Engineering Properties of Rocks and Soils MCQs Questions & Answers

1

Which factor most significantly affects the bearing capacity of soil?

A) Soil color B) Water table C) Grain size and density D) Soil pH E) 3

Discuss

Answer & Solution

Answer: Option

Solution:

Bearing capacity is the capacity of soil to support the loads applied to the ground.Grain size and density determine the shear strength and compactness of soil, making them crucial to load-bearing ability.Fine-grained soils like clay have lower bearing capacity than dense sand or gravel.

2

What type of soil has the lowest shear strength?

A) Silt B) Gravel C) Clay D) Sand E) 1

Discuss

Answer & Solution

Answer: Option

Solution:

Silt has very fine particles and lacks cohesion and internal friction.This makes it prone to liquefaction and slope failures under load.In contrast, clay has cohesion and sand/gravel have frictional resistance.

3

Which property of soil is evaluated using a triaxial test?

A) Plasticity B) Permeability C) Shear strength D) Specific gravity E) 3

Discuss

Answer & Solution

Answer: Option

Solution:

The triaxial test measures soil's shear strength under controlled stress conditions.It simulates field stress conditions and helps in slope and foundation design.

4

Which rock type is generally considered strongest in engineering applications?

A) Shale B) Granite C) Limestone D) Sandstone E) 2

Discuss

Answer & Solution

Answer: Option

Solution:

Granite is an intrusive igneous rock with high compressive strength and low porosity.It is widely used in construction for its durability and load-bearing capacity.

5

Which of the following increases the permeability of a rock?

A) Foliation B) Compaction C) Fractures D) Clay content E) 3

Discuss

Answer & Solution

Answer: Option

Solution:

Fractures and cracks allow fluids to pass through otherwise impermeable rocks.This makes permeability dependent on both primary (porosity) and secondary (fracturing) factors.

6

Which term defines the water-retention ability of soil against gravity?

A) Capillarity B) Cohesion C) Plasticity D) Saturation E) 1

Discuss

Answer & Solution

Answer: Option

Solution:

Capillarity refers to the ability of soil to hold water against gravity through surface tension and pore structure.It's crucial for plant growth and shallow foundations.

7

Which soil classification system is used in geotechnical engineering worldwide?

A) USCS B) USDA C) MIT D) AASHTO E) 1

Discuss

Answer & Solution

Answer: Option

Solution:

The Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) is globally recognized for classifying soil based on particle size and plasticity characteristics.Used in foundation and geotechnical design.

8

What is the role of cohesion in soil mechanics?

A) Controls drainage B) Provides shear strength in absence of friction C) Affects permeability D) Enhances compressibility E) 2

Discuss

Answer & Solution

Answer: Option

Solution:

Cohesion is the internal molecular attraction between soil particles, especially in clays.It contributes to shear strength when friction is minimal, like in saturated clays.

9

What does a high liquid limit indicate in a soil?

A) Low water retention B) High plasticity and compressibility C) Low permeability D) High shear strength E) 2

Discuss

Answer & Solution

Answer: Option

Solution:

A high liquid limit implies the soil remains plastic over a wider range of moisture content.This suggests greater compressibility and potential instability under load.

10

Which rock property affects tunnel stability the most?

A) Texture B) Color C) Weathering grade D) Uniaxial compressive strength E) 4

Discuss

Answer & Solution

Answer: Option

Solution:

Uniaxial compressive strength defines a rock's ability to withstand compressive loads without failure.It's critical in underground works like tunneling where rock support is essential.

Engineering Properties of Rocks and Soils MCQs Questions & Answers | Geological Engineering