Soil Mechanics, 2 year Civil Engineering, MET

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MISR High Institute for Engineering & Technology

Civil Engineering Department
2nd Year Civil

Course: Soil Mechanics code: CIS- 2327

Examiner: Dr. M. Farouk & Dr.Reda Yosry

Samples questions in Question Bank

IN each of the following, select the appropriate answer.
*Any missing data could be reasonably assumed.

1. The surface area of sand particles for 1 gm is about….. m2.

a. 1000
b. 0.01
c. 100
d. 10

2. The surface area of Kaolinite clay particles for 1 gm is about….. m2.

a. 1000
b. 0.01
c. 100
d. 10

3. The surface area of Illite clay particles for 1 gm is about….. m2.

a. 1000
b. 0.01
c. 100
d. 10

4. The surface area of Montmorillonite clay particles for 1 gm is about….. m2.

a. 1000
b. 0.01
c. 100
d. 10

5. Montmorillonite clay particles are sensitive for water sources, it is considered ….. soil.
a. Silt
b. Sand
c. Problematic
d. Rock

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6. Soil is derived from the weathering of…..

a. Concrete
b. Steel
c. Timber
d. Rock

7. ….. soil is sensitive for water.

a. Rock
b. Sand
c. Gravel
d. Fine-grained

8. The size of sand particles ranges from….…mm.

a. 0.075 to 2
b. 7.5 to 20
c. 0.0075 to 0.02
d. 75 to 200

9. The size of silt particles ranges from….…mm.

a. 2 to 7.5
b. 0.2 to 0.75
c. 0.002 to 0.075
d. 20 to 75

10. The size of clayparticles is less than….…mm.

a. 0.00002
b. 0.0002
c. 0.002
d. 0.000002

11. For 100.0 m2 two stories residential buildings and 36 m2 foundation area, the
boreholes numbers are:
a. 3
b. 2
c. 4
d. 1

12. For 100.0 m2 two stories residential buildings and 36 m2 foundation area, the
boreholes depth will be (m):
a. 18
b. 1.8
c. 1800
d. 10

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13. Forsoil data shown in Table 1, the uniformity coefficient will be …

a. 0.81
b. 1.8
c. 8.1
d. 10

Table 1: Grain distribution test.

Sieve diameter (mm) 9.53 4.75 2.0 0.85 0.425 0.15 0.075 Pan

Retained weight (grams) 20 30 50 80 700 60.0 80 100

14. For soil data shown in Table 1, the curvature coefficient will be …
a. 4.8
b. 0.48
c. 8.4
d. 84

15. For soil data shown in Table 1, the soil grading will be …
a. Poor
b. Well
c. Very poor
d. Gap

16. For soil data shown in Table 1, the soil contains …% of fine-grained soil.
a. 8.9
b. 0.89
c. 9.8
d. 98

17. For soil data shown in Table 1, the soil contains …% of coarse-grained soil.
a. 89
b. 91
c. 1.9
d. 19

18. A 40 N dry soil sample is placed in a container 15 cm in diameter and 15 cm height

(Gs = 2.7). The void ratio will be…
a. 0.89
b. 7.9
c. 9.7
d. 0.79

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19. A 40 N dry soil sample is placed in a container 15 cm in diameter and 15 cm height

(Gs = 2.7). The soil porositywill be…
a. 0.55
b. 44
c. 0.44
d. 4.4

20. For a sand sample, with a void ratio of 0.5, the saturated unit weight = … t/m3.
a. 0.21
b. 2.1
c. 1.2
d. 0.12

21. For a sand sample, with a void ratio of 0.5, the dry unit weight = … t/m3.
a. 1.87
b. 7.17
c. 17.7
d. 1.77

22. For a clay sample at a level (-10.00) m below the ground level, the water content was
0.25 and the groundwater level coincides with the ground level, the total soil stress will
be …t/m2.
a. 19.9
b. 1.99
c. 0.199
d. 9.19

23. For a clay sample at a level (-10.00) m below the ground level, the water content was
0.5, the effective soil stress = … kPa. (A13, B2, B14, B17)
a. 9.9 ©
b. 99
c. 1.99
d. 0.99

24. A 40 N dry soil sample is placed in a container 15 cm in diameter and 15 cm height

(Gs = 2.7). The soil porositywill be…
a. 0.55
b. 44
c. 0.44
d. 4.4

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25. For the soil profile presented in Figure 1and soil properties inTable 2, the total vertical
stress at point 1 =….t/m2.
a. 17.05
b. 50.17
c. 15.07
d. 71.05
TABLE 2: SOIL DATA

Soil Sand Layer Soil Clay Layer

Sample Dry Weight 170 Grams Water Content for Saturated Sample 0.2
Sample Volume 100 Cm 3 Specific Gravity 2.7
Specific Gravity 2.6

Figure 1:Soil profile #1

26. For the soil profile presented in Figure 1 and soil properties inTable 2, the total vertical
stress at point 2 =…t/m2.
a. 69.25
b. 65.29
c. 92.65
d. 29.65

27. For the soil profile presented in Figure 1 and soil properties inTable 2, the vertical
effective stress at point 1 =….t/m2.
a. 15.02
b. 50.12
c. 21.05
d. 12.05

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28. For the soil profile presented in Figure 1 and soil properties inTable 2, the vertical
effective stress at point 2 =….t/m2.
a. 81.65
b. 18.65
c. 19.65
d. 65.18

29. A foundation is rested on a soil with 300 % liquid limit, 55 % plastic limit, 80% natural
water content and 60 % clay content. Plasticity index = ….%.
a. 254
b. 524
c. 425
d. 245

30. A foundation is rested on a soil with 300 % liquid limit, 55 % plastic limit, 80 % natural
water content and 60 % clay content. Liquidity index =….
a. 0.102
b. 0.201
c. 0.021
d. 0.012

31. Table 3 and Table 4 present the results of a liquid and plastic limits tests. For a soil water
content = 30.0 %, the soil has …. % of liquid limit, Plastic limit.
a. 40
b. 45
c. 48
d. 47
TABLE 3: LIQUID LIMIT RESULTS .

Number of blows 11 20 24 28 40
Water content % 63.0 46.0 40.0 37.0 25.0

TABLE 4: PLASTIC LIMIT RESULTS .

# 1 2 3 4
WATER CONTENT % 20.0 20.5 20.7 20.3

32. Table 3 and Table 4 present the results of a liquid and plastic limits tests. For a soil
water content = 30.0 %, the soil has …. % of plastic limit.
a. 27
b. 28
c. 25
d. 20

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33. A ….. soil which has cohesive particles.

a. Sand
b. Clay
c. Gravel
d. Boulders

34. A ….. soil which has friction particles.

a. Sand
b. Clay
c. Peat
d. Blocks

35. A ….. soil which has 70 % sand and 30 % clay.

a. Clayey silt
b. Sandy clay
c. Clayey sand ©
d. Silty Sand
36. For Figure 2, Water flows through12.0 cm soil in diameter in a tube 0.5 m long, by
constant rate. 1.1 cm3 for every 12.0 seconds is collected from the pan at point 1. The
Flow Rate will be …cm3/s.

a. 0.092
b. 0.029
c. 0.209
d. 0.920

Figure 2: Constant head test

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37. For Figure 2, Water flows through12.0 cm soil in diameter in a tube 0.5 m long, by
constant rate. 1.1 cm3 for every 12.0 seconds is collected from the pan at point 1,the
average velocity= …. cm/hr.

a. 3.92
b. 3.29
c. 2.93
d. 9.23
38. For Figure 2, Water flows through12.0 cm soil in diameter in a tube 0.5 m long, by
constant rate. 1.1 cm3 for every 12.0 seconds is collected from the pan at point 1, the
seepage velocity= … cm/hr for 0.6 void ratio.

a. 8.17
b. 7.81
c. 1.87
d. 8.71

39. For Figure 2, Water flows through12.0 cm soil in diameter in a tube 0.5 m long, by
constant rate. 1.1 cm3 for every 12.0 seconds is collected from the pan at point 1. The
soil will have a hydraulic conductivity= … …. cm/hr

a. 9.00
b. 9.80
c. 8.09
d. 8.90

40. The drainage system demonstrated in Figure 3, is designed to transfer the flooding water
from the above level through 0.5m in diameter pipe, 18.0 long sand layer and 8.0 m long
silt to reach the shown canal road. The Sand hydraulic conductivity is 2.2 times of silt.
The porewater pressure at point 1 =….t/m2.
a. 0.20
b. 02.0
c. 200.0
d. 20.0

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Figure 3: One dimension water flow

41. The drainage system demonstrated in Figure 3, is designed to transfer the flooding water
from the above level through 0.5m in diameter pipe, 18.0 long sand layer and 8.0 m long
silt to reach the shown canal road. The Sand hydraulic conductivity is 2.2 times of silt.
The porewater pressure at point 3 =….t/m2.
a. 0.00
b. 001
c. 010
d. 0.10

42. The drainage system demonstrated in Figure 3, is designed to transfer the flooding water
from the above level through 0.5m in diameter pipe, 18.0 long sand layer and 8.0 m long
silt to reach the shown canal road. The Sand hydraulic conductivity is 2.2 times of silt
and the porewater pressure at point 2 =….kPa.
a. 37.3
b. 7.33
c. 33.7
d. 3.37

43. The drainage system demonstrated in Figure 3, is designed to transfer the flooding water
from the above level through 0.5m in diameter pipe, 18.0 long sand layer and 8.0 m long
silt to reach the shown canal road. The Sand hydraulic conductivity is 2.2 times of silt
and the porewater pressure at 9.0 m from the vertical pipe=….. kPa.
a. 169.1
b. 116.9
c. 161.9
d. 191.6

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44. For the data of constant head test presented in Table 5,the soil has ….m/d of hydraulic
conductivity
a. 0.22
b. 02.20
c. 20.20
d. 22.00
Table 5: Data of constant head test

Constant head 0.50 m

Tube diameter 0.10 m

Soil length 0.20 m

Water collected in 10 s 50 cm3

45. Table 6 demonstrates the data of a falling head test. Hence, the hydraulic conductivity
of will be ….m/hr.
a. 0.04
b. 0.40
c. 4.0
d. 0.44
Table 6: Falling head test

Initial water head 1.0 m

Water head After 20 mins 0.85 m

Small diameter 0.02 m

Soil length 0.20 m

Soil cross-section diameter 0.10 m

46. A well-point -Figure 4-0.1 m radius with 0.06 m3/s discharge flow rate under two days
operation, is accomplished in a soil 8.0 m thick with 0.005 m/s hydraulic conductivity.
The soil void ratio is equal to 0.5 and the initial ground water level at 2.0 under the
ground level and the radius of influence=…..m.
a. 274.8.
b. 278.4
c. 247.8
d. 248.7

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47. A well-point -Figure 4-0.1 m radius with 0.06 m3/s discharge flow rate under two days
operation, is accomplished in a soil 8.0 m thick with 0.005 m/s hydraulic conductivity.
The soil void ratio is equal to 0.5 and the initial ground water level at 2.0 under the
ground level and themaximum drawdown =….. m
a. 3.25
b. 3.52
c. 2.35
d. 5.32

Figure 4: Well point data

48. A well-point -Figure 4-0.1 m radius with 0.06 m3/s discharge flow rate under two days
operation, is accomplished in a soil 8.0 m thick with 0.005 m/s hydraulic conductivity.
The soil void ratio is equal to 0.5 and the initial ground water level is located at 2.0
under the ground level. The water levelis reached ….m under excavation center (-2.50),
if the excavation dimensions are 20.0 m*20.0
a. 0.36
b. 3.06
c. 0.63
d. 6.03
49. A soil sample tested by standard proctor,weights 1800 grams with 8% water content,
the molds volume is 9.44*10-4 m3. The bulk density will be…t/m3
a. 1.91
b. 19.1
c. 9.11
d. 0.19

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50. A soil sample tested by standard proctor,weights 1800 grams with 8% water content,
the molds volume is 9.44*10-4 m3. The dry density will be…t/m3.
a. 77.1
b. 7.71
c. 7.17
d. 1.77

51. Table 7demonstrates the results of a standard compaction test, the soil has …. t/m3 of
maximum dry density
a. 1.50
b. 1.90
c. 0.19
d. 9.10

Table 7:Standard compaction test results

Water content
6.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0
(%)
Bulk density
17.0 18.8 19.6 20.6 20.3 20.0
(kN/m3)

52. Table 7demonstrates the results of a standard compaction test, the soil has …. % of
optimum water content
a. 105
b. 0.105
c. 10.5
d. 15.1

53. Table 7demonstrates the results of a standard compaction test, the soil has …. % of
saturation degree at the maximum dry density
a. 67.0
b. 6.70
c. 7.60
d. 0.67

54. By knowing results of standard compaction test inTable 8 and Table 9, the dry unit
weight at 95% standard compaction will be….t/m3
a. 77.1
b. 7.71
c. 7.17
d. 1.77

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Soil Mechanics, 2 year Civil Engineering, MET
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Table 8:Proctor test results

Water content (%) 6 8 9 10 11 12 13

Bulk unit weight (t/m3) 1.6 1.7 1.8 2.0 2.05 2.01 1.95

Table 9:Sand cone test results

Calibration to find dry unit weight of the

standard sand

Mass of Proctor mold 4.0 kg Volume of mold 0.00095 m3

Mass of Proctor mold and sand 5.5 kg

Calibration of sand cone

Mass of cone + jar filled with sand 5.5 kg Mass of jar filled with 3.8 kg
sand

Sand cone test results

Mass of sand cone apparatus and jar filled 7.5 kg Mass of sand cone 3.9 kg
with sand apparatus with
remaining sand in jar

Mass of excavated soil 1.8 kg Water content of 4.80 %

excavated soil

55. By knowing results of compaction tests inTable 8 and Table 9, the dry unit weight at
95% standard compaction will be….t/m3
a. 77.1
b. 7.71
c. 7.17
d. 1.77

56. By knowing results of compaction tests inTable 8 and Table 9, the soil has ….% of water
content at 95% standard compaction.
a. 1.026
b. 10.26
c. 0.1026
d. 12.06

57. By knowing results of compaction tests in Table 8 and Table 9, the field dry unit weight
is equal to ….t/m3.
a. 1.5
b. 5.1
c. 0.15
d. 1.05

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58. By knowing results of compaction tests inTable 8 and Table 9, the degree of compaction
will be…%:
a. 8.0
b. 0.08
c. 80
d. 0.80

59. The …. settlement has the highest values for sand soil.
a. Elastic
b. Primary consolidation
c. Secondary consolidation
d. Consolidation

60. The …….. settlement has the highest values for saturated clay soil.
a. Elastic
b. Primary consolidation
c. Secondary consolidation
d. Initial

61. The secondary consolidation settlement starts after the end of …. settlement.
a. Elastic
b. Primary consolidation
c. Secondary consolidation
d. Initial

62. A soil sample with 20 mm of initial height, is consolidated with axial displacement 2
mm. the axial strain will be …:
a. 1.0
b. 0.1
c. 10
d. 0.01

63. A soil sample is subjected to axial force 10 N. With 40 mm of sample diameter, the axial
stress will be …:
a. 8 kN/m2
b. 0.008 N/m2
c. 8000 kN/m2
d. 80 N/m2

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64. A clay layer with 10 m thickness, is located between two sand layers. This layer has
….m of drainage path.
a. 0.5
b. 10
c. 5.0
d. 1.0

65. A clay layer has an initial porewater pressure 5.0 t/m2 at the clay center, with total
vertical stress 20. t/m2. After the dissipation of water from the soil, the porewater
pressure is reduced by 2.0 t/m2. The vertical effective stress at the clay center will
be…..t/m2.
a. 17
b. 15
c. 18
d. 13

66. A clay layer has an initial porewater pressure 5.0 t/m2 at the clay center, with total
vertical stress 20. t/m2. After the dissipation of water from the soil, the porewater
pressure is reduced to 2.0 t/m2. The vertical effective stress at the clay center will
be…..t/m2
a. 17
b. 15
c. 18
d. 13

67. A clay layer has an initial void ratio 0.9 with initial height 3.0 m. This layer settles 0.03
m. Hence, the clay has final void ratio = …
a. 0.9
b. 0.881
c. 0.919
d. 0.80
68. A saturated clay layer has an initial water content 30 % with initial height 3.0 m. This
layer settles 0.03 m. Hence, the clay has final void ratio =….
a. 0.79
b. 0.97
c. 0.919
d. 0.85
69. A saturated clay layer has an initial height 3.0 m. This layer settles 0.03 m with final
void ratio 1.0. Hence, the clay has an initial void ratio = ……
a. 1.0
b. 0.98
c. 1.02
d. 1.20

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70. A saturated clay sample is subjected to vertical stress 3 t/m2 at initial void ratio 0.9. The
void ratio is reduced to 0.8 at vertical stress 6 t/m2, the compression index will be ……
a. 0.33
b. 0.03
c. 3.3
d. 3

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