Retaining walls are primarily designed to support the soil and prevent it from sliding or eroding, especially on slopes. They are crucial in preventing soil movement in areas with uneven ground or steep inclines.
Which type of foundation is suitable for sandy soil?
A Pile
B Raft
C Deep
D Shallow
Shallow foundations are typically suitable for sandy soil, as it provides good load-bearing capacity near the surface. This allows for cost-effective and efficient foundation construction when the soil is stable enough.
What is the main purpose of soil investigation before foundation design?
A Soil erosion
B Water quality
C Load-bearing capacity
D Soil composition
Soil investigation helps determine the soil’s load-bearing capacity, which is essential for designing foundations. It ensures that the foundation can safely support the structure by evaluating the strength and behavior of the soil under load.
What is a common feature of pile foundations?
A Deep penetration
B Concrete material
C Low cost
D Shallow depth
Pile foundations penetrate deep into the ground to transfer the load of the structure to stable soil layers. This is particularly important in weak or compressible soils where shallow foundations cannot provide enough support.
Which foundation type is used for buildings with low bearing capacity soil?
A Shallow
B Mat
C Pile
D Raft
Pile foundations are used when the soil near the surface has low bearing capacity. Piles reach deeper, more stable layers to effectively transfer the structure’s load, preventing settlement and failure.
What is the role of a mat foundation?
A Load distribution
B Structural support
C Deep anchoring
D Soil compaction
A mat foundation spreads the building’s load over a large area. This helps reduce the pressure on weak soil and prevents excessive settlement, making it ideal for structures with large loads.
What is a key characteristic of a caisson foundation?
A Concrete base
B Hollow chamber
C Floating design
D Shallow depth
Caisson foundations are large, hollow structures that are sunk into the ground or water. They are often used in areas with unstable soil or where the depth to stable layers is significant, providing a stable base for heavy structures.
What is a cantilever retaining wall designed to resist?
A Foundation subsidence
B Water penetration
C Lateral earth pressure
D Soil erosion
Cantilever retaining walls are designed to resist lateral earth pressure from the soil behind them. They are supported by the structure of the wall itself and are often used in areas with significant soil movement.
What type of foundation is best for buildings on hillsides?
A Mat
B Raft
C Pile
D Retaining wall
Retaining walls are commonly used on hillsides to prevent soil erosion and provide stability. They hold back the soil, allowing for the construction of buildings on sloped land while ensuring the foundation remains stable.
Which foundation is ideal for large industrial structures?
A Pile
B Mat foundation
C Shallow
D Raft
Mat foundations are ideal for large industrial structures because they distribute the load over a wide area, reducing the pressure on the soil. This is especially important for heavy machinery or large, multi-story buildings.
What is an important factor in choosing a foundation type?
A Soil texture
B Soil moisture
C Soil temperature
D Load requirements
Load requirements play a crucial role in determining the appropriate foundation type. The foundation must be designed to carry the weight of the building and any additional loads while ensuring the stability of the soil beneath.
What does soil liquefaction refer to?
A Loss of strength
B Soil erosion
C Soil consolidation
D Soil compression
Liquefaction occurs when saturated soil loses its strength due to increased pore water pressure, often during an earthquake. This can cause the soil to behave like a liquid, leading to foundation instability.
What type of foundation is most suitable for tall skyscrapers?
A Pile
B Shallow
C Deep
D Raft
Tall skyscrapers require pile foundations to transfer their weight to deeper, stable layers of soil. This prevents excessive settlement and ensures the stability of the structure, especially in areas with weak surface soil.
What is the main advantage of using under-reamed piles?
A Reduced settlement
B Cost-effectiveness
C Increased bearing capacity
D Shallow installation
Under-reamed piles have enlarged bases that increase the surface area in contact with the soil, improving their bearing capacity. This is particularly useful in weak or compressible soil conditions.
What is the function of grouting in foundation work?
A Load transfer
B Waterproofing
C Erosion prevention
D Soil stabilization
Grouting is used to stabilize soil by filling voids and cracks, improving the soil’s strength and reducing settlement risks. It is commonly used in weak soils to enhance foundation stability and prevent failure.