*Shear strength–01: Maximum shear on the failure plane.

(Revision: Oct-08)
A consolidated un-drained triaxial test was performed on a specimen of saturated clay with a
kg
chamber pressure σ 3 = 2.0 2 . At failure,
cm
kg kg
σ 1 − σ 3 = 2.8 2 , u = 1.8 2 and the failure plane angle θ = 57° .
cm cm
Calculate (1) the normal stress σ and (2) shear stress τ on the failure surface and (3) the
maximum shear stress on the specimen.

Solution:
kg
σ 1 = 2.8 + 2.0 = 4.8
cm 2
kg
σ 3 = 2.0
cm 2

σ1 − σ 3 ⎛ 4.8 − 2 ⎞ kg
Shear stress τ= sin 2θ = ⎜ ⎟ sin114° = 1.27
2 ⎝ 2 ⎠ cm 2

⎛ σ1 + σ 3 ⎞ ⎛ σ1 − σ 3 ⎞ ⎛ 4.8 + 2 ⎞ ⎛ 4.8 − 2 ⎞ kg
Normal stress σ =⎜ ⎟+⎜ ⎟ cos 2θ = ⎜ ⎟+⎜ ⎟ cos114° = 2.83
⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ 2 ⎠ cm 2

σ1 − σ 3 ⎛ 4.8 − 2 ⎞ kg
Maximum shear τ MAX = sin 2θ = ⎜ ⎟ = 1.4 at θ = 45°
2 ⎝ 2 ⎠ cm 2

213
*Shear strength–02: Why is the maximum shear not the failure shear?
(Revised Oct-09)
kg
Using the results of the previous Problem 01, and φ = 24°, c ' = 0.80 , show why the sample
cm 2
failed at 57 grades instead of the plane of maximum shear stress.

Solution:

On failure plane

kg
σ ' = (σ − u ) = 2.83 − 1.8 = 1.03
cm2
kg
S57° = c '+ σ ' tan φ = 0.8 + (1.03 tan 24°) = 1.27
cm 2

Compare that to τ = 1.27 kg/cm from the previous problem, and note that they are equal, and so for
both, S 57 ° = τ 57 ° failed. .

Now at the plane of maximum shear stress θ = 4 5 °

⎛ 4.8 + 2 ⎞ ⎛ 4.8 − 2 ⎞ kg
σ =⎜ ⎟+⎜ ⎟ cos 90° = 3.4 2
⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ 2 ⎠ cm
kg
σ ' = 3.4 − 1.8 = 1.6 2
cm
kg
s45° = c '+ σ ' tan φ = 0.8 + (1.60 tan 24°) = 1.51
cm 2

The shear strength at 45º is much larger than at 57º, therefore failure does not occur.

214
*Shear strength–03: Find the maximum principal stress σ1.
(Revised Oct-09)
Continuing with the data from the two previous problems, the same soil specimen is now loaded
kg
slowly to failure in a drained test, that is u = 0, with σ 3 = 2.0 2 . What will be the major principal
cm
stress at failure?

Solution:

kg
a) Analytically, in a drained test u = 0; at failure σ '3 = σ 3 = 2 , on the failure plane θ = 57° .
cm 2

⎡⎛ σ ' + 2 ⎞ ⎛ σ ' − 2 ⎞ ⎤
s = c '+ σ ' tan φ = 0.80 + ⎢⎜ 1 ⎟ + ⎜ 1 ⎟ cos114°⎥ tan 24° = (1.426 ) + ( 0.132 ) σ '1
⎣⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎦
⎛σ ' −2 ⎞
and τ = ⎜ 1 ⎟ sin114° = ( 0.457 ) σ '1 − ( 0.914 )
⎝ 2 ⎠
kg kg kg
At failure s = τ ∴ σ '1 = 7.31 2 ; σ θ = 3.6 2 and τ θ = 2.38 2
cm cm cm

b) Graphically,

215
*Shear strength–04: Find the effective principal stress.
(Revised Oct-09)
A drained triaxial test on a normally consolidated clay showed that the failure plane makes an
angle of 58˚ with the horizontal. If the sample was tested with a chamber confining pressure of
103.5 kN/m2, what was the major principal stress at failure?

Solution:

φ φ
θ = 45° + ∴ 58° = 45° + ∴ φ = 26°
2 2

Using the equation that relates the major principal stress σ1 to the minor principal stress σ3, and with c =
0 (the value of cohesion for a normally consolidated clay),

⎛ φ1 ⎞ ⎡ 2⎛ 26 ⎞ ⎤ kN
σ 1 ' = σ 3 ' tan 2 ⎜ 45° + ⎟ = (103.5 ) ⎢ tan ⎜ 45° + ⎟ ⎥ = 265 2
⎝ 2⎠ ⎣ ⎝ 2 ⎠⎦ m

216
*Shear strength–05: Using the p-q diagram.
(Revised Oct-09)
Triaxial tests performed on samples from our Miami Pamlico formation aeolian sand, showed the
peak stresses listed below. Plot these values on a p-q diagram to find the value of the internal angle
of friction.
σ1 = 76 psi for σ3 = 15 psi p = 45.5, q = 30.5 psi (1)
σ1 = 148 psi for σ3 = 30 psi p = 89.0, q = 59.0 psi (2)
σ1 = 312 psi for σ3 = 60 psi p = 186.0, q = 126.0 psi (3)
σ1 = 605 psi for σ3 = 120 psi p = 362.5, q = 242.5 psi (4)

Solution:

Remember that p = (σ1 + σ3)/2 and q = (σ1 – σ3)/2

q (psi)

300
4
α = 34°

200

100
2

1
p(psi)
100 200 300 400

From the p-q diagram:

q4 2 4 2 .5
ta n α ≈ = = 0 .6 6 8
p4 3 6 2 .5
s i n φ = t a n α = 0 .6 6 8 ∴ φ = 42°

217
 **Shear strength–06: Consolidated-drained triaxial test.
(Revised Oct-09)
A consolidated-drained triaxial test was conducted on a normally consolidated clay. The results
kN kN
are as follows: σ '3 = 276 2 ( Δ σ d ) f = 276 2
m m
Determine:
(a) The angle of friction φ;
(b) The angle θ that the failure plane makes with the major principal plane, and
(c) The normal stress σ’ and shear stress τf on the failure plane.

Solution:

For normally consolidated soil the failure envelope equation is:

τ f = σ ' ta n φ because c = 0

For the triaxial test, the effective major and minor principal stresses at failure are as follows:

kN kN
σ '1 = σ 1 = σ 3 + ( Δ σ d ) f = 276 + 276 = 552 and σ '3 = σ 3 = 276
m2 m2

Part A.

The Mohr circle and the failure envelope are shown in the figure below, from which:

σ '1 − σ '3
AB 2 σ '1 − σ '3 552 − 276
sin φ = = = = = 0 .3 3 3 ∴ φ = 1 9 .4 5 °
OA σ '1 + σ '3 σ '1 + σ '3 552 + 276
2

218
Part B.

φ 1 9 .4 5 °
θ = 45° + = 45° + = 5 4 .7 °
2 2

Part C.

σ '1 + σ '3 σ '1 − σ '3

σ' ( on the failure plane ) = + cos 2θ
2 2

σ '1 − σ '3
and τ f = sin 2θ
2

kN kN
Substituting the values of σ '1 = 552 , σ '3 = 276 and θ = 5 4 .7 ° in the preceding
m2 m2
equations,

552 + 276 552 − 276 kN

σ' = + cos 2 ( 54.7 ) = 36 8 2
2 2 m
552 − 276 kN
and τf = sin 2 ( 54 .7 ) = 130 2
2 m

219
 **Shear strength–07: Triaxial un-drained tests.
(Revised Oct-09)
Triaxial un-drained tests were performed on clay samples taken from the stratum shown below.
kN
The tests were taken with pore water pressure measurements, and c ' = 20 2 , and φ = 24 °
m

(a) Find the clay shear strength at its mid-stratum, and

(b) Find the effective and total stresses at the same level acting on a vertical face of a soil element.

Solution:
(a) For the gravel:

kN
γ sat = γ d + nγ w = (16 + 0.3x10 ) = 19
m3
⎛ kN ⎞ ⎛ kN ⎞ ⎛ kN ⎞ kN
∴ For σ 1 = 4m ⎜16 3 ⎟ + 9m ⎜19 3 ⎟ = 3.5 ⎜17.6 3 ⎟ = 297 2
⎝ m ⎠ ⎝ m ⎠ ⎝ m ⎠ m
⎛ kN ⎞ kN
∴ For σ '1 = σ 1 − u = σ 1 − γ w (9 + 3.5) = 297 − ⎜10 3 ⎟ (12.5m ) = 173 2
⎝ m ⎠ m
kN kN kN
∴ S = c '+ σ '1 tan φ ' = 20 2 + 173 3 tan 24° = 96.6 2
m m m

220
(b) Since the clay is saturated,

kN
σ '3 = K oσ '1 = 0.5σ '1 = 0.5 (173) = 86
m2
kN kN kN
and σ 3 = σ '3 + u = 86 2
+ (13m + 3.5m )10 3 = 251 2
m m m

221
**Shear strength-08: Consolidated and drained triaxial test.
(Revised Oct-09)
Two similar clay soil samples were pre-consolidated in triaxial equipment with a chamber
pressure of 600 kN/m2. Consolidated-drained triaxial tests were conducted on these two
specimens. The following are the results of the tests:

Specimen 1: Specimen 2:
kN
σ 3 = 100 σ 3 = 50
kN
m2 m2
kN kN
( Δσ d ) f = 410.6 (Δσ d ) f = 384.37
m2 m2

Find the values of the cohesion c and the angle of internal friction φ.

Solution:

For Specimen 1, the principal stresses at failure are,

kN kN
σ 3 ' = σ 3 = 100 and σ 1 ' = σ 1 = σ 3 + ( Δσ d ) f = 100 + 410.6 = 510.6
m2 m2
Similarly, the principal stresses at failure for specimen 2 are

kN kN
σ 3 ' = σ 3 = 50 and σ 1 ' = σ 1 = σ 3 + ( Δσ d ) f = 50 + 384.4 = 434.4
m2 m2
222
These two samples are over-consolidated. Using the relationship given by equation

⎛ φ1 ⎞ ⎛ φ1 ⎞
σ 1 ' = σ 3 ' tan 2 ⎜ 45° + ⎟ + 2c tan ⎜ 45° + ⎟
⎝ 2⎠ ⎝ 2⎠

Thus, for specimen 1

φ1 ⎞ φ1 ⎞
( 510.6 ) = (100 ) tan 2 ⎛⎜ 45° + ⎛
⎟ + 2c tan ⎜ 45° + ⎟
⎝ 2⎠ ⎝ 2⎠

and for specimen 2

φ1 ⎞ φ1 ⎞
( 434.4 ) = ( 50 ) tan 2 ⎛⎜ 45° + ⎛
⎟ + 2c tan ⎜ 45° + ⎟
⎝ 2⎠ ⎝ 2⎠

φ1 ⎞
Subtracting both equations ( 76.2 ) = ( 50 ) ta n 2 ⎛⎜ 45 ° + ⎟ ∴ φ1 = 1 2 °
⎝ 2 ⎠

Substituting φ 1 into the equation,

⎡ 12 ⎞ ⎤ ⎡ ⎛ 12 ⎞ ⎤
( 510.6 ) = (100 ) tan 2 ⎢ 45° + ⎛⎜ ⎟ ⎥ + 2c tan ⎢ 45° + ⎜ ⎟ ⎥
⎣ ⎝ 2 ⎠⎦ ⎣ ⎝ 2 ⎠⎦
kN
510.6 = 152.5 + 2.47c ∴ c = 145
m2

223
***Shear strength-09: Plots of the progressive failure in a shear-box.
(Revised Oct-09)
A soil test is performed in the shear-box shown below. The test data lists the stresses and
displacements. Assign positive normal stresses to compression and positive shear stresses are
counter-clockwise. Plot the Mohr circles of stress for each stage.

DISPLACEMENTS(mm) σ’ XX σ’YY τxy τyx

Stage
x y (kpa) (kpa) (kpa) (kpa)
a 0 0 30 70 0 0
b 0.30 -0.50 71 70 31.0 -31.3
c (peak) 2.50 -0.60 145 70 43.3 =49.0
d 3.00 -0.82 - - - -
e 10.00 1.50 90.6 70 24.5 -32.0

Solution:
For small displacements, the x and y planes remain perpendicular. Use a compass to locate by trial and
error the center of the Mohr circle. The center of the circle must lie on the σ’ axis, and it must be
equidistant from the two stress points (σ ' xx , τ xy ) and (σ ' yy , τ yx ) .

TABLE OF VALUES
σ 1 '+ σ 3 ' σ 1 '− σ 3 '
S'= τ= τ Change in angle between
STAGE 2 2
S' x + y plan (in degrees)
kPa kPa
a 50 20 0.40 0˚
b 70.5 31.2 0.44 0˚
c (peak) 103 60 0.58 5.25˚
e 70 32 0.46 21˚

224
225
226
**Shear strength-10: Shear strength along a potential failure plane.
(Revision Oct-09)
An engineer is evaluating the stability of the slope in the figure below, and considers that the
potential for a shear failure occurs along the shear surface shown. The soil has an angle
φ ' = 30° and no cohesive strength. Compute the shear strength at point A along this surface when
the groundwater table is at level B, then compute the new shear strength if it rose to level C. The
unit weight of the soil is 120 lb/ft3 above the WT and 123 lb/ft3 below.

Potential shearing surface

C▼

B▼

●A

Solution:
⎛ lb ⎞ lb
u = γ z z w = ⎜⎜ 62.4 3 ⎟⎟ (20 ft ) = 1248 2
When the groundwater table is at B: ⎝ ft ⎠ ft
⎛ lb ⎞ ⎛ lb ⎞ lb lb
σ ' z = ∑ γH − u =⎜⎜120 3 ⎟⎟(26 ft ) + ⎜⎜123 3 ⎟⎟ (20 ft ) − 1248 2 = 4332 2
⎝ ft ⎠ ⎝ ft ⎠ ft ft

The potential shear surface is horizontal, so σ ' = σ ' z

⎛ lb ⎞ lb
s = σ ' tan φ ' = ⎜ 4332 2 ⎟ tan 30° = 2501 2
⎝ f t ⎠ f t

When the groundwater table is at C:

⎛ lb ⎞ lb
u = γ z z w = ⎜⎜ 62.4 3 ⎟⎟ (32 ft ) = 1997 2
⎝ ft ⎠ ft
⎛ lb ⎞ ⎛ lb ⎞ lb lb
σ ' z = ∑ γH − u =⎜⎜120 3 ⎟⎟(14 ft ) + ⎜⎜123 3 ⎟⎟ (32 ft ) − 1997 2 = 3619 2
⎝ ft ⎠ ⎝ ft ⎠ ft ft

⎛ lb ⎞ lb
s = σ ' tan φ ' = ⎜ 3619 2 ⎟ tan 30° = 2089 2
⎝ ft ⎠ ft

227
***Shear strength-11: Use of the Mohr-Coulomb failure envelope.
(Revised Oct-09)
Samples have been obtained from both soil strata shown in the figure below. A series of shear
strength tests were then performed on both samples and plotted in diagrams below. The c’ and φ’
values obtained from these diagrams are shown in the figure below. Using this data, compute the
shear strength on the horizontal and vertical planes at points A, B, and C.

Solution:

Point A - Horizontal plane:

kN kN kN
σ ' = ∑ γH − u = (17.0 3
)(3.0m) + (17.5 3 )(1.1m) − (9.8 3 )(1.1m)
m m m
σ ' z = 59.8 kPa
s = c' + σ ' tan φ ' = 10kPa + (59.5kPa) tan 28° = 41.6 kPa

Point A - Vertical plane:

σ ' z = Kσ ' z = (0.54)(59.5 kPa) = 32.1 kPa

s = c' + σ ' tan φ ' = 10 kPa + (32.1 kPa) tan 28° = 27.1 kPa

228
Using similar computations:

Point B vertical plane s = 57.2 kPa

Point B horizontal plane s = 35.5 kPa

Point C vertical plane s = 68.1 kPa

Point C horizontal plane s = 54.4 kPa

Commentary
At each point the shear strength on a vertical plane is less than that on a horizontal plane because
K < 1. In addition, the shear strength at point B is greater than that at point A, because the
effective strength is greater. The strength at point C is even higher than at point B because it is in
a new strata with different c’, φ’, and K values. Thus, the strength would increase gradually with
depth within each stratum, but change suddenly at the boundary between the two strata.
Draw the shear strength envelope for the ML stratum and then plot the upper half of the Mohr
circle for point A on this diagram. Assume the principal stresses act vertically and horizontally.

Failure envelope and Mohr’s circle

229
***Shear strength-11b: Use of the Mohr-Coulomb failure envelope.
(Revised Oct-09)
Samples have been obtained from both soil strata shown in the figure below. A series of shear
strength tests were then performed on both samples and plotted in diagrams below. The c’ and φ’
values obtained from these diagrams are shown in the figure below. Using this data, compute the
shear strength on the horizontal and vertical planes at points A, B, and C.

Solution:

Point A - Horizontal plane:

kN kN kN
σ ' = ∑ γH − u = (17.0 )(3 . 0 m ) + (17 . 5 )(1 . 1m ) − (9 . 8 )(1.1m)
m3 m3 m3
σ ' z = 59.8 kPa
s = c' + σ ' tan φ ' = 10kPa + (59.5kPa) tan 28° = 41.6 kPa

Point A - Vertical plane:

σ ' z = Kσ ' z = (0.54)(59.5 kPa) = 32.1 kPa

s = c' + σ ' tan φ ' = 10 kPa + (32.1 kPa) tan 28° = 27.1 kPa
230
Using similar computations:

Point B vertical plane s = 57.2 kPa

Point B horizontal plane s = 35.5 kPa

Point C vertical plane s = 68.1 kPa

Point C horizontal plane s = 54.4 kPa

Commentary

At each point the shear strength on a vertical plane is less than that on a horizontal plane because

K < 1. In addition, the shear strength at point B is greater than that at point A, because the effective
strength is greater. The strength at point C is even higher than at point B because it is in a new strata
with different c’, φ’, and K values. Thus, the strength would increase gradually with depth within each
stratum, but change suddenly at the boundary between the two strata.

Draw the shear strength envelope for the ML stratum and then plot the upper half of the Mohr circle for
point A on this diagram. Assume the principal stresses act vertically and horizontally.

Failure envelope and Mohr’s circle

231
**Shear strength-12: Triaxial un-drained tests.
(Revised Oct-09)
Triaxial un-drained tests were performed on clay samples taken from the stratum shown below.
The test were taken with pure water pressure measurements and yield a c` = 20 kN/m3, and φ=
24º.Find (1) the clay shear strength at mid-stratum, and (2) the effective and total stresses at that
same level acting on a vertical face of a small element.

H=4
sandy gravel
H= 13m n= 0.30

σ1 γ =16 kN/m3

H= 7m σ3 clay γ =17.6 kN/m3

Impermeable rock stratum

Solution:

For the gravel: γsat = γsat + nγw = [16 + (0.3)10] = 19 kN/m3

For the clay: σ1 = (4m)(16 kN/m3 )+ (9m)(19 kN/m3 )+ (3.5m)(17.6 kN/m3 )= 297 kN/m3

σ1’ = σ1 − u = σ1 − γw (9 + 3.5) = 297 - 10 kN/m3 [12.5m] = 172 kN/m3

S = c’ + σ1’ tan φ = (20 KN/m3 + 172 kN/m3 tan 24ο) = 96.6 NM/m3

Since the clay is saturated, σ3’ = k σ1’ = 0.5(172) = 86 kN/m3

σ3 = σ3’ + u = 86 kN/m3 + (86m + 86m) 10 kN/m3 = 251 kN/m3

τ
φ = 24ο.

S= 96.6 kN/m3
KN
C` = 20 /m3

σ`

232
**Shear strength-12b: Triaxial un-drained tests.
(Revised Oct-09)
Triaxial un-drained tests were performed on clay samples taken from the stratum shown below.
The test were taken with pure water pressure measurements and yield a c` = 20 kN/m3, and φ=
24º.Find (1) the clay shear strength at mid-stratum, and (2) the effective and total stresses at that
same level acting on a vertical face of a small element.

H=4 Sandy
gravel
H= n= 0.30
σ1 γ =16 kN/m3

H= σ3 Clay γ =17.6 kN/m3

σ3

Solution:
For the gravel: γsat = γsat + nγw = [16 + (0.3)10] = 19 kN/m3
For the clay: σ1 = (4m)(16 kN/m3 )+ (9m)(19 kN/m3 )+ (3.5m)(17.6 kN/m3 )= 297 kN/m3
σ1’ = σ1 − u = σ1 − γw (9 + 3.5) = 297 - 10 kN/m3 [12.5m] = 172 kN/m3
S = c’ + σ1’ tan φ = (20 KN/m3 + 172 kN/m3 tan 24ο) = 96.6 NM/m3
Since the clay is saturated, σ3’ = k σ1’ = 0.5(172) = 86 kN/m3
σ3 = σ3’ + u = 86 kN/m3 + (86m + 86m) 10 kN/m3 = 251 kN/m3

τ
φ = 24ο.

S= 96.6 kN/m3
C` = 20 KN/m3

σ`

233
 **Shear strength-13: Determine the principal stresses of a sample.
(Revised Oct-09)
A clay layer, 20 feet thick is covered by a 40 foot sandy gravel stratum with a porosity of 30%, and
a dry unit weight of 103 pcf. Tests on the un-drained samples of the clay gave c = 2.9 psi, γSAT =
112 psf and φ' = 24o. Find:
(a) the soil shear strength s = c + σ'tanφ' at the clay's midlevel (point A), and
(b) the effective and total stress acting on the vertical face of a soil element at the clay midlevel
(point A).

d=13'

H1=40'

γd = 103 pcf
n = 30%
H2=20' •A c = 2.9 psi
γsat = 112 pcf
φ' = 24o

Solution:
(a) In order to find s, it is required to know the γsat of the sand.

n 0.30 0.30 γ (1+ e) 103(1+0.429)

e= = = = 0.429 and G S = d = = 2.36
1- n 1- 0.30 0.70 γW 62.4

( G S + e)γ W (2.36 +0.429)62.4

γ sat = = = 122pcf
1+ e 1.429

*Assume that the clay was normally consolidated to find σ' at midlevel in the clay (point A),
that is c = 0.

234
 σ’ A = γ h S + γ’ h S + γ’ h C = ( 0.103)(13) + ⎡⎣( 0.122 − 0.0624 )( 27 ) ⎤⎦ + ⎡⎣( 0.122 − 0.0624 )(10 ) ⎤⎦ = 3.4ksf
and
s = c + σ’ A tan φ’
lbkip 144in 2 k
s = 2.9 2
x3
x 2
+ 3.44 2 ( tan 24 o )= 0.42ksf +1.53ksfs = 1.95ksf
in 10 lb ft ft
The pore water pressure u is,
u = (10 + 27 )( 0.0624 ) = 2.3ksf
Therefore, the toatl stress is,
σ A = σ A' + u = 3.4 + 2.3 = 5.7ksf

(b) To find the stress on the vertical face of the soil element at A, we find θ through a graphical solution
as follows,

φ o
θ = 45 o + = 45 o + 24 = 57 o_2θ = 114 o
2 2

c 0.42
x1 = = = 0.939ksf
tan φ’ tan 24 o

s 1.95
x2 = = = 4.38ksf
tan φ’ tan 24 o

o o
x 3 = s( tan 24 )= 1.95( tan 24 )= 0.868ksf

235
 s 1.95
R= = = 2.13ksf
cos φ’ cos 24 o

σΝ3 = x2 + x3 - x1 - R = 4.38 + 0.868 - 0.939 - 2.13= 2.18 ksf

σΝ1 = 2.18 + 2R = 2.18 + 2(2.13) = 6.44 ksf

σ3 = σΝ3 + u = 2.18 + 2.31 = 4.5 ksf

236
**Shear strength-13b: Determine the principal stresses of a sample.
(Revised Oct-09)
A clay layer, 20 feet thick is covered by a 40 foot sandy gravel stratum with a porosity of 30%, and
a dry unit weight of 103 pcf. Tests on the un-drained samples of the clay gave c = 2.9 psi, γSAT =
112 psf and φ' = 24o. Find (1) the soil shear strength s = c + σ'tanφ' at the clay's midlevel (point A),
and (2) the effective and total stress acting on the vertical face of a soil element at the clay midlevel
(point A).

D=13’

H=40’ Sand
γd= 103 pct
n= 30%

γsat= 103 pct

• A
Clay c = 2.9 psi
H= 20’
φ' = 24o

Rock

Solution:

In order to find s, it is required to know the γsat of the sand.

n 0.30 0.30 γ (1+ e) 103(1+0.429)

e= = = = 0.429 and G S = d = = 2.36
1- n 1- 0.30 0.70 γW 62.4

( G S + e)γ W (2.36 +0.429)62.4

γ sat = = = 122pcf
1+ e 1.429

* Assume that the clay was normally consolidated to find σ' at midlevel in the clay (point A), that is c =
0.

237
σ’ A = γ h S + γ’ h S + γ’ h C = ( 0.103)(13) + ⎡⎣( 0.122 − 0.0624 )( 27 ) ⎤⎦ + ⎡⎣( 0.122 − 0.0624 )(10 ) ⎤⎦ = 3.4ksf
and
s = c + σ’ A tan φ’
kip 144in 2
lb k
s = 2.9 2
x
3
x 2
+ 3.44 2 ( tan 24 o )= 0.42ksf +1.53ksfs = 1.95ksf
in 10 lb ft ft
The pore water pressure u is,
u = (10 + 27 )( 0.0624 ) = 2.3ksf
Therefore, the toatl stress is,
σ A = σ A' + u = 3.4 + 2.3 = 5.7ksf

To find the stress on the vertical face of the soil element at A, we find θ through a graphical
solution as follows,

φ o
θ = 45 o + = 45 o + 24 = 57 o_2θ = 114 o
2 2

c 0.42
x1 = = = 0.939ksf
tan φ’ tan 24 o

s 1.95
x2 = = = 4.38ksf
tan φ’ tan 24 o

o o
x 3 = s( tan 24 )= 1.95( tan 24 )= 0.868ksf

238
 s 1.95
R= = = 2.13ksf
cos φ’ cos 24 o

σΝ3 = x2 + x3 - x1 - R = 4.38 + 0.868 - 0.939 - 2.13= 2.18 ksf

σΝ1 = 2.18 + 2R = 2.18 + 2(2.13) = 6.44 ksf

σ3 = σΝ3 + u = 2.18 + 2.31 = 4.5 ksf

239
**Shear strength-14: Formula to find the maximum principal stress.
(Revised Oct-09)
Derive the general formula that gives the value of the major principal stress σ1 as a function of the
minor principal stress σ3, the cohesion c and the angle of internal friction φ.

Solution:

h φ
θ = 45° + → 2 θ = 90 + φ
2

d
σ1 − σ 3
ad =
2
φ
ф
2
2θ
f
c
o τ3 a τ1
σ3 σ1 45°

From the figure,

ad
sin φ =
fa (1)

σ1 + σ 3
fa = fo + oa = (c) cot φ +
2

fo
tan φ = c → = cot φ → fo = (c)(cot φ)
fo c

Using the properties of the Mohr circle,

(σ 1 − σ 3 ) (σ 1 + σ 3 ) (σ 1 + σ 3 )
oa = σ3 + → oa = → fa = (c) cot φ + (2)
2 2 2

(σ 1 − σ 3 )
σ1 + σ 3 σ1 − σ 3
Introducing (1) into (2): sin φ = 2
(σ + σ 3 )
→ (sin φ)[(c) cot φ + ] =
2 2
(c) cot φ + 1
2
240
→[(c) sin φ cot φ] + [ σ 1 +σ3 σ −σ3
sin φ] = 1 → (c) sin φ cot φ = [σ 1 −σ3
] - [σ 1 +σ3
sin φ]
2 2 2 2

→ (2) [(c) sin φ cot φ] = [σ1 – (sin φ)( σ 1)] – [σ3 + (sin φ)( σ 3)]

cos φ
→ (2) [(c) sin φ ]= σ1 [1 – (sin φ)] – σ3[1 + (sin φ)]
sin φ

2(c) cos φ (1 + sin φ )

+ (σ 3 ) = σ1
(1 − sin φ ) (1 − sin φ )

cos φ φ (1 + sin φ ) φ
Since ≈ tan (45° + ) and ≈ tan2 (45° + )
(1 − sin φ 2 (1 − sin φ ) 2

⎛ ϕ⎞ ⎛ ϕ⎞
σ 1 = σ 3 tan 2 ⎜ 45° + ⎟ + 2 c tan ⎜ 45 ° + ⎟
⎝ 2⎠ ⎝ 2⎠

241