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Question

Which type of soil requires deeper excavation to avoid structural damage due to swelling and shrinkage?

This question was previously asked in
RRB JE 2025 CBT 2 Mechanical and Allied Engg Question Paper English (2-Jul-2026) (Shift-1)
The correct answer is

Black cotton soil

To determine which type of soil requires deeper excavation to avoid structural damage due to its swelling and shrinkage behavior, we need to understand the characteristics of each soil type mentioned.

  1. Sandy Soil: Sandy soil consists mainly of sand particles. It has good drainage properties and does not swell or shrink significantly with moisture content changes. Hence, it does not require deeper excavation to mitigate structural damage.
  2. Black Cotton Soil: Black cotton soil is known for its high content of clay mineral called montmorillonite. This type of soil experiences significant swelling when wet and shrinkage when dry. The extensive volume changes can lead to structural damage if not properly managed, necessitating deeper excavation and other foundation precautions.
  3. Gravelly Soil: Gravelly soils have larger rock fragments and are well-draining. Like sandy soil, gravelly soil does not exhibit significant swelling or shrinkage. Thus, it does not need unusually deep excavation.
  4. Loamy Soil: Loamy soil is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay. It has moderate drainage properties and some capacity for minor swelling and shrinkage but not to the extent of black cotton soil.

Based on the characteristics, Black cotton soil is the type of soil that requires deeper excavation to prevent structural damage due to its swelling and shrinkage behavior.

Conclusion: The correct answer is Black cotton soil as it is prone to significant swelling and shrinkage, posing a risk of structural damage without proper excavation and foundation techniques.

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Important Questions from Classification of Soils

  1. A fine grained soil has liquid limit of 60 and plastic limit of 20. As per the plasticity chart, according to IS classification, the soil is represented by the letter symbols

  2. Soil is weathered chemically due to _________.

  3. As per IS (383-1970), the percentage passing of fine aggregates under a 2.36 mm IS sieve during the grading Zone 1 is ________.

  4. Transported soil known as 'Talus' is transported by _______.

  5. Which type of soil is most suitable for construction material?

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