Question

Increase in moisture content of rock

• A. Increases its bearing capacity
• B. Decreases its bearing capacity
• C. Has medium effect on bearing capacity of rocks
• D. Has no effect on bearing capacity of rocks

Hint:

Higher moisture content generally causes \[ \boxed{ \text{Lower rock strength} \;\Rightarrow\; \text{Lower bearing capacity}. } \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Recall the effect of moisture on rocks. An increase in moisture content weakens the bonding between mineral grains and reduces the strength of many rocks.

Step 2: State its effect on bearing capacity. As the rock becomes weaker, its ability to support loads decreases. Therefore, \[ \boxed{\text{Increase in moisture content decreases the bearing capacity of rocks}.} \] Hence, \[ \boxed{(B)} \] is the correct answer.