What is the purpose of settlement analysis in foundation design?
A Calculate soil moisture
B Predict foundation movement
C Increase soil strength
D Improve drainage
Settlement analysis helps predict how much the foundation will sink or shift under the weight of the structure. This ensures that the movement remains within acceptable limits and prevents structural issues or failure.
What is the main function of soil exploration in foundation design?
A Assess soil’s load-bearing capacity
B Determine soil texture
C Improve drainage systems
D Measure soil temperature
Soil exploration is crucial in assessing the soil’s bearing capacity. It determines whether the soil can support the load from the structure, helping engineers design an appropriate foundation that ensures safety and stability.
Which type of foundation is most suitable for weak soil conditions?
A Shallow foundation
B Mat foundation
C Raft foundation
D Pile foundation
Pile foundations are ideal for weak or compressible soils because they transfer the structure’s load to deeper, stronger soil layers, ensuring stability and reducing settlement in areas with poor surface soil conditions.
What is the purpose of a cantilever retaining wall?
A Drain water
B Increase foundation size
C Resist lateral soil pressure
D Prevent erosion
Cantilever retaining walls are designed to resist lateral forces exerted by soil. These walls use their own weight to counteract the forces from the soil behind them, preventing soil movement and ensuring structural stability.
What does a geotechnical investigation determine for foundation design?
A Soil compaction
B Bearing capacity
C Soil texture
D Water content
A geotechnical investigation determines the soil’s bearing capacity, which is essential for ensuring that the foundation can safely support the loads from the structure. This helps avoid settlement or failure under stress.
What type of foundation is ideal for supporting tall buildings in soft soil?
A Pile foundation
B Shallow foundation
C Mat foundation
D Raft foundation
Pile foundations are ideal for tall buildings on soft soil as they reach deeper, more stable soil layers. This prevents excessive settlement and provides support for the heavy loads of high-rise structures.
What is a typical feature of a counterfort retaining wall?
A Vertical support
B Increased drainage
C Horizontal support
D Increased load-bearing capacity
Counterfort retaining walls include counterforts, which are diagonal supports that provide horizontal reinforcement to the wall. This helps resist the lateral soil pressure exerted by the soil behind the wall, providing greater stability.
What is a primary factor in determining the type of foundation for a structure?
A Material cost
B Structure height
C Foundation aesthetics
D Soil bearing capacity
The soil’s bearing capacity determines which type of foundation is suitable. If the soil can support the loads, a shallow foundation may suffice; otherwise, deeper foundations, like piles or mat foundations, may be necessary.
What does a cofferdam provide during foundation construction?
A Increased load capacity
B Dry work environment
C Waterproof barrier
D Enhanced soil stability
A cofferdam is a temporary structure used to create a dry environment for construction in waterlogged or submerged areas. It allows workers to safely excavate and build foundations in places prone to flooding or water intrusion.
What is the purpose of a well foundation?
A Provide deep anchorage
B Increase load distribution
C Enhance water resistance
D Support shallow structures
Well foundations are deep foundations used to anchor structures in areas with weak surface soils or where water levels are high. They are typically used for bridges and piers, transferring the structure’s load to stable, deep soil layers.
What is the main purpose of a retaining wall in foundation design?
A Drainage control
B Prevent erosion
C Soil support
D Increase load-bearing capacity
Retaining walls are designed to support and hold back soil, especially on sloped terrains. They prevent soil movement, erosion, or collapse, ensuring that the foundation and the surrounding area remain stable.
What is an essential aspect of foundation repair?
A Soil compaction
B Load distribution
C Drainage improvement
D Structural reinforcement
Foundation repair typically involves reinforcing the structure to restore stability. This may include underpinning or adding supports to ensure the foundation can bear the necessary loads and prevent further damage.
What type of foundation is best for unstable or shifting soil?
A Pile foundation
B Mat foundation
C Shallow foundation
D Raft foundation
Pile foundations are ideal for unstable or shifting soil because they anchor the structure to deeper, more stable soil layers. This prevents settling or tilting of the structure and ensures long-term stability.
What does settlement analysis help predict?
A Soil moisture
B Foundation stability
C Water resistance
D Load capacity
Settlement analysis predicts how much a foundation will settle under the load of the structure. It helps determine whether the amount of settlement is acceptable or if foundation modifications are necessary to prevent structural damage.
What is a typical feature of under-reamed piles?
A Deep penetration
B Lightweight construction
C Enlarged base
D Waterproof material
Under-reamed piles have an enlarged base that increases their surface area in contact with the soil. This improves their load-bearing capacity, especially in weak or soft soils, ensuring better support for the structure.