Free PE Civil Geotechnical Practice Problems with Step-by-Step Solutions

If you’re preparing for the PE Civil Geotechnical Exam, you already know it’s a major step in your engineering career. One of the most effective ways to boost your confidence and sharpen your problem-solving skills is by working through realistic, exam-style practice problems. Why practice problems? Because they push you to actively engage with the material, understand the underlying concepts, and identify exactly where you need improvement. The PE exam requires you to think critically under time pressure, so simulated practice is key. Below are two sample problems with full solutions at the bottom of the page to help you practice.

Sample Problem 1

A direct shear test is performed on a sample of dry sand (c = 0). A normal load of 1,500 psf was imposed for the test and the shear stress at failure was noted to be 1,100 psf. The angle of internal friction for the sample is most nearly:

A. 38°

B. 36°

C. 34°

D. 32°

Sample Problem 2

Choose the statement that best captures the intent behind low-strain dynamic testing in foundation analysis.

A. To estimate the ultimate load capacity of the foundation

B. To detect structural defects such as cracks, necking, or inclusions in the pile shaft

C. To measure the thermal profile of curing concrete

D. To evaluate the lateral load resistance of the foundation

Why practice problems are crucial for PE success

The PE exam allows access to a Reference Handbook and design standards during the test. But don’t let that fool you—success still depends on how well you understand and can apply those references quickly. By working through practice problems with detailed solutions, you’ll develop strategies for efficient problem-solving and effective reference use, both critical for the exam.

To further help you prepare, StrataWay offers a Civil PE Geotechnical Sample Exam, which features 80 exam-style problems with step-by-step solutions.

Solution to Sample Problem 1

Answer: B

Based on the Mohr-Coulomb failure law, the relationship between the normal stress and the shearing strength is as follows:

tanϕ = 𝝉/σ

tanϕ = 1,100 psf/1,500 psf

tanϕ = 0.733

ϕ = 36.3°

Solution to Sample Problem 2

Correct answer is B.

A is incorrect. Estimating ultimate load capacity requires high-strain dynamic testing or static load testing, which involve applying larger forces and measuring pile response under load.

B is correct. Low-strain dynamic testing uses small impact-generated stress waves and analyzes their reflections to identify structural defects like cracks or changes in cross-sectional area along the pile.

C is incorrect. Thermal integrity profiling is a separate testing method that monitors temperature changes during concrete curing to assess quality and uniformity.

D is incorrect. Lateral load resistance is evaluated through specialized lateral load tests or analyses, not by low-strain dynamic testing.