Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

Shear stress and Normal stress at any plane of the element of the soil

The stress at any plane can be represented effectively through Mohr Circle which can be represented
by equation:
The forces being equal in all direction for the equilibrium of the material
In y- direction

yAB xyBC +ACcos+ ACsin=0

yAB xyBC

+ cos+sin=0
AC
AC
ycos xysin+ cos+ sin=0
cos= ycos + xysinsin (i)
And in x-direction

xBC + xyABACsin+ ACcos=0

x BC xyAB
+
=sin cos
AC
AC
sin = xsin + xycos+ cos ..(ii)
Multiplying equation (i) by cos and equation (ii) by sin and adding both equation, we get,
1

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

= xsin + ycos +2 xysincoscossin + cossin

= xsin 2 + ycos 2 +2 xysincos
=

x1cos 2 y1+cos 2
+
+ xysin 2
2
2

( x)
cos 2+ xysin 2
2
( x+ y )
+
2
=

y
( x)
cos 2+ xysin 2 ( iii )
2
( x + y )
=
2

For substituting this to equation (i)

y
( x )
cos 2 + xysin 2
2
( x+ y )
+cos= ycos + xysinsin
2

y
( x )
cos 2 + xysin 2
2
( x+ y )
+cos= ycos + xysinsin
2

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

y
( x)
cos 2 xysin 2
2
( x+ y )

2
sin
cos
+ ycos / sin+ xy
sin
sin
=

y
( x)
cos
cos
cos 2
xy2 sincos
2
sin
sin
( x+ y )
cos
2

sin
cos
+ y
+ xy
sin
=

( x+ y )
+ y
2

y
( x)
cos
cos 2
xy2 cos 2 + xy
2
sin
=
y
( x )
2

y
( x)
cos
cos 2
xy2 cos 2 + xy
2
sin
=

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

y
( x )
2

y
( x)
cos
cos 2
xy2 cos 2 + xy
2
sin
=
y
( x)
2

y
( x )
2

1
2 cos2
=
y
( x)
2

=
Squaring equation (iii) and (iv) and adding we get,

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

( x + y )
2

y
( x)
cos 2 + xysin 2
2

y
( x)
sin 2 xycos 2
2

( x+ y )
2

y
( x )
2

This equation resembles with the equation of the circle where and of any plane is represented by a
locus of the circle as shown
2

( xx 1 ) + ( y y 1 ) =r

Where

x 1 , y 1 is the centre of the r is the radius of the cirlce

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

Thus, the
and

circle with

locus of the
represents
a
centre

( x+ y )
,0
2

y
. For shear stress, if the shear stress provide anti-clockwise rotation to the element,
( x)
2

the shear stress is considered as positive or else negative. Corresponding xy for y is plotted in
negative direction whereas same xy for corresponding x is plotted as positive.

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

Any points in the Mohr circle defines the shear stress and normal stress on the plane of the element.
As observed points A and B are the points with maximum and minimum normal stress ( 1 3
with ordinates observed as 0 where corresponding shear stress will be zero. The corresponding
normal stress are called as Principal Stresses and the corresponding plane where these stresses occur
are known as Principal Planes.

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

The principal plane makes an angle of p with the horizontal plane which also can be expressed in the
Mohr circle as shown.

y
( x)
cos 2 p+ xysin 2 p
2
( x+ y )
+
2
1,3 =
y
( x)
2

=
8

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

y
( x)
2

y
( x)
2
tan 2 p=

xy

This,2p also can be expressed in the Mohr circle as shown in the figure.
The stress shown of the plane making an angle with the horizontal can be expressed by point P as
shown in the figure which is obtained by rotation of radius 2 in anticlockwise direction where
abscissa represents normal stress () and shear stress ().
This can be proved as graphically

x + y
+ ( OP )cos ( 22 p )
2

2
2

2 p
2 p

+ sin ( )
cos

x + y
sin
, =
+ ( OP )
2
2 p

+
, = x y + ( OP )cos ( 2 p ) cos (2) +
2
2

OP sin

x + y y x
+
cos (2 ) +
2
2

xy sin (2 ) Which matches the normal stress of the plane

making an angle withthe horizontalanticlockwise direction
Similarly, for shear stress

=( OP )sin ( 22 p )
9

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

=( OP )sin 2cos 2 p (OP )cos 2 sin 2 p

=( OP )cos 2 psin 2 ( OP )sin 2 pcos 2

x + y
sin2 xycos 2
2

Principal stress and Principal Planes

B

C
AB= Major
Principal Planes
BC = Minor Principal Planes
1 and 3 = Major and minor Principal

Stresss

For equilibrium,
Here, in x-direction,

3ABsinAC+ cosAC =0
3AB
sin +cos=0
AC
3sinsin+ cos=0
sin= 3 sin+cos ( i )
In y-direction,

1BC cosAC sinAC=0

1BC
cossin=0
AC

10

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

1coscossin=0
cos= 1cossin ( ii )
Multiplying equation (i) by sin and equation (ii) by cos and adding both equations, we get,
2

= 1cos sincos+ 3 sin + cossin

=

11+cos 2 31cos 2
+
2
2

1+ 3 1 3
+
cos 2
2
2

For ,

sin= 3 sin+cos
sin 3 sin=cos

( +2 + 2 cos 2 )sin sin =

1

cos

cos

1 + 3
sin sin
2
sin
=
3
+ 1 3 cos 2
cos
cos
2
cos
1 + 3
3 sin
1 3
2
sin
=
+
cos 2
cos
2
cos

1 3
sin
2
sin
=
+ 1 3 cos 2
cos
2
cos

( 1+cos 2 ) 1 3
sin
2
=
cos
1 3
sin
2
2
=2cos
cos

11

Inclined plane for corresponding ( , )

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

Plane of the major principal plane, constructed from 1, which is horizontal

1 3
sin2
2

This can also be represented by the Mohr Circle as shown, where corresponding can be represented
in the Mohr circle representing the plane of (,)

12

B
Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

The major principal plane is horizontal, which

when drawn from point A of the major principal
stress intersects at point P of the Mohr circle.
This

AP plane represents BC and PT Plane represents AC.

SF

point is called as pole. The is formed with the major principal plane in
anticlockwise direction, hence a line constructed with the line AP with an
anticlockwise rotation of also will represent the plane AC with corresponding ( ,
) of that plane.

However, the principal planes are not always horizontal, are sometimes inclined as
shown in the figure. If we wish to calculate shear stress and normal stress at any
plane with an angle , the solution to the and will yield similar result as given by
the above solution. So, Mohr circle formed will be similar as shown.

Mohr Circle Failure Criterion

In an element, when the external load is applied, the internal friction between the
particles comes into play. The friction acts at the particle interface due to the normal
reaction developed. With increment of SF, the friction between the particle increases till a limiting
static friction value. The angle made by the resultant of the normal force and the limiting static
friction is called the angle of internal friction.
However, the angle between the resultant of the friction and normal force at any time is known as the
obliquity angle which is denoted by:

13

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

tan=

F
N

tan=

The angle of the obliquity also can be shown in

Mohr Circle as

Soil essentially fails in shear. This

occurs when the angle of obliquity is maximum
and when the friction or the shear stress on the
soil is greater than the limiting resisting
friction. Thus, failure essentially occurs at max
at which the line joining from the origin
becomes tangential to the Mohr Circle.

1 3
2
sin max=
1 + 3
2

(( 1 3 )/( 1+ 3))
max=sin1
Mohr Coulomb Theory
The failure occurs essentially due to shear. But the shear stress at that failure plane depends upon the
normal stress at the plane failure due to critical combination of the normal and shear stresses.
The soil fails when the shear stress (f) on the failure plane is unique function of the normal stress ()
acting on that plane

f =f ( )
The stress at failure is called shear strength:

S=f ( )
The plot made between the shear stress and normal stress at failure gives Mohr envelope (Unique for
a material)
Since, Mohr circle represents every condition of and , thus, Mohrs envelope touches the Mohr
circle at failure condition
Failure occurs when the Mohr circle touches the failure envelope. Any Mohr circle lying below the
failure envelope represents stable condition (non-failure) whereas the Mohr circle lying above this
failure envelope also doesnt exist in reality.
The Mohr circle envelope is represented by:
14

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

S=tan+ c
c=intercept the axes of the =represents the cohession ( stickyness )
for clay = 0
and c for sand = 0

=internal angle of friction=angle made by the envelope with axes of as shown

From Right Angled triangle:

2=+90
=

+90
2

= +45
2
This is the angle of the failure plane with horizontal
From figure,

AB=BC=

1 3
1 + 3
OB=
,
, OD=ccot
2
2

From Right angled triangle, DBC

sin=

BC
DB

1 3
AB
2
sin=
=
OD+OB
+
c cot+ 1 3
2
sin=

( 1 3)
2 c cot+( 1 + 3)

2 c cos+ ( 1 + 3 ) sin=( 1 3 )
1sin
1 ()
2 c cos+ ( 1+ sin ) 3=

15

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

1sin
()

1sin
()

( 1+ sin )
1=

1= 3 tan 2 45 +

+2 c tan 45 +
2
2

When the stresses on the soil satisfies the above equation, the soil fails and is known as Mohr
Coulumb failure criterion.
Also written as, where N = flow ratio

1= 3 N +2 c N
Revised Mohr Coulomb Theory:
Cohession(c) and internal angle of friction which was thought to be the fundamental properties of soil
actually changes as per water content, drainage conditions and conditions of tests.
Terzaghi established that normal stress which controls the shear strength of a soil are effective stress,
not the total stresses. (Terzaghi effective stress principle)
In terms of effective stress,
'

S=C + tan

'

where , =u ,
=Total Stress , u= pore water pressure

Drained and Undrained Test

Soil are classified as coarse grained and fine grained soil as per the grain size. These soils have
different permeability and void size effecting the drainage condition in soil. Effective drainage
through voids with higher permeability is observed in the coarse grained soil whereas the water
cannot escape out of the voids resulting in the development of the pore water pressure inside the soil
with the application of the external load in fine grained soil. The two conditions described for the
coarse grained and the fine grained are drained and the undrained conditions.
Before understanding about the significance of the drained and the undrained test in the shear
strength, we have to know about the effective stress, total stress and pore water pressure. When the
total stress acts upon the soil, the total stress is not totally force upon the soil whereas some part of the
stress is acted upon by the water of the pores of the soil. Thus the stress that is actually bear upon by
soil particle interaction (soil orientation) is known as effective stress.
For coarse grained soil (Drained Condition)
16

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

These kinds of soil has higher permeability whose voids allow water to escape out without
increasing the pore water pressure in the soil void even after the increment of the total stress.
Effective stress = Total stress Pore water pressure
Since, the pore water pressure cannot increase because of rapid drainage of water through the
large voids of coarse grained soil, with the increase in the total stress, effective stress increases, i.e.
soil rearranges for the best orientation. The condition is called as Drained condition which are usual
for the coarse grained soil like sand and gravel.
For fine grained soil (Undrained and Drained condition)
These soils have lesser permissibility so, on loading in this type of soil, the soil doesnt allow
water to release from its pores giving it undrained condition thus resulting in development of excess
pore water pressure. As seen from the above relationship, with the increase in the total stress upon the
soil, increment in the pore water pressure is observed because of undrained behaviour of the soil thus
we will observe no change in the effective stress in the soil from the initial conditions. Thus, soil
doesnt change its orientation to the more effective state because the added stress is taken by the pore
water pressure instead. These kinds of behaviour is observed in the fine grained soil in undrained
condition.
However, this doesnt persist for long. The pore water gets expelled with the time. And hence
with the decrease in the pore water, increase in the effective stress is observed. The condition is called
drained condition. In the meantime, the soil undergo rearrangements and small settlement. In course
of time both undrained and drained conditions are observed in the fine grained soil like silt and clay.
Hence, the selection of the proper type of test either drained or undrained test simulates the actual
field condition of soil and represents the strength at those conditions.
Types of Shear Test
a.
b.
c.
d.

Direct Shear Test

Triaxial Compression Test
Unconfined Compression Test
Vane Shear Test

Direct Shear Test:

This test is generally done for coarse grained soil. Here, small soil sample of size 60 x 60 x 25 mm is
directly made to shear from horizontal plane passing from the centre. It has provisions for undrained
test too but because of the smaller size of the sample the drainage condition cannot be controlled
properly whereas the drained test can be most effective since the drainage could be fast.
Sample is placed in the square box of size 60 x 60 x 50 mm shear box which can be split into half
which are put together with the help of two locking pins. At the bottom of the shear box, a metal plate
is placed with a porous stone before sample is placed. Above samples to provide drainage again
porous stone is placed over it along with the pressure pad (loading plate) on the top through which
axial load to the sample is given through loading yoke. The box can be sheared horizontally through
the centre where keeping the upper part of the box constant, the bottom portion of the box is sheared
and the corresponding resisting shearing force is observed from proving ring provided at one end of
the box. It represents the corresponding shear force. The sample is made to fail along the horizontal
plane and the corresponding shear stress () given in proving ring during failure and normal stress ()
provided from loading yoke sets of reading will give the failure envelope for the drained condition of
the soil.

17

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

Sets of dial gauges are placed in horizontal and

vertical directions. The horizontal dial gauge is
provided to measure the shear strain provided
whereas the vertical is provided to measure the
volume change in the soil during the tests. The
results can be summed up as:

Fig. Represents the shear stress and strain for different kind of
soil Fig. Represents the volume change for
different soil
The plot between the ultimate shear stress during failure and the corresponding normal stress will
yield Failure envelope as shown below. Cd = drained cohesion , d = drained internal angle of friction
of the soil as the performed condition of the test is of drained condition.
Advantages of the Direct shear test:

a. It is faster and simpler method

b. Drainage is faster because of less
thickness
Disadvantages
d
cd
n

a. Difficult to control drainage

b. Only can be performed for total
stress whereas pore water pressure
cannot be measured
c. The horizontal failure plane is
predetermined but may not be the

weakest plane
d. The distribution of the shear stress along the plane is not uniform
Triaxial Compression Test
This test represents the real field condition of the application of the load to the soil. The soil sample is
confined with respective field confining pressure and an additional axial stress is provided from the
top of it. A mechanism for confining pressure of the soil with the water is provided. For the shear
strength parameters in terms of effective stresses, measurement of the pore water pressure inside the
soil sample is essential which also can be measured with the help of arrangements for pore water
pressure measurement.
18

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

This condition replicates the discussed condition of the principal stress in the element of the soil in the
above sub topics. This condition gives a Mohr circle for the soil element. With a constant confining
pressure 3, on increment of pressure shown d = deviator stress (axial stress), 1 = major principal
stress = d+ 3 also increases. Since, each 1 and corresponding confining stress 3 represents a Mohr
circle (a stress condition), the Mohr circle keeps increasing till it reaches a limit as shown

As failure envelope represents the stress condition at failure, the failure envelope makes tangent to
these failure Mohr circle. For the construction of the failure envelope, we need to develop more Mohr
circle at failure condition. For that different readings for 1 for different confining stress 3 is taken.
Usual diameter of the soil specimen used for the test
The specimen is placed between rigid non-porous
porous discs depending upon the drainage condition
and covered with a rubber membrane. It is then
perspex cylinder which filled with water.

is 38 mm.
end caps or
of the test
placed
in

The specimen is subjected to a confining pressure,

stress d=(1 3)= deviator stress. The confining
i.e., all round pressure is applied by water in the
axial stress is applied through a ram. The ram is

3 and axial
pressure
cylinder and
forced
down at a
constant
rate and the load on the plunger is recorded till the
sample fails.

The test is repeated on different samples with

different confining pressure and results are
interpreted by drawing Mohrs circles. The
confining pressure 3 is the minor principal stress
and the total stress ( 1- 3 + 3) = is the major
principal stress, the horizontal and vertical planes
are the principal planes. Different Mohrs circles are drawn for different tests and a common tangent
to them gives the shear strength parameter c and as shown.
For shear strength parameters interms of effective stress, measurement of pore water pressure is
important for which the major and minor principal stresses will be modified as in terms of

19

Figure 1 Perpex cylinder with specimen

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

'

1 = 1u
And

3' = 3u

For pore water pressure measurement

Figure 2 Pore water pressure measurement device

Types of Triaxial Test:

1. Unconsolidated Undrained Test (UU) In this test, soil specimen is
neither allowed to consolidate nor allowed to drain. The shear strength
of the soil obtained from this test is the undrained shear strength from
the field. Here, for the effective stress measurement, pore
water pressure measurement is done. Because of Figure UU Test
undraining, pore water pressure measurement is important.
Fig. 3 represents UU Test.
2. Consolidated Undrained Test (CU) In this test, at first the soil is first allowed to drain under
the consolidation stage where only confining pressure is applied. Then the
deviator stress is applied for shearing of the soil where no drainage is allowed
from the soil after the completion of the consolidated stage. Pore water pressure
measurement is performed
3. Consolidated Drained Test (CD) In this test, at both times during
consolidation and shearing, drainage is allowed. Pore water pressure is allowed
to relasese and hence measurement is not required. The total
Figure CU Test
stress will denote the effective stress.

Figure CD Test

Advantages:
1. The test can be performed, with complete control, under all the three drainage conditions.
2. It is possible to take pore pressure measurements during the test.
3. The distribution of stress on the failure plane is uniform.
4. It is possible to determine the state of stress within the specimen at any stage of the test.
20

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

Disadvantages:
1. The test set up is more complicated than any other shear test. It requires a skilled person to handle
the apparatus precisely.
2. Tests on small diameter samples (i.e., 38 mm) of stiff fissured clays give very high strength. Hence
to obtain accurate result for such type of soils, large diameter specimens should be tested.
3. Consolidation of cohesive soil specimens take more time than in the shear box test.
Unconfined Compression Test:
In the unconfined compression test, only the axial stress is applied and the confining or cell pressure
is zero. Thus this test is a special case of triaxial test and it is named as unconfined compression test
as the confining pressure is zero. This test is performed only on cohesive soil. Non-cohesive will not
stand without any support. The test is performed on a cylindrical sample having height to diameter
ratio of 2:1. The usual size is 38 mm.
The sample is then placed between the plates of a mechanical load frame. Axial load is applied in a
constant straining rate. The load can be read on the proving ring dial gauge and the corresponding
deformation on the strain gauge. A set of readings of loads and the corresponding deformation is
taken.
The deformation is continued till the sample fails. When the load readings start decreasing instead of
increasing, failure point is reached. At failure, deformation is discontinued.
The deformation during the failure is h = h1-h2
Now, for the correction for the area due to bulging,
Considering volume to be same,
h2
h1V i=V f

A 1h1= A2h2
A 1h1
= A2
h2
A 1h 1
=A f
h1 h
A 11
A 1
=A f = 1 = A1correction factor
h
1
1
h1
The correction factor is calculated with the measurement of the decreased dimension due to the axial
strain. Since, there is no confining stress ( 3), the Mohr circle starts from origin and the axial stress at
the failure represents (1) and the corresponding CU as shown in the figure represents the Undrained
Shear Strength of the soil sample.

21

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

Undrained Shear Strength = CU= qU/2 = 1/2

Advantages
(i) It is widely used, simple and quick test.
(ii) This is most convenient and suitable for calculating
sensitivity of clays.
(iii) The cost involved in this test is much less than the
triaxial test due to simpler testing requirement.
Disadvantages
(i) As no covering or lateral support is provided to the sample in this test, it is applicable to soil which
can stand unsupported and are impervious to maintain the un-drained condition throughout the test.
(ii) The test is suitable for intact homogeneous clays only.
(iii) The test under estimates in-situ strength because of the sampling disturbance.
Vane Shear Test
Vane shear test is a quick test and is used to determine the insitu un-drained shear strength of soft
clays and silts which are difficult to sample. A vane shear test equipment consists of a four bladed
vane.

The vane shear apparatus is placed inside the soil sample and the torque measuring equipment
embedded in the system measures the torque required to shear the sample of the given diameter of the
soil sample.
Since, the vane shear apparatus is embedded inside the soil, the
shear resistance is provided from the top and the bottom surface of
the soil adjacent to the vane shear apparatus and also from the
surface of the cylindrical surface provided by the soil. If is the
shear strength of the soil, then,
Shear resistance provided by bottom of the vane shear surface in an
circular ring elemental area is given as

dF=Area of the small strip

dF=( 2 r dr )
Shear resistance provided from the side of the sheared cylindrical
surface of height h is given by

F2 =dh
And the torque provided for the shearing if is T (Force * perpendicular distance), then,
d/2

T =2 dFr+ F 2d /2

at topbottom , force will be same

22

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

d
2

T =2 ( 2 r dr )r +
0

dhd
2

r 3 2 d2
+
h
3 0
2
T =22
T =

4d d
+
h
24
2

T
=Shear Strength of the soil
h
2 d
d
+
6 2

( )

Stress Path
It is the locus of the stress followed during loading or unloading condition in the soil sample. This
represents the stress condition. This is one of the important method of representing the state of
stresses and its progresses through the time. When the loading condition is changed, the loading
characteristics changes can be represented through Mohr Circles in which each Mohr circle represents
a loading condition. Hence, to represent this Mohr circle variation stress path, simply a line, can
represent the variation of the stress condition as represented below.
If the stress condition of three state is defined by the Mohr circles where gradual increase of the
stresses is provided which is as shown. If the radius of each circle defines a new co-ordinate (p) and
the x co-ordinate of the centre of each circle defines co-ordinate (q) which represents the calculation
as p=

1 3
+
, q= 1 3
2
2

Then the stress path will be represented as the increase line as shown in the figure.
Some common representation of the stress path for general condition, where

1= v 3= h are

equal with each other initially then,

p=

v h
+
, q= v h
2
2

Initially,

p=0, q= v
However, it changes with the changed stress state after wards.
Lets look at some stress path as in figure,
(i)

h= v

for the condition, considering change in the initial stresses, the new p and

q will be as shown

23

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

( h+ h )
v + v
2
p '=
p'=0

q'=

v + v + h + h
2

q ' = v + v
So, there is no change in p and q
change in the stress. Which thus results D
be horizontal represented by line A.
(ii)

h=0, v

When

then, new p

C
B

( h+ h )
v+ v
2
p '=

and q

1
1

changes by v the
in the stress path to

1
A

p'= v / 2
q'=

v + v + h + h
2

q ' = v + v /2
Hence, both p and q from initial stage increases by

v /2 and hence, the stress path

makes an angle of 45 with q line as shown by B line.

(iii)

h= v

for the condition, considering change in the initial stresses, the new p

and q will be as shown

( h+ h )
v+ v
2
p '=

p'= v
q'=

v + v + h + h
2

q ' = v
Hence, now q doesnt change only p changes with respect to initial state thus giving rise
to the vertical stress path as represented by line C
(iv)

The line D is for condition

h , v =0

Shear Strength of Sand

24

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

The shear strength of the sand is gained due to the internal frictional existing between the soil
grains.For dense sand, the interlocking of soil particles provides additional shear strength. The stress
and strain curve for dense sand suggests the breaking of the interlocks by the peak stress and with fall
of the stress afterwards. The volume decreases at initial stage where as keep increasing after actual
shearing of particles takes place.
However, in loose sand, this interlocking is absent and the volume keeps decreasing with the gradual
increase in the shear resistance with increase in the strain in the sand. No peak is obtained whereas the

Deviator Stress

Dense Sand

+V

Dense Sand

Void Ratio

Peak Stress

Loose Sand
Critical Void Ratio

Axial Strain

Loose Sand

Dense Sand

Loose Sand
Axial Strain
Axial Strain
-V
ultimate load is considered to be the stress at the 20% strain. The void ratio change of both kind of
soil can be compared with the volume change behaviour. With increase in the volume, the increase in
the void ratio is observed and vice-versa.
Shear Strength of Clay
Clay shear strength property is effected by the stress condition in its history i.e. of the clay being
normally consolidated or over consolidated clay.
Unconsolidated Undrained Strength of the clay
This type of test signifies the strength of the saturated clay under unconsolidated undrained condition.
The insitu condition where the clay doesnt allow water to escape out of the clay immediately during
loading is represented by the test. During this condition, the clay is not allowed to drain off water
through the pores resulting in the development of excess pore water pressure with the increase of the
total stress. And hence the effective stress remains constant even with the increase of the pore water
pressure. Since, the shear strength is dependent upon the effective stress, even with the increase of the
total stress the shear strength of the soil doesnt increase though remains constant in all stress
condition. It is represented by the Mohr circles at different confining pressure of equal radius at
unconsolidated undrained condition of the clay. The failure envelope develop for the total stress is
horizontal in nature. Since, with the increase in the stress condition, there is equal rise in the pore
water pressure, = u, the effective stress for every stress condition remains the same. This give
rise to only one Mohr circle for the effective stress.
Consolidated Undrained Shear Strength of Saturated Clay
Under consolidation, the clay is first consolidated by the confining stress by allowing drainage. This
allow to release the excess pore water pressure that might develop on the increase of the total stress.
This in return increases the effective stress of the soil
Effective Stress for all stresses
unlike the undrained condition of the soil. This increase
In terms of total stress
in the
CU

CU

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Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

effective stress with the increase in the effective stress increase the shear strength of the soil. The
results for this can be expressed for normally consolidated clay and over consolidated clay as:
The volume decreases on shearing for normally consolidated clay, so with no allowance for the
drainage in the normally consolidated clay, positive pore water pressure is developed thus, effective
stress decreases as shown from the left shifting of the Mohr circle for effective stress.
CU

Though, for over consolidated clay, the volume

tends to increase during shearing. This will
during undraining condition will develop
negative pore water pressure (-u) thus allowing
to develop more high effective stress allowing
the shifting of the effective stress to the right.

CU

In terms of effective stress

In terms of total stress
Figure Failure envelope for CU Test of Normally Consolidated Clay

CU
CU

In terms of effective stress

In terms of total stress
Consolidated
Figure For Over consolidated
clay

Drained Test of
Saturated Clay:

The result of shear strength for the consolidated drained is like as of the failure envelope received
from the consolidated undrained test. The main difference is the excess pore water pressure is not
allowed to develop at any condition. Hence, the total stress in the soil during shearing represents the
effective stress and the corresponding failure envelope gives the failure envelope at effective stress
condition.

Relationship between undrained shear strength and effective overburden pressure

For a normally consolidated clay, the UU test yields a result of Shear strength with Cu as strength and
U= 0, whereas for the the CU test, the failure envelope has no cohesion intercept C CU=0 whereas has
an internal angle of friction CU. This can be
represented as in figure below. For a confining
effective stress

3 , the relation with CU will be

as:
the figure represents two tests results for same
confining stress then,

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Shear Strength

sin CU =

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

CU
CU+ 3

3
1
+1=
CU
sin CU
3 1sin CU
=
CU
sin CU

Shear Strength of partially saturated Clay:

The effective stress of the unsaturated clay is very hard to compute which is given by

=uax ( uw u a ) , where x depends upon degrees of saturation,

The unconsolidated undrained test is performed in this kind of clay where the measurement of the
pore water pressure measurement and pore air pressure is very difficult, thus, Mohr circle at failure is
drawn only in terms of total stress. The Mohr circle follows an increasing trend till the decrease in the
air voids. Finally, the air voids decreases and the degree of saturation increases to 100% thus acting as
a saturated clay. At this condition, the Mohr circle at failure with the increase in the confining pressure
doesnt increase and the failure envelope becomes horizontal.

Acts as saturated Clay stress

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Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

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Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

40
30

f(x) = 0.47x + 11

20
10
0
10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

29

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

30

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

31

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

32

Shear Strength

Soil Mechanics(Niraj Bohara)

33