Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The "angle of repose" refers to the natural angle at which soil can rest or accumulate without sliding or collapsing. It is a crucial concept in geotechnical engineering and soil mechanics that defines the steepest angle at which loose material, such as soil, can be piled up without failing. This angle is influenced by various factors, including the type of soil, moisture content, and the presence of any stabilizing forces.

Understanding the angle of repose is essential for construction and safety planning, as it helps determine the stability of slopes and embankments. When soil is piled up, it will naturally settle at this angle due to gravity acting on it. If the pile exceeds this angle, it may be at risk of slumping or collapsing, which can lead to safety hazards in construction sites.

The other options, while related to soil mechanics, do not accurately define the angle of repose. The angle at which water can freely drain relates more to drainage properties rather than slope stability. Similarly, the maximum slope for soil accumulation does not capture the idea of a natural resting angle but rather implies a limit without considering the conditions under which that limit exists. Finally, the angle of soil erosion focuses on the erosion process, which is distinct from the concept of repose