Choose the appropriate letter with the with best answer

1. What is the primary purpose of a geotechnical site investigation?

a. To identify potential hazards to the construction of the project
b. To locate potential sources of water for the project
c. To assess environmental impacts of the project
d. To identify potential areas for future development

Answer: a. To identify potential hazards to the construction of the project

Explanation: A geotechnical site investigation is primarily conducted to identify any potential

hazards that could affect the safety or feasibility of the construction project. This includes
identifying soil conditions, groundwater levels, and other site specific factors that could impact
construction.

2. What is the importance of soil sampling during a geotechnical site investigation?

a. It allows for the identification of potential hazards
b. It provides information on soil composition and properties
c. It helps evaluate potential environmental impacts
d. All of the above

Answer: d. All of the above

Explanation: Soil sampling is an important aspect of a geotechnical site investigation because it

provides information about the soil composition and properties, which can be used to help
identify potential hazards and environmental impacts.

3. What equipment is typically used for geotechnical site investigations?

a. Shovels and hand augers
b. Backhoes and skid steers
c. Drill rigs and soil samplers
d. None of the above

Answer: c. Drill rigs and soil samplers

Explanation: Geotechnical site investigations typically involve the use of specialized equipment
like drill rigs and soil samplers to access and collect soil samples and other data from the site.

4. When is a mat foundation typically used?

a. When soil conditions are poor near the surface
b. When a building has a large footprint
c. When a building has a high center of gravity
d. When a building has a prominent support column

Answer: b. when a building has a large footprint

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Explanation: A mat foundation is a type of shallow foundation that is typically used in buildings
with a large footprint, such as warehouses or high-rise buildings.

5. What is the main advantage of using a deep foundation?

a. They are cheaper to install than shallow foundations
b. They have a higher load-bearing capacity than shallow foundations
c. They require less excavation than shallow foundations
d. They are easier to design than shallow foundations

Answer: b. They have a higher load-bearing capacity than shallow foundations

Explanation: Deep foundations are able to support heavier loads than shallow foundations
because they are embedded deep into the soil where it is able to support a higher load-bearing
capacity.

6. What is a strip footing?

a. A type of footing that is used to support load-bearing walls
b. A type of footing that is used to support individual columns
c. A type of footing that is used to support multiple columns
d. A type of footing that is used to support beam and slab structures

Answer: a. A type of footing that is used to support load-bearing walls

Explanation: Strip footings are typically used to support load-bearing walls in a building or
structure and are designed to spread the weight of the wall over a wider area.

7. What is a pad footing?

a. A type of footing that is used to support individual columns
b. A type of footing that is used to support load-bearing walls
c. A type of footing that is used to support multiple columns
d. A type of footing that is used to support beam and slab structures

Answer: a. A type of footing that is used to support individual columns

Explanation: Pad footings are typically used to support individual columns in a building or
structure and are designed to spread the weight of the column over a wider area.

8. What is the primary function of a retaining wall?

a. To prevent erosion and soil loss
b. To provide structural support to the soil
c. To prevent flooding in low-lying areas
d. To create a level building site on steep terrain

Answer: b. To provide structural support to the soil

Explanation: A retaining wall is designed to provide structural support to the soil and prevent it
from collapsing or eroding.

9. What are the three main types of retaining walls?

a. Gravity walls, cantilever walls, and anchored walls
b. Earth-filled walls, gabion walls, and sheet pile walls
c. Counterfort walls, buttress walls, and crib walls
d. All of the above

Answer: a. Gravity walls, cantilever walls, and anchored walls

Explanation: The three main types of retaining walls are gravity walls, cantilever walls, and
anchored walls.

10. What is a crib wall?

a. A type of retaining wall made from interlocking concrete blocks
b. A type of retaining wall made from timber or precast concrete panels
c. A type of retaining wall made from gabion baskets filled with stone or concrete
d. A type of retaining wall made from precast concrete elements connected by post-
tensioned cables

Answer: b. A type of retaining wall made from timber or precast concrete panels

Explanation: Crib walls are typically made from timber or precast concrete panels and are
designed to hold back soil in a stepped or terraced wall configuration.

11. What is the purpose of geophysical surveys in a geotechnical site investigation?

a. To assess environmental impacts of the project
b. To locate buried objects or hazards
c. To determine soil properties
d. To identify potential areas for future development

Answer: b. To locate buried objects or hazards

Explanation: Geophysical surveys are used in geotechnical site investigations to locate buried
objects or hazards, such as underground utilities, buried drums or tanks, or voids in the soil or
rock.

12. What is the difference between a test pit and a trench in a geotechnical site investigation?
a. Depth and size
b. Purpose and type of soil sampled
c. Location and access requirements
d. None of the above

Answer: a. Depth and size

Explanation: A test pit is typically shallower and smaller than a trench and is generally used for
visual observations and sampling of soil, while a trench can be deeper and wider to allow for
more detailed subsurface investigations.

13. What is a raft foundation?

a. A type of footing that is used to support individual columns
b. A type of footing that is used to support load-bearing walls
c. A type of footing that is used to support multiple columns
d. A type of footing that is used to support the entire building footprint

Answer: d. A type of footing that is used to support the entire building footprint

Explanation: A raft foundation, also known as a slab-on-grade foundation, is a type of footing

that is used to support the entire building footprint and can be used for buildings with low to
medium loads.

14. What is a combined footing?

a. A type of footing that is used to support individual columns
b. A type of footing that is used to support load-bearing walls
c. A type of footing that is used to support multiple columns
d. A type of footing that is used to support two or more adjacent columns

Answer: d. A type of footing that is used to support two or more adjacent columns

Explanation: A combined footing is used to support two or more adjacent columns and is
designed to spread the load over a larger area than each individual column footing.

15. What is the difference between a cantilever retaining wall and a counterfort retaining
wall?
a. Use of reinforcements and steel beams
b. Location of the wall in relation to the soil
c. Size and strength of the wall
d. Presence or absence of buttresses or columns

Answer: d. Presence or absence of buttresses or columns

Explanation: A cantilever retaining wall relies on the weight and strength of the wall itself to
provide support to the soil, while a counterfort retaining wall includes buttresses or columns that
provide additional support to the wall.

16. What is the main disadvantage of a gravity retaining wall?

a. It requires extensive excavation
b. It can be difficult to construct in tight spaces
c. It has a lower load-bearing capacity than other types of retaining walls
d. It requires additional drainage infrastructure
Answer: c. It has a lower load-bearing capacity than other types of retaining walls

Explanation: Gravity retaining walls rely solely on their own weight to retain the soil and are not
suitable for supporting heavy loads or retaining steep slopes.

17. What is a cone penetration test (CPT)?

a. A test that measures the electrical conductivity of soil
b. A test that measures the strength of soil using a vibrating plate
c. A test that measures the density of soil using sound waves
d. A test that measures the penetration resistance of soil using a cone-shaped probe

Answer: d. A test that measures the penetration resistance of soil using a cone-shaped probe

Explanation: A cone penetration test is a geotechnical site investigation tool that measures the
resistance of soil to the penetration of a cone-shaped probe, providing information about soil
strength, density, and other properties.

18. What is a pile foundation?

a. A deep foundation that consists of long, slender columns driven into the ground
b. A shallow foundation that consists of a concrete slab or beams supported by columns
c. A foundation system that relies on the passive resistance of soil or rock to support a
structure
d. A type of floating foundation used in wet or unstable soil conditions

Answer: a. A deep foundation that consists of long, slender columns driven into the ground

Explanation: A pile foundation is a deep foundation system that consists of long, slender
columns driven into the ground to support a structure.

19. What is a strap footing?

a. A type of foundation used to support multiple columns in a row
b. A type of foundation used to support individual columns
c. A type of foundation used to support load-bearing walls
d. A fastening system that connects the foundation to the structure

Answer: a. A type of foundation used to support multiple columns in a row

Explanation: A strap footing is a type of combined footing that supports two or more adjacent
columns in a row.

20. What is a gabion retaining wall?

a. A type of retaining wall made from wooden boards or planks
b. A type of retaining wall made from interlocking concrete blocks
c. A type of retaining wall made from geosynthetic materials
d. A type of retaining wall made from wire mesh baskets filled with rock or concrete
Answer: d. A type of retaining wall made from wire mesh baskets filled with rock or concrete

Explanation: A gabion retaining wall is a type of retaining wall made from wire mesh baskets
filled with rock or concrete, providing a flexible and porous structure that allows for drainage.

21. What is the maximum allowable slope angle for a cantilever retaining wall?
a. 30 degrees
b. 45 degrees
c. 60 degrees
d. 75 degrees

Answer: b. 45 degrees

Explanation: A cantilever retaining wall is typically limited to a maximum slope angle of 45

degrees, which helps ensure stability and minimize lateral pressure on the wall.

22. What is a geotechnical report?

a. A summary of the site investigation and analysis of soil conditions
b. A report of environmental assessment and analysis of soil contaminants
c. A report of land surveying and legal descriptions of the site
d. A report of construction scheduling and cost estimates for the project

Answer: a. A summary of the site investigation and analysis of soil conditions

Explanation: A geotechnical report is a document that summarizes the findings of a geotechnical

site investigation and provides an analysis of the soil conditions and other geologic factors that
could affect the construction project.

23. What is the purpose of an in-situ test in a geotechnical site investigation?

a. To identify potential hazards and buried objects
b. To evaluate soil properties without removing samples
c. To assess the structural integrity of existing foundations
d. To determine groundwater quality and flow patterns

Answer: b. To evaluate soil properties without removing samples

Explanation: In-situ tests, such as the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) or Cone Penetration Test
(CPT), are used in a geotechnical site investigation to evaluate soil properties without removing
samples from the site.

24. What is the main advantage of a pile foundation?

a. It is less expensive than other types of foundations
b. It can be installed quickly and with minimal disturbance to the construction site
c. It has a higher load-bearing capacity than other types of foundations
d. It is easier to design and analyze than other types of foundations
Answer: c. It has a higher load-bearing capacity than other types of foundations

Explanation: Pile foundations have a higher load-bearing capacity than other types of
foundations because the piles are driven deep into the soil, which provides additional support.

25. What is the main disadvantage of a mat foundation?

a. It is more expensive than other types of foundations
b. It has a lower load-bearing capacity than other types of foundations
c. It requires a larger amount of excavation than other types of foundations
d. It is more difficult to install and construct than other types of foundations

Answer: c. It requires a larger amount of excavation than other types of foundations

Explanation: A mat foundation requires a larger amount of excavation than other types of
foundations because it covers the entire building footprint.

26. What is the difference between a gravity retaining wall and a cantilever retaining wall?
a. Use of reinforcements and steel beams
b. Location of the wall in relation to the soil
c. Size and strength of the wall
d. Presence or absence of buttresses or columns

Answer: d. Presence or absence of buttresses or columns

Explanation: A gravity retaining wall is a type of retaining wall that relies solely on its weight to
retain soil, while a cantilever retaining wall includes buttresses or columns that provide
additional support to the wall.

27. What is a test pit in a geotechnical site investigation?

a. A hole dug to expose subsurface soil or rock
b. A device used to measure soil density and moisture content
c. A test that measures soil strength and shear resistance
d. A device used to detect buried objects or hazards

Answer: a. A hole dug to expose subsurface soil or rock

Explanation: A test pit is a hole that is dug to expose subsurface soil or rock, allowing for visual
observations, sampling, and other geotechnical testing.

28. What is a shallow foundation?

a. A foundation system that relies on the passive resistance of soil or rock
b. A foundation system that extends deep into the ground to support a structure
c. A foundation system that is limited in depth to less than 3 meters
d. A foundation system that is designed to float in water or unstable soil conditions

Answer: c. A foundation system that is limited in depth to less than 3 meters

Explanation: A shallow foundation is a foundation system that is typically limited in depth to
less than 3 meters and spreads the load of a structure over a larger area of soil.

29. What is a sheet pile wall?

a. A type of retaining wall made from timber logs or planks
b. A type of retaining wall made from concrete or masonry blocks
c. A type of retaining wall made from steel or vinyl sheets inserted into the ground
d. A type of retaining wall made from gabion baskets filled with rock or concrete

Answer: c. A type of retaining wall made from steel or vinyl sheets inserted into the ground

Explanation: A sheet pile wall is a type of retaining wall made from steel or vinyl sheets inserted
into the ground to form

30. What is the maximum allowable settlement for a shallow foundation?

a. 1 inch
b. 2 inches
c. 3 inches
d. 4 inches

Answer: c. 3 inches

Explanation: The maximum allowable settlement for a shallow foundation depends on factors
such as the type of structure, soil conditions, and local building codes, but is typically around 3
inches. Any settlement beyond this limit can cause structural damage to the building.

31. What is the difference between a tied-back retaining wall and a anchored retaining wall?
a. Location of the wall in relation to the soil
b. Size and shape of the wall
c. Method of providing lateral support to the wall
d. Type of soil the wall can be built on

Answer: c. Method of providing lateral support to the wall

Explanation: A tied-back retaining wall uses anchors or cables to provide lateral support to the
wall, while an anchored retaining wall uses embedded anchors or soil nails to provide support.

32. What is the purpose of a standard penetration test (SPT) in a geotechnical site
investigation?
a. To determine the soil texture and structure
b. To measure the shear resistance of soil
c. To evaluate the suitability of soil for groundwater supply
d. To detect buried objects or hazards in the subsurface

Answer: b. To measure the shear resistance of soil

Explanation: A standard penetration test (SPT) in a geotechnical site investigation is used to
measure the resistance of soil to shearing and other stresses, which is important for foundation
design and stability analysis.

33. What is the main disadvantage of a gabion retaining wall?

a. It is less expensive than other retaining wall systems
b. It can be installed quickly and with minimal disturbance to the construction site
c. It has low aesthetic appeal compared to other retaining wall systems
d. It has a low load-bearing capacity compared to other retaining wall systems

Answer: c. It has low aesthetic appeal compared to other retaining wall systems

Explanation: A gabion retaining wall is a type of retaining wall that uses wire cages filled with
stone or gravel to create a stable structure. Its main disadvantage is its low aesthetic appeal
compared to other retaining wall systems.

34. What is the minimum required width for a cantilever retaining wall footing?
a. 18 inches
b. 24 inches
c. 30 inches
d. 36 inches

Answer: b. 24 inches

Explanation: The minimum required width for a cantilever retaining wall footing is typically 24
inches, which provides sufficient space for soil to be excavated and compacted, and to distribute
the weight of the structure.

35. What is a vane shear test in a geotechnical site investigation?

a. A test that measures the compressive strength of soil
b. A test that measures the stiffness of soil
c. A test that measures the shear strength of soil
d. A test that measures the moisture content of soil

Answer: c. A test that measures the shear strength of soil

Explanation: A vane shear test in a geotechnical site investigation measures the shear strength of
soil by inserting a vane into the soil and rotating it until failure occurs.

36. What type of shallow foundation is most suitable for sites with expansive soils?
a. Mat foundation
b. Continuous footing
c. Isolated footing
d. Strap footing

Answer: a. Mat foundation

Explanation: A mat foundation, also known as a raft foundation, is a type of shallow foundation
that is suitable for sites with expansive soils, as it provides a large and uniform base to distribute
the weight of the structure and minimize differential settlement.

37. What is a plate load test in a geotechnical site investigation?

a. A test that measures the moisture content of soil
b. A test that measures the compressibility and settlement of soil
c. A test that measures the shear resistance of soil
d. A test that measures the stiffness of soil

Answer: b. A test that measures the compressibility and settlement of soil

Explanation: A plate load test in a geotechnical site investigation measures the compressibility
and settlement of soil by placing a plate of known size and weight onto the soil surface and
measuring the resulting settlement.

38. What is a seismic refraction survey in a geotechnical site investigation?

a. A survey that measures the strength and stiffness of soil using sound waves
b. A survey that measures the degree to which water can flow through soil
c. A survey that measures the resistance of soil to shearing and other stresses
d. A survey that uses radar or electromagnetic waves to detect subsurface objects or
features

Answer: a. A survey that measures the strength and stiffness of soil using sound waves

Explanation: A seismic refraction survey in a geotechnical site investigation measures the

strength and stiffness of soil using sound waves generated by an impulsive source and recorded
by sensors at the surface. The data collected from this survey can provide information on
subsurface soil layers and structures.

39. What is the main disadvantage of a mat foundation?

a. It requires a large amount of excavation and backfill compared to other foundation
systems
b. It has a lower load-bearing capacity than other foundation systems for larger structures
c. It is more susceptible to differential settlement and cracking than other foundation
systems
d. It is more expensive than other foundation systems for smaller structures

Answer: a. It requires a large amount of excavation and backfill compared to other foundation
systems

Explanation: A mat foundation, also known as a raft foundation, requires a large amount of
excavation and backfill compared to other foundation

40. What type of shallow foundation is most suitable for sites with soft or loose soil?
a. Mat foundation
 b. Continuous footing
c. Isolated footing
d. Pile foundation

Answer: d. Pile foundation

Explanation: A pile foundation is often used for sites with soft or loose soil, as it can be deep
enough to reach more stable soil or rock layers and provide adequate load-bearing support for the
structure. Pile foundations can be made of various materials, including timber, concrete, and
steel.

41. What type of foundation is most suitable for sites with high seismic activity?
a. Pile foundation
b. Mat foundation
c. Isolated footing
d. Raft foundation

Answer: b. Mat foundation

Explanation: A mat foundation is most suitable for sites with high seismic activity as it provides
a large, flat surface area to distribute the load uniformly across the soil. This type of foundation
is a shallow foundation similar to a raft foundation but is much thicker and stiffer to provide
additional lateral stability during seismic events.

42. What is a dynamic cone penetration test (DCPT) in a geotechnical site investigation?
a. A test that measures the shear resistance of soil
b. A test that measures the deformation properties of soil using a cylindrical probe
c. A test that uses sound waves to measure soil density and stiffness
d. A test that measures the penetration resistance of soil using a dynamic cone

Answer: d. A test that measures the penetration resistance of soil using a dynamic cone

Explanation: A dynamic cone penetration test (DCPT) in a geotechnical site investigation is a

test that measures the penetration resistance of soil using a dynamic cone that is dropped
repeatedly onto the soil surface and the depth of penetration is measured. This test is used to
estimate the bearing capacity and relative density of soil.

43. Which of the following is not a factor to consider when determining suitable foundation
type for a given condition?
a) Soil type and properties
b) Building code requirements
c) Site topography and accessibility
d) Market prices of different foundation types

Answer: d) Market prices of different foundation types

Explanation: The cost and availability of different foundation types might be a factor to consider
but it is not the main factor in determining a suitable foundation type. The main factors include
soil type and properties, building code requirements, site topography and accessibility, and
environmental conditions.

44. Which of the following is a component of a shallow foundation?

a) Piles
b) Footings
c) Grade beams
d) Abutments

Answer: b) Footings

Explanation: Shallow foundations, also known as spread footings, are used when the soil near the
ground surface has sufficient bearing capacity to support the structure. Footings are a component
of shallow foundations that transfer the load from the structure to the soil.

45. Which of the following is not a type of shallow foundation?

a) Strip footing
b) Raft footing
c) Combined footing
d) Pile footing

Answer: d) Pile footing

Explanation: Pile footing is not a type of shallow foundation. It belongs to a different type of
foundation called deep foundation, which is used when the soil near the ground surface does not
have sufficient bearing capacity.

46. Which of the following is the most suitable type of foundation for a high-rise building?
a) Spread footing
b) Mat foundation
c) Combined footing
d) Pile foundation

Answer: b) Mat foundation

Explanation: A mat foundation, also known as a raft foundation, is a type of shallow foundation
that is suitable for large and heavy structures such as high-rise buildings. It is a flat concrete slab
that spreads over a large area and transfers the load from the structure to the soil.

47. Which of the following types of retaining walls is best suited for a narrow space?
a) Gravity wall
b) Cantilever wall
c) Sheet pile wall
d) Anchored wall
Answer: b) Cantilever wall

Explanation: A cantilever wall is a type of retaining wall that is designed to support a vertical
load by using a base slab and a stem that leans towards the retained soil. It is best suited for
narrow spaces where there is not enough room for a gravity wall.

48. Which of the following types of retaining walls is best suited for soft clay soil?
a) Gravity wall
b) Cantilever wall
c) Sheet pile wall
d) Anchored wall

Answer: c) Sheet pile wall

Explanation: A sheet pile wall is a type of retaining wall that is made up of steel, concrete, or
wood piles that are driven vertically into the soil to form a continuous wall. It is best suited for
soft clay soil because it can penetrate the soil easily and provide sufficient lateral support.

49. Which of the following factors should be considered when designing a shallow
foundation?
a) Soil bearing capacity
b) Building loads
c) Environmental conditions
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Explanation: All of the above factors should be considered when designing a shallow foundation.
The soil bearing capacity will determine the type and size of the footing, the building loads will
determine the required foundation area and depth, and the environmental conditions will
determine the required protection and drainage measures.

50. Which of the following factors affects the lateral pressure on a retaining wall?
a) Soil properties
b) Wall height
c) Slope angle
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Explanation: All of the above factors affect the lateral pressure on a retaining wall. The soil
properties will determine the lateral earth pressure, the wall height will increase the pressure as it
increases, and the slope angle will affect the pressure distribution.

51. Which of the following types of retaining walls is characterized by a trapezoidal cross-
section?
 a) Gravity wall
b) Cantilever wall
c) Sheet pile wall
d) Counterfort wall

Answer: d) Counterfort wall

Explanation: A counterfort wall is a type of retaining wall that is similar to a cantilever wall but
has additional heel beams and counterforts that provide additional stability. It has a trapezoidal
cross-section that is wider at the base and narrower at the top.

52. Which of the following factors affect the stability of a retaining wall?
a) Wall height
b) Soil type and properties
c) Groundwater level
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Explanation: All of the above factors affect the stability of a retaining wall. The wall height will
affect the lateral pressure, the soil type and properties will affect the shear strength, and the
groundwater level will affect the soil stability and lateral pressure.

53. Which of the following is not a suitable type of foundation for expansive soil?
a) Pile foundation
b) Mat foundation
c) Raft foundation
d) Isolated footing

Answer: d) Isolated footing

Explanation: Isolated footing is not a suitable type of foundation for expansive soil. Expansive
soil is characterized by significant shrinkage and swelling due to moisture changes, which can
cause differential settlement that can damage the structure. The other three types of foundation
are suitable for expansive soil because they provide a larger area of support that can resist
movement.

54. Which of the following is a suitable type of foundation for a lightly loaded structure on a
firm soil?
a) Pile foundation
b) Isolated footing
c) Combined footing
d) Strap footing

Answer: b) Isolated footing

Explanation: Isolated footing is a suitable type of foundation for a lightly loaded structure on a
firm soil. It is a common and simple type of shallow foundation that provides a single point of
support for a column or wall.

55. Which of the following is not a component of a mat foundation?

a) Footings
b) Slab
c) Columns
d) Reinforcement

Answer: c) Columns

Explanation: Columns are not a component of a mat foundation. A mat foundation is a type of
shallow foundation that consists of a flat concrete slab that spreads over a large area and supports
the entire building load.

56. Which of the following is a suitable type of foundation for a heavily loaded structure on a
soft soil?
a) Pile foundation
b) Mat foundation
c) Combined footing
d) Isolated footing

Answer: a) Pile foundation

Explanation: Pile foundation is a suitable type of foundation for a heavily loaded structure on a
soft soil. It is a deep foundation that can transfer the load from the structure to a deeper, stronger
soil layer.

57. Which of the following factors affects the foundation size and depth?
a) Building loads
b) Soil bearing capacity
c) Environmental conditions
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Explanation: All of the above factors affect the foundation size and depth. The building loads
will determine the required foundation area, the soil bearing capacity will determine the type and
size of the footing, and the environmental conditions will determine the required protection and
drainage measures.

58. Which of the following types of retaining walls is commonly used in slope stabilization?
a) Gravity wall
b) Cantilever wall
 c) Sheet pile wall
d) Soil nail wall

Answer: d) Soil nail wall

Explanation: A soil nail wall is a type of retaining wall that is commonly used in slope
stabilization. It is made up of steel or fiberglass nails that are grouted into the slope and then
tensioned to provide additional stability.

59. Which of the following types of retaining walls is commonly used in marine
construction?
a) Gravity wall
b) Cantilever wall
c) Sheet pile wall
d) Anchored wall

Answer: c) Sheet pile wall

Explanation: A sheet pile wall is a type of retaining wall that is commonly used in marine
construction. It can be made up of steel, concrete, or wood piles that are driven vertically into the
soil to form a continuous wall that can resist lateral pressure from the water.

60. Which of the following factors affects the bearing capacity of a shallow foundation?
a) Foundation area
b) Soil type and properties
c) Building loads
d) All of the above

Answer: d) All of the above

Explanation: All of the above factors affect the bearing capacity of a shallow foundation. The
foundation area will affect the soil settlement, the soil type and properties will affect the soil
strength, and the building loads will affect the required foundation area and depth.