What is the primary function of a shallow foundation?
A Resist water flow
B Distribute loads
C Stabilize soil
D Support heavy loads
Shallow foundations are designed to distribute the load of a structure across a wide area near the surface. This helps prevent excessive settlement, particularly in soils with moderate strength and stability.
What is the main use of pile foundations?
A Weak soils
B Shallow soil
C Deep anchoring
D Light structures
Pile foundations are used when surface soils lack sufficient strength to support the load of the structure. Piles penetrate deeper into stronger layers of soil or rock to transfer the load safely.
Which type of foundation is most suitable for large, heavy buildings?
A Shallow foundation
B Pile foundation
C Mat foundation
D Raft foundation
Mat foundations, also known as raft foundations, spread the load of large buildings over a large area. This helps reduce the pressure on weak soil, making it ideal for heavy structures.
What does soil exploration help determine in foundation design?
A Moisture content
B Bearing capacity
C Soil texture
D Soil color
Soil exploration assesses the soil’s ability to bear the weight of a structure. This helps engineers determine the appropriate foundation type and design to ensure stability and prevent settlement.
What is the primary role of retaining walls in foundation systems?
A Prevent water flow
B Support soil
C Drain water
D Increase load-bearing capacity
Retaining walls are used to hold back soil on sloped sites, preventing soil movement and erosion. They resist the lateral forces exerted by the soil, ensuring the stability of both the wall and the structure.
What is a key factor in foundation design for areas with weak soils?
A Drainage
B Soil moisture
C Bearing capacity
D Soil texture
For areas with weak soils, foundation design must ensure the soil can support the structure’s load. The bearing capacity is a critical factor to determine whether deeper or more extensive foundations are needed.
What does grouting help achieve in foundation work?
A Strengthen soil
B Reduce load
C Improve drainage
D Increase water flow
Grouting involves injecting a cement-like material into the soil to fill voids and improve its strength and density. This process enhances the soil’s ability to support foundations, especially in weak or loose soil.
Which foundation is best for areas prone to liquefaction during earthquakes?
A Mat foundation
B Shallow foundation
C Raft foundation
D Pile foundation
Pile foundations are best for liquefaction-prone areas because they anchor the structure to deeper, more stable layers of soil or bedrock, reducing the risk of settlement or failure caused by liquefaction during earthquakes.
What is the function of a cofferdam in foundation construction?
A Improve drainage
B Create a dry working area
C Increase load distribution
D Prevent water infiltration
Cofferdams are temporary enclosures used to create a dry area for foundation work in waterlogged environments. They are commonly used in the construction of piers, bridges, and other structures in or near water.
What is a common method of improving foundation stability in weak soils?
A Soil compaction
B Under-reamed piles
C Grouting
D Excavation
Grouting is a technique used to stabilize weak soils by injecting a stabilizing agent into the soil to fill voids and improve its load-bearing capacity. It strengthens the foundation’s base, especially in areas with soft soil.
What is the main purpose of under-reamed piles?
A Increase load capacity
B Improve foundation strength
C Reduce water flow
D Decrease depth
Under-reamed piles have enlarged bases that increase their contact area with the soil, enhancing their load-bearing capacity. This design is especially useful in soft or weak soil conditions to support heavier loads.
What is the advantage of using deep foundations in foundation design?
A Low cost
B Shallow installation
C High stability
D Suitable for weak soils
Deep foundations, such as pile foundations, are used in areas with weak or compressible surface soils. They transfer the building’s load to deeper, more stable soil or rock layers, ensuring stability and reducing settlement.
Which type of foundation is commonly used in coastal areas?
A Raft foundation
B Pile foundation
C Well foundation
D Shallow foundation
Well foundations are commonly used in coastal areas because they can be sunk into waterlogged or soft soil to provide deep, stable support for structures like bridges and piers. They prevent sinking and displacement in unstable soil conditions.
What is the function of a geotechnical investigation before foundation construction?
A Evaluate soil behavior under load
B Identify soil composition
C Determine environmental impact
D Measure soil moisture
A geotechnical investigation evaluates the soil’s behavior under load, which helps in determining the appropriate foundation type. It provides data on bearing capacity, compaction, and other key factors necessary for safe foundation design.
What factor is crucial in foundation design in seismic zones?
A Foundation depth
B Lateral load resistance
C Water drainage
D Soil texture
In seismic zones, foundation design must account for lateral loads, such as those caused by earthquakes. Ensuring the foundation can resist these forces prevents movement or collapse of the structure.