Soil Description

What does the term 'effective size (D10)' refer to in soil analysis?

• The diameter of the smallest particle

• The average particle size

• The diameter corresponding to 10% finer in grain-size distribution

• The size of the largest particle

What happens to soil during the liquid state of plasticity?

• It behaves like a viscous liquid with no shear resistance

• It can easily break into clumps

• It becomes very hard and stable

• It retains its structure under pressure

What does the term 'specific gravity' of soil measure?

• The overall volume of soil

• The weight of the soil

• The density of soil compared to the density of water

• The moisture content of the soil

What is the key property that differentiates soils from traditional engineering materials?

• Heterogeneity and Anisotropy

• Flexibility and Plasticity

• Strength and Density

• Homogeneity and Isotropy

What is a common test to determine the plastic limit of soil?

• Hydrometer test

• Rolling thread method

• Sieve analysis

• Core sampling

Which of the following is a primary characteristic of organic soils?

• High strength and angular particles

• High compressibility and moisture content

• Very low density and strength

• Low permeability and bright colour

What is the purpose of a hydrometer analysis in soil testing?

• To assess particle stability during excavation

• To estimate the grain-size range for clay and silt particles

• To determine the moisture content

• To measure soil density

Which soil type is defined as having a high compressibility?

• Rocks

• Sands

• Clays

• Gravels

What describes the process of mechanical weathering?

• A) Physical forces breaking down rocks into smaller pieces

• B) Chemical alteration of minerals

• C) Formation of new minerals from old ones

• D) Biological activity causing rock breakdown

The coefficient of gradation (Cc) helps to determine what about a soil?

• The density of the soil

• The moisture content of the soil

• How well-graded the soil sample is

• The acidity of the soil