Explore topic-wise InterviewSolutions in .

This section includes InterviewSolutions, each offering curated multiple-choice questions to sharpen your knowledge and support exam preparation. Choose a topic below to get started.

1.

The movement of soil under the action of load can be prevented by confining the ground by use of _________(a) Steel pile(b) Sand pile(c) Timber pile(d) Sheet pileI got this question by my college professor while I was bunking the class.I'm obligated to ask this question of Ground Techniques in division Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct answer is (d) Sheet pile

To explain: When the sheet piles are used in such ground, it will result in the increase of BEARING power of soil. The wooden sheet piles are commonly used for the temporary work such as cofferdams. They usually consists of wooden boards 80 mm to 150 mm thick, 200 mm to 300 mm wide and 2 metres to 4 metres LONG.

2.

Identify the given Sheet pile below.(a) Arch web sheet pile(b) R.C.C. sheet pile(c) Straight web sheet pile(d) Timber sheet pileThe question was posed to me in an online interview.My question is from Ground Techniques in chapter Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The correct answer is (d) Timber SHEET pile

To explain I would say: The bottom of timber sheet pile is chamfered so as to form a cutting EDGE and if necessary, both top and bottom are PROVIDED with SUITABLE iron fittings. They usually consist of wooden boards 80 mm to 150 mm thick, 200 mm to 300 mm wide and 2 m to 4 m long.

3.

In method of loading, which material is used for loading?(a) Wooden pegs(b) Square steel plate(c) Sand bags(d) RocksThe question was posed to me in an internship interview.My query is from Ground Techniques topic in portion Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The CORRECT choice is (C) Sand bags

The explanation: The number of banks full of sand or arrange on the rolled Steel section. The sand bag is on the platform till the SETTLEMENT of the ground ceases or stops. The loading should be applied without shock or IMPACT at the CENTRE.

4.

Identify the method given below for the determination of the bearing power of soil.(a) Plate load test method(b) Electrical resistivity method(c) Seismic refraction method(d) Geophysical methodThe question was asked during an interview for a job.My question is from Ground Techniques topic in portion Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right option is (a) Plate LOAD TEST method

For explanation I would SAY: Plate load test method is one of the methods of DETERMINATION of bearing power of soil. Plate load test method is the improved point method and it is widely used for determination of the bearing capacity. Other methods for determination are the method of loading, method of dropping weight, analytical methods and Presumptive method.

5.

The resistance of the soil with depth is measured by means of a tool known as the _______(a) Seismometer(b) Potentiometer(c) Penetrometer(d) AmmeterThis question was posed to me in an interview.This question is from Site Exploration Methods in division Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The correct OPTION is (c) Penetrometer

For explanation I would SAY: The penetrometer is USED under static or dynamic LOADING which may consist of a sampling spoon, a cone or tool of other shape. The penetrometer is driven in the ground with the help of BLOWS from a 650 N weight falling from a height of 750 mm.

6.

The maximum safe bearing capacity of hard rocks with defects and lamination such as granite, diorite and trap is ___________ kN/m^2.(a) 1650(b) 3300(c) 250(d) 100This question was addressed to me during an internship interview.I'm obligated to ask this question of Ground Techniques in section Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»
7.

Which method for determining the bearing power of soil is most preferred among the given below?(a) Method of loading(b) Plate load test(c) Penetration test(d) Analytical methodI have been asked this question during an internship interview.The origin of the question is Ground Techniques topic in portion Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right option is (b) Plate load TEST

Best explanation: Plate load test is the IMPROVED refined method and it is widely used for determining the bearing capacity of SOIL for important CIVIL engineering structures. This method can be carried out in two ways: gravity loading platform method and reaction TRUSS method.

8.

Due to the adjustment of soil particles under the action of loading, there is some settlement at zero loading, this is known as the ___________(a) Bearing capacity(b) Safe bearing capacity(c) Vibroflotation(d) Zero correctionThis question was posed to me in semester exam.Enquiry is from Ground Techniques in portion Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer» RIGHT choice is (d) Zero CORRECTION

To explain I WOULD say: Zero correction is obtained from the LOAD settlement curve. The zero correction should be deducted from the observed settlements to get the actual settlements.
9.

_________ is used to indicate the maximum load per unit area which the soil will resist safely without displacement.(a) Bearing power(b) Maximum safe bearing capacity(c) Strength of soil(d) Allowable bearing pressureThe question was asked in an interview for internship.The above asked question is from Ground Techniques in portion Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right option is (a) Bearing POWER

Explanation: The LOAD of the structure is ultimately COMING on the soil and hence it is of utmost importance to know the strength and behaviour of the soil. Dividing the ultimate bearing power of soil by a factor of SAFETY, the safe bearing capacity of soil is OBTAINED.

10.

What is the average depth of a Test pit?(a) 10 m(b) 2 m(c) 1.50 m(d) 15 mThis question was addressed to me by my school principal while I was bunking the class.My doubt is from Site Exploration Methods topic in division Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct ANSWER is (c) 1.50 m

To ELABORATE: Test Pit is EXCAVATED up to a depth about 1.50 m at which sufficiently hard soil is AVAILABLE. The various data of soil can be inspected, STUDIED and classified accordingly. This method is useful when hard soil is available within a maximum depth of 1.50 m.

11.

A square pit, known as _________ with side as about 1.50 m, is excavated upto a depth at which sufficiently hard soil is available.(a) Test pits(b) Probing(c) Test piles(d) Deep boringThis question was addressed to me in unit test.My doubt is from Site Exploration Methods in portion Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct option is (a) Test pits

Explanation: Using Trail pits or Test pits, various TATA of the soil can be INSPECTED, studied and classified accordingly. This method is USEFUL when HARD soil is available within a maximum depth of 1.50 metre.

12.

The loading to the test plate is applied with the help of ______(a) Sand bags(b) Hydraulic jack(c) Wooden pegs(d) Hard rocksThe question was asked in an online quiz.The query is from Ground Techniques topic in portion Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct answer is (b) Hydraulic jack

The EXPLANATION is: In the plate load TEST, the hydraulic Jack is preferably provided with the remote CONTROL pumping UNIT. The reaction of the hydraulic jack is borne either by the gravity loading platform method or by the reaction TRUSS method.

13.

Identify the given pile below.(a) Steep pile(b) Sand pile(c) Sheet pile(d) Timber pileThis question was addressed to me at a job interview.This interesting question is from Ground Techniques in portion Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right answer is (b) SAND pile

The explanation is: Shown above is a typical sand pile. The sand piles are placed at 2 metres to 3 meters, USUALLY under the COLUMN of the structure. Load test should be CARRIED out to determine the bearing capacity of sand pile.

14.

The bearing capacity of sandy soil and gravelly soils is affected to the extent of ___________% by the presence of water table.(a) 50(b) 10(c) 25(d) 80I got this question by my school teacher while I was bunking the class.I would like to ask this question from Ground Techniques in chapter Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer» RIGHT answer is (a) 50

The best I can explain: If the WATER table is above the foundation level, the water should be pumped out before placing the steel plate. If water is made with at a depth of one METRE below the level of the foundation level, the load test should be carried out at that level.
15.

In case of non-cohesive soils such as sand and gravel ___________ reduction in allowable bearing capacity of the soil should be applied, if the water table is situated below or near the bearing surface of the soil.(a) 20%(b) 50%(c) 80%(d) 100%This question was addressed to me in class test.My query is from Ground Techniques in division Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct choice is (b) 50%

To EXPLAIN I would say: HOWEVER, if water table is situated below the BEARING surface of the SOIL at a depth equal to the width of the FOUNDATION trench, no such reduction should be applied. But in this case, 50% reduction is applied. For intermediate depths of the water table, the proportion and percentage reduction should be applied.

16.

In Penetration test, the formula obtained for the safe bearing capacity of soil per unit area is given by?(a) R÷{A×F}(b) R-{A×F}(c) R+{A×F}(d) R×{A×F}The question was asked in exam.I'd like to ask this question from Ground Techniques topic in section Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The correct choice is (a) R÷{A×F}

Best explanation: Safe bearing CAPACITY of soil per unit area = R÷{A×F} where R is EQUALS to ultimate resistance of soil, A = 2 CROSS sectional area of the substance, F equals two FACTOR of SAFETY. The results obtained by this method are approximate and hence this method is used for minor engineering structures.

17.

In analytical methods, which soil parameters used to determine the ultimate bearing capacity of the soil?(a) Angle of internal friction(b) Permeability(c) Adhesion(d) PorosityI had been asked this question by my college professor while I was bunking the class.My question is taken from Ground Techniques topic in division Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct choice is (a) Angle of internal friction

The best explanation: Angle of internal friction and Cohesion are the SOIL parameters which are used in analytical method to DETERMINE the ultimate BEARING capacity of soil. The samples, preferably of undisturbed soil, are collected from the bore holes or TEST pits and various test are then CARRIED out in the soil testing laboratory for the purpose of analytical analysis of the soil.

18.

The maximum differential settlement should not exceed ___________ mm in case of foundation on sandy soil.(a) 100(b) 40(c) 50(d) 25This question was addressed to me in examination.My doubt stems from Ground Techniques in division Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (d) 25

To elaborate: The total amount of settlement should be generally limited between 40 mm and 100 mm. The term DIFFERENTIAL settlement indicates the RELATIVE settlement of the ADJACENT portion of the structure.

19.

Identify the given diagram below.(a) Post-hole auger(b) Screw auger(c) Shell auger(d) RodThe question was asked during an internship interview.I'd like to ask this question from Site Exploration Methods in section Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right CHOICE is (a) Post-hole auger

Easy EXPLANATION: The length of the tube is about 1.50 M and it is PROVIDED with a Jaws at the end so that it can be suitably explore or DIG the ground easily. The auger is work by applying leverage at the TOP.

20.

Stone columns are invariably used in which soil.(a) Poor bearing capacity(b) Strong bearing capacity(c) Low bearing capacity(d) Very poor bearing capacityI got this question during an interview.I need to ask this question from Ground Techniques in division Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right option is (a) POOR bearing capacity

Easy explanation: It is normally USED in soft inorganic soils. Stone columns are essentially a method of soil reinforcement in which soft cohesive soil is replaced at discrete POINTS by compacted stone or crushed rock in pre bored vertical HOLE to form columns or FILES within the soil.

21.

Identify the given pile below.(a) Timber pile(b) Concrete pile(c) Composite pile(d) Screw pileThis question was posed to me during an internship interview.My question is based upon Ground Techniques in section Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right option is (C) COMPOSITE pile

To EXPLAIN I would say: Composite pile is formed when it is a combination either of a bored pile and DRIVEN Pile or of driven piles of two different materials. In this combination, the advantage is taken of the durability of CONCRETE piles and the cheapness of timber piles.

22.

The commercial method which combines the effect of vibration with jetting is known as _______(a) Flooding(b) Ramming(c) Vibration(d) VibroflotationThe question was posed to me during an online interview.This is a very interesting question from Ground Techniques topic in portion Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct choice is (d) Vibroflotation

For explanation I would SAY: Vibroflotation is very useful especially when the FOUNDATION is required to support heavy loads spread over a great area. In this method, a heavy CYLINDER KNOWN as Vibroflot is inserted in the ground while the cylinder vibrates due to a Rotary ECCENTRIC weight.

23.

The construction of which piles proves to be very useful in case of sandy soil or soft.(a) Cast iron pile(b) Sand pile(c) Steel pile(d) Timber pileThis question was posed to me in examination.This interesting question is from Ground Techniques topic in chapter Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right choice is (b) Sand pile

The best EXPLANATION: These PILES are formed by making holes in the GROUND and then filling the holes by sand. If sand is kept confined, it possesses great CRUSHING STRENGTH and becomes incompressible.

24.

Identify the given pile below.(a) Sand pile(b) Sheet pile(c) Timber pile(d) Steel pileThis question was addressed to me in an interview.The question is from Ground Techniques topic in portion Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct option is (c) Timber pile

The best explanation: Figure GIVEN above is a Timber pile. At the bottom, a cast IRON shoe is provided at the top, a steel plate is FIXED. If a group of timber piles is driven, the top of each MEMBER of the group is brought at the same level and then, a concrete CAP is provided to have a common platform.

25.

Identify the given pile below.(a) Concrete sheet pile(b) Corrugated sheet pile(c) Z-type sheet pile(d) Timber sheet pileI got this question in an interview for job.My query is from Ground Techniques topic in chapter Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The correct CHOICE is (a) Concrete sheet pile

For explanation I would say: Concrete sheet piles are square or rectangular in cross section and they are driven SIDE by side so as to form a CONTINUOUS wall. The weight of precast RCC piles varies from 500 mm to 600 mm and the THICKNESS varies from 20 mm to 60 mm.

26.

The bearing capacity of soil is calculated in ______ units.(a) gm/cc(b) kg/m^3(c) kN/m^2(d) N/mThis question was posed to me by my college director while I was bunking the class.The query is from Ground Techniques topic in division Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct answer is (C) kN/m^2

The best I can EXPLAIN: The bearing CAPACITY of SOIL is calculated as the maximum load divided by the total area of steel plate i.e. Bearing Capacity = max. Load ÷ area of steel plate and the UNIT is N/m^2 or kN/m^2.

27.

The maximum differential settlement should not exceed __________ mm in case of foundation on clayey soil.(a) 40(b) 25(c) 100(d) 50The question was asked during an online interview.The question is from Ground Techniques topic in division Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right answer is (a) 40

Best EXPLANATION: For ordinary frame structures of CONCRETE, the permissible angular distortion is 1/500 i.e. one HORIZONTAL to 500 vertical and the desirable value is 1/1000 i.e. one horizontal to 1000 vertical. The TERM angular distortion is used to indicate the deformation of the structure in a vertical plane.

28.

In which method, a square steel plate is used to determine the bearing power of soil.(a) Plate load test(b) Method of loading(c) Analytical method(d) Penetration testThe question was asked in class test.My question comes from Ground Techniques topic in section Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct choice is (b) METHOD of loading

For explanation: In method of loading, a square steel plate is used whose size depends on practical conditions and it generally varies from 3000 mm^2 to 7500 mm^2. The plate should have sufficient thickness to with STAND the maximum BENDING stresses DUE to PROBABLE loading.

29.

_________ consists of driving either a hollow tube or a steel rod or an iron rod into the ground.(a) Trail pits(b) Test piles(c) Probing(d) DiggingI got this question in an interview.My doubt stems from Site Exploration Methods topic in section Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The correct answer is (c) Probing

For explanation I would say: In Probing, a HOLLOW TUBE of diameter 35 mm to 50 mm is taken. The tube is DRIVEN into the ground 300 mm or so at a time. It is then withdrawn and the material caught in the slit is inspected.

30.

Identify the method given below.(a) Plate load test(b) Method of loading(c) Analytical method(d) Penetration testI have been asked this question by my college director while I was bunking the class.The question is from Ground Techniques topic in section Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Correct OPTION is (a) Plate load test

To explain: Plate load test is the improved REFINED method and it is WIDELY used for determining the bearing capacity of soil for important civil structures. Specifically, this method is plate load method with gravity loading par platform which consists of loading of SAND bags.

31.

The shock waves so produced travel down in the sub soil strata and get reflected after striking a hard rock surface below and recorded by the instrument known as ___________(a) Microphone(b) Geophone(c) Receiver(d) SensorsThe question was posed to me in a national level competition.My question is taken from Site Exploration Methods topic in section Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»
32.

For determining the bearing capacity of soil, in method of loading the size for a square steel plate used is about ________(a) 300 mm^2 to 750 mm^2(b) 3000 mm^2 to 7500 mm^2(c) 3 m^2 to 75 m^2(d) 3 mm^2 to 75 mm^2I had been asked this question by my college director while I was bunking the class.The doubt is from Ground Techniques topic in section Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right answer is (b) 3000 mm^2 to 7500 mm^2

The explanation: In method of loading comma the size of square steel plate generally VARIANCE from 3000 mm^2 to 7500 mm^2. The plates should have sufficient THICKNESS to with STAND the maximum bending stresses due to PROBABLE loading. But in no case, it should be LESS than 25 mm.

33.

The maximum safe bearing capacity of very soft, wet, pasty or muddy clay is __________ kN/m^2.(a) 150(b) 100(c) 50(d) 25I got this question in an interview for job.The above asked question is from Ground Techniques topic in chapter Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer» RIGHT option is (c) 50

The best I can explain: As the given soil is very soft, wet, muddy CLAY, the soil POSSESS very least MINIMUM SAFE bearing capacity. This is because, this soil possess very less intermolecular attraction between the molecules hence it has low bearing capacity.
34.

Identify the given pile below.(a) Universal joist steel sheet pile(b) Z-type steel sheet pile(c) Corrugated steel sheet pile(d) Built up type steel sheet pileThe question was posed to me in exam.I want to ask this question from Ground Techniques in chapter Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

The correct choice is (a) Universal joist steel SHEET pile

The explanation: The given figure SHOWS a universal JOINT Steel sheet pile. These piles consist of I-beams connected by STANDARD clutches or lock bars. But its flanges are curved so as to accommodate the flanges of I beams as SHOWN in given figure.

35.

The number of blows required to drive the penetrometer into the ground through a distance of 300 mm is measured which is known as _____________ of the soil.(a) Standard penetration resistance(b) Bearing power of soil(c) Maximum safe bearing capacity(d) Allowable bearing pressureI got this question during an online interview.My doubt stems from Site Exploration Methods topic in section Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right ANSWER is (a) Standard penetration RESISTANCE

Easiest explanation: The bearing capacity and the other engineering properties of certain TYPES of soil are they KNOWN by referring to the curves correlating Standard Penetration Resistance or SPT and the CORRESPONDING characteristics of soil. The values of SPT of soil and different depths are determined.

36.

The method in which 4 electrons are driven in the ground at equal distance apart and in a straight line upto a depth which the ground distance is to be measured.(a) Seismic refraction method(b) Geophysical method(c) Electrical resistivity method(d) Current extraction methodThe question was asked during an internship interview.Query is from Site Exploration Methods topic in section Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer» CORRECT option is (c) Electrical resistivity method

Explanation: This method is based on the principle that each soil has different electrical resistivity, DEPENDING upon its water content, compaction and COMPOSITION. For instance, the SATURATED soil will have lower electrical resistivity as compared to the loose dry GRAVEL or solid rock.
37.

The term _________ on soil is used to indicate the maximum pressure which can be exerted on soil while taking into account shear failure, settlement and the ability of structure to resist settlement.(a) Bearing capacity(b) Net pressure intensity(c) Allowable bearing pressure(d) Maximum safe bearing capacityI have been asked this question by my school principal while I was bunking the class.Origin of the question is Ground Techniques topic in section Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer»

Right answer is (C) ALLOWABLE bearing pressure

Explanation: The value of Allowable Bearing Pressure on soil depends on the nature of ground and the TYPE of BUILDING. The maximum safe bearing CAPACITY of soil is generally more than the allowable bearing pressure on soil.

38.

The ____________ is the term used to denote a method in which case is driven into the ground and the material inside the casing is washed out and brought to the surface for inspection.(a) Deep boring(b) Percussion boring(c) Rotary drilling(d) Wash boringI got this question by my college director while I was bunking the class.The doubt is from Site Exploration Methods in chapter Site Investigation and Ground Techniques of Construction & Building Materials

Answer» CORRECT choice is (d) Wash boring

Explanation: The process of wash boring consists in driving an INNER tube of DIAMETER 25 mm to 50 mm, INSIDE an outer tube of diameter 100 mm to 150 mm. Whereas, percussion boring and ROTARY drilling are the types of Deep boring.