What is the main purpose of soil exploration in foundation design?
A Assess water content
B Determine bearing capacity
C Estimate cost
D Identify soil texture
Soil exploration is crucial for determining the soil’s bearing capacity, which is essential for designing a foundation. This helps ensure that the foundation can safely support the structure by evaluating the soil’s strength and stability.
Which type of foundation is best for large, heavy buildings?
A Mat foundation
B Pile foundation
C Raft foundation
D Shallow foundation
Mat foundations, also known as raft foundations, are used for large, heavy buildings. They distribute the load evenly over a wide area, reducing the risk of settlement, especially in weak or unstable soils.
What does settlement analysis help predict?
A Soil erosion
B Load capacity
C Foundation displacement
D Water content
Settlement analysis predicts how much a foundation will sink under the applied load. It ensures that the structure remains stable and that settlement remains within acceptable limits to avoid structural damage.
Which foundation type is commonly used for bridges?
A Raft foundation
B Caisson foundation
C Shallow foundation
D Pile foundation
Pile foundations are commonly used for bridges because they can reach deeper, more stable soil layers, providing the necessary support for heavy loads, especially in areas where the surface soil is weak or unstable.
What is a critical factor in determining foundation depth?
A Soil temperature
B Soil bearing capacity
C Structural weight
D Soil moisture
The depth of a foundation is primarily determined by the soil’s bearing capacity. If the surface soil is weak, deeper foundations, such as piles, are required to transfer the load to more stable soil layers.
Which foundation type is suitable for waterlogged or marshy areas?
A Caisson foundation
B Shallow foundation
C Raft foundation
D Pile foundation
Caisson foundations are suitable for waterlogged or marshy areas because they are large, hollow structures that are sunk into the ground to provide stability and support in soft or water‐affected soils.
What is a key advantage of using under-reamed piles in foundation construction?
A Low cost
B Shallow depth
C Increased load capacity
D Easy installation
Under-reamed piles have enlarged bases that increase the surface area in contact with the soil, significantly improving the load-bearing capacity. This is particularly useful in soils with low bearing strength.
What is a common characteristic of a shallow foundation?
A Large surface area
B Located near surface
C High material cost
D Deep soil penetration
Shallow foundations are located near the surface and are used when the topsoil has sufficient bearing capacity to support the load. These foundations are cost‐effective and efficient for light to moderate structures.
What is the role of a counterfort wall in foundation design?
A Resist lateral earth pressure
B Distribute weight
C Drain water
D Prevent erosion
A counterfort wall is designed to resist lateral earth pressure, especially in high soil-pressure conditions. The counterforts provide additional stability by reinforcing the wall and preventing it from moving or collapsing under soil pressure.
What is the main advantage of using a pile foundation in soft soil?
A Simple installation
B Cost savings
C Increased load support
D Shallow depth
Pile foundations are effective in soft soils as they extend into more stable layers below the surface, allowing the load to be transferred deeper. This prevents excessive settlement and ensures the foundation’s stability.
What does “liquefaction” refer to in foundation engineering?
A Soil consolidation
B Soil expansion
C Soil erosion
D Soil loss of strength
Liquefaction occurs when saturated soil loses its strength during an earthquake or other disturbance. The soil behaves like a liquid, which can cause buildings to sink or tilt if not properly designed to resist it.
What is the function of a retaining wall in foundation systems?
A Improve drainage
B Prevent settlement
C Hold back soil
D Distribute load
A retaining wall is designed to hold back soil, especially on slopes, and prevent erosion or soil movement. It resists the lateral forces exerted by the soil and helps maintain the stability of the structure.
What type of foundation is used for buildings on unstable or shifting soils?
A Raft foundation
B Pile foundation
C Mat foundation
D Shallow foundation
Pile foundations are ideal for buildings on unstable or shifting soils because they penetrate deep into more stable layers, transferring the building’s load to a firmer foundation and reducing the risk of settlement.
What is a typical use of a mat foundation?
A Heavy buildings on weak soils
B Shallow soil areas
C Industrial machinery support
D Small, light structures
Mat foundations, or raft foundations, are used for heavy buildings or structures on weak soils. They spread the load over a large area, reducing pressure on the soil and minimizing settlement.
What is the primary consideration in foundation design for buildings near slopes?
A Earthquake resistance
B Soil bearing capacity
C Foundation depth
D Lateral forces
For buildings near slopes, the primary concern is lateral forces exerted by the soil. These forces can cause the foundation to shift, so retaining walls or specialized designs are used to prevent instability and ensure safety.