Shallow foundations are used for buildings with light to moderate loads. They are placed close to the surface, typically when the topsoil has sufficient bearing capacity to support the structure.
Which type of foundation is typically used for multi-story buildings?
A Raft
B Mat
C Pile
D Shallow
Raft foundations are commonly used for multi-story buildings, as they distribute the load across a large area. This is especially useful when the soil has low bearing capacity, providing greater stability.
What is a key purpose of retaining walls in construction?
A Reduce weight
B Drain water
C Improve foundation
D Support soil
Retaining walls are designed to support soil on sloped terrain, preventing soil erosion and collapse. They resist lateral forces from the retained soil, ensuring stability in areas with uneven ground.
What is the primary use of pile foundations?
A Deep soil
B Shallow sites
C Soft ground
D Hard soil
Pile foundations are used in soft, weak, or compressible soils where shallow foundations cannot provide sufficient support. Piles transfer the building’s load to deeper, more stable soil layers.
Which foundation type is used in areas with high seismic activity?
A Raft
B Pile
C Shallow
D Mat
Pile foundations are commonly used in seismic zones as they anchor the structure to deeper, stable layers, minimizing the risk of foundation movement or failure during earthquakes.
What does soil exploration help determine?
A Soil texture
B Soil moisture
C Soil color
D Soil strength
Soil exploration helps assess the strength, bearing capacity, and other physical properties of soil. This information is crucial for designing safe and effective foundations that can support the load of the structure.
What does the term “settlement” refer to in foundation engineering?
A Vertical displacement
B Cracking
C Shrinkage
D Water loss
Settlement refers to the vertical displacement of the foundation due to soil compression under the applied load. It is an important factor to consider to prevent structural damage and ensure stability.
What type of foundation is suitable for coastal areas?
A Pile
B Shallow
C Caisson
D Raft
Caisson foundations are ideal for coastal areas, particularly when the water level is high or the soil is unstable. These foundations are large, hollow structures that are sunk into the ground or water to provide stability.
What is the main function of grouting in foundation work?
A Drainage
B Soil stabilization
C Water resistance
D Load distribution
Grouting is used to improve soil stability by filling voids and cracks in the ground. This helps to increase the soil’s strength and bearing capacity, making it more suitable for supporting foundations.
Which foundation type is most effective in reducing settlement?
A Shallow
B Pile
C Pile
D Mat
Pile foundations are most effective in reducing settlement, particularly in weak or compressible soils. By extending the foundation into deeper, stronger soil layers, they minimize the amount of settlement that occurs under load.
What does the term “bearing capacity” measure?
A Soil color
B Soil texture
C Water content
D Load resistance
Bearing capacity refers to the maximum load a soil can support without experiencing failure or excessive settlement. It is a critical factor in designing safe and stable foundations for buildings.
What is the primary function of a counterfort retaining wall?
A To resist soil pressure
B To provide drainage
C To enhance aesthetics
D To increase foundation strength
Counterfort retaining walls are designed to resist high lateral earth pressure. They are reinforced with counterforts (diagonal supports) to improve stability and prevent soil movement behind the wall.
What type of foundation is ideal for large, heavy structures?
A Raft
B Mat
C Pile
D Shallow
Mat foundations, also known as raft foundations, are ideal for large, heavy structures. They spread the weight of the building over a large area, reducing the pressure on the underlying soil and preventing excessive settlement.
What type of foundation is best for unstable, waterlogged soils?
A Well foundation
B Pile
C Raft
D Shallow
Well foundations are used in waterlogged or unstable soils, especially in areas with high water tables. These foundations are large, vertical shafts that are sunk into the ground to provide stability for structures.
What does “liquefaction” refer to in foundation engineering?
A Soil expansion
B Soil contraction
C Loss of soil strength
D Soil freezing
Liquefaction refers to the sudden loss of soil strength due to increased pore water pressure, often during an earthquake. This phenomenon can cause foundations to sink or tilt if the soil beneath the structure becomes unstable.