250+ TOP MCQs on Mechanical Stabilization – 2 and Answers

Pavement Design Multiple Choice Questions on “Mechanical Stabilization – 2”.

1. What is the capacity that a pavement constructed in a light rainfall area using Mehra’s method can carry?
a) 50 tonnes of mixed traffic per year
b) 200 tonnes of mixed traffic per year
c) 50 tonnes of mixed traffic per day
d) 200 tonnes of missed traffic per day
Answer: c
Clarification: Using Mehra’s method, pavement can carry 50 tonnes of mixed traffic on a daily basis in areas of light traffic. If bituminous surface treatment is provided, then the capacity can be up to 200 tonnes of mixed traffic per day in places of heavy rainfall.

2. The method of Vibro compaction is generally used for which soil type?
a) Loose soil
b) Compacted soil
c) Clayey soil
d) Semi-compacted soil
Answer: a
Clarification: The method of Vibro compaction is the process used to densify loose soil. The process involves the rearrangement of particles using vibration to form dense configurations. Vibro compaction is done using a combined action of water and vibration.

3. What is the limit of liquid limit for a base course to be constructed using mechanical soil stabilization?
a) Maximum 35%
b) Minimum 35%
c) Maximum 25%
d) Minimum 25%
Answer: c
Clarification: As per the method of mechanical soil stabilization, the limit for liquid limit for the construction of the base course is a maximum of 25%. The liquid limit value allowed is a maximum of 35% in the case of a surface course.

4. The advent of computers has made the analytical method more popular.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Analytical method is used in the proportioning of aggregates and it is becoming popular with the advent of computers. It uses numerical methods to solve equations the equations that are formed based on aggregate gradation.

5. The portioning of soil aggregate mixture is done so as to attain ______
a) Minimum dry density
b) Minimum bulk density
c) Maximum dry density
d) Maximum bulk density
Answer: c
Clarification: The stability of the soil aggregate mixture is found to increase when the dry density of the mixture increases. Dry density represents the mass of soil solids to the unit volume, while bulk density represents the mass of soil to unit volume.

6. The distribution curves of three materials A, B and C are plotted and their balancing lines are also obtained. According to Rothfutch’s method, ______ ends of balancing lines of ______ and ______ are to be connected.
a) Same, A&B, B&C
b) Opposite, A&B, B&C
c) Same, A&C, B&C
d) Opposite, A&C, B&C
Answer: b
Clarification: The opposite ends of balancing lines of materials A and B and materials B and C are to be connected as per the Rothfutch method. The intersection of these lines with the desired gradation curve will give the proportion of each material to be used.

7. The field control tests are conducted for which of the below properties?
a) Density and stability
b) Moisture content, stability and density
c) Moisture content and stability
d) Density and Moisture content
Answer: d
Clarification: The field tests are carried out to determine the content and density of the design mix while constructing it. Moisture content is determined before compaction. The density is determined during and after the compaction.

8. Mechanical stabilization of soil can be used in the surface course.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: It is found useful to perform the mechanical stabilization of soil in the surface course. It is found to be very useful for low-cost roads like the village roads, that are subjected to less traffic and low rainfall.

9. The triangular method used for proportioning of aggregates is a type of ______ method.
a) Analytical
b) Graphical
c) Trial and error
d) Sieve analysis
Answer: b
Clarification: The triangular method for proportioning of aggregates is used when there are three materials to be proportioned. It is a graphical method and it makes use of the triangular chart to find the appropriate proportions of the three materials.

10. After proportioning, the plasticity index of the mix was found to be 7%. For what course can the mix be used for?
a) Base
b) Subbase
c) Subgrade
d) Surface
Answer: d
Clarification: The mechanically stabilized soil is generally used for base course and surface course. The limit for plasticity index for the base course is a maximum of 6% and for surface course it is in the range of 5 to 10%. Since the plasticity index in the question is 7%, it can be used for the surface course.