Civil Engineering PE Geotechnical Engineering and Slope Stability 2

Question 1

A cantilever retaining wall achieves overturning resistance primarily from:

Accepted Answer

Weight of retained soil over the heel of the base slab

Answer

Passive pressure on the front face

Answer

Self-weight of the concrete stem only

Answer

Anchor ties embedded in rock

Question 2

The minimum acceptable factor of safety against sliding for a retaining wall is typically:

Accepted Answer

1.5

Answer

1.0

Answer

2.0

Answer

3.0

Question 3

The modified Proctor compaction test (ASTM D1557) delivers approximately how many times more compactive energy than the standard Proctor (ASTM D698)?

Accepted Answer

4.5×

Answer

1.5×

Answer

2.5×

Answer

6.0×

Question 4

Primary consolidation settlement for a normally consolidated clay is calculated using:

Accepted Answer

S = Cc/(1+e₀) × H × log(σ′f/σ′i)

Answer

S = Cs × H × log(σ′f/σ′i)

Answer

S = mv × Δσ′ × H only

Answer

S = Cc × H × log(e₀/ef)

Question 5

The dimensionless time factor Tv in Terzaghi's consolidation theory is defined as:

Accepted Answer

Tv = cv × t / Hdr²

Answer

Tv = Hdr² / (cv × t)

Answer

Tv = t / (cv × Hdr)

Answer

Tv = cv / (t × Hdr²)

Question 6

Soil liquefaction during an earthquake is most likely to occur in:

Accepted Answer

Loose, saturated, fine sand

Answer

Dense, well-graded gravel

Answer

Dry, compacted clay

Answer

Stiff, overconsolidated clay