11) A pycnometer is used to determine
a) water content and voids ratio
b) specific gravity and dry density
c) water content and specific gravity
d) voids ratio and dry density
12) According to Skempton, if the variation of rate of strain is ± 5 times the normal rate of strain, the
undrained strength varies by
(a) 5 to 10%
(b) 10 to 20%
(c) 20 to 25%
(d) 30 to 40%
13) Number of phases in soil mass is :
a) 3
b) 2
c) 1
d) 4
14) Quick sand is
(a) a sand which can act as a quick filter
(b) a uniformly graded sand
(c) a condition when cohesionless soil loses its shear strength due to upward flow water
(d) the conditions focusing quick flow of water through the soil.
15) A soil has a liquid limit of 40% and plasticity index of 20%. The plastic limit of the soil will be
a) 20%
b) 30%
c) 40%
d) 60%
16) The rate of increase of stress in loose sand compared to dense sand is
(a) slower
(b) same
(c) faster
(d) same or faster
17) Consistency as applied to cohesive soils is an indicator of its
a) density
b) moisture content
c) shear strength
d) porosity
18) Ultimate bearing capacity of soil is the
(a) maximum gross pressure at which soil fails in shear.
(b) maximum net pressure at which soil fails in shear.
(c) maximum pressure at which soil settles beyond the specified limit.
(d) both (a) and (c).
19) A clay sample has a void ratio 0.54 in dry state. The specific gravity of soil solids is 2.7. what is the shrinkage limit of the soil ?
a) 8.5%
b) 10.0%
c) 17.0%
d) 20.0%
20) Among the clay minerals, the one having the maximum swelling tendency is
a) kaolinite
b) llite
c) Montmorillonite
d) Halloysite