.	27¬∞C
D.	30¬∞
Answer» D. 30¬∞

Discussion

170.	'Loess' is silty clay formed by the action of
A.	water
B.	glacier
C.	wind
D.	gravitational force.
Answer» D. gravitational force.

Discussion

171.	260 g of wet soil was taken in a pycnometer jar of weight 400 g in order to find the moisture content in the soil, with specific gravity of soil particles 2.75. The weight of soil and remaining water filled in pycnometer without air bubbles was 1415 g and the weight of pycnometer filled with water alone was 1275 g. The moisture content in the soil is
A.	0.242
B.	0.182
C.	0.538
D.	none of these.
Answer» C. 0.538

Discussion

172.	Si particles
A.	show dilatancy
B.	swell when moist
C.	possess high strength when dry
D.	disintegrate easily.
Answer» B. swell when moist

Discussion

173.	Hydrometer readings are corrected for:
A.	temperature correction
B.	meniscus correction
C.	dispersing agent correction
D.	meniscus and dispersing agent corrections
Answer» E.

Discussion

174.	If voids ratio is 0.67, water content is 0.188 and specific gravity is 2.68, the degree of saturation of the soil, is
A.	0.25
B.	0.4
C.	0.6
D.	0.75
Answer» E.

Discussion

175.	A failure wedge develops if a retaining wall
A.	moves away from the backfill
B.	moves towards the backfill
C.	sinks downwards
D.	stresses equally by vertical and horizontal forces.
Answer» B. moves towards the backfill

Discussion

176.	In a fow net
A.	flow lines and equipotential lines cross each other at right angles
B.	fields are rectangles whose length is twice the breadth
C.	smaller the dimensions of the field, smaller will be the hydraulic gradient and velocity of flow through it
D.	for homogeneous soil, the curves are smooth and circular.
Answer» B. fields are rectangles whose length is twice the breadth

Discussion

177.	The Westergaard analysis is used for
A.	sandy soils
B.	cohesive soils
C.	stratified soils
D.	clayey soils.
Answer» D. clayey soils.

Discussion

178.	If the coefficients of volume change and compressibility of a soil sample are respectively 6.75 x 10-2 and 3 x 10-2, the void ratio of the soil sample, is
A.	1.1
B.	1.15
C.	1.2
D.	1.25
Answer» E.

Discussion

179.	For a homogeneous earth dam 50 m high having 2 m free broad, a flow net was constructed and the results were : Number of potential drops = 2.4 Number of flow channels = 0.4. If coefficiency of permeability of the dam mateiral is 3 x 10-3 cm3/sec, the discharge per metre length of dam, is
A.	12 x 10-5 m3/sec
B.	24 x 10-3 m3/sec
C.	6 x 10-5 m3/sec
D.	24 x 10-5 m3/sec
Answer» E.

Discussion

180.	A plane inclined at an angle œÜ to the horizontal at which the soil is expected to stay in the absence of any lateral support, is known as
A.	natural slope line
B.	repose line
C.	the œÜ line
D.	all the above.
Answer» E.

Discussion

181.	Transporting and redepositing soils, is done by
A.	water
B.	glacier
C.	gravity
D.	wind
Answer» E.

Discussion

182.	A phreatic line is defined as the line within a dam section below which there are
A.	positive equipotential lines
B.	positive hydrostatic pressure
C.	negative hydrostatic pressure
D.	negative equipotential lines
Answer» C. negative hydrostatic pressure

Discussion

183.	A decrease in water content results in a reduction of the volume of a soil in
A.	liquid state
B.	plastic state
C.	semi solid state
D.	all of these.
Answer» E.

Discussion

184.	The angle between the directions of the failure and the major principal plane, is equal to
A.	90¬∞ + effective angle of shearing resistance
B.	90¬∞ + half of the angle of shearing resistance
C.	45¬∞ - half of the angle of shearing resistance
D.	45¬∞ + half of the angle of shearing resistance.
Answer» E.

Discussion

185.	Fundamental relationship between dry density (Œ≥d), bulk density (Œ≥) and water content (œâ), is :
A.	Œ≥ =
B.	Œ≥d =
C.	œâ =
D.	œâ =
Answer» C. œâ =

Discussion

186.	The shearing strength of a cohesion-less soil depends upon
A.	dry density
B.	rate of loading
C.	confining pressure
D.	nature of loading.
Answer» D. nature of loading.

Discussion

187.	The pressure that builds up in pore water due to load increment on the soil, is termed
A.	excess pore pressure
B.	excess hydrostatic pressure
C.	hydrodynamic pressure
D.	all the above.
Answer» E.

Discussion

188.	The coefficient of curvature for a well graded soil, must be between
A.	0.5 to 1.0
B.	1.0 to 3.0
C.	3.0 to 4.0
D.	4.0 to 5.0
Answer» C. 3.0 to 4.0

Discussion

189.	Degree of saturation of a natural soil deposit having water content 15%, specific gravity 2.50 and void ratio 0.5, is
A.	0.5
B.	0.6
C.	0.75
D.	0.8
Answer» D. 0.8

Discussion

190.	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
A.	quick condition
B.	boiling condition
C.	quick sand
D.	all the above.
Answer» E.

Discussion

191.	The compression index of a soil
A.	decreases with an increase in the liquid limit
B.	increases with an increase in the liquid limit
C.	decreases with an increase in the plastic limit
D.	is not related with plastic limit.
Answer» C. decreases with an increase in the plastic limit

Discussion

192.	If the failure of a finite slope occurs through the toe, it is known as
A.	slope failure
B.	face failure
C.	base failure
D.	toe failure.
Answer» E.

Discussion

193.	According to Coulomb's wedge theory, the active earth pressure slides the wedge
A.	down and outwards on a slip surface
B.	up and inwards on a slip surface
C.	horizontal upward and parallel to base
D.	horizontal inward and parallel to base.
Answer» B. up and inwards on a slip surface

Discussion

194.	Geologic cycle for the formation of soil, is
A.	Upheavel ‚Üí transportation ‚Üí deposition ‚Üí weathering
B.	Weathering ‚Üí upheaval ‚Üí transportation ‚Üí deposition
C.	Transportation ‚Üí upheaval ‚Üí weathering ‚Üí deposition
D.	Weathering ‚Üí transportation ‚Üí deposition ‚Üí upheaval
Answer» E.

Discussion

195.	Through a point in a loaded soil, the principal stress is maximum on
A.	minor principal plane
B.	intermediate principal plane
C.	major principal plane
D.	none of these.
Answer» D. none of these.

Discussion

196.	The effective size of particles of soil is denoted by
A.	D10
B.	D20
C.	D30
D.	D60
Answer» B. D20

Discussion

197.	The compressibility of clays, is caused due to:
A.	expulsion of double layer water from in between the grains
B.	sliping of particles to new positions of greater density
C.	bending of particles as elastic sheets
D.	all the above.
Answer» E.

Discussion

198.	The water content in a soil sample when it continues to loose weight without loosing the volume, is called
A.	Shrinkage limit
B.	Plastic limit
C.	liquid limit
D.	semi-solid limit.
Answer» B. Plastic limit

Discussion

199.	Accurate determination of water content, is made by
A.	calcium carbide method
B.	sand bath method
C.	alcohol method
D.	oven-drying method.
Answer» E.

Discussion

200.	The quantity of seepage of water through soils is proportional to
A.	coefficient of permeability of soil
B.	total head loss through the soil
C.	neither (a) nor (b)
D.	both (a) and (b).
Answer» E.

Discussion

Explore topic-wise MCQs in Civil Engineering.

The ratio of the undrained strength in the undrained state to the undrained strength, at the same water content, in the remoulded state, is called the sensivity of the clay. Its value for quick clays is

A flow net may be utilised for the determination of

For testing a saturated clay for shear strength, the test recommended, is

A critical hydraulic gradient may occur when

The equation œÑ = C + œÉ tan œÜ is given by

The neutral stress in a soil mass is

The shear resistance of a soil is con-tituted basically of the following component.

The slip at critical angle, is generally known

The density of soil can be increased

Water formed transported soil is

The specific gravity of Calcite is

If there is no impervious boundary at the bottom of a hydraulic structure, stream lines tend to follow :

The property of a soil which permits water to percolate through it, is called

A moist soil sample weighing 108 g has a volume of 60 cc. If water content is 25% and value of G = 2.52, the void ratio is

The consistency index of a soil is defined as the ratio of

Sedimentation analysis is based on the assumption:

Tergazhi's theory of one dimensional consolidation assumes

A sample of saturated soil has 30% water content and the specific gravity of soil grains is 2.6. The dry density of the soil mass in g/cm3, is

According to the Indian Standards the specific gravity is the ratio of the unit weight of soil solids to that of water at a temperature of

'Loess' is silty clay formed by the action of

Si particles

Hydrometer readings are corrected for:

If voids ratio is 0.67, water content is 0.188 and specific gravity is 2.68, the degree of saturation of the soil, is

A failure wedge develops if a retaining wall

In a fow net

The Westergaard analysis is used for

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

For a homogeneous earth dam 50 m high having 2 m free broad, a flow net was constructed and the results were : Number of potential drops = 2.4 Number of flow channels = 0.4. If coefficiency of permeability of the dam mateiral is 3 x 10-3 cm3/sec, the discharge per metre length of dam, is

A plane inclined at an angle œÜ to the horizontal at which the soil is expected to stay in the absence of any lateral support, is known as

Transporting and redepositing soils, is done by

A phreatic line is defined as the line within a dam section below which there are

A decrease in water content results in a reduction of the volume of a soil in

The angle between the directions of the failure and the major principal plane, is equal to

Fundamental relationship between dry density (Œ≥d), bulk density (Œ≥) and water content (œâ), is :

The shearing strength of a cohesion-less soil depends upon

The pressure that builds up in pore water due to load increment on the soil, is termed

The coefficient of curvature for a well graded soil, must be between

Degree of saturation of a natural soil deposit having water content 15%, specific gravity 2.50 and void ratio 0.5, is

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

The compression index of a soil

If the failure of a finite slope occurs through the toe, it is known as

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

Geologic cycle for the formation of soil, is

Through a point in a loaded soil, the principal stress is maximum on

The effective size of particles of soil is denoted by

The compressibility of clays, is caused due to:

The water content in a soil sample when it continues to loose weight without loosing the volume, is called

Accurate determination of water content, is made by

The quantity of seepage of water through soils is proportional to