A soil's density can provide an indication of its strength. To increase load-bearing capacity what does soil modification often seek to reduce in soil?
Select the correct rank of the following soil types in order of particle/grain size (large to small) A. decomposed rock, boulders, gravel, silt, coarse sand, clay, B. boulders, gravel, decomposed rock, coarse sand, clay, silt, C. decomposed rock, boulders, gravel, coarse sand, silt, clay, D. boulders, decomposed rock, gravel, coarse sand, silt, clay
In sieve analysis, one of the first results measured is the % retained in each sieve of the total sample (W sieve / W total x 100%). If the illustrated sample indicates equal amounts of various sizes of aggregate, where most of the voids in such material will be filled with particles, which gradation term is used? A. Narrow gradation B. Gap gradation C. Dense gradation D. Open gradation E. Rich gradation
Image: Grabenstedt
Which of the following refers to a component of many soils formed near large mountains that is the result of ice moving over the ground, breaking rock into smaller pieces and moving material as the ice melts. A. glacial till B. loess C. alluvium D. colluvial Answer A. glacial till. Many soils are formed when material is transported by wind (loess), ice (glacial till) or gravity (colluvial). ARE 4.0 exam prep: SPD
What is the difference in precision between rough grading and finish grading in relation to approximate final grades? A. rough = 12-18 inches, finish = 2-4 inches B. rough = 10-14 inches, finish = 1-5 inches C. rough = 6-12 inches, finish = 1 inch D. rough = 5-10 inches, finish = 1/2 inch Answer C. rough grading is within 6-12 inches of final and finish grading is within 1 inch of final. ARE 4.0 exam prep: SPD
The texture of soil indicates its A. drainage quality, fertility and amount of organic matter B. workability and ability to retain water C. consistency D. availability of minerals Answer B. workability and ability to retain water. (A=color, C=structure, D=depth) ARE 4.0 exam prep: SPD
One method to improve soil bearing capacity involves addition of fill to existing soil, then letting the soil settle over time, which is called: A. Compaction B. Densification C. Surcharging D. Mixing E. Fill Answer C. Surcharging. ARE 4.0 exam prep: SPD
Which of the following are non-problem soils, which are not subject to significant changes in volume and have excellent bearing capacity? (Choose 3) A. GM B. SP C. OL D. OH E. PT F. SM Answer GM are gravels or gravel sand mixtures with silt, SP are sands with little or no fines, SM are silty sands (Problem soils: OL organic silts, OH organic clays, PT peat or muck) ARE 4.0 exam prep: SPD
Using the assumption of 30 lb/cubic ft for the equivalent weight of soil, what is the total pressure on an 8 foot high retaining wall? Answer P =(30/2)(8x8)=960 plf ARE 4.0 exam prep: SS
Calculate the total horizontal load exerted on a retaining wall with these parameters: Wall height = 6 ft Backfill material: well-graded clean sands; sand-gravel mix (SW) Active pressure is 30 psf Answer The pressure at the wall bottom is (6ft)(30psf) = 180 psf. Total horizontal load is (180psf/2)(6ft) = 540 plf or pounds per linear foot) ARE 4.0 exam prep: SS