TE S T

Soil
Soil Mechanics
Mechanics ++ CPM
CPM

SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS

SE CTI ON S

1. Soil Mechanics - 60 Questions

2. Construction, Planning & Management - 60 Questions

Section
Section 11 :: Soil
Soil Mechanics
Mechanics -- 60
60 Questions
Questions

11

Activity No. =

22

e=wG

e= 0.1 x 2.7

e=0.27

n=e/(1+e)

n=0.27/1.27

n= 21.25%

33

Va=V/6

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Soil Mechanics · Solutions Page 60 of 95

Vw=V/3

Vv= Va + Vw

= V/6 + V/3

= 3V/6

= V/2

Vs = V-Vv =V/2

e(void ratio) = Vv/Vs = 1

44

Liquidity index= (Natural water content - Plastic Limit) / Plasticity Index

= 50-35 /(60-35)

= 15/25

= 3/5 = 0.6

55

Settlement due to creep in soils is contingent on secondary consolidation.

Settlement due to creep also known as secondary

secondary consolidation
consolidation or secondary compression, is the
slow, long-term settlement of soil that occurs under a constant
constant effective
effective stress
stress after primary
consolidation (the dissipation of excess pore water pressure) is complete.

66

Under-Consolidated
Under-Consolidated Clays: Clays: These clays have low strength to begin with because they carry a high
pore water pressure and therefore have low effective stress. Due to their unstable structure and high
water content, any shock or disturbance can easily cause the soil skeleton to collapse, leading to a
significant loss of their already low strength.

77

Increasing the compactive effort shifts the compaction curve up

up and
and to
to the
the left
left, which signifies a higher
maximum dry density and a lower Optimum Moisture Content (OMC).

With a higher compactive effort, more mechanical energy is transferred to the soil. This additional energy
is more effective at overcoming the internal friction between the soil particles. It forces them into an

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 61 of 95

even tighter packing arrangement and expels more air from the voids.

LLess
ess Effort:
Effort: Standard energy only pushes particles together to a certain point.
More
More Effort:
Effort: Higher energy overcomes more friction and forces the same particles into a denser
state, increasing the weight of solids in the same volume.

Since the increased energy is doing more of the work to force particles together, less water is needed to
achieve the best lubrication.

Think of it as a trade-off between mechanical energy and the lubricating effect of water.

A
Att Low
Low Compactive
Compactive Effort:
Effort: You rely more on water's lubricating effect to help particles slide
into place. Therefore, the OMC is higher.
At
At High
High Compactive
Compactive Effort:
Effort: The high mechanical energy can force particles into a dense state
even with less lubrication (i.e., at a lower water content). The powerful blows can overcome the
particle friction that would have otherwise required more water to reduce.

88

Assertion
Assertion (A):
(A): Road
Road built
built on
on black
black cotton
cotton soils
soils shows
shows crack
crack after
after some
some time.
time.

TRUE.
TRUE. This is a well-known problem with expansive soils like black cotton soils. Their tendency to
undergo significant volume changes (swelling when wet, shrinking when dry) leads to differential
movement and stress in overlying structures, causing cracks.

Reason
Reason (R):
(R): Black
Black cotton
cotton soils
soils settle
settle and
and this
this results
results in
in deformation.
deformation.

TRUE.
TRUE. While "settlement" often refers to consolidation under load, in the context of expansive
soils, the term can also encompass the subsidence
subsidence or or downward
downward movement
movement caused
caused by
by
shrinkage
shrinkage when the soil loses moisture. When black cotton soils dry out, they shrink, leading to a
reduction in volume. This volume reduction causes the ground surface (and thus the road above it)
to settle differentially. This differential settlement is a form of deformation.

Both
Both Assertion
Assertion (A)
(A) and
and Reason
Reason (R)
(R) are
are correct,
correct, and
and Reason
Reason (R)
(R) is
is aa correct
correct explanation
explanation for
for
Assertion
Assertion (A).
(A). The deformation arising from the soil's volume changes (which includes settlement due
to shrinkage) directly leads to the observed cracking.

99

In a triaxial compression test performed on an undisturbed soil sample, the confining pressure represents
the in-situ
in-situ lateral
lateral earth
earth pressure/stress
pressure/stress that the soil was subjected to in the ground at its original
depth.

Essentially, the test aims to replicate the real-world stress conditions of the soil sample. In the ground, a
soil element is confined by the surrounding soil from all sides. The confining pressure (σ3) applied in the
triaxial cell simulates this lateral pressure, allowing engineers to accurately determine the soil's true
shear strength parameters (cohesion 'c' and angle of internal friction 'φ') as they exist in the field.

10
10

1
pressure 𝐾𝑎 = , the coefficient pressure 𝐾𝑝
3
If the coefficient
coefficient of
of active
active earth
earth pressure coefficient of
of passive
passive earth
earth pressure
can be calculated using the following relationship for cohesionless
cohesionless soils
soils (based on Rankine's theory):

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 𝐾𝑎 ⋅ 𝐾𝑝 = 1

1
𝐾𝑝 =
𝐾𝑎

1
𝐾𝑝 = =3
1
3

11
11

Weep holes are provided at the back of retaining walls for a crucial reason: to
to reduce
reduce the
the build-up
build-up
hydrostatic
hydrostatic pressure
pressure.

Detailed
Detailed explanation
explanation:

1. Water
Water Accumulation:
Accumulation: The soil material behind the retaining wall, known as backfill, can become
saturated with water due to rainfall or groundwater seepage.

2. Hydrostatic
Hydrostatic Pressure
Pressure Buildup:
Buildup: When this water gets trapped in the backfill and cannot drain
away, it exerts a significant amount of pressure on the wall. This force, called hydrostatic pressure,
acts in addition to the normal lateral earth pressure from the soil itself.

3. Risk
Risk of
of Failure:
Failure: This additional hydrostatic pressure can be immense and may exceed the design
capacity of the wall, leading to structural failure such as bulging, cracking, sliding, or even
overturning.

4. The
The Role
Role of
of Weep
Weep Holes:
Holes: Weep holes are small drainage outlets that allow the trapped water to
escape freely through the wall. By providing this escape path, they prevent the buildup of
hydrostatic pressure, ensuring that the wall only has to withstand the load from the soil as
intended.

To ensure they function correctly, weep holes are typically installed with a layer of granular material (like
gravel) and a geotextile filter fabric behind them to prevent the surrounding soil from clogging the holes.

12
12

Given:
Given:

Plastic
Plastic limit
limit (PL)
(PL) = 26%

Liquid
Liquid limit
limit (LL)
(LL) = 48%

Plasticity
Plasticity index
index (PI)
(PI) = LL – PL = 48 – 26 = 22%
22%

Step
Step 1:
1: Determine
Determine Compressibility
Compressibility

As per IS
IS 1498:1970
[Link]

LL < 35% → Low compressibility (LL)

LL 35%–50% → Intermediate compressibility (II)

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 LL > 50% → High compressibility (H
H)

Since LL = 48% → Intermediate

Intermediate compressibility
compressibility (I)
(I)

SStep
tep 2:
2: Use
Use the
the A-Line
A-Line to
to Differentiate
Differentiate Between
Between CL
CL and
and CI
CI or
or MI
MI

Use the A-line

A-line equation
equation:
PI = 0.73(LL − 20) = 0.73(48 − 20) = 20.44

Given PI
PI == 22
22, which is above
above the
the A-line
A-line → the soil is clayey
clayey.

FFinal
inal Classification:
Classification:

Soil is inorganic
inorganic clay
clay of
of intermediate
intermediate plasticity
plasticity.

CI

13
13

In a Consolidated Undrained (CU) triaxial test, the pore water pressure is zero only at the end
end of
of the
the
consolidation
consolidation stage.
stage.

Consolidation
Consolidation Stage
Stage (Drainage
(Drainage Allowed):
Allowed):

The saturated soil sample is placed in the triaxial cell, and an all-around confining pressure is
applied.
The drainage lines are kept open
open, allowing the sample to consolidate under the confining pressure.
During this stage, any excess pore water pressure generated by the confining pressure dissipates.
The stage is complete when this pressure becomes zero zero. At this point, the
the pore
pore water
water pressure
pressure
is
is zero
zero.

Shearing
Shearing Stage
Stage (Undrained):
(Undrained):

The drainage lines are closed

closed. This is the "Undrained" part of the test.
An axial load (deviator stress) is applied to the sample.
Because drainage is prevented, the tendency of the soil to change volume is transferred to the
pore water, causing a buildup
buildup of of pore
pore water
water pressure
pressure.
This change in pore water pressure (either positive in loose soils or negative in dense soils) is
measured throughout this stage and is crucial for calculating the effective stress strength
parameters.

Therefore, during the shearing phase where the soil's strength is actually tested, the pore water pressure
is not
not zero
zero.

14
14

Loess deposits are formed by constant blowing of wind from the same direction.

The process involves:

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 1. SSource:
ource: Fine, silt-sized particles are picked up by the wind from source areas like deserts, glacial
outwash plains, or semi-arid regions.
2. Transportation:
Transportation: The wind carries these lightweight particles over long distances.
3. Deposition:
Deposition: As the wind velocity decreases, it drops the particles, which accumulate over vast
areas in thick, unstratified (uniform) blankets.

Loess is known for its high porosity and ability to stand in vertical cuts.

15
15

The method is best suited for cohesionless

cohesionless oror granular
granular soils
soils (like sands and gravels) because they can
be excavated to form a stable hole. Highly plastic or soft organic soils tend to deform or collapse during
excavation, making it difficult to maintain the hole's volume accurately.

Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: c)
c) Cohesionless
Cohesionless or
or granular
granular soils
soils

16
16

Sensitivity is the ratio

ratio of the undisturbed
undisturbed shear
shear strength
strength to the remoulded
remoulded shear
shear strength
strength of a
cohesive soil (especially clays):
Undisturbed Shear Strength
Sensitivity (St) =
Remoulded Shear Strength

17
17

In a Mohr's Diagram, a point above the Mohr's envelope indicates an

an impossible
impossible state
state of
of
stress/imaginary
stress/imaginary condition
condition.

Explanation:
Explanation:

The Mohr's
Mohr's envelope
envelope (also known as the failure envelope) represents the maximum shear
strength that a material can withstand for a given normal stress. It is the boundary between stable
and unstable stress conditions.

A
A point
point on
on the
the envelope
envelope means the material is at the point of shear failure.

A
A point
point below
below the
the envelope
envelope represents a safe and stable state of stress.

A
A point
point above
above the
the envelope
envelope would imply that the shear stress acting on a plane is greater than
the shear strength of the material. This is physically impossible, as the material would have already
failed before reaching such a stress state.

18
18

In the capillary fringe, the soil pores are saturated, but the water is held in tension, creating a negative
pore water pressure (suction). According to the effective stress principle (σ′=σ−u), subtracting a
negative value increases the effective stress (σ′=σ−(−u)=σ+u). This increased effective stress enhances
the soil's shear strength

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1199

LLiquefaction
iquefaction is a phenomenon where saturated
saturated (submerged)
(submerged) soils
soils lose
lose strength
strength and
and behave
behave like
like
aa liquid
liquid when subjected to dynamic loading, such as during earthquakes
earthquakes.

Important
Important Notes:
Notes:

Liquefaction
Liquefaction typically occurs in loose,
loose, cohesionless
cohesionless or
or low-plasticity
low-plasticity soils
soils,
especially saturated
saturated sands
sands and
and silts
silts.

Fissured
Fissured clays
clays may experience strength
strength loss
loss or strain
strain softening
softening, but do
do not
not liquefy
liquefy in
in the
the
classical
classical sense
sense.

However, in rare cases, sensitive

sensitive fissured
fissured clays
clays with high water content and weak structure may
behave like liquefiable soils under specific conditions — this is not
not common
common.

20
20

=( )= = = =

= =3

=3 /(1/3) = 9

21
21

Wall friction decreases active earth pressure but increases passive earth pressure.

Explaination:
Explaination:

Wall friction is denoted by

𝛿, the angle of friction between the soil

soil and
and the
the wall
wall surface
surface.

1.
1. Active
Active Earth
Earth Pressure
Pressure (Ka):
(Ka):

In active
active condition
condition, the wall moves
moves away
away from
from the
the soil
soil, allowing the soil to expand.

If wall
wall friction
friction δ acts downward
downward, it reduces
reduces the
the required
required horizontal
horizontal force
force from the soil.

➤ So, active
active pressure
pressure decreases
decreases with increased
increased wall
wall friction
friction.

2.
2. Passive
Passive Earth
Earth Pressure
Pressure (Kp):
(Kp):

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 In passive
passive condition
condition, the wall pushes
pushes into
into the
the soil
soil, compressing it.

If wall
wall friction
friction δ acts upward
upward, it adds
adds to
to the
the resistance
resistance offered by the soil.

➤ So, passive
passive pressure
pressure increases
increases with increased
increased wall
wall friction
friction.

22
22

Quick
Quick sand
sand is a condition
condition (not a type of sand) in which saturated
saturated soil
soil behaves like a liquid
liquid due to
the upward
upward flow
flow ofof water
water, causing a loss
loss of
of shear
shear strength
strength.

Mechanism:
Mechanism:

It occurs when upward

upward seepage
seepage pressure
pressure reduces the effective
effective stress
stress in the soil to
nearly zero
zero.

This happens when the seepage

seepage force
force equals
equals the
the submerged
submerged weight
weight of soil particles.

At this point, the soil particles float

float in water and lose
lose contact
contact, making the soil behave like a liquid.

Key
Key Features:
Features:

Soil appears to be solid

solid, but objects or people can sink
sink into it.

Commonly occurs in loose

loose sands
sands with high
high groundwater
groundwater flow
flow (e.g., near riverbeds, excavation
sites).

Can cause piping

piping failure
failure or bearing
bearing capacity
capacity failure
failure of foundations.

23
23

= 5.7 = 5.7 x 10 = 57 KN/

24
24

The minimum bearing capacity of soil under a given footing occurs when the groundwater table at the
location is at the ground level.

Explanation:
Explanation:

The presence of groundwater

groundwater affects soil's effective
effective stress
stress and thus reduces its shear
shear
strength
strength and bearing
bearing capacity
capacity. The most critical (worst) condition is when the water
water table
table is
is at
at or
or
near
near the
the base
base of
of the
the footing
footing or
or higher
higher, because:

1. Soil
Soil becomes
becomes fully
fully saturated
saturated

2. Effective
Effective stress
stress reduces
reduces

3. Unit
Unit weight
weight ((γ')
') becomes
becomes submerged
submerged unit
unit weight
weight, which is lower

4. Shear
Shear strength
strength decreases
decreases

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 5. U
Ultimate
ltimate bearing
bearing capacity
capacity drops
drops

W
When
hen Does
Does It
It Occur?
Occur?

M
Minimum
inimum bearing
bearing capacity
capacity occurs when:

Water table is at ground level or footing level

As the water
water table
table drops
drops, the bearing
bearing capacity
capacity increases
increases due to:

Increased effective stress

Reduced pore water pressure

FFinal
inal Answer:
Answer:

At or near the ground surface (or footing base level)

25
25

Darcy's Law (v=ki) assumes that the flow of water through the soil pores is slow and viscous, without any
turbulence. This condition is known as laminar flow and is generally true for fine to medium-grained soils
under typical hydraulic gradients.

26
26

Shear strength of soil, s =

s= =

27
27

angle 𝜙 = 0) can be determined using Terzaghi’s

The Net
Net Ultimate
Ultimate Bearing
Bearing Capacity
Capacity of a purely
purely cohesive
cohesive soil
soil (i.e., soil with cohesion
cohesion cc and zero
zero
internal
internal friction
friction angle Terzaghi’s bearing
bearing capacity
capacity theory
theory for a
strip footing.

Formula
Formula for
for Net
Net Ultimate
Ultimate Bearing
Bearing Capacity:
Capacity:
𝑞𝑛𝑢 = 𝑐 ⋅ 𝑁𝑐

Where:

𝑞𝑛𝑢 = Net
Net ultimate
ultimate bearing
bearing capacity
capacity

𝑐 = Cohesion
Cohesion of the soil (kN/m²)

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 𝑁𝑐 = Bearing
For 𝜙 = 0 ∘ N
Bearing capacity
capacity factor
factor for cohesion
Ncc==5.7
5.7 (Terzaghi’s value for strip footing)

28
28

Unconsolidated
Unconsolidated Undrained
Undrained (UU)
(UU) Test
Test is
is used
used when:
when:

Soil
Soil Type
Type: Fine-grained (clayey) soils

Condition
Condition: Short-term
Short-term loading
loading (like during immediate foundation construction)

Drainage
Drainage: No
No drainage
drainage occurs — this replicates real field conditions in clays shortly after loading

Time
Time Frame
Frame: Construction is to be completed within
within one
one month
month, meaning undrained
undrained
conditions
conditions prevail.
prevail.

29
29

Explanation:
Explanation:

Sands
Sands are
are cohesionless
cohesionless soils
soils — their shear
shear strength,
strength, compressibility,
compressibility, and
and load-bearing
load-bearing
behavior
behavior depend mainly on how densely they are packed.

Relative
Relative density
density (also called density
density index
index) is a measure of how dense a sand deposit is
compared to its loosest and densest states.

A higher
higher relative
relative density
density means:

Greater shear
shear strength
strength

Lower compressibility
compressibility

Better performance
performance under
under load
load

30
30

2 and 3 are true

In Skempton analysis,

B = 0 for dry soil

B = 1 for saturated soil

'A' may be less than 0 or more than 2.

31
31

Explanation:
Explanation:

In clayey
clayey soils
soils, particles are platy
platy (flat and thin like sheets).

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 When these particles align parallel
parallel to each other (i.e., face-to-face
face-to-face), they form a:

Dispersed Structure

C
Characteristics
haracteristics of
of Dispersed
Dispersed Structure:
Structure:

FFace-to-face
ace-to-face orientation
orientation of clay particles

Occurs typically in remoulded

remoulded or
or mechanically
mechanically disturbed
disturbed soils
soils

Lower
Lower permeability
permeability

Common in sodium-dominated
sodium-dominated clays
clays

32
32

Explanation:
Explanation:

Among clay minerals, activity

activity refers to how much
much volume
volume change
change (swelling
(swelling and
and shrinkage)
shrinkage) the clay
undergoes with changes
changes inin moisture
moisture content
content.

Na-Montmorillonite
Na-Montmorillonite (a
(a type
type of
of smectite
smectite)) is:
is:

Highly
Highly active
active

Has large
large surface
surface area
area

Has high
high cation
cation exchange
exchange capacity
capacity

Shows extreme
extreme swelling
swelling when wet and shrinks
shrinks significantly
significantly when dry

This makes it the most

most active
active and problematic in civil engineering due to:

Foundation
Foundation instability
instability

Heaving
Heaving of
of structures
structures

Difficult
Difficult handling
handling in
in earthworks
earthworks

33
33

Kaolinite is a 1:1
1:1 layer
layer mineral
mineral, meaning each layer consists of one silica sheet bonded to one alumina
octahedral [Link] layers are held together by strong hydrogen bonds, which prevent water from
entering between them. This results in low
low plasticity,
plasticity, low
low swelling
swelling and
and shrinkage
shrinkage, and low cation
exchange capacity.

Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: b)
b) It
It has
has aa 1:1
1:1 layer
layer structure
structure and
and is
is generally
generally non-expansive
non-expansive with
with low
low
plasticity.
plasticity.

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34
34

The constant
constant head
head method
method maintains a steady
steady flow
flow of
of water
water through a soil
soil specimen
specimen under
a constant
constant hydraulic
hydraulic gradient
gradient.

It is quick
quick and
and accurate
accurate for soils with high
high permeability
permeability where water flows freely
freely.

Not
Not suitable
suitable for:
for:

Fine-grained
Fine-grained soils
soils (clays
(clays and
and silts)
silts) because:

They have very

very low
low permeability
permeability

Water flows very

very slowly
slowly, making test impractical
impractical and
and inaccurate
inaccurate

For such soils, the Falling

Falling Head
Head Method
Method is used instead.

35
35

Since more than 50% of particles are passing throughg 4.75 mm sieve while less than 50% are passing
through 75 sieve, the soil is Sand.

Cuu==88 and 𝐶𝑐 = 2
→ 𝐶𝑢 ≥ 6 and 1 ≤ 𝐶𝑐 ≤ 3→ Sand is well-graded
C
well-graded

36
36

Quick sand condition occurs at critical hydraulic gradient i.e

= -1/(1+e)

= 2.62-1 / (1+0.62)

= 1.62/1.62

=1

= Head required to cause quick condition/ thickness of soil

1= Head/2.5m

Head = 2.5m

37
37

Given:
Given:

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 71 of 95

 𝛾 = 19.0 kN/m (bulk unit weight)
3

𝑤 = 12% = 0.12

𝐺𝑠 = 2.70

𝛾𝑤 = 9.81 kN/m3

SStep
tep 1:
1: Find
Find the
the dry
dry unit weight 𝛾𝑑𝑟𝑦 γd
unit weight dry
ry

𝛾 19.0 19.0
𝛾𝑑𝑟𝑦 = = = = 16.964 kN/m3
1 + 𝑤 1 + 0.12 1.12

SStep
tep 2:
2: Find
Find the
the void ratio 𝑒ee
void ratio
𝐺𝑠 𝛾𝑤 𝐺𝑠 𝛾𝑤
𝛾𝑑𝑟𝑦 = ⇒ 1+𝑒=
1+𝑒 𝛾𝑑𝑟𝑦

2.70 × 9.81 26.487

1+𝑒= = = 1.5616
16.964 16.964
𝑒 = 1.5616 − 1 = 0.5616

SStep
tep 3:
3: Find
Find the
the degree
degree of saturation 𝑆SS
of saturation
𝑤𝐺𝑠 0.12 × 2.70 0.324
𝑆= = = = 0.5769
𝑒 0.5616 0.5616
𝑆 = 57.69% ≈ 58.6%

38
38

In porous soils the two velocities are related as follows:

Discharge
Discharge (Darcy)
(Darcy) velocity
velocity, , is defined as

where is the volumetric flow rate and is the total cross-sectional area of the soil
(solids + voids).

Seepage
Seepage (pore)
(pore) velocity
velocity, , is the true average velocity of water through the void
void space:

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 72 of 95

 where n is the porosity and the cross-sectional area of the voids.

Putting these together gives the key relationship:

Since for any soil , it follows that

SSummary
ummary

SSeepage
eepage velocity
velocity ( ) = Discharge
Discharge velocity
velocity ( ) ÷ porosity
porosity ( ).

Because porosity is less than 1, seepage

seepage velocity
velocity is
is always
always greater
greater than the Darcy (discharge)
velocity.

39
39

The permeability of soil is highly influenced by the grain size. Specifically, as the effective grain size (D₁₀)
increases, the soil contains larger pore spaces allowing water to flow more easily, thereby increasing the
permeability.

40
40

Erosion and piping can be prevented by vertical cut off at upstream side, impervious blanket and
protective filter.

41
41

In Rankine’s
Rankine’s theory
theory of
of earth
earth pressure
pressure, the assumption
assumption about
about the
the back
back of
of the
the wall
wall is that it is:

Vertical
Vertical

Smooth
Smooth (no
(no wall
wall friction)
friction)

This implies there is no

no adhesion
adhesion or
or friction
friction between the wall and the soil, so the failure plane is
determined solely by the soil properties and not by wall-soil interaction.

42
42

For a retaining
retaining wall
wall under active or passive pressure conditions with a uniform
uniform soil
soil and horizontal
horizontal
backfill
backfill surface
surface, the total
total lateral
lateral earth
earth pressure
pressure is triangular
triangular in distribution.

Thus, the total

total pressure
pressure (resultant)
(resultant) acts at a height of:
ℎ
measured from the base.
3

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 73 of 95

43
43

1. Vibration
Vibration technique:
technique: Highly effective for cohesionless
cohesionless soils
soils (sands and gravels). Vibrations
reduce inter-granular friction, allowing particles to rearrange into a denser state. Vibratory rollers
are a prime example.
2. Flooding
Flooding thethe soil:
soil: Also known as saturation or sometimes used in conjunction with vibro-
compaction (vibroflotation). This method is used for cohesionless
cohesionless soils
soils, particularly sands.
Saturating the sand temporarily reduces effective stress, allowing particles to rearrange and
densify, especially when combined with vibrations. It's less effective on its own for significant
compaction but aids in densification.
3. Sheep
Sheep foot
foot roller:
roller: These rollers have projecting "feet" or lugs that penetrate and knead the soil.
This kneading action is very effective for compacting cohesive
cohesive soils
soils (clays and silts) by breaking
down lumps and expelling air and water. They are generally not suitable for cohesionless soils as the
feet tend to "till" or loosen the sand rather than compact it.
4. Tandem
Tandem roller:
roller: These are smooth-wheel rollers, typically with two drums. While vibratory
tandem rollers exist and are good for granular materials, the term "tandem roller" often refers to
smooth-wheel rollers used for compacting granular bases or asphalt. Non-vibratory smooth-wheel
rollers rely on static weight and are generally more
more effective
effective for
for granular
granular (cohesionless)
(cohesionless)
soils
soils and crushing aggregate, creating a smooth surface. If it's a vibratory tandem roller, it's even
better for granular soils.
5. Heavy
Heavy weights
weights dropped
dropped from
from aa height:
height: This is known as Dynamic Compaction or Heavy
Tamping. It uses high-impact energy to densify soils. This method is very effective for
compacting cohesionless
cohesionless soils
soils (sands, gravels, and even some non-plastic silts) and granular fills
to significant depths.

Based on this, the methods suitable for cohesionless soils include:

1.
1. Vibration
Vibration technique
technique
2.
2. Flooding
Flooding the
the soil
soil
4.
4. Tandem
Tandem roller
roller (especially vibratory or smooth-wheel for granular bases)
5.
5. Heavy
Heavy weights
weights dropped
dropped from
from aa height
height

Sheep foot rollers (3) are primarily for cohesive soils.

Therefore, the correct options for cohesionless soils are 1,

1, 2,
2, 4,
4, and
and 55.

44
44

If the value of the toughness index (IT ) for a soil is less than 1, then the soil is generally considered to
be brittle
brittle or friable
friable at its plastic limit.

Toughness
Toughness Index
Index ((IITT )) is the ratio of the Plasticity Index (IP ) to the Flow Index (If ).
it provides an indication of the shear
shear strength
strength ofof the
the soil
soil at
at its
its plastic
plastic limit
limit.

45
45

The phase diagram of a soil sample typically illustrates the relative proportions of its three main
components:

1. Solids
Solids (Soil
(Soil Grains):
Grains): The mineral particles of the soil.
2. Water:
Water: The liquid phase filling some or all of the voids.
3. Air:
Air: The gas phase filling the remaining voids.

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 74 of 95

At the shrinkage
shrinkage limit
limit (SL)
(SL), the soil has the following characteristics, which define its phase diagram:

M
Maximum
aximum DryDry Volume:
Volume: The soil has reached its minimum possible volume upon drying. Any
further loss of water below the shrinkage limit will not cause any further decrease in the total
volume of the soil mass.
Fully
Fully Saturated
Saturated (Theoretically):
(Theoretically): At the exact shrinkage limit, the soil is considered to be fully
fully
saturated
saturated. This means that all the voids (the spaces between soil grains) are theoretically still filled
with water, and there is no
no air
airin the voids.
Transition
Transition Point:
Point: It represents the boundary between the "semi-solid" state and the "solid" state.
If moisture content decreases below the shrinkage limit, air starts to enter the voids, and the soil
becomes partially saturated but its volume remains constant.

TTherefore,
herefore, the
the phase
phase diagram
diagram of
of aa soil
soil sample
sample at
at the
the shrinkage
shrinkage limit
limit moisture
moisture content
content will
will
show
show aa two-phase
two-phase system
system consisting
consisting of:
of:

1. SSoil
oil Solids
Solids (Volume
(Volume of
of Solids,
Solids, V
Vss))
2. Water
Water (Volume
(Volume of
of Water,
Water, VVw
w))

And, importantly:

V
Volume
olume of
of Voids
Voids ((V Vvv)) == Volume
Volume of of Water
Water ((V
Vww)) (because it's fully saturated).
Volume
Volume of
of Air
Air ((V
Vaa)) == 00
Total
Total Volume
Volume ((VV )) == V
Vss++VVvv (This total volume is the dry volume, Vd, which is the constant
volume below the shrinkage limit).
Degree
Degree of
of Saturation
Saturation (S) (S) == 100%
100% (or 1).

In essence, it's a saturated

saturated two-phase
two-phase system
system where the soil has reached its minimum possible
volume.

46
46

Assertion
Assertion (A):
(A): Mohr's
Mohr's circle
circle for
for unconfined
unconfined compression
compression test
test passes
passes through
through the
the origin.
origin.

In an unconfined compression test, the soil specimen is not subjected to any lateral confining
pressure. Therefore, the minor principal stress (σ3) is zero.
Mohr's circle is drawn with the minor principal stress (σ3) and the major principal stress (σ1) on the
normal stress (σ) axis.
Since σ3=0, one point on the Mohr's circle (specifically, the leftmost point representing the minor
principal stress state) will be at the origin (0,0).
Assertion
Assertion (A)(A) is
is TRUE.
TRUE.

Reason
Reason (R):
(R): In
In an
an unconfined
unconfined compression
compression test,
test, the
the axial
axial stress
stress is
is equal
equal to
to confining
confining stress.
stress.

In an unconfined compression test, there is nono confining

confining stress
stress (i.e., confining stress = 0).
The axial stress is the compressive stress applied vertically to the specimen. At failure, this is the
unconfined compressive strength (qu), which is the major principal stress (σ1).
Therefore, the axial stress is not
not equal
equal to the confining stress (which is zero). Instead, the axial
stress is the onlyapplied stress in the system.
Reason
Reason (R) (R) is
is FALSE.
FALSE.

Conclusion:
Conclusion:

Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 75 of 95

47
47

The Unconfined
Unconfined Compression
Compression (UC)
(UC) strength
strength test
test, also known as the Uniaxial Compression Test, is a
common laboratory test in geotechnical engineering used to determine the shear strength of cohesive
cohesive
soils
soils (like clay and sometimes silt).

Here's a breakdown of what it is:

Purpose:
Purpose: The primary purpose is to quickly determine the unconfined
unconfined compressive
compressive strength
strength ((
)) of a soil specimen. This qu value is then used to estimate the undrained
undrained shear
shear strength
strength ((
)) of the cohesive soil. For saturated clays under undrained conditions, = /2.

48
48

Using Hazen’s
Hazen’s formula
formula for clean, uniform sands:

𝑘 = 𝐶 (𝐷10 )2

Assuming the standard value 𝐶 = 100 for a loose, rounded-grain sand and 𝐷10 = 0.05 cm:

𝑘 = 100 × (0.05) = 100 × 0.0025 = 0.25 cm/s

2

Therefore,
Therefore, the
the coefficient
coefficient of
of permeability
permeability is
is

0.25 cm/s = 2.5 × 10−3 m/s

49
49

The coefficient of permeability (or hydraulic conductivity) for clay is generally very low due to its
extremely small particle size and pore spaces.

It is typically of the order of to

to cm/s
cm/s or even lower.

Here's a general range for common soil types for comparison (in cm/s):

Gravel:
Gravel: 100 to
Sands:
Sands: to
Silts:
Silts: to
Clays:
Clays: to or smaller (down to cm/s or less for very dense clays).

This low permeability is why clay is often used as a barrier in applications like landfill liners and dam
cores.

50
50

1. "it
"it is
is based
based on
on isotropic
isotropic behaviour
behaviour of
of soil."
soil."

False.
False. Westergaard's theory assumes the soil is an anisotropic
anisotropic elastic
elastic medium
medium,
specifically one reinforced by closely spaced rigid horizontal sheets. This implies that lateral

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 76 of 95

 deformation is restricted, unlike Boussinesq's theory which assumes isotropic behavior.

2. "i
"itt is
is best
best suited
suited for
for layered
layered soil
soil deposits."
deposits."

True.
True. Due to the assumption of restricted lateral strain (as if by rigid horizontal layers),
Westergaard's theory is considered more appropriate for layered
layered or or stratified
stratified soil
soil
deposits
deposits, particularly those with alternating stiff and soft layers or where lateral
confinement is significant. Boussinesq's theory is for a homogeneous, isotropic half-space.

3. "i
"itt is
is based
based on
on the
the assumption
assumption that
that soil
soil is
is laterally
laterally supported
supported and
and only
only vertical
vertical
movement
movement is is possible."
possible."

True.
True. This statement accurately describes the core assumption of Westergaard's theory,
where horizontal strains are negligible, meaning deformation primarily occurs in the vertical
direction. This is the effect of the implied rigid horizontal reinforcement.

4. "i
"influence
nfluence factor
factor is
is higher
higher than
than that
that of
of Boussinesque's
Boussinesque's equation."
equation."

False.
False. Westergaard's theory generally predicts lower
lower vertical
vertical stresses
stresses at a given depth
and radial distance from the load compared to Boussinesq's theory. This implies that its
influence factor is lower
lower than that of Boussinesq's equation for the same conditions. The load
is assumed to spread out more effectively due to the restricted lateral strain.

Therefore, the correct statements are 22 and

and 33.

51
51

The effect of overburden pressure on SPT value may be approximated by equation

where is effective overburden pressure in not exceeding .

52
52

Here is the correct matching of the in-situ tests with their respective measurements:

A.
A. SPT
SPT test
test (Standard Penetration Test) matches with 1.
1. Penetration
Penetration Resistance
Resistance (N
(N value)
value)
B.
B. Plate
Plate load
load test
test matches with 2.
2. Load
Load settlement
settlement data
data
C.
C. Field
Field vane
vane shear
shear test
test matches with 4.
4. In
In situ
situ shear
shear strength
strength
D.
D. DPT
DPT test
test (Dynamic Penetration Test) matches with 3.
3. Point
Point resistance
resistance and
and skin
skin friction
friction

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 77 of 95

So the correct codes are : A-1,
A-1, B-2,
B-2, C-4,
C-4, D-3
D-3

53
53

The soil most commonly used as a drilling mud is bentonite

bentonite, a sodium-rich montmorillonite clay.

Why Bentonite?

High
High swelling
swelling capacity:
capacity: When mixed with water, it expands to form a viscous, thixotropic gel.

Excellent
Excellent suspension:
suspension: Keeps cuttings in suspension and carries them to the surface.

Low
Low permeability:
permeability: Helps form a filter-cake on the borehole wall, stabilizing it and minimizing fluid
loss.

Lubrication
Lubrication &
& cooling:
cooling: Reduces torque on the drill bit and dissipates heat.

54
54

The correct matching is:

A.
A. Excessive
Excessive settlement
settlement – 2. High compressibility

B.
B. High
High expansivity
expansivity – 3. Montmorillonite soil

C.
C. Reduction
Reduction of
of bearing
bearing capacity
capacity – 1. Rise of water table

D.
D. Acceleration
Acceleration of
of consolidation
consolidation – 4. Sand drains

So, A-2,
A-2, B-3,
B-3, C-1,
C-1, D-4
D-4.

55
55

The correct statement would be that all

all of them are part of the actual planning process.

To reiterate:

1. Collection
Collection of
of all
all available
available information:
information: This is the initial desk study, gathering existing data.
2. Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance of of the
the area:
area: A site visit to observe and gather preliminary visual information.
3. Preliminary
Preliminary site
site investigation:
investigation: Initial, limited investigation to get a general understanding.
4. Detailed
Detailed site
site investigation:
investigation: Comprehensive investigation to gather detailed data for design.

These steps are sequential and iterative, with each phase informing and refining the plan for the
subsequent ones.

56
56

Area ratio =

57
57

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 U
Undisturbed
ndisturbed soil
soil samples
samples are obtained using thin-walled
thin-walled samplers
samplers (e.g. Shelby
Shelby tubes
tubes)
because they cause minimal
minimal disturbance
disturbance to the soil structure during sampling.

Thick-walled samplers and direct excavation tend to disturb

disturb the
the soil
soil structure
structure and are thus not
suitable for collecting truly undisturbed samples.

58
58

For gravels
gravels to be well-graded
well-graded as per soil classification:

Coefficient
Coefficient of
of uniformity
uniformity (Cu)
(Cu) should be greater
greater than
than 44.

Coefficient
Coefficient of
of curvature
curvature (Cc)
(Cc) should be between 11 and
and 33.

Hence, the correct option is both

both B
B and
and C
C.

59
59

GW
GW = Well-graded gravel

GC
GC = Gravel with clayey fines

When both
both well-graded
well-graded nature
nature (GW)
(GW) and the
the presence
presence of
of clay
clay fines
fines (GC)
(GC) apply, we use the dual
dual
symbol
symbol GW-GC
GW-GC as per USCS.

60
60

All bearing capacity factors — 𝑁𝑐 Nc, 𝑁𝑞 Nq, and 𝑁𝛾 Nγ — are functions

functions of
of the
the angle
angle of
of internal
internal
friction
friction ((𝜙ϕ
ϕ)) of the soil, as given by Terzaghi’s bearing capacity theory.

Section
Section 22 :: Construction,
Construction, Planning
Planning &
& Management
Management -- 60
60 Questions
Questions

61
61

The graphical representation described, where:

Long duration jobs are broken down into key segmental elements (tasks/events).
Events are shown in chronological
chronological order
order.
There's no
no attention
attention to
to logical
logical sequencing
sequencing (meaning dependencies aren't explicitly shown or
crucial for the structure).
Interdependencies
Interdependencies between
between events
events are
are not
not highlighted
highlighted.

This description perfectly fits a Milestone

Milestone Chart.
Chart.

CPM
CPM (Critical
(Critical Path
Path Method)
Method) and PERTPERT (Program
(Program Evaluation
Evaluation and
and Review
Review Technique)
Technique):
These are network diagrams (Activity-on-Node or Activity-on-Arrow). They are specifically
designed to show logical
logical sequencing
sequencing and and interdependencies
interdependencies between activities, and they are
used to calculate the critical path. This contradicts the description.
Gantt
Gantt Chart
Chart: While a Gantt chart shows tasks in chronological order with durations (bars),
modern Gantt charts dotypically show dependencies between tasks, which contradicts
"interdependencies...not highlighted." Older, simpler Gantt charts might not have explicitly drawn

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 79 of 95

 dependencies, but the core characteristic of a milestone chart is the focus on events rather than
detailed tasks and their links.

A Milestone
Milestone Chart
Chart simply plots key events or achievements along a timeline in chronological order. It
provides a high-level overview of important checkpoints but doesn't delve into the detailed tasks leading
up to those milestones or the complex dependencies between them.

62
62

Activity
Activity on
on Node
Node (AON)
(AON) type
type of
of network
network analysis
analysis involves
involves CPM
CPM scheduling.
scheduling.

Explanation:
Explanation:

In Activity
Activity on
on Node
Node (AON)
(AON):

Each node
node represents an activity
activity.

Arrows show dependencies

dependencies between activities.

It is most commonly used in CPM

CPM (Critical
(Critical Path
Path Method)
Method) scheduling.

Therefore:
Therefore:

Activity
Activity on
on Node
Node type
type of
of network
network analysis
analysis involves:
involves:
CPM
CPM scheduling
scheduling.

63
63

Bar charts donot show interdependency of activities. Thus their sequece is not shown and they seem
independent of each other. Also bar charts do not show project progress so it is difficult to judge
completion of activity.

64
64

Independent
Independent Float
Float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without
without affecting
affecting the
the
preceding
preceding oror succeeding
succeeding activities
activities, assuming that the preceding activity finishes as late as possible
and the succeeding activity starts as early as possible.

Hence, it affects
affects only
only the
the particular
particular activity
activity involved
involved, not others.

65
65

Explanation:
Explanation:

In PERT
PERT (Program
(Program Evaluation
Evaluation and
and Review
Review Technique)
Technique) or CPM
CPM,
Slack
Slack (or
(or float)
float) is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project.

Critical
Critical activities
activities lie on the critical
critical path
path, which determines the minimum
minimum project
project duration
duration.

Therefore, critical
critical activities
activities have
have zero
zero slack
slack — any delay in them delays the entire project.

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 80 of 95

66
66

Expected time for A =

Expected time for B =

67
67

Explanation:
Explanation:

Crashing
Crashing:
A project management technique used to reduce
reduce the
the duration
duration of activities by allocating extra
extra
resources
resources, often at higher
higher cost
cost.
Represents
Represents reduction
reduction in
in duration
duration

Negative
Negative Slack
Slack:
Indicates a delay
delay or project
project overrun
overrun, where the schedule cannot meet the required end date.
Does not
not represent reduction in duration.

Variance
Variance:
In PERT, it measures uncertainty
uncertainty in activity duration (statistical spread).
Does not
not represent duration reduction.

68
68

The Latest
Latest Event
Event Time
Time of the preceding
preceding node
node is the latest time that the preceding activity can
finish without
without delaying
delaying the project.

The start
start of
of an
an activity
activity must occur after
after or
or at
at the
the same
same time
time as
as the latest event time of the
node it starts from.

69
69

Assertion (A) is true and Reason (R) is also true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

Assertion
Assertion (A):
(A): TRUE
TRUE

In repetitive
repetitive projects
projects (like constructing multiple identical houses/floors), the Bar
Bar Chart
Chart (Gantt
chart) can be transformed into a Line
Line of
of Balance
Balance (LOB)
(LOB) diagram.

The LOB diagram helps in tracking progress

progress across
across multiple
multiple units
units.

It still resembles a stacked

stacked bar
bar chart
chart, showing sequential progress across time and units.

Reason
Reason (R):
(R): TRUE
TRUE

In LOB, if the lines slope backward

backward in
in time
time (from later units to earlier ones), it indicates logical
logical
inconsistency
inconsistency — the next block is progressing before the previous one is completed.

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 81 of 95

 So the slope
slope must
must not
not go
go forward
forward in
in time
time from last
last to
to first
first or top
top to
to bottom
bottom — this ensures
logical construction flow.

B
But
ut Reason
Reason (R)
(R) is
is not
not aa direct
direct explanation
explanation of
of Assertion
Assertion (A):
(A):

While R explains a rule

rule for
for interpreting/validating
interpreting/validating LOB diagrams, it does not
not justify
justify why the
bar chart is converted into LOB.

70
70

Explanation:
Explanation:

1. Helps
Helps inin planning
planning efficient
efficient time
time schedule
schedule
– True
True. The critical
critical path
path determines the minimum
minimum project
project duration
duration and helps schedule
activities accordingly.

2. Indicates
Indicates the
the shortest
shortest path
path in
in time
time
– False
False. The critical path is actually the longest
longest duration
duration path
path through the network, not the
shortest.
(It gives the shortest
shortest possible
possible time
time to
to complete
complete the
the whole
whole project
project, but itself
itself is
is the
the longest
longest
path
path in terms of activity duration.)

3. Helps
Helps inin crashing
crashing the
the project
project judiciously
judiciously
– True.
True. Critical path activities are targeted for crashing
crashing (reducing duration) since they directly
affect the project completion time.

4. Helps
Helps in
in encouraging
encouraging discipline
discipline in
in execution
execution
– True
True. Focusing on critical path activities ensures timely
timely execution
execution, minimizing delays.

71
71

In PERT
PERT (Program
(Program Evaluation
Evaluation and
and Review
Review Technique)
Technique), the expected
expected duration
duration (TE)
(TE) of an activity
is calculated using the three-point
three-point estimation
estimation formula
formula:
𝑂 + 4𝑀 + 𝑃
TE =
6

Where:

𝑂 = Optimistic time (minimum)

𝑀 = Most likely time (mode)

𝑃 = Pessimistic time (maximum)

Given:
Given:

𝑂=6

𝑀 = 15 (most frequent → most likely)

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 82 of 95

 𝑃 = 60
6 + 4(15) + 60 6 + 60 + 60 126
TE = = = = 21 minutes
6 6 6

EExpected
xpected Duration
Duration == 21
21 minutes
minutes

72
72

Functional
Functional Organization
Organization

Introduced
Introduced by
by F.W.
F.W. Taylor
Taylor

Based on the principle of division

division of
of labor
labor and
and specialization
specialization.

Each worker is supervised by multiple

multiple managers
managers, each an expert in a specific function (like
planning, quality, finance).

Best for large organizations with specialized tasks.

73
73

Explanation:
Explanation:

In a Bar
Bar Chart
Chart (Gantt
(Gantt Chart)
Chart) used for project scheduling:

The vertical
vertical axis
axis (Y-axis)
(Y-axis) represents the list
list of
of activities
activities or
or tasks
tasks.

The horizontal
horizontal axis
axis (X-axis)
(X-axis) represents time
time (days, weeks, months, etc.).

Each bar shows the start

start and
and finish
finish duration
duration of the corresponding activity.

74
74

Assertion
Assertion (A):
(A): Critical
Critical path
path can
can pass
pass through
through dummy
dummy arrows
arrows also.
also.

In
In AOA
AOA diagrams:
diagrams: Dummy activities (represented by dotted arrows) have zero duration. Their
purpose is to show logical dependencies where a real activity might not be involved, or to maintain
the uniqueness of i-j notation.

Critical
Critical Path
Path Definition:
Definition: The critical path is the longest path through the network, determining
the minimum project duration. It consists of activities with zero total float.

Can
Can aa dummy
dummy be be critical?
critical? Yes, absolutely. If a dummy activity is part of the sequence of activities
that forms the longest path, and its existence is necessary for the logical flow that defines that path,
then a delay in the completion of its preceding event (which is what the dummy often represents a
dependency on) would delay the entire project. Therefore, if a dummy activity lies on the longest
path, it is considered a critical activity, and the critical path can indeed pass through it.

Therefore,
Therefore, Assertion
Assertion (A)
(A) is
is TRUE.
TRUE.

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R
Reason
eason (R):
(R): Necessary
Necessary additional
additional nodes
nodes are
are introduced
introduced to
to ensure
ensure uniqueness
uniqueness of
of i-j
i-j notation
notation
for
for activities.
activities.

ii-j
-j notation:
notation: In AOA diagrams, activities are often identified by the numbers of their start and end
nodes (e.g., activity (2,3)).

Uniqueness
Uniqueness Problem:
Problem: A problem arises when two or more activities share the same start and end
nodes. For example, if activity A and activity B both go from node 2 to node 3, you can't distinguish
them using (2,3) notation.

Dummy
Dummy Activities
Activities as
as aa Solution:
Solution: To resolve this, a dummy activity (with zero duration) is
introduced. For instance, instead of A and B both going from 2 to 3, A might go from 2 to 3, and B
might go from 2 to a newintermediate node (say, 4), and then a dummy activity connects node 4 to
node 3. This ensures that A is (2,3) and B is (2,4) with the dummy (4,3), maintaining uniqueness.

"Additional
"Additional nodes
nodes are
are introduced"
introduced": Yes, this is precisely what happens when a dummy activity
is used to ensure uniqueness; a new node is created.

Therefore,
Therefore, Reason
Reason (R)
(R) is
is TRUE.
TRUE.

R
Relationship
elationship between
between A
A and
and R:
R:

Reason (R) explains one of the primary reasons why dummy activities are introduced in AOA networks.
Assertion (A) states that the critical path can pass through these dummy activities. While Reason (R)
provides a valid reason for the existence of dummies, it doesn't directly explain why the critical path can
pass through them. The critical path passes through them because, despite their zero duration, they
represent a critical logical dependency that, if not met, would delay the project.

not the correct explanation for A. R explains why dummies exist (in
So, both A and R are true, but R is not
some cases), while A describes a property of the critical path related to those dummies.

C
Conclusion:
onclusion:

Assertion (A) is true.

Reason (R) is true.
Reason (R) is NOT the correct explanation for Assertion (A).

75
75

Explanation
Explanation of
of Each
Each Statement:
Statement:

1.
1. Free
Free float
float can
can be
be greater
greater than
than total
total float
float

False
False.

Free
Free float
float is always
always less
less than
than or
or equal
equal to
to total
total float
float.

Total float includes delays without affecting the project

project, whereas free float only avoids
affecting immediate
immediate successor
successor.

2.
2. Free
Free float
float can
can be
be greater
greater than
than independent
independent float
float

True
True.

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 84 of 95

 IIndependent
ndependent float
float ≤ Free
Free float
float, because independent float assumes latest
latest start
start of
of
preceding
preceding and earliest
earliest start
start of
of succeeding
succeeding activities — making it more restricted.

3.
3. Free
Free float
float can
can be
be equal
equal to
to total
total float
float

TTrue
rue.

When an activity is at the end

end of
of aa sequence
sequence or has only one successor, free float may equal
total float.

4.
4. Free
Free float
float less
less than
than independent
independent float
float

FFalse
alse.

Independent
Independent float
float is always ≤ free
free float
float by definition.

FFinal
inal Answer:
Answer:

Statements
Statements 22 and
and 33 are
are correct
correct

76
76

Resource
Resource levelling
levelling is a project management technique used to address resource
resource constraints
constraints without
affecting the overall project timeline more
more than
than necessary
necessary.

It focuses on adjusting
adjusting the
the start
start times
times of non-critical
non-critical activities
activities (those with float/slack).

This avoids resource

resource overallocation
overallocation while keeping the project
project duration
duration as
as close
close as
as possible
possible
to
to original
original.

Critical
Critical activities
activities are not
not delayed
delayed, as it would directly delay project completion.

Final
Final Answer:
Answer:

Delaying
Delaying the
the start
start of
of non-critical
non-critical activities
activities

77
77

The optimum duration is the one which gives the minimum total cost for completing the project.

Explanation:

It is the result of balancing direct

direct costs
costs (which increase when activities are crashed) and indirect
indirect
costs
costs (which decrease as the project duration shortens).

The optimum
optimum point
point is where the total
total project
project cost
cost (direct
(direct ++ indirect)
indirect) is at its lowest
lowest.

78
78

In an Activity-On-Node
Activity-On-Node (AON)
(AON) diagram, the nodes (usually circles or rectangles) are used to represent

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 85 of 95

the activities
activities or tasks of the project. The arrows connecting these nodes indicate the dependencies or
logical relationships between the activities. In contrast, in an Activity-On-Arrow (AOA) diagram,
activities are represented by arrows, and nodes represent events or milestones.

79
79

Concrete mixers are specified

specified by
by the
the nominal
nominal volume
volume of
of concrete
concrete that
that can
can be
be mixed
mixed in
in aa single
single
batch.
batch.

Clarification:
Clarification:

This is also often referred to as the nominal

nominal capacity
capacity of the mixer — i.e. the maximum
maximum dry
dry
volume
volume of of ingredients
ingredients that yields that nominal wet volume of concrete per batch.

Examples:

A 0.5
0.5 m³
m³ mixer
mixer can produce approximately 0.5
0.5 m³
m³ of
of mixed
mixed concrete
concrete per
per batch
batch.

80
80

Painting
Painting walls
walls — measured in square
square meters
meters (m²)
(m²) because we care about the surface area
painted.

Pointing
Pointing brickwork
brickwork — measured in square
square meters
meters (m²)
(m²) because it’s surface treatment.

Ceiling
Ceiling plaster
plaster — measured in square
square meters
meters (m²)
(m²) because it’s also a surface treatment.

Earth
Earth filling
filling — measured in cubic
cubic meters
meters (m³)
(m³) because it deals with volume
volume of soil.

81
81

Explanation:
Explanation:

In construction projects, the document that contains:

Detailed
Detailed descriptions
descriptions of
of all
all items
items of
of work
work,

Unit
Unit rates
rates for
for each
each item
item,

Excluding
Excluding the
the quantities
quantities of
of the
the work
work,

is called the Schedule

Schedule of
of Rates
Rates (SOR)
(SOR).

82
82

Explanation:
Explanation:

Book
Book Value
Value is the value
value of
of aa property
property at
at any
any point
point of
of time
time during
during its
its useful
useful life
life, calculated
as:

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 86 of 95

 Book Value = Original cost − Total accumulated depreciation

It reflects the remaining

remaining value
value of the asset on the books after accounting for depreciation
depreciation.

83
83

Explanation:
Explanation:

Scrap
Scrap value
value is the estimated value of an asset at the end
end of
of its
its useful
useful life
life.

It can be positive
positive (you can sell the asset as junk/scrap) or negative
negative (you have to spend money to
dispose of the asset — like demolition or removal cost).

Example:
Example:

Scrap value of an old machine might be ++₹5000

5000 if sold for metal.

Scrap value of an old building might be −−₹50,000

50,000 if demolition and debris removal cost is higher
than any salvage value.

84
84

The Detailed
Detailed Estimate
Estimate is the most accurate and comprehensive type of estimate. It involves calculating
the exact quantities of every individual item of work (e.g., excavation, concrete, brickwork, plastering,
flooring) and then multiplying these quantities by their respective unit rates. This estimate is essential for
preparing tender documents, awarding contracts, and controlling costs during execution.

85
85

A Revised
Revised Estimate
Estimate is prepared when there's a significant deviation (typically exceeding a certain
percentage like 5% or 10%) from the original detailed estimate, either due to changes in design, scope,
material rates, or unforeseen site conditions. It essentially updates the entire estimate.

Supplementary
Supplementary Estimate:
Estimate: For additional work not included in the original estimate.
Annual
Annual Repair
Repair Estimate:
Estimate: For routine maintenance.
Preliminary
Preliminary Estimate:
Estimate: A rough initial estimate.

86
86

One cubic metre of mild steel weighs about

about 7,850
7,850 kg
kg.

Explanation:
Explanation:

The density
density of
of mild
mild steel
steel is approximately 7,850
7,850 kg/m³
kg/m³ (or 7.85 g/cm³).

Hence, 11 m³
m³ of
of mild
mild steel
steel ≈ 7,850
7,850 kg
kg or 7.85
7.85 tonnes
tonnes.

87
87

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 87 of 95

Such a contract is termed as a Cost-Plus
Cost-Plus Percentage
Percentage Contract
Contract.

Explanation:
Explanation:

In a Cost-Plus
Cost-Plus Percentage
Percentage Contract
Contract:

The contractor
contractor is reimbursed for the actual
actual cost
cost of
of work
work.

Additionally, the contractor is paid a certain

certain fixed
fixed percentage
percentage of
of this
this cost
cost as profit
profit and
and
overheads
overheads.

88
88

In most Public
Public Works
Works Departments
Departments (PWD)
(PWD) and standard engineering practice (as per CPWD
guidelines and other state PWDs):

“Major
“Major work”
work” is any original
original or
or substantial
substantial work exceeding
exceeding Rs.
Rs. 11 crore
crore in estimated cost.

“Minor
“Minor work”
work” is any work less
less than
than Rs.
Rs. 11 crore
crore in estimated cost.

89
89

The Bill
Bill of
of Quantities
Quantities (BOQ)
(BOQ) is a document used in tendering in the construction industry. It provides
a detailed breakdown of all the work items required for a project, along with their measured quantities
(e.g., cubic meters of concrete, square meters of plastering). Contractors use the BOQ to fill in their unit
rates to arrive at the total bid price.

90
90

Effective inventory
inventory control
control aims to strike a balance: having enough materials to avoid delays
(preventing stockouts) while minimizing the costs associated with holding too much inventory (storage
costs, spoilage, theft, obsolescence). Maximizing inventory would lead to high holding costs.

91
91

ABC
ABC analysis
analysis is an inventory categorization technique that divides inventory items into three
categories (A, B, and C) based on their annual
annual consumption
consumption value
value.

A-items:
A-items: High-value items, low quantity (e.g., 10-20% of items accounting for 70-80% of value).
These require tight control and frequent review.
B-items:
B-items: Medium-value items, medium quantity.
C-items:
C-items: Low-value items, high quantity (e.g., 50-60% of items accounting for 5-10% of value).
These require simpler control. The aim is to focus management attention on the most valuable
items.
Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: c) c) Annual
Annual consumption
consumption value
value

92
92

Safety
Safety Stock
Stock is additional inventory that a company holds to prevent stockouts caused by variability in

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 88 of 95

demand, lead time, or unexpected supply disruptions. It acts as a buffer to ensure continuous operations
even when forecasts are not perfectly accurate or deliveries are delayed. Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: c)c) Extra
Extra
inventory
inventory held
held to
to guard
guard against
against uncertainties
uncertainties inin demand
demand or or lead
lead time.
time.

93
93

The formula for Reorder Point (ROP) is: ROP = (Average Daily/Weekly Usage × Lead Time) + Safety Stock

Given: Average Weekly Usage = 200 units/week Lead Time = 3 weeks Safety Stock = 150 units

ROP = (200 units/week * 3 weeks) + 150 units ROP = 600 units + 150 units ROP = 750 units

Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: d)
d) 750
750 units
units

94
94

Given:
Given:

Annual
Annual demand
demand (D)
(D) = 1,20,000 bricks

Ordering
Ordering cost
cost (Co)
(Co) = ₹300 per order

Holding
Holding cost
cost per
per brick
brick per
per year
year (Ch)
(Ch) = ₹0.50

Formula
Formula for
for EOQ:
EOQ:

2 × 𝐷 × 𝐶𝑜
EOQ =
√ 𝐶ℎ

2 × 1, 20, 000 × 300 72, 000, 000

EOQ = = = √144, 000, 000
√ 0.50 √ 0.50

EOQ = 12, 000 bricks

95
95

Controlling
Controlling is the management function that monitors organizational performance towards the
attainment of organizational goals. It involves setting performance standards, comparing actual
performance against those standards, and taking corrective action when necessary.

Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: d)
d) Controlling
Controlling

96
96

Planning
Planning is the foundational management function. It involves deciding in advance what to do, how to do
it, when to do it, and who is to do it. This includes setting goals, developing strategies, policies, programs,
and procedures to achieve those goals.

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 89 of 95

C
Correct
orrect Answer:
Answer: d)
d) Planning
Planning

97
97

The Measurement
Measurement Book Book (MB)
(MB) is a critical legal document in civil engineering projects. It is used to
record the precise measurements of all work executed on site. These recorded measurements form the
basis for preparing bills and making payments to the contractor.

Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: c)
c) Record
Record the
the detailed
detailed measurements
measurements of
of work
work done
done for
for payment
payment purposes.
purposes.

98
98

The Straight-Line
Straight-Line Method
Method of depreciation charges a uniform amount of depreciation each year
throughout the asset's useful life. This is calculated as (Original Cost - Salvage Value) / Useful Life. It
results in a fixed percentage of the original cost being depreciated annually.

Written
Written Down
Down Value
Value (Declining
(Declining Balance) Method: Charges a fixed percentage of the book
Balance) Method:
value (reducing balance) each year.
Sum-of-the-Years'
Sum-of-the-Years' Digits
Digits Method:
Method: Accelerates depreciation in earlier years.
Sinking
Sinking Fund
Fund Method:
Method: Sets aside money in a fund to accumulate to the cost of replacement.

Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: d)
d) Straight-Line
Straight-Line Method
Method

99
99

Salvage
Salvage Value
Value (also known as scrap value or residual value) is the estimated resale value of an asset at
the end of its useful life, after all depreciation has been accounted for. It's the amount the asset is
expected to be worth when it's no longer useful for its original purpose.

Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: b)
b) The
The estimated
estimated scrap
scrap value
value of
of an
an asset
asset at
at the
the end
end of
of its
its useful
useful life
life

100
100

The Rental
Rental Method
Method (or Capitalization of Net Income Method) is a common valuation method for
properties that generate rental income. It estimates the capitalized value of the property by multiplying
the net annual rent by the Years' Purchase. Formula: Capitalized Value = Net Annual Income × Years'
Purchase

Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: c)
c) Rental
Rental Method
Method (Capitalized
(Capitalized Value)
Value)

101
101

Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) is a security deposit that bidders must submit with their tender. Its main
purpose is to demonstrate the bidder's genuine interest and commitment to the tender process. It
discourages frivolous bidding and compensates the client if the successful bidder backs out after the
tender is accepted. It is usually refunded to unsuccessful bidders and retained/converted into security
deposit for the successful bidder.

Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: c)
c) Act
Act as
as aa guarantee
guarantee of
of the
the bidder's
bidder's seriousness
seriousness and
and intent.
intent.

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 90 of 95

1102
02

The Notice
Notice Inviting
Inviting Tender
Tender (NIT)
(NIT) is the formal advertisement or document published by the client
(owner) to invite interested and qualified contractors to submit their bids for a construction project. It
provides essential information about the project and the tendering process.

BOQ:
BOQ: A detailed list of work items and quantities.
Tender
Tender Form:
Form: The form used by the bidder to submit their offer.
Schedule
Schedule of
of Rates:
Rates: A list of standard rates for various items of work.

Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: c)
c) Notice
Notice Inviting
Inviting Tender
Tender (NIT)
(NIT)

103
103

A Force
Force Majeure
Majeure clause (meaning "superior force") is a common contract provision that frees both
parties from liability or obligation when an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond the control of
the parties, such as a war, strike, riot, crime, epidemic, or an event described by the legal term act of God
(e.g., flood, earthquake, volcanic eruption), prevents one or both parties from fulfilling their obligations
under the contract.

Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: c)
c) Force
Force Majeure
Majeure Clause
Clause

104
104

Time-cost trade-off analysis aims to find the optimal project duration where the sum of direct costs
(which typically increase with crashing) and indirect costs (which typically decrease with shorter
durations) is at its lowest point. This is the most economical project duration.

Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: c)
c) To
To find
find the
the project
project duration
duration that
that minimizes
minimizes the
the total
total project
project cost
cost (direct
(direct
++ indirect).
indirect).

105
105

In network analysis, there are standard types of float:

Total
Total Float:
Float: The maximum amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project
completion date.
Free
Free Float:
Float: The amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the earliest start of
any successoractivity.
Independent
Independent Float:
Float: The amount of time an activity can be delayed without affecting the earliest
start of any successor activity or the latest finish of any predecessor activity. While calculations can
sometimes result in a negative float value if a project is behind schedule or has imposed constraints,
"Negative Float" is not a standard type of float but rather an outcome indicating a critical situation
(a delay that implies the project cannot finish on time).

Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: d)
d) Negative
Negative Float
Float

106
106

Step
Step 1:
1: Calculate
Calculate the
the gross
gross volume
volume of
of the
the wall.
wall. Gross Volume = 5 m × 3 m × 0.2 m = 3.0 m³

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 91 of 95

SStep
tep 2:
2: Calculate
Calculate the
the volume
volume of
of the
the door
door opening.
opening. Volume of Door Opening = 0.9 m × 2.1 m × 0.2 m
= 0.378 m³

SStep
tep 3:
3: Calculate
Calculate the
the net
net volume
volume of
of brickwork.
brickwork. Net Volume of Brickwork = 3.0 m³ - 0.378 m³ =
2.622 m³

SStep
tep 4:
4: Calculate
Calculate the
the number
number ofof bricks
bricks required
required for
for the
the net
net volume.
volume. Bricks for Net Volume =
2.622 m³ × 500 bricks/m³ = 1311 bricks

SStep
tep 5:
5: Add
Add the
the allowance
allowance for
for wastage.
wastage. Wastage percentage = 5% (Revised) Wastage Amount =
1311 bricks × (5 / 100) = 1311 × 0.05 = 65.55 bricks

SStep
tep 6:
6: Calculate
Calculate the
the total
total number
number of
of bricks
bricks to
to be
be ordered.
ordered. Total Bricks to Order = 1311 bricks +
65.55 bricks = 1376.55 bricks

Rounding to the nearest whole brick (or rounding up for ordering material), this becomes 1377
1377 bricks
bricks.

C
Correct
orrect Answer:
Answer: d)
d) 1377
1377 bricks
bricks (for
(for the
the revised
revised question
question with
with 5%
5% wastage)
wastage)

107
107

The area of walls to be plastered is the perimeter of the room multiplied by its height.

There are two walls of length 4m and two walls of length 3m.

Perimeter of the room = 2 × (Length + Width) Perimeter = 2 × (4 m + 3 m) Perimeter = 2 × 7 m = 14 m

Total area of walls = Perimeter × Height Total area = 14 m × 3 m Total area = 42 sq.m.

Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: b)
b) 42
42 sq.m.
sq.m.

108
108

Total Annual Outgoings = 20% of Gross Rent Total Annual Outgoings = 0.20 × ₹1,20,000 = ₹24,000

Net Annual Income = Gross Annual Rent - Total Annual Outgoings Net Annual Income = ₹1,20,000 -
₹24,000 = ₹96,000

Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: b)
b) ₹96,000
96,000

109
109

To find the current book value, we first need to calculate the annual depreciation and then the total
accumulated depreciation over 5 years.

Step
Step 1:
1: Calculate
Calculate the
the Annual
Annual Depreciation
Depreciation using
using the
the Straight-Line
Straight-Line Method.
Method. The formula for
annual depreciation by the Straight-Line Method is: Annual Depreciation = (Original Cost - Salvage
Value) / Useful Life

Given:

Original Cost = ₹8,00,000

Salvage Value = ₹1,00,000

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 92 of 95

 Useful Life = 20 years

Annual Depreciation = (₹8,00,000 - ₹1,00,000) / 20

Annual Depreciation = ₹7,00,000 / 20 = ₹35,000 per year

SStep
tep 2:
2: Calculate
Calculate the
the Accumulated
Accumulated Depreciation
Depreciation after
after 55 years.
years. Accumulated Depreciation =
Annual Depreciation × Number of Years Accumulated Depreciation = ₹35,000/year × 5 years =
₹1,75,000

SStep
tep 3:
3: Calculate
Calculate the
the Current
Current Book
Book Value.
Value. Book Value = Original Cost - Accumulated Depreciation

Book Value = ₹8,00,000 - ₹1,75,000 = ₹6,25,000

C
Correct
orrect Answer:
Answer: b)
b) ₹6,25,000
6,25,000

110
110

Free Float (FF) is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the earliest start of any
of its immediate successor activities. The formula for Free Float is: FF(M) = Minimum of (ES of all
immediate successors) - EF(M)

Given:
Given:

EF(M) = Day 12

ES(N) = Day 14

ES(P) = Day 13

Minimum of (ES(N), ES(P)) = Min(14, 13) = 13 days

FF(M) = 13 days - 12 days

FF(M) = 1 day

Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: b)
b) 11 day
day

111
111

To find the Latest Finish (LF) of Activity 'X', we need to work backward from its successor, Activity 'Y'.

First, calculate the Latest Start (LS) of Activity 'Y': LS(Y) = LF(Y) - Duration(Y) LS(Y) = 20 days - 5 days = 15
days

Since Activity 'X' is a direct predecessor to Activity 'Y', the Latest Finish (LF) of 'X' is determined by the
Latest Start (LS) of its successor 'Y'. LF(X) = LS(Y) LF(X) = 15 days

Correct
Correct Answer
Answer: b) Day 15

112
112

Solving the network will give the earliest occurance time ( ) and latest finish time ( ) as below:

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 93 of 95

Event A B C D E F

0 5 6 12 9 18

0 8 6 12 11 18

Total Float = for head event - for tail event - duration of the activity

Total Float AB = 8 - 0 - 5 = 3

Total Float CE = 11- 6 - 3 =2

Free Float = for head event - for tail event - duartion of activity

Free Float EF = 18 - 9 - 7 = 2

113
113

An S-curve is a graphical representation that typically plots cumulative

cumulative costs
costs oror work
work progress
progress
(percentage
(percentage of of completion,
completion, actual
actual work
work done)
done) against time. It usually starts slowly, rises steeply
during the main phase of the project, and then flattens out towards the end, resembling an 'S' shape.

Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: b)
b) Cumulative
Cumulative costs
costs or
or work
work progress
progress over
over time
time

114
114

A Lump
Lump Sum
Sum Contract
Contract (also known as a Fixed-Price Contract) requires the contractor to complete the
entire project for a single, predetermined amount. The contractor assumes the financial risk of any cost
overruns beyond the agreed-upon price.

Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: c)
c) Lump
Lump Sum
Sum Contract
Contract

115
115

Sinking
Sinking Fund
Fund matches with 33. A
A fund
fund established
established to
to accumulate
accumulate money
money for
for the
the future
future
replacement
replacement ofof aa depreciating
depreciating asset.
asset.
Earnest
Earnest Money
Money Deposit
Deposit (EMD)
(EMD) matches with 44. An
An amount
amount submitted
submitted by
by aa bidder
bidder with
with
their
their tender
tender to
to demonstrate
demonstrate serious
serious intent
intent and
and commitment.
commitment.
Contingency
Contingency Fund
Fund matches with 2.
2. AA provision
provision made
made inin an
an estimate
estimate to
to cover
cover unforeseen
unforeseen
items
items of
of work
work or
or minor
minor variations.
variations.
Security
Security Deposit
Deposit matches with 1.1. A
A financial
financial guarantee
guarantee required
required from
from aa successful
successful bidder
bidder
to
to ensure
ensure satisfactory
satisfactory contract
contract performance.
performance.

116
116

Book value is an accounting figure (original cost minus accumulated depreciation), whereas market value
is what a buyer would pay — it
it can
can rise
rise or
or fall
fall depending
depending on
on demand
demand and
and supply
supply.

117
117

If interest earned is ignored, it's a simple division: Time = Total Amount to Accumulate / Annual

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 94 of 95

Contribution Time = ₹1,00,000 / ₹5,000 per year Time = 20 years

C
Correct
orrect Answer:
Answer: d)
d) 20
20 years
years

118
118

A Trencher
Trencher is a highly specialized machine specifically designed to dig narrow and deep trenches
efficiently for the installation of pipelines, cables, and drainage systems. While a backhoe can dig
trenches, a trencher is purpose-built for continuous, uniform trenching.

Correct
Correct Answer:
Answer: c)
c) Trencher
Trencher

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119

Event-oriented
Event-oriented slack
slack relates to the determination of the critical
critical path
path in
in PERT.
PERT.

Explanation:
Explanation:

PERT
PERT is an event-oriented
event-oriented network technique that focuses on events
events (nodes)
(nodes) and
their earliest
earliest and
and latest
latest occurrence
occurrence times
times.

The critical
critical path
path in PERT is determined by the path that passes through events with zero
zero event
event
slack
slack — meaning there is no
no delay
delay allowed
allowed in those particular events.

Hence, event
event slack
slack (the difference between earliest and latest event times) is the key factor for
identifying the critical path in PERT.

120
120

Earliest
Earliest Expected
Expected Time
Time for
for event
event 66 == 27
27 time
time units
units

Soil Mechanics + CPM · Construction, Planning & Management · Solutions Page 95 of 95