SOILS

Question 1

Bedrock

Answer 1

Highest bearing capacit of all soil types because it’s solid rock

Question 2

Shale and Slate

Answer 2

Second highest bearing capacity, soft rocks with a fine texture

Question 3

Hard Pan

Answer 3

Unbroken mixture of clay, sand, and gravel

Question 4

Standard Penetration Test

Answer 4

This is a solid boring that takes a measure of density of granular souls and the consistency of clays within the sample.
-Measures number of blows required to move the boring a certain distance

Question 5

Auger Borings

Answer 5

Used only for sand or clay, uses a standard auger bit

Question 6

Wash borings

Answer 6

A water jet forces material into a 2-4inch diameter pipe. This results in a heavily mixed boring

Question 7

Karst Landscape

Answer 7

An area comprised of soluble rocks, limestone, dolomite, or gypsum. The soil dissolves to form caves and peaks, and can cause sinkholes

Question 8

Frost Line

Answer 8

• Deepest point in the ground to which ground water will freeze
  Footings and foundations should be placed below the frostline

Question 9

Angle of Repose

Answer 9

The natural angle a pile of dirt or other material takes when at rest.
- Depends on grain size and moisture content of the soil
- Also maximum practical angle for changing grades without using retaining walls or other stabilization methods

Question 10

Still Fence

Answer 10

used during construction to catch eroded sediment on site before it enters the storm sewer.
-Fences parallel to contours

Question 11

Exspansive Soil

Answer 11

Clays (aka bentonite) expand when wet and shrink when dry. Because of this, foundations must be isolated from clay soil