GATE CE 2015 Set 1 — Question 25

MCQ+1 / -0.33MediumQuicksand ConditionSeepageGeotechnical EngineeringStress-Strain of SandsShear Strength of Soils

Geotechnical Engineering → Seepage → Quicksand Condition

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

Which of the following statements is NOT correct?

Correct answer (D) Liquefaction is the phenomenon where cohesionless soil near the downstream side of dams or sheet-piles loses its shear strength due to high upward hydraulic gradient Solution Statement (D) is incorrect because it describes the phenomenon of 'piping' or 'boiling' (quick sand condition), which occurs when the upward hydraulic gradient exceeds the critical hydraulic gradient. Liquefaction, on the other hand, is the loss of shear strength in saturated cohesionless soils due to a sudden increase in pore water pressure caused by dynamic or cyclic loading (such as an earthquake). Statements (A), (B), and (C) are correct geotechnical principles. Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

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Correct answer (D) Liquefaction is the phenomenon where cohesionless soil near the downstream side of dams or sheet-piles loses its shear strength due to high upward hydraulic gradient Solution Statement (D) is incorrect because it describes the phenomenon of 'piping' or 'boiling' (quick sand condition), which occurs when the upward hydraulic gradient exceeds the critical hydraulic gradient. Liquefaction, on the other hand, is the loss of shear strength in saturated cohesionless soils due to a sudden increase in pore water pressure caused by dynamic or cyclic loading (such as an earthquake). Statements (A), (B), and (C) are correct geotechnical principles.

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