A raft foundation is designed to spread the load of a structure over a large area. This helps reduce pressure on weak soils and prevents excessive settlement, making it suitable for large or heavy structures.
What is the primary purpose of soil exploration?
A Soil erosion
B Bearing capacity
C Water content
D Soil texture
Soil exploration determines the soil’s bearing capacity, which is essential for designing a foundation that can safely support the structure. It evaluates the soil’s ability to carry the loads imposed by the building.
Which foundation type is ideal for loose or compressible soil?
A Pile
B Raft
C Shallow
D Mat
Pile foundations are ideal for loose or compressible soils because they extend deep into more stable soil layers. This helps transfer the load of the structure to stronger soil and minimizes settlement.
What is the purpose of settlement analysis in foundation design?
A Estimate cost
B Assess soil erosion
C Predict vertical displacement
D Determine soil strength
Settlement analysis is used to predict how much a foundation will sink under the applied load. This helps ensure that the foundation does not settle too much, which could lead to structural issues or failure.
What is a key benefit of using a pile foundation?
A Quick installation
B Increased load-bearing capacity
C Cost savings
D Shallow depth
Pile foundations are used to transfer the load of a structure to deeper, more stable soil layers. This increases the load-bearing capacity, especially when surface soils are weak or compressible.
Which type of foundation is most commonly used for multi-story buildings?
A Pile
B Shallow
C Raft
D Mat
Mat foundations are often used for multi-story buildings because they distribute the load over a large area. This reduces the risk of settlement, particularly in areas with weak or variable soil conditions.
What is the primary concern when designing foundations for sloped land?
A Lateral forces
B Foundation depth
C Soil type
D Soil erosion
On sloped land, lateral forces from the soil can cause the foundation to shift or fail. Retaining walls or proper design to counteract these forces are essential to prevent instability and soil movement.
What is the function of a cantilever retaining wall?
A Prevent settlement
B Provide drainage
C Resist soil pressure
D Support foundation
A cantilever retaining wall is designed to resist lateral soil pressure from behind. It uses its own weight and structure to prevent soil from sliding or eroding, maintaining stability in sloped or uneven terrains.
Which foundation type is best for heavy structures on weak soil?
A Caisson
B Pile
C Raft
D Shallow
Pile foundations are ideal for heavy structures on weak soil. They transfer the load to deeper, more stable layers, preventing settlement and ensuring the stability of the structure even in challenging soil conditions.
What does “bearing capacity” refer to in foundation design?
A Load support
B Soil permeability
C Soil moisture
D Soil compaction
Bearing capacity refers to the maximum load that soil can support without experiencing failure or excessive settlement. It is a critical factor in determining the appropriate foundation design for a structure.
What is the purpose of a counterfort retaining wall?
A Drainage support
B Aesthetic appeal
C Load distribution
D Resisting lateral pressure
A counterfort retaining wall is used to resist high lateral earth pressure. It has diagonal supports (counterforts) that help prevent the wall from tipping or sliding, making it ideal for areas with significant soil movement.
What is a key characteristic of a well foundation?
A Deep installation
B Surface installation
C Lightweight
D Hollow structure
Well foundations are deep foundations that are typically used in areas with high water tables or soft soil. They are large, hollow structures sunk into the ground to provide a stable base for heavy structures like bridges.
What is the role of geotechnical investigation in foundation engineering?
A Strengthen foundations
B Assess soil properties
C Predict earthquakes
D Improve drainage
Geotechnical investigations evaluate soil properties like strength, composition, and compaction. This data helps engineers design foundations that are safe and suitable for the soil conditions at the construction site.
Which foundation type is best for areas prone to earthquakes?
A Raft
B Pile
C Shallow
D Mat
Pile foundations are often used in earthquake-prone areas because they anchor structures to deeper, more stable soil layers. This helps reduce the impact of ground shaking and prevents settlement during seismic events.
What is the function of a counterfort wall in foundation design?
A Distribute weight
B Prevent erosion
C Resist lateral forces
D Increase drainage
A counterfort wall is designed to resist the lateral forces exerted by soil on retaining walls. The counterforts act as supports that prevent the wall from sliding or failing under the pressure from the soil behind it.