Engineering Geology for Construction MCQs Questions & Answers

1

Which method is suitable for subsurface investigation in urban areas?

A) Explosive seismic survey B) Electrical resistivity C) Standard Penetration Test (SPT) D) Magnetic survey

Discuss

Answer & Solution

Answer: Option C

Solution:

The SPT is widely used for assessing subsurface soil consistency and strength in urban construction projects due to its reliability and practicality.

2

For bridge foundation on rivers, the key geological consideration is:

A) Soil texture B) Depth to bedrock and scour potential C) Climate D) Color of rock

Discuss

Answer & Solution

Answer: Option B

Solution:

Scour depth and depth to stable bedrock are critical in river bridge design to avoid failure due to erosion or settlement.

3

Which rock type is considered best for concrete aggregate?

A) Marble B) Shale C) Basalt D) Claystone

Discuss

Answer & Solution

Answer: Option C

Solution:

Basalt is a dense igneous rock with high strength and low porosity, making it ideal as aggregate in concrete.

4

What is the effect of groundwater on excavation stability?

A) Increases shear strength B) Reduces weight C) Decreases stability due to pore pressure D) No effect

Discuss

Answer & Solution

Answer: Option C

Solution:

Groundwater reduces effective stress and increases pore pressure, making slopes and excavations less stable and more prone to failure.

5

Why are geological maps important in construction planning?

A) For locating forests B) To determine climatic conditions C) To understand subsurface conditions and rock types D) To assess road traffic

Discuss

Answer & Solution

Answer: Option C

Solution:

Geological maps provide data on rock formations, faults, soil types, and structural features, essential for construction site selection and design.

6

What does the presence of expansive clay indicate for construction?

A) High bearing capacity B) Risk of shrink-swell behavior C) Excellent drainage D) High permeability

Discuss

Answer & Solution

Answer: Option B

Solution:

Expansive clay swells when wet and shrinks when dry, causing ground movement.This shrink-swell behavior can damage foundations and pavements.

7

The dip and strike of rocks are important in construction because they affect:

A) Drainage design B) Vegetation growth C) Stability of rock slopes D) Concrete setting

Discuss

Answer & Solution

Answer: Option C

Solution:

Dip and strike describe the orientation of rock layers, crucial in slope stability and tunnel alignment.

8

Which of the following tests is commonly conducted before large-scale construction?

A) Tri-axial shear test B) Percolation test C) Plate load test D) Grain size test

Discuss

Answer & Solution

Answer: Option C

Solution:

The plate load test measures the bearing capacity of soil directly at the site and is essential for designing foundations.

9

The construction of tunnels in fault zones is:

A) Safe without precautions B) Beneficial for ventilation C) Risky due to seismic activity D) Ideal for drainage

Discuss

Answer & Solution

Answer: Option C

Solution:

Fault zones are mechanically weak and often water-bearing, making tunnel construction in them risky and complex.

10

Engineering structures should avoid sites with karst topography because:

A) They are highly stable B) They provide good groundwater storage C) They contain soluble rocks like limestone with voids D) They support tall vegetation

Discuss

Answer & Solution

Answer: Option C

Solution:

Karst topography includes features like sinkholes and caves, formed by dissolution of rocks, making them structurally unstable.

Engineering Geology for Construction MCQs Questions & Answers | Geological Engineering