Florida General Contractor Florida General Contractor Soils and Foundation Systems 3

Question 1

In a Standard Penetration Test (SPT), what does the 'N-value' represent?

Accepted Answer

The number of hammer blows required to drive the sampler 12 inches into the soil

Answer

The number of soil layers encountered in the boring

Answer

The natural moisture content of the soil sample

Answer

The number of minutes needed to complete the test

Question 2

An SPT blow count of 50 or 'refusal' most likely indicates which soil condition?

Accepted Answer

Very dense granular soil or rock

Answer

Very soft clay

Answer

Loose sand with high water content

Answer

Highly organic peat

Question 3

Under the Florida Building Code, who is authorized to prepare and seal a geotechnical investigation report for a construction project?

Accepted Answer

A licensed geotechnical or civil engineer registered in Florida

Answer

The licensed general contractor of record

Answer

The building official after site inspection

Answer

The project architect

Question 4

What is the purpose of a French drain installed near a building foundation?

Accepted Answer

To redirect subsurface groundwater away from the foundation and reduce hydrostatic pressure

Answer

To structurally reinforce the footing

Answer

To provide a conduit for underground electrical service

Answer

To compact loose soil around the perimeter footing

Question 5

What is the purpose of a soil percolation (perc) test?

Accepted Answer

To measure how quickly water drains through the soil

Answer

To determine the soil's allowable bearing capacity

Answer

To evaluate the compressive strength of soil samples

Answer

To identify the presence of underground voids

Question 6

When is underpinning of an existing foundation most likely to be required?

Accepted Answer

When an existing foundation is inadequate or failing and must be deepened or stabilized

Answer

For all new construction projects on sandy soil

Answer

Only for structures taller than three stories

Answer

Whenever a new slab-on-grade is poured adjacent to a building

Question 7

Which ground improvement technique is NOT applicable to Florida construction due to the state's climate?

Accepted Answer

Permafrost stabilization treatment

Answer

Dynamic compaction

Answer

Vibrocompaction (vibro-flotation)

Answer

Stone column installation