Bearing Capacity of Soil MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

In general shear failure, a well-defined continuous slip surface forms from the edge of the footing up to the ground surface.

Step-by-step solution

1. General shear failure happens in dense sand or stiff clay. 2. A clear, continuous failure (slip) surface forms in the soil. 3. This surface starts at the edge of the footing and reaches the ground surface. 4. The soil bulges (heaves) near the footing at the ground surface. 5. So the answer is (B).

Explanation

In general shear failure, the failure surface is fully developed and continuous. It runs from the edge of the footing to the ground surface, and the soil heaves near the footing. This failure is sudden and is seen in dense or stiff soils.

Why the other options are wrong

A) and D) are vague; the slip surface starts specifically at the footing edge. C) The failure surface itself lies inside the soil, so 'between soil and failure surface' has no meaning.

Shortcut

General shear: continuous surface from footing edge to ground. Local shear: surface does not reach the ground. Punching shear: no clear surface.

Common mistake

Mixing up general shear with local shear failure, where the slip surface is not continuous up to the ground surface.