6) Shear strength of sands and clays

Question 1

When is the shear strength of a soil fully mobilised?

Answer 1

When the soil element can no longer (or only just) support the stresses imposed on it and large deformations are taking place.

Question 2

What is the shear strength influenced by? (7)

Answer 2

Nature of soil grains
Packing and interlocking (relative density)
Geological history (clays)
Conditions of drainage
Applied stress system
Degree of saturation
Rate of loading