ASBOG Engineering Geology 5

Question 1

The Seed-Idriss simplified procedure for evaluating liquefaction potential uses which two key parameters derived from SPT data?

Accepted Answer

Cyclic Stress Ratio (CSR) and Cyclic Resistance Ratio (CRR)

Answer

The simplified procedure compares the CSR imposed by the earthquake to the CRR of the soil (derived from corrected SPT blow counts) to determine the factor of safety against liquefaction.

Question 2

Which type of landslide is characterized by a curved, concave-up failure surface and backward rotation of the slide mass?

Accepted Answer

Rotational slide (slump)

Answer

A rotational slide (slump) moves along a spoon-shaped, concave-up failure surface, causing the head of the slide to tilt backward relative to the original slope.

Question 3

Schmidt hammer rebound values are used in engineering geology primarily to estimate:

Accepted Answer

Uniaxial compressive strength of intact rock

Answer

The Schmidt hammer measures surface rebound, which correlates empirically with the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and Young's modulus of intact rock.

Question 4

Which process is primarily responsible for creating a glacial U-shaped valley?

Accepted Answer

Glacial abrasion and plucking widening valley walls

Answer

Glacial ice erodes valley walls and floor by abrasion and plucking, transforming the original V-shaped stream valley into a characteristic U-shaped trough.

Question 5

The 'rock bolt factor of safety' in a tunneling context is typically defined as the ratio of:

Accepted Answer

Pull-out capacity to applied load on the bolt

Answer

The factor of safety for a rock bolt equals the ultimate pull-out resistance (from grout bond and anchor) divided by the actual tensile load the bolt must carry.

ASBOG - Association of State Boards of Geology Practice Test

ASBOG - Association of State Boards of Geology Practice Test

ASBOG Engineering Geology 5