What is the primary function of a cantilever retaining wall?
A Drain water
B Increase bearing capacity
C Distribute loads
D Resists soil movement
Cantilever retaining walls are used to resist lateral forces and prevent soil movement, especially in areas with steep slopes. These walls leverage their structure to counterbalance the forces exerted by the soil behind them.
What does soil compaction do for foundation stability?
A Decreases settlement
B Reduces bearing capacity
C Increases water retention
D Increases soil permeability
Soil compaction increases the soil’s density, which improves its bearing capacity and reduces settlement under load. This provides a stable base for foundations and minimizes the risks of uneven settling.
What type of foundation is most suited for areas with rocky soil?
A Raft
B Pile
C Shallow
D Slab
Shallow foundations are often ideal for rocky soil, as the hard bedrock provides high bearing capacity. These foundations are cost-effective and efficient when solid, stable rock is available near the surface.
What is the function of a foundation footing?
A To stabilize the soil
B To distribute loads
C To prevent erosion
D To provide ventilation
Foundation footings spread the weight of a building or structure over a larger area of soil. This helps to ensure that the load is evenly distributed and prevents localized failure of the soil beneath.
Which foundation type is typically used in areas with high water tables?
A Caisson foundation
B Shallow foundation
C Raft foundation
D Pile foundation
Caisson foundations are effective in areas with high water tables or where soil is unstable. These large, hollow structures are sunk into the ground or water to provide a solid base for structures above.
What does ‘soil shear strength’ help determine in foundation design?
A Soil texture
B Bearing capacity
C Soil permeability
D Water retention
Soil shear strength is a critical factor in determining the bearing capacity of soil. It reflects the soil’s resistance to failure under applied loads, which is essential for safe foundation design.
Which foundation type is commonly used for bridges?
A Raft foundation
B Shallow foundation
C Mat foundation
D Pile foundation
Pile foundations are often used for bridges because they can anchor the structure to deep, stable layers of soil or bedrock. This is crucial when the soil near the surface is too weak to support the load.
What is the purpose of an earth pressure theory in foundation design?
A To assess soil moisture
B To determine soil type
C To estimate lateral soil pressure
D To calculate water pressure
Earth pressure theories are used to predict the lateral pressure exerted by soil on retaining walls and other structures. Accurate calculation of this pressure ensures the stability and safety of the foundation.
Which foundation type is best for supporting very heavy loads?
A Mat foundation
B Shallow foundation
C Raft foundation
D Pile foundation
Mat foundations, or raft foundations, are used to support very heavy loads, as they spread the weight over a large area. This type of foundation is ideal for large buildings or structures on weak soils.
What is a key benefit of using under-reamed piles in foundation construction?
A Low cost
B Shallow depth
C Increased load-bearing capacity
D High permeability
Under-reamed piles have enlarged bases that increase the surface area in contact with the soil, which improves their load-bearing capacity. They are especially useful in weak or soft soils.
What is the primary advantage of using deep foundations?
A Suitable for weak soils
B Simple installation
C Suited for stable soils
D Low construction cost
Deep foundations are ideal for weak soils because they transfer the building’s load to deeper, more stable layers. This ensures the foundation remains stable, even when the surface soil cannot bear the load.
What is a critical consideration when designing foundations in earthquake-prone areas?
A Soil texture
B Liquefaction risk
C Bearing capacity
D Water content
In earthquake-prone areas, liquefaction risk is a major concern. If the soil behaves like a liquid during an earthquake, it can cause foundations to settle or collapse. Designing foundations that mitigate this risk is essential.
Which type of foundation is commonly used for industrial structures?
A Slab foundation
B Pile foundation
C Mat foundation
D Raft foundation
Mat foundations are often used for industrial structures due to their ability to distribute heavy loads over a large area. This is especially important in factories or plants with heavy machinery and equipment.
What does “settlement analysis” help to predict in foundation design?
A Soil movement
B Load distribution
C Soil erosion
D Foundation subsidence
Settlement analysis helps predict how much the foundation will sink or shift under the weight of the structure. This is crucial for preventing subsidence that could lead to structural damage or failure.
What type of foundation is used for large water tanks?
A Pile foundation
B Raft foundation
C Well foundation
D Shallow foundation
Raft foundations are commonly used for large water tanks because they spread the load evenly over a large area. This helps prevent uneven settling, especially in areas with soft or variable soil conditions.