Geotechnical Engineering Questions and Answers – Stability Analysis of Finite Slopes

Geotechnical Engineering Objective Questions

Civil Engineering MCQs

This set of Geotechnical Engineering Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Stability Analysis of Finite Slopes”.

1. A basic type of failure at a finite slope may occur due to ___________

A) Slope failure and Base failure
B) Toe failure
C) None of the mentioned
D) All of the mentioned

Answer is A)
Explanation: The two basic types of failure of a finite slope may occur: (i) slope failure (ii) base failure.

2. If the failure occurs along a surface of sliding that intersect the slope at its toe, the slide is known as ___________

A) Base failure
B) Slope failure
C) Face failure
D) All of the mentioned

Answer is B)
Explanation: If the failure occurs along a sliding that intersects the slopes at or above its toe, the slide is known as slope failure.

3. The types of slip surface or failure surfaces are ____________

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

Answer is C)
Explanation: The types of failure surface are: i) Planar failure surface ii) circular failure surface iii) Non-circular failure surface.

4. The ratio of total depth to depth H is called _________

A) Depth factor
B) Slope depth
C) Depth failure
D) Base failure

Answer is A)
Explanation: The ratio of the total depth (H + D) to depth H is called the depth factor Df.

5. The depth factor Df for toe failure is ___________

A) Df > 1
B) Df < 1
C) Df = 1
D) Df = 0

Answer is C)
Explanation: For toe failure, Df = 1; for base failure, Df > 1.

6. Planar surface commonly occur in __________

A) Embankment with specific plane of weakness
B) All embankments
C) Soil deposit
D) Foundation of infinite depth

Answer is A)
Explanation: Planar failure surface may commonly occur in a soil deposit or embankment with a specific plane of weakness.

7. The stability of a finite slope can be investigated by which of the following method?

A) Bishop’s method
B) Swedish circle method
C) Friction circle method
D) All of the mentioned

Answer is D)
Explanation: The stability of a finite slope can be investigated by the following methods: i) Culmann’s method of planar failure surface ii) The Swedish circle method iii) Friction circle method iv) Bishop’s method.

8. According to Bennet, non-circular slip surface may arise in ___________

A) Non homogeneous dam
B) Embankment dams
C) Homogeneous dam
D) Soil deposit with a specific plane of weakness

Answer is C)
Explanation: According to Bennet (1951), non-circular or composite slip surface may arise in homogeneous dam have foundation of infinite depth, rigid boundary planes of maximum and presence of stronger or weaker layer.

9. The rupture mass sliding down a surface in a definite pattern resembles __________

A) Curve
B) Cycloid
C) Ellipse
D) Circle

Answer is B)
Explanation: Collin observed that the rupture mass slide down a sliding surface, in a definite pattern resembling that of a cycloid.

10. In stability computation, the curve representing the real surface of sliding is usually replaced by ___________

A) Arc of circle and Logarithmic failure
B) Cycloid
C) None of the mentioned
D) All of the mentioned

... Answer is A)
Explanation: Failure of finite slopes occurs along a curved surface. In stability computation, the curve is represented by an arc of a circle or logarithmic scale.