MANILA: Room 206, JPD Building, CM Recto Avenue, Manila

CEBU: 4/F J. Martinez Bldg., Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City

BAGUIO: Upper Ground Floor, Pilando Center, Baguio City
Contact Number: (+93)956 2568509 (Manila), (032) 254-9967 (Cebu), (+63)939 5746940 (Baguio)
E-Mail: buksmarquez1 @yahoo.com

Group Study Problems – April 2024 – Principles of Geotechnical Engineering

1. The moist unit weight of a soil is 16.5 kN/m3. If it has a moisture SITUATION. The figure shown is the sieve analysis of soil samples A,
content of 15%, determine the mass of water in kg/m3 to be B and C.
added to reach full saturation. The specific gravity of soil solid is
2.7.
A. 236.5 B. 240.6 C. 222.3 D. 251.8

2. A sample of soil has a porosity of 40%. Evaluate its void ratio.

A. 0.600 B. 0.400 C. 0.333 D. 0.667

3. For a given soil sample, specific gravity is 2.74, moisture

content is 16.6%, and moist unit weight is 20.6 kN/m3. Compute
the weight of water in kN/m3 to be added for 90% degree of
saturation.
A. 0.10 B. 0.15 C. 0.20 D.0.25

SITUATION. A soil sample has a dry unit weight of 17 kN/m3 and a void
ratio of 0.60.

4. Evaluate the specific gravity of the soil.

A. 2.65 B. 2.68 C. 2.72 D. 2.77

5. Obtain the unit weight of the sample in kN/m3 when fully

saturated. 15. For soil A, determine the percentage of gravel.
A. 19.25 B. 19.74 C. 20.66 D. 21.39 A. 2% B. 3% C. 4% D. 5%

6. What is the hydraulic gradient at quicksand condition? 16. For soil B, determine the percentage of sand.
A. 1.11 B. 1.05 C. 1.19 D. 1.27 A. 52% B. 66% C. 58% D. 61%

7. A soil sample has a water content of 20% and a moist unit 17. For soil C, determine the percentage of silt.
weight of 18 kN/m3. The specific gravity of the solid is 2.65. A. 8% B. 10% C. 14% D. 12%
Obtain the void ratio of the soil.
A. 0.50 B. 0.60 C. 0.65 D. 0.73 18. A sample of soil having a water content of 30% has a mass
specific gravity of 1.91. The specific gravity of the soil grain is
SITUATION. A soil sample taken from subsurface exploration activity 2.69. Compute the degree of saturation of the soil mass in
has the following properties: percent.
Specific gravity of soil grains, Gs = 2.67 A. 97.11% B. 98.58% C. 96.64% D. 96.13%
Void ratio, e = 0.45
Degree of saturation, S = 40% SITUATION. Given that the field unit weight of a soil sample is 1800
kg/m3, the unit weight of the soil particles is 2000 kg/m3, and the
8. Evaluate the unit weight of the soil. moisture content of the soil is 12%,
A. 18.46 B. 19.28 C. 19.98 D. 20.85
19. Evaluate the void ratio.
9. Evaluate the unit weight of the soil when dry. A. 0.231 B. 0.252 C. 0.244 D. 0.267
A. 18.06 B. 17.20 C. 17.63 D. 18.87
20. Evaluate its dry unit in kN/m3.
10. Evaluate the unit weight of the soil when fully saturated. A. 15.12 B. 15.77 C. 16.08 D. 16.76
A. 21.11 B. 21.78 C. 20.09 D. 22.65
21. Evaluate the degree of saturation in percent.
SITUATION. A saturated soil has a water content of 23% and specific A. 97.28% B. 97.82% C. 98.36% D. 99.23%
gravity of 2.67.
22. A cohesive soil sample was taken from an SPT and taken to the
11. Determine the saturated unit weight in kN/m3. laboratory in a glass jar. It was found to weigh 145 grams. The
A. 18 B. 19 C. 21 D. 20 sample was then placed in a container having a volume V of
500 cm3 and 420 cm3 of water were added to fill the container.
12. Determine the dry unit weight in kN/m3. Evaluate the unit weight of the soil in kN/m3.
A. 16.2 B. 16.8 C. 17.4 D. 17.9 A. 17.78 B. 18.20 C. 17.09 D. 18.94

13. Determine the moisture unit weight when the degree of SITUATION. A sample of soil having a water content of 30% has a
saturation becomes 70%. mass specific gravity of 1.91. The specific gravity of the soil grains is
A. 16.5 B. 17.1 C. 17.8 D. 18.6 obtained to be 2.69.

14. A soil sample has a specific gravity of 2.5 for its solid grains. It 23. Evaluate the void ratio of the soil mass.
has a void ratio of 0.40 and a degree of saturation of 40%. A. 0.831 B. 0.745 C. 0.796 D. 0.887
Evaluate the unit weight of the soil, in kN/m3.
A. 18.27 B. 18.64 C. 19.18 D. 19.89
 MANILA: Room 206, JPD Building, CM Recto Avenue, Manila
CEBU: 4/F J. Martinez Bldg., Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City
BAGUIO: Upper Ground Floor, Pilando Center, Baguio City
Contact Number: (+93)956 2568509 (Manila), (032) 254-9967 (Cebu), (+63)939 5746940 (Baguio)
E-Mail: buksmarquez1 @yahoo.com

Group Study Problems – April 2024 – Principles of Geotechnical Engineering

24. Evaluate the porosity of the soil mass in percent. 30. Classify soil A using AASHTO Method.
A. 43.2% B. 44.1% C. 45.4% D. 46.8% A. A-2-4 (0) B. A-2-5 (0) C. A-2-6 (0) D. A-2-7 (0)

25. Evaluate the degree of saturation of the soil mass in percent. 31. Classify soil B using AASHTO Method.
A. 95.8% B. 96.5% C. 97.9% D. 97.1% A. A-2-7 (1) B. A-2-6 (1) C. A-2-5 (1) D. A-2-4 (1)

26. For a given sandy soil, emax = 0.75, emin = 0.46, and specific 32. Classify soil C using AASHTO Method.
gravity is 2.68. What is the moist unit weight of compaction A. A-7-6 (13) B. A-7-5 (13) C. A-7-5 (8) D. A-7-6 (8)
(kN/m3) in the field if relative density Dr is 78% and water
content is 9%?
A. 18.8 B. 17.7 C. 18.2 D. 19.6

SITUATION. The figure shows the sieve analysis of soil samples A, B

and C. See chart USC and SMSC.
Liquid limit = 46
Plastic limit = 29

33. For a sand soil having a void ratio at its loosest state of 0.72
and a void ratio at its densest state of 0.46, what is the
degree of saturation when it has a relative density of 78% and
a water content of 9%? Specific gravity of soil solid is 2.68.
A. 48.09% B. 47.58% C. 46.03% D. 46.64%

SITUATION. The grain-size characteristics of a soil are given in the

table.

27. Classify soil A in accordance with Unified Soils Classification Size (mm) Percent Finer
System. 2.00 100
A. SM B. SP C. GW D. GP 0.425 98
0.100 78
28. Classify soil B in accordance with Unified Soils Classification 0.075 70
System.
0.040 56
A. ML B. SC C. CL D. GC
0.020 48
29. Classify soil C in accordance with Unified Soils Classification 0.010 40
System. 0.002 35
A. M B. C C. O D. P 0.001 32

SITUATION. The given data shows a sieve analysis of soil samples A, 34. Determine the percentage of sand using AASHTO system.
B and C. A. 38% B. 35% C. 32% D. 30%

SOIL SAMPLE 35. Determine the percentage of silt using AASHTO system.
Sieve A. 30% B. 35% C. 40% D. 45%
Diam. (mm) A B C
No.
#4 4.760 100 100 100 36. Determine the percentage of clay using AASHTO system.
#8 2.380 97 90 100 A. 32% B. 35% C. 25% D. 23%
#10 2.000 92 77 78
#20 0.840 87 59 92
#40 0.420 53 51 84
#60 0.250 42 42 79
#100 0.149 26 35 70
#200 0.074 17 33 63
Characteristics of 40 Fraction
LL 35 46 47
PL 20 29 24
 MANILA: Room 206, JPD Building, CM Recto Avenue, Manila
CEBU: 4/F J. Martinez Bldg., Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City
BAGUIO: Upper Ground Floor, Pilando Center, Baguio City
Contact Number: (+93)956 2568509 (Manila), (032) 254-9967 (Cebu), (+63)939 5746940 (Baguio)
E-Mail: buksmarquez1 @yahoo.com

Group Study Problems – April 2024 – Principles of Geotechnical Engineering

SITUATION. The given data shows a sieve analysis of soil samples A, Soil conditions at this instant:
B and C. Initial intergranular pressure = 200 kPa.
SOIL SAMPLE Increase in intergranular pressure = 120 kPa
Sieve Diam. A B C Coefficient of consolidation = 0.315
No. (mm) Void ratio of the clay = 1.132
#4 4.760 90 100 100
#8 2.380 64 90 100 Determine the thickness of the clay layer in meters.
#10 2.000 54 77 98 A. 8.5 B. 7.0 C. 7.5 D. 8.0
#20 0.840 34 59 92
#40 0.420 22 51 84 47. A layer of soft clay having an initial void ratio of 1.5 is 10 m
#60 0.250 17 42 79 thick. Under a compressive load applied above it, the void
#100 0.149 9 35 70 ratio decreased by one-half. Evaluate the reduction in the
thickness of the clay layer in meters.
#200 0.074 4 33 63
A. 7 B. 3 C. 5 D. 4
Characteristics of 40 Fraction
LL 46 47
48. A granular soil deposit is 4 m thick and underlying it is clay
PL 29 24
having a thickness of 5 m. There is a water table at the
interface of the soil and clay. Dry unit weight of sand is 15.6
37. Classify the soil of sample A using USCS Method. kN/m3 and saturated unit weight is 16.6 kN/m3. If the water
A. SM B. GW C. GP D. SW table rises 3 m above the soil surface, what is the effective
stress at the bottom of the clay? Saturated unit weight of clay
38. Classify the soil of sample B using USCS Method. is 17.8 kN/m3.
A. SC B. SM C. GM D. SW A. 55.09 B. 61.72 C. 67.11 D. 73.42
39. Classify the soil of sample C using USCS Method. 49. Evaluate the plastic settlement, in meter(s), on a layer of
A. CL B. OL C. ML D. OH plastic clay due to an increase of pressure caused by loads
above it under the following conditions:
SITUATION. The following data were obtained from a field-density test
on a compacted fill of sandy clay. Laboratory moisture density test on Initial intergranular pressure = 200 kPa
the fill material indicated a maximum dry density of 1924.8 kg/m 3 at an Increase in intergranular pressure = 150 kPa
optimum water content of 11 percent. Thickness of the clay layer = 10 m
Weight of moist soil removed from test hole = 1038 g Coefficient of consolidation = 0.315
Weight of soil after oven-drying = 914 g Void ratio of the clay = 1.5
Volume of test hole from rubber-balloon apparatus = 0.000479 m3 A. 0.286 B. 0.306 C. 0.326 D. 0.346
40. Determine the water content. SITUATION. A clay layer 5 m thick rests beneath a deposit of
A. 12.8% B. 13.6% C. 13.0% D. 14.7% submerged sand 8 m thick. The top of the sand is located 3 m below
the surface of a body of water. The saturated unit weight of the sand is
41. Determine the dry unit weight of soil. 25 kN/m3, and the clay is 20 kN/m3.
A. 18.06 B. 18.71 C. 17.72 D. 17.19
50. Evaluate the total vertical pressure at mid-height of the clay
42. Determine the percent compaction of the fill. layer.
A. 99.8% B. 99.1% C. 98.6% D. 98.1% A. 279.4 B.286.5 C. 290.6 D. 297.7
SITUATION. A layer of clay 8.6 m thick is overlain by a deposit of sand 51. Evaluate the pore water pressure at mid-height of the clay
15.2 m thick to ground surface. When the water table is at ground
layer.
surface level, the saturated unit weight of the sand was determined to
A. 129.2 B. 132.4 C. 137.9 D. 143.8
be 21.2 kN/m3, for which its dry unit weight is 18.2 kN/m3. The
saturated unit weight of the clay is 18.8 kN/m3. When the ground water 52. Obtain the intergranular stress or effective stress at mid-
table lowered by 7.6 m, the degree of saturation of the sand above the
height of the clay.
water table was lowered to 30%. At the mid-height of the clay layer,
A. 138 B. 147 C. 153 D. 160
43. Evaluate the effective pressure before lowering the water SITUATION. A thick layer of clay underlies a sand formation having a
table.
thickness of 5 m. The groundwater is located 2 m below the ground
A. 212 B. 237 C. 203 D. 225
surface. Specific gravity of sand and clay is 2.65, with sand having an
average void ratio of 0.52. The clay has a water content of 42%.
44. Evaluate the effective pressure after lowering the water table.
A. 300 B. 290 C. 280 D. 270
53. Compute the saturated unit weight of clay.
A. 18.42 B. 17.47 C. 19.50 D. 20.34
45. Evaluate the effective pressure when there is no water in the
sand layer but remains in moist condition at the same degree 54. Compute the total stress at a depth of 10 m below the ground
of saturation.
surface.
A. 309 B.319 C. 329 D. 339 A. 167.81 B. 175.72 C. 182.93 D. 189.05
46. The plastic settlement on a layer of plastic due to an increase
55. Compute the effective stress at a depth of 10 m below the
of pressure caused by the loads above it is 0.241 m.
ground surface.
A. 100.13 B. 104.45 C. 109.87 D. 115.23
 MANILA: Room 206, JPD Building, CM Recto Avenue, Manila
CEBU: 4/F J. Martinez Bldg., Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City
BAGUIO: Upper Ground Floor, Pilando Center, Baguio City
Contact Number: (+93)956 2568509 (Manila), (032) 254-9967 (Cebu), (+63)939 5746940 (Baguio)
E-Mail: buksmarquez1 @yahoo.com

Group Study Problems – April 2024 – Principles of Geotechnical Engineering

SITUATION. When the total pressure acting at mid height of a

consolidating clay layer is 200 kN/m2, the corresponding void ratio of
the clay is 0.98. When the total pressure acting at the same location is
500 kN/m2, the corresponding void ratio decreases to 0.81.

56. Compute the compression index.

A. 0.362 B. 0.394 C. 0.427 D. 0.462

57. Compute the void ratio of the clay if the total pressure acting
at mid-height of the consolidating clay layer is 1000 kPa.
A. 0.60 B. 0.64 C. 0.68 D. 0.72

SITUATION. An impervious layer underlies 4 layers of permeable soil.

The thickness and the coefficient of permeability of each layer, from top
to bottom, are given as follows:

Coefficient of permeability, Thickness 65. Compute the equivalent hydraulic conductivity.

Layer A. 0.000049 B. 0.000028 C. 0.000034 D. 0.000041
K (cm/sec) (m)
1 3 x 10-4 4
2 2 x 10-5 5 66. Compute the hydraulic gradient.
3 3 x 10-3 3 A. 0.65 B. 0.70 C. 0.75 D. 0.80
4 3 x 10-3 3
67. Compute the rate of water supply in cm3/hr.
A. 8.17 B. 8.63 C. 9.18 D. 9.92
58. Evaluate the equivalent horizontal coefficient of permeability
of the deposit in cm/sec.
68. The permeameter in a permeability test setup involves a
A. 0.00102 B.0.00137 C. 0.00148 D. 0.00129
cylindrical soil sample 40 mm in diameter and height 200 mm.
The hydraulic head of the test was held constant at 300 mm.
59. Obtain the rate of flow per meter of the deposit, in cubic
In a duration of one minute, the water collected in the
centimeters per second if the hydraulic gradient for the soil
graduate was recorded at 1.5 liters. Evaluate the coefficient
formation is 0.70.
of permeability of the soil sample, in cm/sec.
A. 135.45 B. 139.43 C. 144.72 D. 149.37
A. 1.03 B. 1.33 C. 1.67 D. 1.93
60. Evaluate the discharge of the aquifer in m3/day.
SITUATION. A confined aquifer is recharged by a continuous supply of
A. 11.70 B. 11.93 C. 12.20 D. 12.84
water from a certain source. The average thickness of the aquifer was
determined to be 25 m and the average width is 4 km. The hydraulic
SITUATION. A 300 mm diameter test well penetrates 27 m below the
conductivity (coefficient of permeability) of the aquifer was obtained at
static water table. After 24 hours of pumping at 69 liters/sec, the water
40 m/day and its porosity is 0.25. The piezometric heads in two wells, 1
level in an observation well at a distance of 95 m from the test well is
km apart, are 65 m and 60 m from a common reference datum.
lowered 0.5 m. At another observation well located 35 m from the test
well, the water level dropped by 1.1 m.
69. Obtain the rate of the flow through the aquifer in m3/day.
A. 20,000 B. 21,000 C. 22,000 D. 23,000
61. Estimate the rate of flow in m3/day.
A. 5716 B. 5807 C. 5962 D. 6235
70. Evaluate the seepage velocity in meters per day.
A. 0.80 B. 0.85 C. 0.90 D.0.95
62. Evaluate the coefficient of permeability of the aquifer in
m/day.
71. Estimate the time of travel, in days, from the head of the
A. 51.08 B. 56.49 C. 60.27 D. 65.72
aquifer to a point 3 km downstream.
A. 3890 B. 3630 C. 3540 D. 3750
63. Compute the transmissibility of the aquifer in m2/day.
A. 1460 B. 1517 C. 1579 D. 1628
SITUATION. The coefficient of permeability below a dam is 4 m/day.
The water on the upstream side is 30 m higher than on the downstream
64. The permeameter in a falling head permeability test set up
side. To estimate the seepage below the dam, a flow net was
involves a cylindrical soil sample 50 mm in diameter and a
graphically drawn such that the number of potential drops Nd = 10 and
height 200 mm. The hydraulic head in the 10 mm diameter
the number of flow channels Nf = 4. The base of the dam is found 1
standpipe through which test water passed dropped from 900
meter below the ground. Between the heel and the toe of the dam, a
to 600 mm in one minute of observation. In that duration, the
distance of 30 m, there are 8 potential drops.
water collected in the graduated flask was recorded at 1.5
liters. Evaluate the coefficient of permeability of the soil
72. Evaluate the seepage flow per meter width of the dam in liters
sample in cm/sec.
per minute.
A. 0.00441 B. 0.00541 C. 0.00642 D. 0.00732
A. 28.33 B. 38.66 C. 33.33 D. 42.22
SITUATION. The figure shows the layers of soil in a tube that is 100
73. Determine the uplift pressure at the heel of the dam in kPa.
mm x 100 mm in cross-section. Water is supplied to maintain a
A. 265 B. 186 C. 222 D. 293
constant head difference of 450 mm across the sample. The hydraulic
conductivity of the soils in the direction of flow through them are
74. Determine the uplift pressure at the toe of the dam in kPa.
tabulated as shown.
A. 29.43 B. 19.62 C. 14.72 D. 23.73
 MANILA: Room 206, JPD Building, CM Recto Avenue, Manila
CEBU: 4/F J. Martinez Bldg., Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City
BAGUIO: Upper Ground Floor, Pilando Center, Baguio City
Contact Number: (+93)956 2568509 (Manila), (032) 254-9967 (Cebu), (+63)939 5746940 (Baguio)
E-Mail: buksmarquez1 @yahoo.com

Group Study Problems – April 2024 – Principles of Geotechnical Engineering

75. A permeable soil layer that is underlain by an impervious 87. Compute the vertical displacement of the soil sample in mm.
layer sloped at 5° to the horizontal and is 4 m thick measured A. 1.08 B. 1.16 C. 1.24 D. 1.32
vertically. If the coefficient of permeability of the permeable
layer k = 0.005 cm/sec, determine the rate of seepage per SITUATION. A tri-axial compression test on a cohesive sample
meter width of permeable layer in liters per hour. cylindrical in shape yields the following effective stress.
A. 52 B. 57 C. 61 D. 63 Major principal stress = 8 MN/m2
Minor principal stress = 2 MN/m2
76. A cohesionless specimen of soil under triaxial shear test was
consolidated under a chamber confining pressure of 100 kPa. 88. Compute the angle of internal friction.
The axial stress on the specimen was then increased and A. 20 B. 25 C. 30 D. 35
failure stress occurred when the axial stress reached 200
kPa. Estimate the angle of internal friction of the soil. 89. Compute the cohesion of the soil sample.
A. 18.2° B. 19.5° C. 21.4° D. 22.3° A. 0.486 B. 0.524 C. 0.577 D. 0.622

SITUATION. A triaxial shear test was performed on a well-drained sand 90. Compute the shear stress at the rupture plane.
sample. The normal stress on the failure plane and the shearing stress A. 2.00 B. 2.20 C. 2.40 D. 2.60
on the failure plane were determined to be 63 kPa and 42 kPa,
respectively. SITUATION. A cohesive soil specimen has a shearing resistance equal
to 28˚ and a cohesion of 32. If the maximum shearing stress of the soil
77. Determine the angle of internal friction of the sand, in sample is equal to 64 kPa,
degrees.
A. 27.40 B. 30.41 C. 33.69 D. 35.79 91. Compute the lateral pressure in the cell for a failure.
A. 12.14 B. 12.85 C. 13.43 D. 13.98
78. Determine the angle, in degrees, of the failure plane with
respect to the horizontal plane. 92. Compute the max. principal stress to cause failure.
A. 61.85 B. 58.70 C. 60.21 D. 62.90 A. 140.14 B. 145.32 C. 150.70 D. 156.87

79. Determine the axial stress applied to the specimen, in kPa. 93. Compute the normal stress at the point of max. shear.
A. 135.07 B. 141.48 C. 144.36 D. 148.92 A. 76.14 B. 80.42 C. 84.73 D. 88.64

80. An unconfined compression test was conducted on a soil 94. In a triaxial shear test of a cohesionless soil, the soil cylinder
sample having a diameter of 50 mm. The failure load was 66 was subjected to a liquid pressure of 20 kPa inside the
N. What is the value of the cohesion strength of the clay in chamber. It was observed that failure of the sample in shear
kPa? occurred when the axial compressive stress reached 44 kPa.
A. 15.3 B. 16.8 C. 17.9 D. 19.4 The angle of internal friction in degrees is nearest to
A. 20.17 B. 21.35 C. 22.02 D. 22.97
81. The equation of the effective stress failure envelope for
normally consolidated clayey soil is τ = σ' tan 30˚. A drained SITUATION. The results of a consolidated drained triaxial shear test
triaxial test was conducted with the same soil at a chamber- conducted on a consolidated clay are as follows:
confining pressure of 300 kPa. Calculate the deviator stress Chamber confining pressure = 240 kPa
at failure. Deviator stress at failure = 450 kPa
A. 140 B. 150 C. 160 D. 170
95. Evaluate the angle of friction of the soil sample in degrees.
SITUATION. A cylindrical specimen of a saturated soil fails under a A. 28.9° B. 27.5° C. 29.4° D. 26.1°
stress of 150 kPa. in an unconfined compression test. The failure plane
makes an angle of 52˚ with the horizontal. 96. Evaluate the shear stress on the failure plane, in kPa.
A. 182 B. 187 C. 192 D. 197
82. Compute the angle of internal friction of the soil.
A. 20 B. 18 C. 16 D. 14 97. Evaluate the normal stress on the plane of maximum shear,
in kPa.
83. Compute the cohesion of the soil. A. 432 B. 441 C. 450 D. 465
A. 65.1 B. 62.9 C. 60.7 D. 58.6
SITUATION. A sample of soil 50 mm in diameter was tested in direct
84. Compute the shearing stress at the failure plane. shear. A normal force of P was first applied to the sample and a direct
A. 83.02 B. 72.77 C. 75.44 D. 79.33 shear force V was applied. The following combinations of P and V
caused the specimen to exhibit failure.
SITUATION. An unconfined compression test was carried out on a
saturated clay sample. The maximum load on the clay sustained was Normal Force, P (N) Shear Force, V (N)
130 N. The size of the soil sample was 38 mm diameter and 80 mm. 268 137
long. The resulting undrained shear strength of clay was 56.4 kPa. 412 210

85. Compute the major principal stress at failure. 98. Estimate the nearest value of angle of internal friction of the
A. 112.8 B. 115.6 C. 118.2 D. 122.9 soil, in degrees.
A. 25.5 B. 26.9 C. 27.8 D. 28.7
86. Compute the sample area at failure in m2.
A. 0.1456 B. 0.001374 C. 0.001152 D. 0.001236 99. Estimate the nearest value of cohesion of the soil, in kPa.
A. 0.65 B. 0.46 C. 0.51 D. 0.58
 MANILA: Room 206, JPD Building, CM Recto Avenue, Manila
CEBU: 4/F J. Martinez Bldg., Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City
BAGUIO: Upper Ground Floor, Pilando Center, Baguio City
Contact Number: (+93)956 2568509 (Manila), (032) 254-9967 (Cebu), (+63)939 5746940 (Baguio)
E-Mail: buksmarquez1 @yahoo.com

Group Study Problems – April 2024 – Principles of Geotechnical Engineering

100. What would be nearest value of P in N when V = 124 N? SITUATION. A square footing, 1.2 m on a side, is embedded 1.0 m into a
A. 230 B. 235 C. 240 D. 245 cohesive soil deposit. The unit weight of soil is 18 kN/m3 and the angle of
internal friction is 22°. The soil cohesion strength is 15 kPa. Using
101. Friction piles, 400 mm x 400 mm in cross-section, are embedded Terzaghi’s formula for “local” shear failure, Nc = 20.3, Nq = 9.19, and Ny =
20 m into a layer of plastic clay to support a pile cap factored 5.09,
load of 12,000 kN. The unconfined compression strength of the
clay was obtained at 120 kPa. Evaluate the number of piles 111. Evaluate the contribution of the depth of embedment to the
required in a cluster to support the assumption that the pile ultimate bearing capacity of the soil in kPa.
group has an 80% efficiency. A. 161.74 B. 165.42 C. 169.07 D. 175.89
A. 4 B. 6 C. 8 D. 10
112. Evaluate the contribution of the footing dimension to the ultimate
SITUATION. A square footing, 1.2 m on a side, is embedded 1.0 m into a bearing capacity of the soil in kPa.
cohesive soil deposit. The unit weight of soil is 18 kN/m3 and the angle of A. 43.98 B. 45.09 C. 48.62 D. 51.46
internal friction is 22°. The soil cohesion strength is 15 kPa. Using
Terzaghi’s formula for general shear failure, 113. Evaluate the contribution of the soil cohesive strength to the
ultimate bearing of capacity of the soil in kPa.
102. Evaluate the contribution of the depth of embedment to the A. 263.9 B. 269.7 C. 273.1 D. 278.6
ultimate bearing capacity of the soil in kPa. Nq’ = 9.19
A. 165.42 B. 169.25 C. 176.38 D. 152.07
SITUATION. Due to construction considerations, a column is located 1.1 m
103. Evaluate the contribution of the footing dimension to the ultimate from the edge of the 2 m side of a rectangular footing 2 m x 3 m x 0.4 m but
bearing capacity of the soil in kPa. Ny = 5.09 along its principal axis. The column carries a factored downward load of
A. 48.76 B. 46.81 C. 42.52 D. 44.98 1800 kN including its own weight. Consider the weight of the footing. Unit
weight of concrete is 24 kN/m3.
104. Evaluate the contribution of the soil cohesive strength to the
114. Determine the overturning moment of the footing in kN-m.
ultimate bearing of capacity of the soil in kPa. Nc = 20.3
A. 700 B. 720 C. 740 D. 760
A. 390.48 B. 395.85 C. 399.56 D. 405.31
115. Evaluate the maximum soil bearing pressure underneath the
SITUATION. Due to construction considerations, a column is located 0.4 m
from the edge of a 2 m x 2 m square footing along its principal axis. The footing.
column carries a factored downward load of 900 N including its own weight. A. 530 B. 540 C. 550 D. 560
Neglecting the weight of footing,
116. If the soil has a unit weight 16 kN/m3, an angle of internal friction
105. Evaluate the overturning moment of the footing in kN-m. of 20° and a unit cohesion of 10 kPa and footing is founded by
A. 500 B.520 C. 560 D. 540 1.0 m into it, by how much in percent is the ultimate bearing
capacity of the soil under general shear failure exceeded?
106. Evaluate the maximum soil bearing pressure underneath the Nc = 17.7, Nq = 7.44, and Ny = 3.64
footing. A. 43.91% B. 45.67% C. 47.09% D. 49.83%
A. 740 B. 750 C. 760 D. 770

107. If the soil has a unit weight of 16 kN/m3, an angle of internal SITUATION. A column is to be supported by a square footing, 2.00 m on a
friction of 20˚, and a unit cohesion of 10 kPa, and the footing is side, on a founding depth of 1.00 m into a cohesionless soil deposit. The
founded 1.0 m into it, by how much in percent is the ultimate unit weight of the soil is 16 kN/m3 and the angle of internal friction 25°.
Using Terzaghi’s formula for general shear failure. Nq = 12.7, Ny = 8.34.
bearing capacity of the soil under general shear failure
exceeded? For ø = 20˚, Nc = 17.7, Nq = 7.44, and Ny = 3.64. 117. Evaluate the contribution of the depth of embedment to the
A. 83.8% B. 89.5% C. 92.6% D. 96.7% ultimate bearing capacity of the soil, in kPa.
A. 197.3 B. 203.2 C. 210.5 D. 221.4
SITUATION. The Air Traffic Control building of an airport is to be founded
on a circular mat footing having a diameter of 10 m. The depth of founding
118. Evaluate the contribution of the footing dimension to the ultimate
of the footings has to be at 2.00 m into a soil deposit of cohesionless soil
for which the angle of internal friction is 20° and the unit weight of which is bearing capacity of the soil, in kPa.
16 kN/m3. Using Terzaghi’s formula for general shear failure, bearing A. 100.1 B. 106.8 C. 110.7 D. 116.3
capacity constants Nc = 17.69, Nq = 7.44, and Ny = 3.64,
119. Evaluate the concentric load, in kN, that the footing can safely
108. Evaluate the contribution of the depth of embedment to the support, using a factor of safety of 3.0 against bearing capacity
ultimate bearing capacity of the soil, in kPa. failure.
A. 238 B. 246 C. 253 D. 261 A. 402.7 B. 413.3 C. 425.6 D. 439.4

109. Evaluate the contribution of the footing dimension to the ultimate 120. Evaluate the resisting capacity against axial load due to skin
bearing capacity of the soil, in kPa. friction of a wooden pile embedded into a layer of plastic clay in
A. 170 B. 175 C. 179 D. 185 kN, given the following conditions:

110. Evaluate the concentric downward load, in MN, that the footing Size of pile = 0.3 m. square
can safely support, using a factor of safety of 3.0 against bearing Depth of penetration into the clay layer = 10 m
capacity failure. Unconfined compression strength “qu” of the clay = 110 kPa
A. 10.8 B. 11.9 C. 12.8 D. 13.9 A. 640 B. 660 C. 680 D. 700
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Group Study Problems – April 2024 – Principles of Geotechnical Engineering

SITUATION. A square footing 4 m. on a side is founded 1.2 m below the SITUATION. A vertical retaining wall 6 m high retains a horizontal backfill
ground surface for which the bulk unit weight of the soil is 20 kN/m3, the having the following properties:
cohesion strength is 10 kPa, and the angle of internal friction is 20 degrees. Void ratio = 0.60
Under the condition of general failure, evaluate the contribution of the Specific gravity = 2.60
following to the ultimate soil bearing capacity in kPa. The ground water Water content = 24%
table is at a level that does not affect the unit weight of the soil. Use Angle of internal friction = 25°
Terzaghi’s bearing capacity factors. Nc = 17.69 Nq = 7.44 Ny = 3.64
131. Compute the magnitude of the active force acting on the wall if
121. Cohesion strength. the water table is on the ground surface which is on level with
A. 235.74 B. 229.97 C. 222.06 D. 215.85 the top of the wall.
A. 248 B. 252 C. 237 D. 229
122. Soil overburden.
A. 171.17 B. 178.56 C. 186.40 D. 190.72 132. Compute the magnitude of the active force acting on the wall if
the water table is lowered at a depth of 3 m from the ground
123. Footing dimension surface.
A. 103.24 B. 110.05 C. 116.48 D. 121.90 A. 165 B. 155 C. 160 D. 150

124. Evaluate the resisting capacity against axial load due skin friction 133. Compute the magnitude of the active force acting on the wall if
of a concrete pile embedded into a layer of plastic clay given in the water table is at the bottom of the wall.
the following conditions: A. 125 B. 155 C. 135 D. 145

Size of pile = 0.4 m2 134. Determine the lateral pressure in kPa of a soil whose angle of
Depth of penetration into the clay layer = 40 m internal friction is 30˚, 6 m from the ground surface at rest
Unconfined compression strength, qu, of the clay = 200 kPa condition. Dry unit weight of soil is 17.5 kN/m3. Assume water
A. 6700 B. 6600 C. 6500 D. 6400 table is too deep.
A. 47.2 B. 52.5 C. 58.3 D. 64.8
SITUATION. A rectangular footing, 3 m x 4 m in plan, is founded 1.2 m
below the ground surface for which the bulk unit weight of the soil is 20
SITUATION. A vertical retaining wall has a height of 5.5 m. It supports a
kN/m3, the cohesion strength is 10 kPa, and the angle of internal friction is
soft backfill with a unit weight of 15.5 kN/m3 and has a cohesion of 16.6
20°. The ground water table is at a level that does not affect the unit weight
kN/m. The undrained angle of friction is 0˚. Determine the following:
of the soil. Use Terzaghi’s bearing capacity factors, Nc = 17.69, Nq = 7.44,
and Ny = 3.64. Under the condition of general shear failure.
135. The maximum depth of the tensile crack in meters.
Hint: 𝑞𝑢 = 𝐾𝑐 𝑐𝑁𝑐 + 𝐾𝑞 𝛾𝐷𝑓 𝑁𝑞 + 𝐾𝛾 𝛾𝐵𝑁𝛾
A. 2.14 B. 2.25 C. 2.36 D. 2.48
For rectangular,
𝐵 1 𝐵
𝐾𝑐 = (1 + 0.3 ) 𝐾𝑞 = 1.0 𝐾𝛾 = (1 − 0.2 ) 136. The lateral force before tensile crack occurs.
𝐿 2 𝐿
A. 51.84 B. 54.76 C. 59.07 D. 46.23
125. Evaluate the contribution of the cohesion strength to the ultimate
bearing capacity, in kPa. 137. The lateral force after the tensile crack occurs.
A. 212 B. 217 C. 222 D. 228 A. 77.15 B. 82.90 C. 87.44 D. 92.41

126. Evaluate the contribution of the soil overburden to the ultimate 138. In accordance with Rankine’s Theory, what angle in degrees
bearing capacity, in kPa. results in a coefficient of lateral pressure equal to 4.00 of a
A. 186 B. 165 C. 171 D. 179 horizontal backfill?
A. 36.9 B. 37.9 C. 38.9 D. 39.9
127. Evaluate the contribution of the footing dimension to the ultimate
bearing capacity, in kPa. 139. A retaining wall 12 m high has horizontal backfill on its vertical
A. 76 B.95 C. 83 D. 89 face to its base. Under normal conditions the backfill has a water
content of 10% and a void ratio of 0.50. The specific gravity of
SITUATION. A square footing, 0.90 m on a side, is embedded 1 m into a the soil is 2.50 and the angle of internal friction is 20˚. Use
cohesionless soil deposit. The unit weight of the soil is 18 kN/m3 and the Rankine’s theory of lateral force. Compute the horizontal force if
angle of internal friction is 30˚. Using Terzaghi’s Formula for general shear the backfill is fully saturated with rainwater.
failure, Nc = 37.16, Nq = 22.46, and Ny = 19.13. A. 145.1 B. 1052.4 C. 1067.9 D. 178.2
128. Evaluate the contribution of the depth of embedment to the 140. What is the friction angle of the soil when the coefficient of
ultimate bearing capacity of the soil, in kPa. passive resistance is 5?
A. 405 B. 400 C. 412 D. 427 A. 40.8° B. 41.8° C. 42.8° D. 43.8°
129. Evaluate the contribution of the footing dimension to the ultimate 141. In accordance with Rankine’s theory for lateral active earth
bearing capacity of the soil, in kPa. pressure on a retaining wall, with horizontal backfill, what angle
A. 107 B. 133 C. 118 D. 124 of internal friction, in degrees, results in a coefficient of lateral
earth pressure equal to 0.50?
130. Evaluate the concentric load, in kN, that the footing can safely A. 17.5° B. 18.5° C. 19.5° D. 20.5°
support, using a factor of safety of 3.0 against bearing capacity
failure. 142. The following table shows an approximate correlation
A. 143 B. 137 C. 131 D. 126 between the standard penetration test (SPT) and the
unconfined compression strength of cohesive soils.
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Group Study Problems – April 2024 – Principles of Geotechnical Engineering

Unconfined 0.477𝑄𝑁
𝑝=
SPT blows Consistency compressive 𝑧2
strength, qu (kPa) where:
1
0 to 2 Very Soft 0 – 23.9 𝑁= 2.5
𝑟 2
2 to 4 Soft 23.9 – 47.8 [1+(𝑧) ]
4 to 8 Medium 47.8 – 95.7 𝑟 = horizontal distance of the point from the vertical line of
8 to 16 Stiff 95.7 – 191 application of the load
16 to 31 Very Stiff 191 – 383 𝑧 = depth of point below ground surface

Evaluate the approximate shear strength of the soil if the blow Evaluate the vertical stress, in kPa, at a point below the ground for Q =
count N = 6. 1500 kN if:
A. 27.4 B. 31.0 C. 33.1 D. 35.9
147. the point is 2.5 m directly below the application of the load.
SITUATION. According to the Westergaard Theory, the vertical stress A. 102.10 B. 109.73 C. 114.48 D. 119.52
at a point below the surface of a semi-infinite, homogeneous, isotropic
soil mass due to appoint load A applied at the ground surface is given 148. the point is 5 m directly below the point of application.
by the equation: A. 25.3 B. 26.4 C. 27.1 D. 28.6
0.318𝑄𝑁
𝑝=
𝑧2 149. the point is 2.5 m below the load but 3 m horizontally from its
where: line of application.
1
𝑁= A. 12.3 B. 13.5 C. 14.6 D. 15.8
2 1.5
𝑟
[1+2(𝑧) ]

𝑟 = horizontal distance of the point from the vertical line of

application of the load SITUATION. According to Section 304 of the National Structural Code
𝑧 = depth of point below ground surface for Building (NSCP C101-10), the presumptive load bearing capacity of
sandy deposits, in the absence of exhaustive geotechnical site
Evaluate the vertical stress, in kPa, at a point below the ground for Q = assessment and investigation, is 100 kPa for a minimum footing width
1500 kN if: of 300 mm and a minimum depth of embedment of 300 mm. This value
can be increased by 20% for each additional 300 mm of width of footing
143. the point is 3 m directly below the point of application of the and/or depth of founding to a maximum of three (3) times the
load. designated value.
A. 53 B. 55 C. 57 D. 59
150. Evaluate the allowable bearing capacity, in kPa, of the soil for
144. the point is 6 m directly below the point of application of the a square footing 1.2 m. wide when founded at a depth of 300
load. mm below ground surface.
A. 11.2 B. 12.4 C. 13.3 D. 14.6 A. 130 B. 140 C. 110 D. 120

145. the point is 6 m below the load but 3 m horizontally from the 151. Evaluate the allowable bearing capacity of the soil for a
application of the load. square footing 1.2 m. wide when founded at a depth of 900
A. 6.1 B. 6.8 C. 7.2 D. 7.9 mm below ground surface.
A. 186 B. 175 C. 154 D. 168
146. A blow count N = 5 was obtained at a certain depth of a
clayey soil deposit. From the given table, estimate the 152. Determine the safe downward load, in kN, that the footing of
unconfined compression strength of the clay deposit. the preceding question can support.
A. 269 B. 234 C. 253 D. 242
Properties of Cohesive Soils
Compactness Very Soft Medium Stiff Very Hard SITUATION. In accordance with Boussinesq theory, the vertical stress
Soft Stiff at a point below the center of flexible circular area in a semi-infinite,
Unconfined 0-25 25- 50-100 100- 200- homogeneous, isotropic soil mass due to a uniform load is given by the
compression 50 200 400 expression:
strength 1
(kPa) 𝑃 = 𝑞 (1 − )
𝑁
Standard 0-2 2-4 4-8 8-16 16- where:
Penetration 32 1.5
𝑟 2
Resistance, N = [1 + (𝑍) ]
N blows per
305 mm
Unit weight 15.7-18.8 17.3- 18.8-22 >20.4 q = uniform load per unit area at the base of the footing
(kN/m3) moist 20.4 r = radius of the circular area
condition z = depth of point below the center of the circular loaded area

A. 62.5 B. 65.7 C. 68.3 D. 71.6 153. Evaluate the bearing pressure, in kPa, exerted by the footing
onto the supporting soil by a 4 m. diameter circular footing
SITUATION. According to the Boussinesq Theory, the vertical stress at that transmits a concentrated load of 1500 kN.
a point below the surface of a semi-infinite, homogeneous, isotropic soil A. 112.73 B. 119.37 C. 125.42 D. 131.09
mass due to appoint load Q applied at the ground surface is given by
the equation:
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CEBU: 4/F J. Martinez Bldg., Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City
BAGUIO: Upper Ground Floor, Pilando Center, Baguio City
Contact Number: (+93)956 2568509 (Manila), (032) 254-9967 (Cebu), (+63)939 5746940 (Baguio)
E-Mail: buksmarquez1 @yahoo.com

Group Study Problems – April 2024 – Principles of Geotechnical Engineering

154. Evaluate the vertical stress, in kPa, below the center of the 161. Evaluate the stress at a depth of 2 m and a horizontal
footing at a depth of 6 m. distance 3 m from the line of load.
A. 17.43 B. 18.57 C. 19.32 D. 16.70 A. 0.302 B. 0.326 C. 0.348 D. 0.379

155. How deep, in meters, below the footing would the pressure 162. A vertical load of 10 MN is placed at a distance from the
be reduced 1/10 of the pressure at the base of the footing? alignment of a tunnel at a depth of 6 m below the ground.
A. 7.4 B. 7.9 C. 6.1 D. 6.7 Design specifies that the vertical stress at the depth of tunnel
should not exceed 5% of the vertical stress directly below the
SITUATION. In accordance with the Boussinesq theory, the stress at load at the same depth. Find the distance of the load from the
depth Z, a semi-infinite, homogeneous, isotropic soil mass below the tunnel. Use Boussinesq theory,
corner of a flexible area B x L in plan due to a uniform load “q” per unit
area may be estimated from the expression P = qIZ. The value of IZ may 0.477𝑄𝑁
𝑃=
be obtained from the table attached. A square footing 4 m. on a side 𝑍2
transmits a load of 1.6 MN onto the soil where a layer of clay is formed where:
1
at a depth of 8 m. to 12 m. below the base of the footing. 𝑁= 2.5
𝑟 2
m = B/z n = L/z [1+(𝑍) ]

𝑟 = horizontal distance of the point from the vertical line

application of the load
𝑧 = depth of point below ground surface

A. 8.25 B. 8.89 C. 9.13 D. 9.72

163. A rectangular footing 3 m x 2 m has a thickness of 0.40 m. If P =

700 kN is acting at d1 = 1.50 m and d2 = 0.50 m, find the
maximum soil pressure, neglecting the weight of the footing.

156. Determine the pressure exerted by the footing onto the

surface in kPa.
A. 100 B. 120 C. 140 D. 160

157. Estimate the stress in kPa, below the center of the footing the
load at the mid height of the clay layer in accordance with
Boussinesq theory. A. 311.11 B. 315.03 C. 319.74 D. 326.46
A. 6.0 B. 6.4 C. 7.9 D. 7.2
164. A rectangular footing 3 m x 2 m has a thickness of 0.40 m. An
158. If the stress induced on the underlying soil formation is just to eccentric load P = 800 kN is acting at d1 = 1.50 m and d2 = 1.00
spread on an angle of 2 vertical to 1 horizontal, evaluate the m. Determine the maximum soil pressure, considering the weight
stress at the mid height of the clay below the center of the of the footing. Assume concrete to weigh 24 kN/m3.
footing with this assumption.
A. 7.42 B. 8.97 C. 8.59 D. 8.16

SITUATION. According to the elastic theory, the vertical stress induced

flexible line load of infinite length that has an intensity of q units/length
on the surface of a semi-infinite soil mass can be estimated by the
expression
𝑞
𝑝 = 0.637
𝑁
where:
2 A. 248.14 B. 255.42 C. 261.74 D. 276.27
𝑟 2
𝑁 = 𝑍 [1 + (𝑧) ]
165. A rectangular footing 3 m x 2 m carries an eccentric load P = 700
𝑟 = horizontal distance from the line load kN acting at d1 = 1.50 m and d2 = 1.00 m. Determine the
𝑧 = depth of interest at which stress is induced maximum soil pressure, neglecting the weight of the footing.
A concrete hollow block wall weighing 6 kN per lineal meter is carried
by a wall footing 0.60 m. wide.

159. Evaluate the bearing pressure in kPa exerted by the footing

onto the supporting soil.
A. 16 B. 10 C. 12 D. 14

160. Evaluate the stress in the soil caused by the load depth equal
to twice its width.
A. 5.45 B. 5.67 C. 5.84 D. 5.31 A. 107.73 B. 116.67 C. 123.49 D. 129.04
 MANILA: Room 206, JPD Building, CM Recto Avenue, Manila
CEBU: 4/F J. Martinez Bldg., Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City
BAGUIO: Upper Ground Floor, Pilando Center, Baguio City
Contact Number: (+93)956 2568509 (Manila), (032) 254-9967 (Cebu), (+63)939 5746940 (Baguio)
E-Mail: buksmarquez1 @yahoo.com

Group Study Problems – April 2024 – Principles of Geotechnical Engineering

166. A rectangular footing 3 m x 2 m carries an eccentric load P 178. The ratio in between the difference between void ratio of a
acting at d1 = 1.5 m and d2 = 0.60 m. What is the area still in cohesion less soil in the loosest state and any given void ratio, to
contact with the soil in m2? the difference between its void ratios in the loosest and in the
densest states is called
Ans. Relative density

179. When the plasticity index of a sample of soils is 6 or nearly 6,

then the sample must be of
Ans. Silt

180. The flow index in soils indicates When the plasticity index of a
sample of soils is 6 or nearly 6, then the sample must be of
Ans. Shear strength variation with water content
A. 5.4 B. 5.7 C. 6.2 D.6.8
181. In a USCS method of soil classification, soils that are gravelly
167. It is a soil whose present effective over burn pressure is less
and sandy in nature with less than 50% passing through the No.
than that which the soil experienced in the past.
200 sieve is known as.
A. Over consolidated
A. Coarse-grained soil
B. Normally consolidated
B. Fine-grained soil
C. Unconsolidated soil
C. well graded soil
D. None of the above
D. poorly graded soil
168. The fraction of soils passing which sieve number is used for
182. One of the following is not characteristic of cohesionless soils:
Atterberg Limits tests of soils?
A. Easy to compact
A. 60 B. 30 C. 50 D. 40 B. High shear strength
C. Practically impermeable
169. The plasticity index of highly plastic soil is about D. Prone to settlement under vibratory load
A. 80-120 B. 40-80 C. 0-20 D. 20-40
183. The shear strength of a soil in the plastic limit state is
170. The slope of the flow curve obtained from a liquid limit test Ans. Small
expressed as the difference in water contents at 10 blows and
100 blows is called 184. The shear strength of a soil in the liquid limit state is
Ans. Flow index Ans. Very small

171. The intensity of vertical stress 𝜎 at a depth due to a point load 185. The liquid and plastic limits exist in
acting on the surface of a semi-infinite elastic soil mass is Ans. Clay soils
Ans. Directly proportional to the square of depth
186. When then plastic limit of a soil is greater than the liquid limit,
172. Westergaard’s analysis for stress distribution beneath loaded than the plasticity index is
area is applicable to Ans. Zero
Ans. Stratified soil
187. When the plasticity index of a soil is zero, the soil is
173. The property of a soil which permits flow of water through its Ans. Sand
interconnected voids is called
Ans. Permeability 188. The minimum moisture content at which the soil just begins to
crumble when rolled into 3 mm threads is known as
174. A granular soil deposit is considered medium if the blow count of Ans. Plastic limit
a standard penetration test is between:
A. 4-10 189. The plastic limit exists in case of
B. 10-30 Ans. Sandy soils
C. 30-50
D. over 50 190. The liquid limit is defined as
Ans. Minimum water content at which soil can be rolled into 3 mm
175. In a USCS method of soil classification, soils with 50% or more dia threads
passing through the No. 200 sieve is known as.
A. Fine-grained soil 191. The saturated density of soil can be expressed as
B. Coarse-grained soil Ans. Unit weight of saturated soil
C. well graded soil
D. poorly graded soil 192. The ratio in between liquid limit minus the natural water content
and plasticity index of a soil is known as
176. The shrinkage index is equal to Ans. Relative consistency
Ans. Liquid limit – Shrinkage limit
193. An isobar is a line which connects all points below the ground
177. The plasticity index of loose sand is about surface at which
Ans. 40 – 70 Ans. The vertical stress is the same
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Group Study Problems – April 2024 – Principles of Geotechnical Engineering

194. The method of determination of water content of soils suitable for 209. Which one of the following planes is most likely to be the failure
coarse grained soils only, is plane in sandy soils?
Ans. Pycnometer method Ans. Plane carrying maximum angle of obliquity

195. The shrinkage ratio of a soil is 210. In consolidation testing, curve fitting method is used to determine
Ans. Equal to the mass specific gravity of the soil in its dry state Ans. Coefficient of consolidation

196. The maximum water content at which a reduction in water 211. For stability analysis of an earth dam for steady seepage case,
content will not cause a decrease in volume of a soil mass is the most appropriate test would be the
known as Ans. Unconsolidated drained test
Ans. Shrinkage limit
212. The dimensionless bearing capacity factors in Terzaghi’s
197. The minimum moisture content at which the soil remains in liquid analysis correspond to
state but has just started exhibiting a small shear strength Ans. General shear failure
against flowing is called
Ans. Consistency limit 213. Boussinesq assumption for soil, in his analysis of intensity of
stress in foundation material is that the soil mass in
198. A granular soil is considered loose if its relative density is in Ans. Semi-finite
between
A. 0-15 214. The bearing capacity of a soil may be improved by
B. 15 - 50 Ans. Increasing the depth of foundation
C. 50 - 70
D. 70 – 85 215. A shallow foundation is a foundation that
Ans. Has a depth of embedment less than its width
199. Soils having size larger than 75 mm using AASHTO
Classification System 216. The soils most susceptible to liquefaction are
A. Gravel Ans. Saturated fine and medium sands of uniform particle size
B. Rock
C. Loam 217. Along a phreatic line in an earth dem
D. Boulders and cobbles Ans. The pressure head is everywhere zero

200. The bearing capacity of a soil depends on 218. Which one of the following correctly defines the term ‘Activity’ of
Ans. The size of the footing clays?
Ans. plasticity index/percentage of clay
201. The shear strength of a soil
Is inversely proportional to the angle of internal friction 219. The ratio of volume of voids to the total volume of soil is known
as
202. Consider the following statements related to triaxial test: Ans. porosity
1. Failure occurs along predetermined plane
2. Intermediate and minor principal stresses are equal 220. Toughness index of a soil is the ratio of
3. Field conditions can be simulated Ans. Plasticity index to the flow index
4. Field conditions can be simulated Of these statements
Ans. 2, 3 and 4 are correct 221. The foundation of a structure can settle due to
Ans. Vertical movement
203. Most important factor for a foundation engineer is to know
Ans. Seepage through soil 222. A structure may get settlement due to
Ans. • Lowering of water table • Vibration resonance • Surroundings
204. Test not recommended for design of foundation on clayey soils is excavation
Ans. Standard penetration test
223. A soil having particles of nearly the same size is known as
205. Type of soil where the fine fractions have plasticity index of 10 or Ans. Uniformly graded
less using AASHTO Classification System
A. Clayey 224. The consistency of a saturated cohesive soil is affected by
B. Silty Ans. Water content
C. Sandy
D. Gravelly 225. The appropriate field test to determine the insitu undrained shear
strength of soft clay is
206. The bearing capacity of soil Ans. Vane shear test
Ans. Increases with decrease in the area of footing.
226. In which sample the percentage of the porosity will be at least?
207. Bearing capacity should be calculated from the criteria of Ans. Compact sand
Ans. Shear and settlement both
227. The percentage of the void ratio will be highest in
208. All theoretical approaches indicate that at greater depths the Ans. Organic clays
bearing capacity of pile base in sands should be practically
independent of its size and be proportional to 228. The dry density of which sample is expected to be highest?
Ans. Overburden pressure Ans. Dense sand
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Group Study Problems – April 2024 – Principles of Geotechnical Engineering

229. If the pores of a soil are completely full of air only, the soil is said 246. The minimum size of grains of silt soil is about
to be: Ans. 0.002 mm
Ans. Dry soil
247. The maximum size of grains of silt soil is about
230. The unit weight of a soil at zero air voids depends on Ans. 0.06 mm
A. Specific gravity
B. Water content
C. Unit weight of water
D. All of the above

231. The ratio of bulk density of a sample of soil mass to the density
of water at 4° is called
Ans. Bulk specific gravity

232. The submerged density of soil is the ratio of

Ans. Weight of soil less weight of water is to the volume of solids
plus voids in the soil.

233. The bulk density of soil can be defined as

Ans. Unit weight of soil

234. Sieve analysis of a soil sample is done if the particles do not

pass through square openings of
Ans. 0.075 mm

235. Wet analysis of fine particles is done if nearly all soil particles
pass through square sieve openings of
Ans. 0.075 mm

236. The largest grain size that passes a No. 200 sieve in millimeters
is:
A. 0.0740 mm
B. 0.0200 mm
C. 0.0640 mm
D. 0.0054 mm

237. The degree of saturation in soils can be defined as the ratio of

Ans. Volume of water to volume of voids in soil.

238. The ratio of volume of voids to the total volume of the given soil
mass, is known as
Ans. Porosity

239. When the pores of a soil are full of water then the soil will be
called
Ans. Fully saturated soil

240. Dry density of a soil is

Ans. Ratio of the weight of soil solids to the total volume

241. The ratio of volume of air voids to the volume of voids, is called
Ans. Air content

242. A cohesive soil deposit is considered soft if the unconfined

compression strength in kPa is between:
A. 0 to 24
B. 48 to 96
C. 96 to 192
D. 24 to 48

243. The soil transported by flowing water is called

Ans. Alluvial soil

244. The soil transported by wind is called

Ans. Aeolian soil

245. Lacustrine soils are those which are

Ans. Deposited at the bottom of lakes