Question

The degree of shrinkage does not depend upon _________

(a) initial water content

(b) type of clay

(c) cation exchange capacity

(d) amount of clay

This question was addressed to me in an internship interview.

This intriguing question originated from Slaking of Clay and Bulking of Sand topic in chapter Soil Water Effective and Neutral Stresses of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

Correct option is (c) cation exchange capacity

The explanation: Cation exchange capacity is factor influencing the swelling of soil. The degree of shrinkage depends upon type and amount of clay minerals, mode and environment of deposition.