Question

Due to ______________ very soft soil is liable to give way under the action of load, especially at places such as sloping ground, riverbank, etc.

(a) Horizontal movement of earth

(b) Lateral pressure on the superstructure

(c) Transpiration of the trees and shrubs

(d) Atmospheric action

I had been asked this question in an online quiz.

This intriguing question comes from Foundations topic in division Foundations of Construction & Building Materials

Answer 1

Right choice is (a) Horizontal movement of earth

To explain I would say: In the case of horizontal movement of the earth, it is desirable to construct the retaining walls to drive sheet piles to prevent the escape of the earth.