Geotechnical Engineering Questions and Answers – Indian Standard Classification

Geotechnical Engineering Objective Questions

This set of Geotechnical Engineering Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Indian Standard Classification”.

1. The Indian standard soil classification system, (ISCS) was first developed in ___________

A) 1947
B) 1950
C) 1959
D) 1960

Answer is C)
Explanation: The Indian standard classification system (ISCS) was first developed in 1959 and revised in 1970.

2. According to ISCS, fine grained soils are subdivided in to ___________

A) 2
B) 4
C) 5
D) 3

Answer is D)
Explanation: Fine grained soil are subdivided into 3 types i. Inorganic silts and very fine sands ii. Inorganic clays iii. Organic silts and clay and organic matter.

3. The ISCS classifies the soil in to __________

A) 12 groups
B) 15 groups
C) 18 groups
D) 16 groups

Answer is C)
Explanation: The ISCS classifies the soil into 18 groups as against 15 groups of USCS.

4. Laboratory classification of fined grained soil is done with the help of ________

A) Plasticity chart
B) Textural classification chart
C) Kozney’s graphical method
D) None of the mentioned

Answer is A)
Explanation: Laboratory classification criteria of fine grained soil is done by plasticity chart.

5. The A-line, in unified classification system table has the equation of __________

A) IP=WL-20
B) IP=WL-20
C) IP=WL-20
D) IP=20-WL

Answer is B)
Explanation: The A-line, dividing the inorganic clay from silt and organic soil has the equation: IP=0.73(WL-20).

6. According to IS classification, the symbol GC means ____________

A) Clayey gravel
B) Silt gravel
C) Sand gravel
D) Well graded gravel

Answer is A)
Explanation: As per Indian standards of group symbols and typical names, G-refers to gravel and C-refers to clay.

7. The symbol ‘L’ represents which of the following soil types?

A) Silt and Clay
B) Gravel
C) All of the mentioned
D) None of the mentioned

Answer is A)
Explanation: By IS classification, silts and clays of low compressibility having a liquid less than 35, are represented by the ‘L’.

8. What are the features required, for classifying a soil component as boulder?

A) Bulky hard
B) Diameter more than 30cm
C) Round to angular shape
D) All of the mentioned

Answer is D)
Explanation: For a soil component to be a boulder, size range must be of average diameter more than 30cm and shape of round to angular and bulky hard.