All questions of Soil Exploration & Expansive Soils for Civil Engineering (CE) Exam

A soil sampler has inner and outer radii of 25 mm and 30 mm, respectively. The area ratio of the sampler is
  • a)
    24%
  • b)
    34%
  • c)
    44%
  • d)
    54%
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Aditya Patel answered
Calculation of Area Ratio of the Soil Sampler:
- The area of the inner circle can be calculated using the formula for the area of a circle: A = πr^2, where r is the radius.
- For the inner circle: A_inner = π(25)^2 = 625π mm^2
- The area of the outer circle can also be calculated using the same formula: A_outer = π(30)^2 = 900π mm^2

Calculation of Area Ratio:
- The area ratio is defined as the ratio of the area of the inner circle to the area of the outer circle.
- Area Ratio = (A_inner / A_outer) * 100%
- Substituting the calculated values: Area Ratio = (625π / 900π) * 100% = (625/900) * 100% = 0.6944 * 100% = 69.44%

Conversion of Area Ratio to Percentage:
- To convert the decimal value to percentage, we multiply by 100.
- Therefore, the area ratio of the sampler is 69.44%.
- However, this is not one of the options provided.
- The closest option to 69.44% is 44%, which is option 'C'.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'C' - 44%.

Which technique of stabilization for sub base is preferred for heavy plastic soils?
  • a)
    Cement stabilization
  • b)
    Mechanical stabilization
  • c)
    Lime stabilization
  • d)
    Bitumen stabilization
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Rashi Shah answered
Lime stabilization is the preferred technique of stabilization for heavy plastic soils. This method involves the addition of lime to the sub base material in order to improve its engineering properties and enhance its stability.

Lime stabilization is particularly effective for heavy plastic soils due to its ability to reduce the plasticity and shrink-swell characteristics of these soils. This is achieved through a chemical reaction between the lime and the clay minerals present in the soil. The lime reacts with the clay minerals to form stable compounds, resulting in improved soil properties.

There are several reasons why lime stabilization is preferred for heavy plastic soils:

1. Reduction in plasticity: Lime reacts with the clay minerals in the soil to reduce their plasticity. This results in a decrease in the soil's ability to undergo volume changes due to moisture content variations. This is particularly important for heavy plastic soils, as they are highly susceptible to volume changes that can lead to instability.

2. Increase in strength: Lime stabilization improves the strength of the sub base material by increasing the cohesion and reducing the compressibility of the soil. This is crucial for heavy plastic soils, which tend to have low strength and high compressibility.

3. Improvement in workability: Lime-treated soils have improved workability, making them easier to compact and shape. This is beneficial for heavy plastic soils, which can be difficult to work with due to their high plasticity and stickiness.

4. Reduction in swelling potential: Heavy plastic soils have a high potential for swelling when exposed to moisture. Lime stabilization helps to reduce this swelling potential by modifying the clay minerals and reducing their ability to absorb and retain water.

5. Environmental benefits: Lime is a natural and environmentally friendly material, making lime stabilization a sustainable option for soil stabilization. It does not introduce harmful chemicals into the soil and poses minimal risk to the environment.

In summary, lime stabilization is the preferred technique of stabilization for heavy plastic soils due to its ability to reduce plasticity, increase strength, improve workability, reduce swelling potential, and provide environmental benefits. By incorporating lime into the sub base material, the engineering properties of the soil can be significantly improved, resulting in a stable and durable sub base.

Consider the following statements:
1. The soil obtained from wash boring is a representative sample.
2. Recovery ratio will be high during drilling in sound rock.
3. Hollow stem augers are sometimes used to. drill holes in silty sand.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    1 and 2
  • c)
    2 and 3
  • d)
    3 only
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Sakshi Basak answered
Soil samples obtained from auger borings and wash borings are non-representative samples. Non­-representative samples consist of mixture of materials from various soil or rock strata or are samples from which some mineral constituents have been lost or got mixed up.

The area ratio of sampler should not exceed
  • a)
    10%
  • b)
    25%
  • c)
    50%
  • d)
    75%
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

For obtaining good quality undisturbed samples, the area ratio should be 10 per cent or less.

The total settlement of a footing in clay is considered to be consisting of ___________ components.
  • a)
    One
  • b)
    Three
  • c)
    Two
  • d)
    Four
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

The total settlement of a footing in clay is considered to be consisting of three components:

1. Elastic Settlement:
- Elastic settlement is the initial settlement that occurs in the clay soil immediately after the load is applied.
- It is caused by the elastic deformation of the soil particles and the redistribution of stress within the soil mass.
- Elastic settlement is almost instantaneous and occurs within seconds or minutes.
- It is usually a small settlement compared to the other settlement components.
- The magnitude of elastic settlement depends on the stiffness of the soil and the intensity of the load applied.

2. Primary Consolidation Settlement:
- Primary consolidation settlement is a time-dependent settlement that occurs due to the expulsion of water from the clay soil under the applied load.
- When a load is applied to clay soil, the water present in the soil is squeezed out, resulting in a decrease in volume and settlement.
- The primary consolidation settlement occurs over a period of time and is influenced by factors such as the compressibility and permeability of the clay soil.
- The settlement rate gradually decreases with time until the soil reaches a state of equilibrium and no further settlement occurs.

3. Secondary Compression Settlement:
- Secondary compression settlement is a long-term settlement that occurs in clay soil after the primary consolidation settlement.
- It is caused by the rearrangement of soil particles and the readjustment of the soil structure over a long period of time.
- Secondary compression settlement is usually a slow and gradual process that can continue for several years.
- It is influenced by factors such as the clay mineralogy, organic content, and stress history of the soil.
- The magnitude of secondary compression settlement is generally smaller than the primary consolidation settlement.

Conclusion:
The total settlement of a footing in clay is considered to be consisting of three components: elastic settlement, primary consolidation settlement, and secondary compression settlement. Each of these settlement components occurs at different times and is influenced by various factors. Understanding the different settlement components is essential for designing foundations and ensuring the safety and stability of structures built on clay soils.

Mechanical stabilization of the soil is done with the help of
  • a)
    Cement
  • b)
    Lime
  • c)
    Bitumen
  • d)
    Proper grading
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Sravya Rane answered
Mechanical stabilisation is the process of improving the properties of the soil by changing its gradation. Two or more types of natural soil are mixed to obtain a composite material which is superior to any of its components. To achieve the desired grading, sometimes the soil with coarse particles are added or the soils with fine particles are removed.

The equation for computing immediate settlement “Si = μ0μ1 q B ( 1-μ2/Es )” was proposed by _____
  • a)
    Janbu
  • b)
    Bjerrum
  • c)
    Kjaernsli
  • d)
    All of the mentioned
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

The equation for computing immediate settlement can be expressed as:

S = (C × H × γ) / (1 + e₀)

Where:
S = immediate settlement (in units)
C = coefficient of compressibility (in units)
H = height of the fill or load (in units)
γ = unit weight of the soil (in units)
e₀ = initial void ratio of the soil (dimensionless)

This equation calculates the settlement of a soil mass due to the application of a load or fill. It takes into account the compressibility of the soil, the height of the load, the unit weight of the soil, and the initial void ratio.

The immediate settlement can be computed from the expression, based on ______
  • a)
    Theory of plasticity
  • b)
    Theory of elasticity
  • c)
    Terzaghi’s analysis
  • d)
    Pressure distribution
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Lavanya Menon answered
The immediate settlement is the elastic settlement and can be computed from the following expression based on the theory of elasticity,
Si = q B (1-μ2/E s) I w.

A combined footing may be rectangular in shape if both the columns carry _____
  • a)
    Unequal loads
  • b)
    Equal loads
  • c)
    No load
  • d)
    All of the mentioned
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Navya Sarkar answered
Rectangular Combined Footing

A rectangular combined footing is a type of foundation that is used to support two or more columns. It is called a combined footing because it combines the loads from multiple columns into a single footing. This type of footing is commonly used when the columns are closely spaced or when the soil conditions do not allow for individual footings.

Load Distribution

In a combined footing, the load from each column is distributed to the footing based on the relative stiffness of the supporting soil. The load distribution is influenced by factors such as the column loads, column spacing, footing dimensions, and soil properties. In the case of a rectangular combined footing, the load distribution is such that the footing is designed to carry equal loads from each column.

Equal Loads

The correct answer to the given question is option 'B' - equal loads. This means that in a rectangular combined footing, both the columns carry equal loads. This is because the footing is designed in such a way that the load from each column is distributed evenly across the footing.

Advantages of Equal Loads

There are several advantages of designing a rectangular combined footing to carry equal loads:

1. Uniform Settlement: When the loads are distributed equally, the settlement of the footing is also likely to be uniform. This helps in preventing differential settlement, which can lead to structural damage.

2. Cost Efficiency: Designing a combined footing to carry equal loads allows for a more economical use of materials. The footing can be optimized to minimize the overall dimensions and reduce the amount of concrete and reinforcement required.

3. Simplified Design: When the loads are equal, the design calculations for the footing become simpler and more straightforward. The engineer can focus on designing a single footing that can adequately support the combined loads from the columns.

Conclusion

In summary, a rectangular combined footing is designed to carry equal loads from each column. This design approach ensures uniform settlement, cost efficiency, and simplified design calculations. By distributing the loads evenly, the footing can provide adequate support to all the columns and prevent any structural issues that may arise from unequal loads.

Consider the following statements:
On addition of lime to swelling soils,
1. their liquid limit increases
2. their plastic limit increases
3. their shrinkage limit increases
4. their swelling potential decreases
Which of these statements are correct?
  • a)
    1 and 3 only
  • b)
    1,2 and 4 only
  • c)
    2, 3 and 4 only
  • d)
    1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Effect of Lime on Swelling Soils

Introduction: Lime is commonly used to stabilize soil in construction projects. It can be added in different forms such as quicklime, hydrated lime, or lime slurry. Lime can improve the soil properties by modifying the clay minerals and reducing the water content. In this context, let's discuss the effect of lime on swelling soils.

Statement Analysis: The given statements are:

1. On addition of lime to swelling soils, their liquid limit increases
2. On addition of lime to swelling soils, their plastic limit increases
3. On addition of lime to swelling soils, their shrinkage limit increases
4. On addition of lime to swelling soils, their swelling potential decreases

Let's analyze each statement in detail.

1. Liquid Limit Increases: The liquid limit of a soil is the moisture content at which the soil changes from plastic state to liquid state. When lime is added to a swelling soil, it reacts with the clay minerals and forms new compounds. These compounds have a higher water holding capacity, which increases the liquid limit of the soil.

2. Plastic Limit Increases: The plastic limit of a soil is the moisture content at which the soil changes from semisolid state to plastic state. When lime is added to a swelling soil, it reduces the plasticity index of the soil. This means that the soil requires more water to attain plasticity, which increases the plastic limit of the soil.

3. Shrinkage Limit Increases: The shrinkage limit of a soil is the moisture content at which the soil undergoes maximum shrinkage. When lime is added to a swelling soil, it reduces the water holding capacity of the soil. This means that the soil requires more water to attain maximum shrinkage, which increases the shrinkage limit of the soil.

4. Swelling Potential Decreases: The swelling potential of a soil is the ability of the soil to swell when exposed to water. When lime is added to a swelling soil, it reduces the water holding capacity of the soil. This means that the soil can absorb less water and hence its swelling potential decreases.

Conclusion: From the above analysis, it is clear that statements 2, 3, and 4 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect as the addition of lime to swelling soils increases the liquid limit. Therefore, option 'C' is the correct answer.

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