MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

Competency Area: Foundation Engineering

This set of Foundation Engineering Multiple Choice Questions & Answers focuses on “Site
exploration”.
1) The methods of site investigation are depends upon________
a) Climatic condition
b) Nature of engineering project
c) Local topography
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: b
Explanation: The methods of site investigation are largely dependent upon the nature of
engineering project and the site.
2) In site exploration, depth up to which the increase in pressure is likely to cause shear failure
is known as___________
a) Failure depth c) Pressure depth
b) significant depth d) Depth of exploration
Answer: b
Explanation: Exploration in general, should be carried out to a depth up to which the increase in
pressure due to structural loading is likely to cause perceptible failure or shear failure. Such a
depth is known as the significant depth.
3) The general exploration gives information about which of the following features?
a) Depth of rock
b) Composition of soil strata
c) Ground water level
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: d
Explanation: The general exploration is able to give information about the following:
 Depth, extent and composition of soil strata.
 Depth of rock, when necessary
 Ground water level.
 Preliminary selection of foundation type
 Compressibility of soil strata.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

4) What are the methods used for general exploration?

a) Subsurface penetration
b) Ground water exploration
c) Rock Cuttings
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: a
Explanation: Exploratory boring, shallow test pits, subsurface penetration, soundings and
geophysical methods are used for general exploration.
5) The feature that helps to estimate the relative density of coarse-grained soil is_______
a) Soundings
b) Shallow test pits
c) Exploratory borings
d) Geophysical method
Answer: a
Explanation: Penetration and soundings help in estimating the relative density and strength
properties of coarse-grained soils and also to locate the weaker strata and lenses.
6) The number and position of bore holes are varied, depending upon_______
a) Surroundings c) Subsoil condition
b) Strata d) Ground water
Answer: c
Explanation: Depending upon the subsoil conditions the number and disposition of bore holes
are varied, usually in the valley floor, on the abutment etc.
7) In detailed exploration, the field test is conducted to determine________
a) Tensile strength c) Permeability
b) Rigidity d) Water content
Answer: c
Explanation: The field test may be conducted for determining the in-situ values of density,
bearing capacity, shearing strength, permeability, and pore pressure.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

This set of Foundation Engineering Multiple Choice Questions & Answers focuses on
“Types of foundation”.
8) Foundations can be broadly classified under__________
a) Shallow foundation and Deep foundation
b) Pile foundation
c) None of the mentioned
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: a
Explanation: Foundations may be broadly classified under two heads: shallow foundations and
deep foundations.
9) A foundation is said to be shallow, if its depth is ________than its width.
a) Equal to and Less than
b) Greater than
c) None of the mentioned
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: a
Explanation: According to Terzaghi, a foundation is shallow if its depth is equal to or less than
its width. In the case of deep foundations, the depth is equal to or greater than the width.
10) Which of the following, is a type of shallow footing?
a) Spread footing c) Pier foundation
b) Pile foundation d) Well foundation
Answer: a
Explanation: The shallow foundations are of the following types: spread footing (or simple
footing), strap footing, combined footing, and mat footing or raft footing.
11) Which of the below is the most commonly used shallow foundation?
a) Strap footing c) Combined footing
b) Spread footing d) Raft footing
Answer: b
Explanation: In spread footing, load is transmitted through isolated column or wall to the subsoil;
hence this is most common type of foundation.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

12) The pressure intensity beneath the footing depends upon___________

a) Rigidity of the footing
b) Soil type
c) Condition of soil
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: d
Explanation: Both from observations as well as the analytical studies from elasticity, it is known
that the pressure distribution beneath footing is not uniform and it depends on the rigidity of
footing, the soil type, and the condition of soil.
13) Once the pressure distribution is known __in the reinforced concrete footing can be
calculated.
a) Bending moment and Shear force
b) Bearing pressure
c) None of the mentioned
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: a
Explanation: Knowing the pressure distribution is known, the bending moment and shear force
can be calculated, and the thickness of the structural member of the member can be calculated
using properties of reinforced concrete.
14) In conventional design, allowable bearing capacity should be taken smaller than which of
the following value?
a) Safe bearing capacity and Allowable bearing pressure
b) The pressure intensities beneath the footing
c) None of the mentioned
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: a
Explanation: In conventional design, the allowable bearing capacity should be taken as the
smaller of the following two values:
i) the safe bearing capacity based on ultimate capacity, and
ii) the allowable bearing pressure on tolerable settlement.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

15) In cohesive soil, the pressure distribution beneath the footing is___________
a) Linear
b) Non linear
c) Zero
d) None of the mentioned
Answer: a
Explanation: When a footing rests on cohesive soil, the edge stresses may be very large, but the
pressure distribution may be considered to be linear.
16) When do strap footings are used in foundation?
a) To transfer load of an isolated column
b) Distance between the columns are long
c) Two column loads are unequal
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: b
Explanation: A strap footing may be used where the distance between the columns is so great
that the combined trapezoidal footing becomes quite narrow, with high bending moment.
17) When two column loads are unequal, which of the possible footing can be provided?
a) Strap footing
b) Raft footing
c) Trapezoidal combined footing
d) Mat footing
Answer: c
Explanation: When the two columns load are unequal, with the outer column carrying heavier
load, and when there is space limitation beyond the outer column, a trapezoidal footing is
provided

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

This set of Foundation Engineering Questions and Answers focuses on “Permissible Total
and Differential Settlements”.
18) 1. The analytical methods used for finding bearing capacity of footing is based
on___________
a) Shear failure c) Overburden pressure
b) Effective pressure d) Size of the footing
Answer: a
Explanation: The analytical methods for the determination of bearing capacity of footings are
based essentially on shear failure.
19) The effect of settlement on structure depends upon its________
a) Magnitude and Uniformity
b) Size
c) None of the mentioned
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: a
Explanation: The effect of settlement upon the structure depends on its magnitude, the length of
the time over which it take place, its magnitude and the nature of the structure itself.
20) The vertical downward movement of the base of the structure is called__________
a) Penetration resistance
b) Settlement
c) Effective pressure
d) Shear failure
Answer: b
Explanation: The vertical downward movement of the base of the structure is called settlement
and its effect depends upon its magnitude and uniformity etc.
21) The allowable pressure that should be selected for a maximum settlement is____________
a) 40 mm c) 30 mm
b) 25 mm d) 10 mm
Answer: b
Explanation: It is suggested that allowable pressure should be selected such that maximum
settlement of any individual foundation is 25 mm.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

This set of Foundation Engineering Multiple Choice Questions & Answers focuses on
“Settlement of footings”.
22) The total settlement of a footing in clay is considered to be consisting of ___________
components.
a) One c) Two
b) Three d) Four
Answer: b
Explanation: According to Skempton and Bjerrum, the total settlement of a footing in clay may
be considered to consist of three components
S = Si + Sc + Ss.
23) The component Sc, used in the total settlement of clay refers to which of the following?
a) Total settlement
b) Consolidation settlement
c) Immediate plastic settlement
d) Settlement due to secondary consolidation of clay
Answer: b
Explanation: The three components used in total settlement of clay are given below:
Sc = consolidation settlement
Si = immediate elastic settlement
Ss = settlement due to secondary consolidation of clay.
24) The immediate settlement can be computed from the expression, based on____________
a) Theory of plasticity c) Terzaghi’s analysis
b) Theory of elasticity d) Pressure distribution
Answer: b
Explanation: 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.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

25) The value of Es used in the immediate settlement equation, can be found out using
________
a) Triaxial test c) Direct shear test
b) Compression test d) Rankine’s theory
Answer: a
Explanation: The modulus of elasticity Es used in the equation Si = μ0μ1 q B (1-μ2/Es) is
computed from triaxial test data, where Es = (σ1-σ3)/ΔL / L.
26) The influence factor Iw for rigid rectangular footing with L / B = 1.5 is____________
a) 0.88 c) 1.70
b) 0.82 d) 1.06
Answer: d
Explanation: Iw = influence factor = 1.06 for rigid rectangular footing, with L / B =1.5
= 1.70 for rigid rectangular footing, with L / B =5.
This set of Foundation Engineering Multiple Choice Questions & Answers focuses on
“Combined footing and Strap footing”.
27) The design of rigid rectangular combined footing consist in determining the____________
a) Pressure distribution
b) Location of center of gravity of column
c) Shear force
d) Safe bearing pressure
Answer: b
Explanation: The design of rigid rectangular footing consists in determining the location of
center of gravity of the column loads and using length and width dimension such that centroid of
footing and the center of gravity of columns loads coincide.
28) If the independent spread footing of two columns are connected by a beam, it is
called___________
a) Combined footing c) Strap footing
b) Trapezoidal combined footing d) Raft footing
Answer: c
Explanation: In strap footing, two independent columns are supported by as trap or beam at the
bottom.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

29) Which of the following condition is true regarding the transfer of load from strap to soil,
used in strap footing?
a) Transfer load to soil c) Partially transfer to load
b) Does not transfer load to soil d) None of the mentioned
Answer: b
Explanation: The strap used does not remain in contact with soil, and thus does not transfer any
pressure to the soil.
30) When the allowable soil is low or the building loads are heavy, the footing used is_____
a) Raft footing
b) Strap footing
c) Trapezoidal combined footing
d) Rectangular combined footing
Answer: a
Explanation: When the allowable soil pressure is low, or the building loads are heavy, the use of
spread footings would cover more than one-half of the area and it may prove more economical to
use mat or raft foundation.
31) If the resultant of the soil pressure coincide with the resultant of the loads, the soil is
pressure is assumed to be____________
a) Non-uniformly c) Zero
b) Uniformly distributed d) None of the mentioned
Answer: b
Explanation: If the resultant of the soil pressure coincides with the resultant of the loads and the
center of gravity of the footing, the soil pressure is assumed to be uniformly distributed.
32) In designing rectangular combined footing, ________ should be adopted as the design value.
a) Stress distribution
b) Compression index
c) Maximum bending moment
d) Safe bearing pressure
Answer: c
Explanation: The maximum bending moment should be adopted as the design value for the RC
rectangular footing, which should also be checked for maximum shear and bond etc.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

33) Generally combined footing is assumed to rest on ___________

a) Cohesive soil
b) Homogeneous soil
c) Cohesion-less soil
d) Non homogeneous soil
Answer: b
Explanation: It is assumed that the combined footings are rigid and rests on a homogeneous soil,
so as to give rise to a linear stress distribution on the bottom of the footing.
34) The design procedure of strap footing is essentially that of_____________
a) Direct method
b) Trial and error method
c) Graphical method
d) None of the mentioned
Answer: b
Explanation: The designing of strap or cantilever footing is based on trial and error method, it
begins with a trial value of e, so that the length L1 is known. The calculations are repeated with
another value of e till values of the reactions R1 and R2 calculated by both the procedure,
coincide.
This set of Foundation Engineering Multiple Choice Questions & Answers focuses on “Mat
or Raft footing”.
35) The foundation that is used when the soil mass is sufficiently erratic?
a) Strap footing
b) Combined footing
c) Mat footing
d) Rectangular combined footing
Answer: c
Explanation: Mat footing is used where the soil contains compressible lenses or the soil is
sufficiently erratic so that the differential settlement would be difficult to control.
36) Usually, rafts are designed as_________
a) Reinforced slabs
b) Reinforced concrete flat slabs

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

c) Ordinary concrete slab

d) Inverted flat slabs
Answer: b
Explanation: Ordinarily, rafts are designed as reinforced concrete flat slabs using heavy beams.
37) The weight of the raft is not considered in the structural design, because___________
a) Weight is carried by subsoil
b) Raft does not remain contact with soil
c) The weight is transferred to column
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: a
Explanation: The weight of the raft is not considered in the structural design because it is
assumed to be carried by directly by the subsoil.
4. If a maximum settlement of 50 mm is permitted for a raft, the differential settlement must not
exceed___________
a) 30 mm c) 20 mm
b) 10 mm d) 25 mm
Answer: c
Explanation: A raft may undergo large settlement without causing harmful differential
settlement. For this reason, almost double settlement of that permitted for footing is acceptable
for raft. Therefore if a maximum settlement of 50 mm (2 in) is permitted for a raft, the
differential settlement is not likely to exceed 20 mm (0.75 in).
38) In raft footing, if the C.G of the load coincide with the centroid of the raft, the upward load
is considered as ___________
a) Non uniform pressure
b) Uniform pressure
c) Excess pressure
d) None of the mentioned
Answer: b
Explanation: If the Center of gravity of the load coincides with the centroid of the raft, the
upward load is regarded as a uniform pressure, which will be equal to the downward load
divided by the area of the raft.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

This set of Foundation Engineering Multiple Choice Questions & Answers focuses on
“Types of Piles”.
39) Based on the function, piles can be classified into___________ types.
a) 4 c) 8
b) 6 d) 3
Answer: c
Explanation: Based on the function or the use, piles may be classified as: 1) end bearing piles 2)
friction piles 3) compaction piles 4) tension pile 5) anchor pile 6) fender pile 7) batter pile 8)
sheet pile.
40) Which of the following piles is used to compact loose granular soil?
a) Friction piles c) Compaction piles
b) End bearing piles d) Tension piles
Answer: c
Explanation: Compaction piles are used to compact loose granular soil, thus increasing their
bearing capacity.
41) The piles that are used for protecting structures from ships and floating object is _________
a) Anchor piles c) Compaction piles
b) Fender piles d) Batter piles
Answer: c
Explanation: Fender piles and dolphins are used to protect water front structures against the
impact from ships or other floating objects.
42) The precast concrete piles are generally used for a maximum design load of about _______
a) 50 tonnes c) 75 tonnes
b) 100 tonnes d) 80 tonnes
Answer: d
Explanation: The precast concrete piles are generally used for a maximum design load of about
80 tonnes, except for large pre-stressed piles.
43) Cast-in-situ piles may be classified in to ________classes.
a) Three c) Two
b) Eight d) Four
Answer: c

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

Explanation: Cast-in-situ piles can be classified in to two classes: driven piles (cased or uncased)
and bored piles (pressure piles, pedestal piles and under reamed piles).
44) Composite piles are suitable for______________
a) Maximum design load
b) Project above the water table
c) Compacting the soil
d) Protect water front structures
Answer: b
Explanation: Composite piles are suitable where the upper part of a file is to project above the
water table. Such a pile consists of a lower portion of untreated timber and upper portion of
concrete.
45) Piles are commonly driven in to ground by means of special device called__________
a) Pile driver and Hammer c) None of the mentioned
b) Driller d) All of the mentioned
Answer: a
Explanation: Piles are commonly driven by means of hammer supported by a crane or by a
special device known as a pile drivers.
46) If a hammer is raised by steam and allowed to fall by gravity on top of the pile, it is called
as________
a) Diesel hammer c) Single acting hammer
b) Vibratory hammer d) Drop hammer
Answer: c
Explanation: If a hammer is raised by a steam, compressed air or internal combustion, but is
allowed to fall by gravity alone, it is called as single acting hammer. The energy of such hammer
is equal to the weight of the ram times the height of the fall.
47) Single acting hammers provide an advantage in __________type of soil.
a) Compact soil and hard soil c) None of the mentioned
b) Light weight soil d) All of the mentioned
Answer: a
Explanation: Single acting hammers are advantageous when driving heavy piles in compact or
hard piles.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

This set of Foundation Engineering Multiple Choice Questions & Answers focuses on
“Load carrying capacity of piles”.
48) The maximum load which can be carried by a pile is defined as its__________
a) Ultimate load carrying capacity c) Ultimate bearing capacity
b) Ultimate bearing resistance d) All of the mentioned
Answer: d
Explanation: The ultimate load carrying capacity, or ultimate bearing resistance or ultimate
bearing capacity Q up is defined as the maximum load which can be carried by a pile and at
which the pile continues to sink without further increase of load.
49) The allowable load which the pile can carry safely is determined on the basis of________
a) Factor of safety
b) Load test
c) Stability of the pile foundation
d) All of the mentioned
Answer:c
Explanation: The allowable load Qa is the safe load which the pile can carry safely and is
determined on the basis of: i) overall stability of the pile-foundation ii) the permissible settlement
iii) ultimate bearing resistance divided by factor of safety.
50) The load carrying capacity of a pile can be determined by which of the following methods?
a) Dynamic formulae c) Plate load test
b) Static formulae d) All of the mentioned
Answer: d
Explanation: The load carrying capacity of a pile can be determined by the following methods: i)
Penetration tests ii) Dynamic formulae iii) Static formulae iv) Plate load test.
51) Dynamic formulae are best suited for_________ type of soil.
a) Fine grained soil c) Cohesive soil
b) Coarse grained soil d) None of the mentioned
Answer: b
Explanation: Dynamic formulae are best suited to coarse grained soils for which the shear
strength is independent of rate of loading.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

52) Dynamic formula does not indicate about_________

a) Temporary change in soil structure and Future settlement
b) Allowable load
c) None of the mentioned
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: a
Explanation: A disadvantage of dynamic formula is that it gives no indication about the reduced
bearing future settlement or temporary changes in soil structure.
8. The dynamic formula is valueless for which of the following type of soil?
a) Loose sand c) Clay soil
b) Saturated soil d) Compacted soil
Answer: c
Explanation: For clay, the dynamic formulae are valueless because the skin friction developed in
clay during driving is very much less than which occurs after a period of time.
53) The greater objection to any of the pile driving formulae is_________
a) Uncertainty in relation between dynamic and static resistance
b) Shear strength of the soil
c) Uncertainty in the allowable pressure
d) None of the mentioned
Answer: a
Explanation: The greater objection to any of the pile driving formulae is the uncertainty about
the relationship between the dynamic and static resistance to soil.
54) The static formula is based on the assumption that the ultimate bearing capacity Qup is equal
to___________
a) Rf + Qa c) As + Ap
b) Rf + Rp d) Q up / F
Answer: b
Explanation: The static formulae are based on the assumption that the ultimate bearing capacity
Qup of a pile is the sum of the total ultimate skin friction Rf and total ultimate point or end
bearing resistance Rp: Qup = Rf + Rp.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

This set of Foundation Engineering Multiple Choice Questions & Answers focuses on “Pile
Load Tests”.
55) For pile in cohesive soil__________ is neglected for individual pile action.
a) Frictional resistance c) Shear strength of soil
b) Surface area of pile d) All of the mentioned
Answer: b
Explanation: For the pile in cohesive soil, point bearing is generally neglected for individual pile
action, since it is negligible as compared to frictional resistance.
56) The allowable load for the pile is given by__________ equation.
a) Qa = Qup/ F c) Qa = WH /F(S+C)
b) Qa = Qup× F d) Qa = WH /6(S+2.5)
Answer: a
Explanation: The allowable load Qp for a pile is given by dividing the ultimate bearing capacity
Qup by a suitable factor of safety F.
Qa = Qup/ F.
57) The test which can be used for separating load carried by the pile is_________
a) Cyclic load test c) Penetration test
b) Pile load test d) All of the mentioned
Answer: a
Explanation: The cyclic load test is particularly useful in separating the load carried by the pile
into the skin friction and point bearing resistance.
58) The result of Dutch cone penetration test can be applied to determine_________
a) Ultimate skin fraction
b) Total ultimate point
c) Ultimate bearing capacity
d) None of the mentioned
Answer: c
Explanation: The result of Dutch cone penetration test can be applied with sufficient accuracy to
determine the ultimate bearing capacity of piles in cohesion soils.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

This set of Foundation Engineering Multiple Choice Questions & Answers focuses on
“Group action in piles”.
59) The efficiency of pile group depends upon__________
a) Characteristic of pile and Spacing of pile
b) Bearing capacity of soil
c) All of the mentioned
d) None of the mentioned
Answer: a
Explanation: The efficiency of pile group depends upon the following factors: Characteristics of
pile (i.e. length, diameter, material etc.), spacing of pile, total number of piles in a row and
number of rows etc.
60) Which of the following formulae can be used for determining the efficiency of pile group?
a) Dynamic formulae c) Feld’s formulae
b) Static formulae d) Hiley’s formulae
Answer: c
Explanation: Converse Labarre formulae, Seiler-kenney formulae, Feld’s rule are the some of the
common formulae available for determining the efficiency of pile group.
61) The bearing capacity of a single pile in clay is mainly due to_________
a) Friction c) Allowable load
b) Shear strength of soil d) Ultimate load
Answer: a
Explanation: The bearing capacity of single pile in clay is mainly due to friction, and the friction
and the point bearing resistance may be negligible.
62) The downward drag acting on a pile due to the movement of the surrounding is called
______
a) Skin friction c) Frictional force
b) Negative skin friction d) None of the mentioned
Answer: b
Explanation: Negative skin friction is downward drag acting on a pile due to the downward
movement of the surrounding compressible soil relative to the pile.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

63) The area of the pile group along failure surface is equal to__________
a) Perimeter × Area of cross section
b) Breadth × Length
c) Perimeter × Length
d) Perimeter / area of cross section
Answer: c
Explanation: The area of the pile group, along failure surface is approximately equal to the
perimeter P of the pile group multiplied by the length L of the pile.
64) The settlement of a group of friction piles can be computed on the assumption that________
a) Clay is incompressible
b) Pile below the lower level is ignored
c) Bearing resistance is zero
d) None of the mentioned
Answer: a
Explanation: As a rough approximation, the settlement of a group of friction piles can be
computed on the assumptions that the clay contained between the top of piles is incompressible.
65) The equation used for determining the bearing capacity of a group of friction piles is
_______
a) Qup = Rf + Rp
b) Qug = n Qup . ηg
c) Qug = n Qup / ηg
d) None of the mentioned
Answer: b
Explanation: A method of estimating the bearing capacity of a group of friction piles is to
multiply the quantity nQup by a reduction factor called the efficiency of pile group.
Qug = n Qup . ηg.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

This set of Foundation Engineering Multiple Choice Questions & Answers focuses on
“Method of site exploration”.
66) Hand auger can be used for depths up to________
a) 7 m c) 2 m
b) 6 m d) 10 m
Answer: b
Explanation: Mechanical augers are used for greater depth and Hand augers are used for depth
up to 6 m.
67) Auger boring is used in __________ type of soil.
a) Cohesion less soil
b) Cohesive soil
c) Coarse-grained soil
d) Pervious soil
Answer: b
Explanation: Augers are used in cohesive and other soft soils above water table.
68) The type of boring, used for making deep excavations is _________
a) Cylindrical augers
b) Percussion boring
c) Rotary boring
d) Wash boring
Answer: a
Explanation: Cylindrical augers and shell with cutting edge on teeth at the lower end can be used
for making deep boring.
69) Which of the following method is adopted for fast boring?
a) Cylindrical augers
b) Percussion boring
c) Rotary boring
d) Wash boring
Answer: d
Explanation: Wash boring is a fast and simple method for advancing holes for all types of soils.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

70) Rotary boring can also be called as ___________

a) Percussion boring c) Core boring
b) Wash boring d) Pit boring
Answer: c
Explanation: Rotary borings are used for rotary drilling and simultaneously obtaining the rock
cores or samples. The method is then also known as core boring or core drilling.
71) Wash boring cannot be used for _________ type of soil strata.
a) Cohesive soil
b) Cohesion less soil
c) Boulder
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: c
Explanation: Wash boring cannot be used for strata containing boulders and rocks, as they
cannot be penetrated by this method.
72) The type of boring method that can be used for both rock and soils are________
a) Shell boring
b) Wash boring
c) Auger boring
d) Rotary boring
Answer: d
Explanation: Rotary boring or rotary drilling is a very fast method of advancing hole in both
rocks and soil by drill rod.
73) The commonly used geophysical method for site exploration is________
a) Gravitational method
b) Electrical resistivity
c) Magnetic method
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: b
Explanation: The electrical resistivity and seismic refraction methods are the most commonly
used for civil engineering purposes.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

74) Electrical resistivity method is based on measurement of _____________

a) Specific resistance
b) Voltage
c) Potential drop
d) Current
Answer: a
Explanation: The electrical resistivity method is based on the measurement and recording of
changes in the mean resistivity or apparent specific resistance of the various soils.
75) The method used for studying of horizontal changes in the sub-soil is_______
a) Resistive soundings
b) Resistive mapping
c) Mean resistivity
d) Critical distance
Answer: b
Explanation: For knowing the horizontal changes in the sub-soil, the electrodes kept at a constant
spacing are moved as a group along the line of test. This method is known as resistive mapping.
76) In seismic refraction method, the waves sent along the ground surface is picked by _______
a) Geo satellite instrument
b) Geo-phone
c) Wave detector
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: b
Explanation: The radiating shock waves created in to the soil at the ground level are picked up
by the vibration detector known as Geo-phone.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

This set of Foundation Engineering Multiple Choice Questions & Answers focuses on
“Mechanical Stabilization”.
77) Stabilization of soils are most commonly used in __________ engineering works.
a) Air-field pavements
b) Foundations of buildings
c) Pile construction
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: a
Explanation: The most common application of stabilization is in the construction of roads and
air-field pavements.
78) Method of stabilization can be grouped under________ main types.
a) Three c) one
b) two d) four
Answer: b
Explanation: Method of stabilization may be grouped under two main categories: a) modification
of soil property of existing soil without any admixture b) modification of soil property with the
help of admixtures.
79) Example of modification of soil property with the help of admixtures is_________
a) Compaction c) Mechanical stabilization
b) Drainage d) Particle size distribution
Answer: c
Explanation: Example of modification of soil property with the help of admixtures is:
mechanical stabilization, stabilization with cement, lime, bitumen and chemicals etc.
80) The important factors that governs the engineering behavior of soil are_________
a) Densification
b) stabilization
c) Tensile strength
d) Particle size distribution
Answer: d
Explanation: The particle size distribution and composition are the important factors governing
the engineering behavior of soil.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

81) Mechanical stabilization of soil involves which of the following operation?

a) Compaction and Changing the composition of soil
b) Leveling
c) None of the mentioned
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: a
Explanation: Mechanical stabilization involves two operations: i) changing the composition of
soil by addition or removal of certain constituents, and ii) Densification or compaction.
82) The properties of a soil under compaction depend upon_________
a) swelling
b) Placement condition
c) Water content
d) Permeability
Answer: c
Explanation: The properties of a soil under compaction depend upon the water content, amount
of compaction, and the type of compaction.
83) The properties of soil that are affected by compaction are__________
a) Swelling
b) Water absorption
c) Permeability
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: d
Explanation: Compaction has a great effect on soil properties, such as strength and stress-strain
characteristics, permeability, compression, swelling, and water absorption.
84) The soil stabilized with cement is called_________
a) Lime cement
b) Soil cement
c) Cementing soil
d) None of the mentioned
Answer: b
Explanation: The soil stabilized with cement (Portland cement) is usually known as soil cement.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

85) The important factor affecting soil cement is________

a) Admixtures c) Water absorption
b) Swelling d) Permeability
Answer: a
Explanation: The important factors affecting the soil cement are: nature of soil, cement content,
condition s of mixing, compaction and curing and admixtures.
86) The binding action of individual particles through cement is possible only in__________
type of soil?
a) Fine-grained soil
b) Clayey soil
c) Coarse-grained soil
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: c
Explanation: The binding action of individual particles through cement may be only possible in
coarse-grained soil. In fine-grained, cohesive soils, only some of the particles can be expected to
have cement bonds, and the rest may be bonded through natural cohesion.
This set of Foundation Engineering Multiple Choice Questions & Answers focuses on
“Analysis of well foundation”.
87) The selection of the depth of a well is based on which of the following criteria?
a) Adequate embedded length should be provided and The well should rest on strata of
adequate bearing capacity
b) The perimeter of the well should be minimum
c) None of the mentioned
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: a
Explanation: The selection of the depth of a well is based on the following two criteria:
 There should be adequate embedded length of well, called the grip length below the
lowest scour level.
 The well should be taken deep enough to rest on strata of adequate bearing capacity in a
relation to the load transmitted.

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 MIZAN- TEPI UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Civil Engineering

Foundation Engineering Model Exam Preparation For COTM Department

88) For piers and abutment, the minimum depth of embedment below the scour level should be
taken as _________m.
a) 2.0 c) 3
b) 1.2 d) 1.5
Answer: a
Explanation: According to IRC code, it is recommended that the minimum depth of embankment
below the scour level should not be less than 2.0 m for piers and abutment with arches and 1.2 m
for other type of structures.
5. What are the horizontal forces that are prone to act on a well foundation?
a) Wind force c) Seismic force
b) Earth pressure d) All of the mentioned
Answer: d
Explanation: A well foundation is liable to the following horizontal forces: 1) force on account
of water current 2) wind forces 3) seismic forces 3) earth pressure 4) centrifugal forces.
89) The analysis of well foundation is done based on the assumptions of_________
a) Banerjee and Gangopadhyay
b) Lacey
c) None of the mentioned
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: a
Explanation: Based on the assumptions done by Banerjee and Gangopadhyay in 1960, the
analysis of well foundation can be done.
90) When a rigid well starts moving parallel, it transforms the soil in to__________
a) Active and passive states c) Loose sand
b) Rigid state d) All of the mentioned
Answer: a
Explanation: When a rigid soil, embedded in sand, starts moving parallel to its original position
under the action of a horizontal force, it transforms the soil on one side to passive state and the
other side in to active state.

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