Earth Structures

Description: Earth Structures Quiz
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: geotechnical engineering earth structures
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What is the primary purpose of a retaining wall?

  1. To support a soil mass and prevent it from collapsing

  2. To create a level surface for construction

  3. To provide drainage for a site

  4. To act as a barrier against erosion


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A retaining wall is a structure designed to hold back a mass of soil or other material and prevent it from moving or collapsing.

Which type of retaining wall is commonly used for small-scale projects, such as residential gardens?

  1. Gravity wall

  2. Cantilever wall

  3. Sheet pile wall

  4. Gabion wall


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Gabion walls are relatively easy to construct and can be used for small-scale projects. They consist of wire baskets filled with stones or other materials.

What is the primary function of a diaphragm wall?

  1. To support a soil mass and prevent it from collapsing

  2. To create a watertight barrier

  3. To provide drainage for a site

  4. To act as a barrier against erosion


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Diaphragm walls are used to create watertight barriers in the ground. They are typically made of concrete or steel and are installed using a trenchless construction method.

Which type of earth dam is known for its curved shape and ability to withstand high water pressure?

  1. Gravity dam

  2. Arch dam

  3. Buttress dam

  4. Rockfill dam


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Arch dams are known for their curved shape and ability to withstand high water pressure. They are typically made of concrete and are constructed in narrow valleys.

What is the primary purpose of a cofferdam?

  1. To create a dry working area for construction

  2. To provide drainage for a site

  3. To act as a barrier against erosion

  4. To support a soil mass and prevent it from collapsing


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Cofferdams are temporary structures used to create a dry working area for construction in water. They are typically made of sheet piles, steel, or concrete.

Which type of earth dam is constructed using compacted soil or rockfill materials?

  1. Gravity dam

  2. Arch dam

  3. Buttress dam

  4. Rockfill dam


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Rockfill dams are constructed using compacted soil or rockfill materials. They are typically used in areas with limited access to concrete or other construction materials.

What is the main function of a geotextile in earth structures?

  1. To provide reinforcement to the soil

  2. To act as a filter between different soil layers

  3. To prevent erosion and protect the soil surface

  4. To improve drainage and reduce water infiltration


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Geotextiles are used as filters in earth structures to prevent the migration of fine soil particles into coarser soil layers, which can lead to clogging and reduced drainage.

Which type of retaining wall is characterized by its triangular cross-section and ability to resist overturning forces?

  1. Gravity wall

  2. Cantilever wall

  3. Sheet pile wall

  4. Gabion wall


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Gravity walls are characterized by their triangular cross-section and ability to resist overturning forces. They are typically made of concrete or masonry and rely on their own weight for stability.

What is the purpose of a grout curtain in earth structures?

  1. To create a watertight barrier in the ground

  2. To provide reinforcement to the soil

  3. To improve drainage and reduce water infiltration

  4. To protect the soil surface from erosion


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Grout curtains are used to create watertight barriers in the ground, preventing the flow of water through cracks or joints in the soil or rock.

Which type of earth dam is constructed using a combination of earth and rockfill materials?

  1. Gravity dam

  2. Arch dam

  3. Buttress dam

  4. Zoned earth dam


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Zoned earth dams are constructed using a combination of earth and rockfill materials, with different zones designed to serve specific functions, such as providing stability, drainage, and seepage control.

What is the primary purpose of a sheet pile wall?

  1. To support a soil mass and prevent it from collapsing

  2. To create a watertight barrier

  3. To provide drainage for a site

  4. To act as a barrier against erosion


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Sheet pile walls are used to create watertight barriers in the ground, preventing the flow of water through cracks or joints in the soil or rock.

Which type of retaining wall is characterized by its vertical face and reliance on external supports for stability?

  1. Gravity wall

  2. Cantilever wall

  3. Sheet pile wall

  4. Gabion wall


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Cantilever walls are characterized by their vertical face and reliance on external supports, such as anchors or tiebacks, for stability. They are typically made of concrete or steel.

What is the main function of a buttress in earth structures?

  1. To provide additional support to a retaining wall

  2. To act as a filter between different soil layers

  3. To improve drainage and reduce water infiltration

  4. To protect the soil surface from erosion


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Buttresses are used to provide additional support to retaining walls, particularly in cases where the wall is subjected to high lateral earth pressures.

Which type of earth dam is constructed using a homogeneous mixture of soil materials?

  1. Gravity dam

  2. Arch dam

  3. Buttress dam

  4. Homogeneous earth dam


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Homogeneous earth dams are constructed using a homogeneous mixture of soil materials, typically clay or silt, and are designed to resist seepage and erosion.

What is the primary purpose of a toe drain in earth structures?

  1. To collect and drain water from behind a retaining wall

  2. To provide reinforcement to the soil

  3. To improve drainage and reduce water infiltration

  4. To protect the soil surface from erosion


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Toe drains are used to collect and drain water from behind a retaining wall, preventing the buildup of hydrostatic pressure and potential failure of the wall.

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