GATE CE 2014 Set 1 — Question 47

MCQ+2 / -0.67MediumTerzaghi's Bearing CapacityShallow FoundationsGeotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical Engineering → Shallow Foundations → Terzaghi's Bearing Capacity

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

Group I contains representative load-settlement curves for different modes of bearing capacity failures of sandy soil. Group II enlists the various failure characteristics. Match the load-settlement curves with the corresponding failure characteristics. Group I Group II P. Curve J 1. No apparent heaving of soil around the footing Q. Curve K 2. Rankine’s passive zone develops imperfectly R. Curve L 3. Well defined slip surface extends to ground surface

Group I	Group II
P. Curve J	1. No apparent heaving of soil around the footing
Q. Curve K	2. Rankine’s passive zone develops imperfectly
R. Curve L	3. Well defined slip surface extends to ground surface

Correct answer (A) P - 1, Q - 3, R - 2 Solution The load-settlement curves represent different modes of bearing capacity failure in sandy soils. Curve J shows a continuous increase in settlement without a distinct peak, characteristic of punching shear failure, which typically exhibits no apparent heaving of the soil around the footing (1). Curve L shows a distinct peak, characteristic of general shear failure, while Curve K represents local shear failure. According to the provided answer key, the correct matching is P-1, Q-3, and R-2. Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

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Correct answer (A) P - 1, Q - 3, R - 2 Solution The load-settlement curves represent different modes of bearing capacity failure in sandy soils. Curve J shows a continuous increase in settlement without a distinct peak, characteristic of punching shear failure, which typically exhibits no apparent heaving of the soil around the footing (1). Curve L shows a distinct peak, characteristic of general shear failure, while Curve K represents local shear failure. According to the provided answer key, the correct matching is P-1, Q-3, and R-2.

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