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Questions and Answers
What characterizes igneous rocks?
What characterizes igneous rocks?
What process leads to the formation of sedimentary rocks?
What process leads to the formation of sedimentary rocks?
Which of the following is a method of rock classification based on formation?
Which of the following is a method of rock classification based on formation?
How are metamorphic rocks formed?
How are metamorphic rocks formed?
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What is the process of turning unconsolidated material into solid rock called?
What is the process of turning unconsolidated material into solid rock called?
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Where do volcanic rocks form?
Where do volcanic rocks form?
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What does lithification refer to?
What does lithification refer to?
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Which rock type is formed as a result of volcanic activity?
Which rock type is formed as a result of volcanic activity?
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What is the main process by which rocks are transformed from one type to another?
What is the main process by which rocks are transformed from one type to another?
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Which of the following is NOT a type of weathering?
Which of the following is NOT a type of weathering?
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What is produced as a result of physical weathering?
What is produced as a result of physical weathering?
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Which process changes rock minerals into different substances?
Which process changes rock minerals into different substances?
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What type of soil is formed by the weathering of bedrock at the same location?
What type of soil is formed by the weathering of bedrock at the same location?
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Which type of weathering is caused by the action of living organisms?
Which type of weathering is caused by the action of living organisms?
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What are most soils classified as?
What are most soils classified as?
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Which of the following primarily influences physical weathering?
Which of the following primarily influences physical weathering?
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What is the grain size range for sand?
What is the grain size range for sand?
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Which type of soil is considered cohesive?
Which type of soil is considered cohesive?
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What is the initial step in construction activities?
What is the initial step in construction activities?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of non-cohesive soils?
Which of the following is a characteristic of non-cohesive soils?
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Why is site investigation important before construction?
Why is site investigation important before construction?
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Which of these soil types has grain size more than 200 mm?
Which of these soil types has grain size more than 200 mm?
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What type of soil settles quickly under load?
What type of soil settles quickly under load?
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Which element is NOT considered during site investigation?
Which element is NOT considered during site investigation?
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What is the main purpose of site reconnaissance?
What is the main purpose of site reconnaissance?
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Which factor primarily influences the selection of methods for site exploration?
Which factor primarily influences the selection of methods for site exploration?
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Which of the following types of data is NOT typically collected during site reconnaissance?
Which of the following types of data is NOT typically collected during site reconnaissance?
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What is a trial pit used for?
What is a trial pit used for?
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Which aspect does NOT affect the site investigation method selection?
Which aspect does NOT affect the site investigation method selection?
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Which of the following is included in the data collected during the site reconnaissance?
Which of the following is included in the data collected during the site reconnaissance?
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What type of soil condition is a trial pit especially useful for?
What type of soil condition is a trial pit especially useful for?
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What type of site condition does NOT influence the selection of site investigation methods?
What type of site condition does NOT influence the selection of site investigation methods?
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What characterizes a disturbed soil sample?
What characterizes a disturbed soil sample?
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What type of sampling retains the natural structure of the subsoil?
What type of sampling retains the natural structure of the subsoil?
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What does the N-value in the Standard Penetration Test represent?
What does the N-value in the Standard Penetration Test represent?
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Which method includes driving a cone through the soil and recording the number of blows?
Which method includes driving a cone through the soil and recording the number of blows?
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Which in-situ testing method relies on measuring resistivity changes in various soils?
Which in-situ testing method relies on measuring resistivity changes in various soils?
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What is typically included in a soil exploration report?
What is typically included in a soil exploration report?
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What does the seismic refraction method rely on?
What does the seismic refraction method rely on?
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Which of the following best describes a trial pit?
Which of the following best describes a trial pit?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Site Investigation
- Site investigation helps understand the suitability of a site for construction.
- It helps reduce risks related to financing, design, and construction.
- Helps predict potential changes in site conditions and maximize site potential.
- Determining the type of foundation required is a key objective.
Rocks and Classification of Rocks
- Rocks are naturally formed, consolidated materials composed of mineral grains.
- There are three main rock classifications: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
Igneous Rocks
- Formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.
- Volcanic rocks form at the Earth's surface from cooling lava.
- Plutonic rocks form beneath the Earth's surface from cooling magma.
- Examples include basalt and granite.
Sedimentary Rocks
- Formed by the deposition of material at the Earth's surface or in bodies of water.
- Deposition is the process of accumulation.
- Material consists of weathering and erosion products and other materials available at the Earth's surface.
- Lithification, diagenesis, or cementation solidifies unconsolidated material into rock.
- Examples include sandstone and limestone.
Metamorphic Rocks
- Formed through transformation of existing rock types by temperature and pressure.
- Metamorphism means "change in form."
- Sedimentary and igneous rocks, as well as other metamorphic rocks, can be transformed.
- Examples include quartzite and slate.
The Rock Geological Cycle
- A continuous process of weathering that transforms rocks from one type to another.
Weathering Processes
- Physical weathering physically breaks rocks into fragments without changing their chemical makeup.
- Chemical weathering involves chemical changes to rock minerals.
- Biological weathering is mainly caused by living organisms, such as tree roots.
Soils and Soil Classification
- Soils are soft, loose, un-cemented deposits with lower bearing capacity than rocks.
Soil Classification based on Origin
- Residual soil forms by weathering at the same location as the parent rock.
- Transported soil is eroded and deposited elsewhere.
Soil Classification based on Grain Size
- Soil types are categorized based on grain size: rock/boulder, gravel, sand, silt, and clay.
Soil Classification based on Cohesion
- Cohesive soils have higher water content and naturally stick together.
- Non-cohesive soils are granular and settle quickly under load.
Stages in Construction Activities
- Site and soil investigation
- Site clearing and setting out
- Construction of building elements
- Finishing works
Introduction to Site Investigation
- Importance of site investigation: to assess the suitability of the site, reduce risks, produce an adequate and economic design, overcome difficulties and delays, maximize site potential, and determine the type of foundation required.
Site Investigation Steps
- Desk study: involves gathering information about existing structures, known soil data, and other relevant details.
- Site reconnaissance: a visual inspection of the site to assess access, existing structures, services, topography, and surrounding conditions.
- Soil investigation: involves various methods to collect data about soil and rock conditions.
Methods of Site Investigation: Factors Affecting Selection
- Geological nature of the site
- Topographical nature of the site
- Type of information required
- Cost and time
Methods of Soil Investigation
- Trial pit: an excavation to study the subsurface composition.
- Soil testing: includes tests on disturbed and undisturbed soil samples, rock cores, construction materials, and groundwater.
Disturbed and Undisturbed Soil Samples
- Disturbed samples have altered natural structure and properties.
- Undisturbed samples retain their natural structure and properties.
In-Situ Testing
- Probing or sounding methods: involve driving a pipe or rod into the soil to measure resistance.
- Geophysical methods: use seismic or electrical methods to assess soil and rock properties.
Standard Penetration Test (SPT)
- A standard field test that measures soil resistance.
- The N-value represents the number of blows required to drive a split barrel sampler into the soil.
Cone Penetration Test (CPT)
- A test that measures the resistance of the soil as a cone is driven into it.
- Provides continuous readings of stress, friction, and pressure.
Geophysical Methods: Seismic Refraction Method
- Uses the fact that seismic waves travel at different speeds through various soil types.
Reporting
- A soil exploration report is prepared after data collection and analysis.
- The report outlines the location of boreholes, trial pits, excavations, and their logs.
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Description
This quiz covers key concepts in site investigation and rock classification. It explores the importance of understanding a site for construction, as well as the types of rocks including igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Test your knowledge on the formation and characteristics of these rocks.