Question:

Which of the following are good foundation materials for embankments?
A. Gravel-Sand-Silt mixture
B. Sand-Silt mixture
C. Silt-Clay mixture
D. Sand-Clay mixture
Choose the correct answer from the options given below

Show Hint

Well-graded soils containing sand or gravel mixed with clay/silt have the highest compacted densities and shear strength. Purely fine-grained mixtures of silt and clay are compressible and should be avoided in foundations.
  • A and B only
  • A, B and C only
  • A, B and D only
  • B, C and D only
Show Solution
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The safety and stability of an earthen embankment depend heavily on the engineering properties of its foundation soil.
A good foundation material must possess high shear strength, low compressibility, and moderate to low permeability once compacted.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us evaluate each soil mixture listed:
- A (Gravel-Sand-Silt mixture): This well-graded coarse-grained mixture provides excellent stability, high internal friction, and high shear strength. It is highly suitable as a foundation material.
- B (Sand-Silt mixture): This non-cohesive or semi-cohesive mixture has good compaction characteristics and adequate shear strength, making it a reliable foundation material under proper drainage.
- C (Silt-Clay mixture): These fine-grained soils have high compressibility, low shear strength when saturated, and a tendency to swell or shrink.
They are prone to settlement and shear failure under load, making them poor foundation materials.
- D (Sand-Clay mixture): This mixture combines the high frictional stability of sand with the cohesion of clay.
When compacted, it achieves low permeability and high shear strength, forming a very stable foundation.
Therefore, mixtures A, B, and D are classified as suitable foundation materials, while C is excluded.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The correct combination is A, B and D only.
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