Question

In Terzaghi’s Theory of one dimensional consolidation, the boundary is considered to be __________

(a) free surface offering resistance to flow of water

(b) free surface offering no resistance to flow of water

(c) fixed surface offering resistance to flow of water

(d) curved surface offering resistance to water flow

This question was addressed to me at a job interview.

This intriguing question originated from Terzaghi’s Theory of One Dimensional Consolidation in division One Dimensional Consolidation of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

Correct choice is (b) free surface offering no resistance to flow of water

For explanation I would say: In Terzaghi’s Theory of one dimensional consolidation, the boundary is considered to be free surface offering no resistance to flow of water. This is because, when the surface offers resistance to the water flow, it will cause addition pressure to build up. This addition pressure makes the problems complicated to solve.