Geotechnical Engineering Questions and Answers – Unconfined Compression Test

Geotechnical Engineering Objective Questions

Civil Engineering MCQs

This set of Geotechnical Engineering Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Unconfined Compression Test”.

1. In unconfined compression test the value of σ2 and σ3 is equal to ____________

A) 1
B) 0
C) 0.5
D) ½

Answer is B)
Explanation: The unconfined compression test is a special case of tri axial compression test in which σ2 = σ3 = 0.

2. The unconfined compression test is derived from _____________

A) Direct shear test
B) Vane shear test
C) Tri axial compression tests
D) Drained test

Answer is C)
Explanation: The unconfined compression test is a special case of tri axial compression test due to the absence of confining pressure, the uniaxial test is called the unconfined compression test.

3. The unconfined compression test is generally applicable to ____________

A) Unsaturated clay
B) Saturated clay
C) Fine grained soil
D) Coarse grained soil

Answer is B)
Explanation: In the equation σ1=2cu tan (45° + φu/2), for determining major principal stress, there are 2 unknowns cu and φu which cannot be determined by unconfined test. Therefore, the unconfined compression test is generally applicable to saturated clays for which the apparent angle of shearing resistance φu is zero.

4. The unconfined compression test was first designed by _________

A) A. casagrande and Goyal
B) Singh
C) None of the mentioned
D) All of the mentioned

Answer is A)
Explanation: In 1958, Goyal and Singh designed the first unconfined compression tester.

5. In plastic failure, load corresponding to __________ strain is arbitrarily taken as the failure load.

A) 10 %
B) 5 %
C) 20 %
D) 50 %

Answer is C)
Explanation: In plastic failure, no definite maximum load is indicated. In such a case, the load corresponding to 20 % strain is arbitrarily taken as the failure load.

6. When the Mohr circle is drawn in confined compression test, its radius will be equal to ____________

A) Cu
B) qu
C) Ru
D) None of the mentioned

Answer is A)
Explanation: When the Mohr circle is drawn, its radius is equal to σ1/2, Since, σ1=2cu σ1 /2 = 2cu/2 Therefore, radius=cu.

7. Stress condition in the Unconfined compression test represents ____________

A) Drained test
B) Un-drained test
C) Quick test
D) All of the mentioned

Answer is B)
Explanation: The stress condition at failure, in the unconfined compression test which is essentially an un-drained test, if it is assumed that no moisture is lost from the specimen during the test.

8. Which of the following parameter is used to represent unconfined compressive strength at failure?

A) τf
B) cu
C) qu
D) Au

Answer is C)
Explanation: τf= qu/2 Where, qu=unconfined compressive strength at failure.