Index Properties MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Core Cutter Method Limitations

Formula

No

Step-by-step solution

Since this is a theoretical concept question, no formula or numerical calculation is required.1. Identify the key requirement: The core cutter method requires cohesive soil to hold its shape inside the cutter. 2. Evaluate the soil types: Cohesive soils like clay and silt retain their structure, whereas cohesionless soils like clean sand crumble and cannot be sampled using a core cutter. 3. Select option D (Clean sand).

Explanation

The core cutter method is not suitable for clean sand because sand lacks cohesion (stickiness). When you try to dig out and lift the metal cylinder, dry or clean sand crumbles and falls out of the cutter, making it impossible to retain an undisturbed sample.

Shortcut

Remember: Core cutter needs Cohesion (C & C). Clean Sand lacks cohesion, so it Slips out of the cutter.

Common mistake

Students often confuse the core cutter method with the sand replacement method and incorrectly choose clayey soil assuming it is too hard to drive the cutter into, or they choose clayey sand by focusing only on the word sand without recognizing that cohesionless clean sand is the type that crumbles and falls out of the cutter.