Question

The depth up to which the increase in pressure due to structural loading is likely to cause perceptible settlement is _______

(a) insignificant depth

(b) significant depth

(c) trifling depth

(d) nugatory

The question was asked in a job interview.

My question comes from Soil Samples and Samplers topic in chapter Stabilisation of Soils, Site Investigation and Sub – Soil Exploration of Geotechnical Engineering II

Answer 1

Right choice is (b) significant depth

To elaborate: The depth of exploration is carried to a depth up to which the increase in pressure due to structural loading is likely to cause perceptible settlement or shear failure. This depth is known as significant depth.