Soil Mechanics

Tutorial 3 Shear Strength (A)

Question, Guide & Solution

Version : January 2021

 Soil Mechanics

Tutorial 3 Shear Strength of Soil

Question 1
Explain the shear strength concept by Coulomb and Mohr that eventually leads to the Mohr-Coulomb
Failure Criterion. Also explain the numerous soil conditions that can be shown subjected to the shear
strength envelope.

Solution :
 Combination of Coulomb and Mohr that creates the failure envelope.
 https://nptel.ac.in/content/storage2/courses/105101001/downloads/L55.pdf

Question 2
Show the principles of Shear Box testing that can be related with the shear strength concept by the
Coulomb and Mohr.

Solution :
 Refer to the literature from VJ-Tech.
 https://www.vjtech.co.uk/blog/an-introduction-to-direct-shear-testing

Question 3
Show the principles of Tri Axial testing that can be related with the shear strength concept by the
Coulomb and Mohr.

Solution :
 Refer to the literature from VJ-Tech.
 https://www.vjtech.co.uk/vj-tech/case-studies/triaxial-testing-an-introduction

Question 4
Explain the concept of Shear Box testing with reference to the:
i) Displacement at or strain measurement
ii) Normal load/stress
iii) Shear load/stress at failure
iv) Vertical displacement
Solution :
 Displacement is referring to the horizontal movement of the SHEAR BOX and
also referring to the amount of strain of the soil when subjected to testing.
 Normal Load is the amount of load plate (kg/N/kN) placed on the hanger of the
shear box during testing. The hanger will then distribute the load via the lever
which then pressed the load on to the soil sample in the shear box.
 Shear load of failure is the point of stress in which the soil reaches the failure
point when subjected to the compression of the soil sample during the Shear Box
testing.
 Vertical displacement is the movement of the soil in the shear box (up or down).
The data is recorded and then plotted. The plot shows the expansion and
contraction of the soil sample either it is dense or in a loose condition.

Question 5
Explain the concept of Tri Axial testing with reference to the:
i) Displacement at or strain measurement
ii) Lateral load/stress
iii) Shear load/stress at failure
iv) Minor stress
v) Major stress
vi) Deviator stress
vii) Pore water pressure

Solution :
 Displacement is referring to the vertical movement of the STAGE/PEDESTAL
and also referring to the amount of strain of the soil when subjected to testing.
 Lateral load is the amount of pressure applied to the Tri Axial Cell ie 3.
 Shear load of failure is the point of stress in which the soil reaches the failure
point when subjected to the compression of the soil sample during the Tri Axial
testing.
 Minor stress is the amount of pressure applied to the Tri Axial Cell ie 3.
 Major stress is the point of stress in which the soil reaches the failure point when
subjected to the compression of the soil sample during the Tri Axial testing.
 Deviator stress the difference between the Major Stress and Minor Stress, is
Major Stress – Minor Stress.
  Porewater pressure refers to the pressure of groundwater held within a soil.

Question 6
Explain on the two types of sand sample preparation for Shear Box. Distinguish the differences that
could be obtained from the test results. Also discuss on the dilation of the sand that could be
obtained from the test results.

Solution :
 Loose sample preparation – the soil is transferred into the shear box without
having to compact it.
 Compact sample preparation – the soil is transferred into the shear box in 3
parts in which 3 layers in which each layer is compacted.
 We can get a peak and ultimate reading or plot (also dense and loose reading or
plot).
 Dilation is the contraction and expansion of the soil sample. The data is recorded
from the vertical displacement readings during shear box testing and then the
data is plotted. The plot shows the expansion and contraction of the soil sample
either it is dense or in a loose condition.

Question 7
Distinguish the basic differences in terms of principle of testing, equipment set up, testing procedure,
type of soil samples, usage of testing in civil engineering works for
i) Unconfined Compression Test (UCT)
ii) Unconsolidated Undrained Test (UU)
iii) Consolidated Isotropic Undrained Test (CU)
iv) Consolidated Isotropic Undrained Test (CD)
As a guideline, you can create a table which could show all the items listed above.

Solution :
 UCT – simple/quick testing for clayey samples.
 UU – also simple/quick testing for clayey/sandy samples.
 CU & CD : https://www.gdsinstruments.com/information/white-paper-
introduction-to-triaxial-testing
Question 8
Explained the stages ie. Saturation Stage, Consolidation Stage and Shearing Stage that took place
during CU and CD testings.

Solution :
 Refer to the literature from GDS Instruments.
 https://www.gdsinstruments.com/information/white-paper-introduction-to-
triaxial-testing
 https://www.gdsinstruments.com/__assets__/pagepdf/000037/Part%201%20Intr
oduction%20to%20triaxial%20testing.pdf
 https://www.gdsinstruments.com/__assets__/pagepdf/000047/Introduction%20to
%20triaxial%20testing%20-%20Part%202.pdf
 https://www.gdsinstruments.com/__assets__/pagepdf/0000-
1/Introduction%20to%20triaxial%20testing%20-%20Part%203.pdf
Question 9
The following results were obtained from shear box test on a soil sample of a cross section of 60 mm
x 60 mm square.

Normal Stress Shear Stress at failure

(kN/m2) (kN/m2)
100 98
200 139
300 180
400 222
Find the apparent cohesion and the angle of shearing resistance.

Solution :

The data from the test were already in kN/m2

Plot the test results from shear box test.

From the graph;

cu = 56 kN/m2
u = 24O
Question 10
The following results were obtained from shear box test on a soil sample of a cross section of 60 mm
x 60 mm square.

Normal Stress Shear Stress at failure

(kN/m2) (kN/m2)
120 133
230 150
340 168
450 186
Find the apparent cohesion and the angle of shearing resistance.

Solution :

The data from the test were already in kN/m2

Plot the test results from shear box test.

From the graph;

cu = 110 kN/m2
u = 10O
Question 11
The following results were obtained from shear box test on a soil sample of a cross section of 60 mm
x 60 mm square.

Normal Load (kN) Shearing force at failure (kN)

0.25 0.24
0.50 0.32
1.00 0.47
Find the apparent cohesion and the angle of shearing resistance.

Solution :

Recalculate the value given in the test results in term of stress;

Where; Stress = Force (F) / Area (A)

Area = cross sectional area of the shear box

= 60 mm x 60 mm
= 0.060 m x 0.060 m
= 3.60 x 10-3 m2

Normal load  kN/m2

Shear load  kN/m2

Test No.
1 2 3
Normal Load (kN)
1.0 0.5 0.25
Normal Stress
277.7 138.9 69.5
(kN/m2)
Shear Force at failure
0.47 0.32 0.24
( kN)
Shear Stress
130.6 88.9 66.7
(kN/m2)

Plot the test results from shear box test.

From the graph;

cu = 56 kN/m2
u = 13O
Question 12
The following results were obtained from shear box test on a soil sample of a cross section of 60 mm
x 60 mm square.

Normal Load (kN) Shearing force at failure (kN)

0.89 0.87
1.78 1.04
2.67 1.21
3.56 1.33
Find the apparent cohesion and the angle of shearing resistance.

Solution :

Recalculate the value given in the test results in term of stress;

Where; Stress = Force (F) / Area (A)

Area = cross sectional area of the shear box

= 60 mm x 60 mm
= 0.060 m x 0.060 m
= 3.60 x 10-3 m2

Normal load  kN/m2

Shear load  kN/m2

Test No.
1 2 3 4
Normal Load (kN)
0.89 1.78 2.67 3.56
Normal Stress
247.2 494.4 741.6 988.8
(kN/m2)
Shear Force at failure
0.87 1.04 1.21 1.33
( kN)
Shear Stress
241.6 288.8 336.1 369.4
(kN/m2)

Plot the test results from shear box test.

From the graph;

cu = 200 kN/m2
u = 10O
Question 13
The readings given below were recorded during large shear box tests on samples of a sand. The
shear surface measures 254 mm x 254 mm. Determine the angle of friction for the sand when (a) in
a loose state and (b) in a compacted dense state.

Normal Load (kg) Shear Load (kN)

Peak Ultimate

500 4.92 3.04

1000 9.80 6.23
1500 14.62 9.36

Solution :

Results from a large shear box test.

Recalculate the value given in the test results in term of stress;

Where; Stress = Force (F) / Area (A)

Area = cross sectional area of the shear box

= 254 mm x 254 mm
= 0.254 m x 0.254 m
= 6.4516 x 10-2 m2

Normal load  kN/m2

Shear load  kN/m2 (Both condition; Loose & Dense)

Test No.
1 2 3
Normal Load (kg)
500 1000 1500
Normal Stress
76 152 228
(kN/m2)
Shear Force at failure
4.92 9.80 14.62
(Dense Soil, kN)
Shear Stress
76 152 227
(Dense Soil, kN/m2)
Shear Force at failure
3.04 6.23 9.36
(Loose Soil, kN)
Shear Stress
47 97 143
(Loose Soil, kN/m2)

Plot the test results from shear box test.

Shear Stress (loose) against Normal Stress &

Shear Stress (dense) against Normal Stress

Cohesion is both = 0 kN/m2

The internal friction angle of the soil in :

dense state; 1 = 45O

loose state; 2 = 28O

Question 14
The readings given below were recorded during shear box tests on samples of a sand. The shear
surface measures 60 mm x 60 mm.
Determine the angle of friction for the sand when (a) in a loose state and (b) in a compacted dense
state.

Normal Load (N) Shear Load (N)

Peak Ultimate
110 97 61
230 198 128
350 301 198

Solution :

Results from a large shear box test.

Recalculate the value given in the test results in term of stress;

Where; Stress = Force (F) / Area (A)

Area = cross sectional area of the shear box

= 60 mm x 60 mm
= 0.060 m x 0.060 m
= 3.60 x 10-3 m2

Normal load  kN/m2

Shear load  kN/m2 (Both condition; Loose & Dense)

Test No. 1 2 3
Normal Load (N) 110 230 350
Normal Load (kN) 0.11 0.23 0.35
Normal Stress (kN/m2) 30.56 63.89 97.22
Shear Force at failure
97 198 301
(Dense Soil Peak, N)
Shear Force at failure
0.097 0.198 0.301
(Dense Soil Peak, kN)
Shear Force at failure
26.94 55.00 83.61
(Dense Soil Peak, kN/m2)
Shear Force at failure
61 128 198
(Loose Soil Ultimate, N)
Shear Force at failure
0.061 0.128 0.198
(Loose Soil Ultimate, kN)
Shear Force at failure
16.94 35.56 55.00
(Loose Soil Ultimate, kN/m2)
Plot the test results from shear box test.

Shear Stress (loose) against Normal Stress &

Shear Stress (dense) against Normal Stress

Cohesion is both = 0 kN/m2

The internal friction angle of the soil in :

dense state; 1 = 40O

loose state; 2 = 30O

Question 15
The following results were obtained from an undrained shear box test on samples of sandy clay. The
shear surface measures 60 mm X 60 mm .

Normal Load (N) 200 400 800

Shear Load (N) 204 260 356

Find the apparent cohesion and the angle of shearing resistance.

If another specimen of this soil is subjected to an undrained tri axial test with a cell pressure of 100
kN/m2, find the total axial pressure at which failure would be expected.

Solution :

Results from a large shear box test.

Recalculate the value given in the test results in term of stress;

Where; Stress = Force (F) / Area (A)

Area = cross sectional area of the shear box

= 60 mm x 60 mm
= 0.060 m x 0.060 m
= 3.60 x 10-3 m2

Normal load  kN/m2

Shear load  kN/m2

Test No. 1 2 3
Normal Load (N) 200 400 800
Normal Load (kN) 0.20 0.40 0.80
Normal Stress (kN/m2) 55 111 222

Shear Load (N) 204 260 356

Shear Load (N) 0.204 0.260 0.356
Shear Stress ( kN/m2) 56 72 99

Plot the test results from shear box test.

Shear Stress against Normal Stress

From the graph;

cu = 36 kN/m2
u = 16O
Another specimen of this soil is subjected to an undrained tri axial test with a cell
pressure of 100 kN/m2.

We can plot the existing Mohr Circle graph for the undrained tri axial test based
on the shear box plot of the shear strength envelope.

In this case, 3 = 100 kN/m2

Create the triangle where the designated angle = 45O + (2 / 2)

= 45O + (16O / 2)
= 45O + 8O
= 53O

From the triangle, the value of 1 can be determined.

Where; 1 = 268 kN/m2

And also, the deviator stress;

DEV = 1 - 3 .
= 268 - 100
= 168 kN/m2
Question 16
The results given below were obtained from undrained shear box tests on a silty clay.

Normal stress (kN/m2) 100 200 300 400

Shear stress at failure (kN/m2) 93 124 160 193

(a) Determine the undrained shear strength parameters ccu and cu .
(b) Determine the value of the apparent cohesion that would be expected from an unconfined
compression test on the same soil.
(c) If a specimen of the same soil is tested undrained in tri axial compression at a cell pressure of
160 kN/m2, determine the expected deviator stress at failure.

Solution :

(a) Plot the test results from shear box test.

Shear Stress against Normal Stress

From the graph;

cu = 60 kN/m2
u = 18O
(b) Apparent cohesion determination for UCT sample if conducted on the same soil.

In UCT, no pore pressure measurement is needed.

We can plot the existing Mohr Circle graph for the UCT based on the shear box
plot of the shear strength envelope.

In this situation, Cell Pressure = 0 kPa.

In this case, 3 = 0 kPa (no cell pressure)

Create the triangle where the designated angle

= 45O + (u / 2)
= 45O + (18O/ 2)
= 45O + 9O
= 54O

From here draw the triangle, the value of 1 can be determined (refer to
graphic).
Draw the semi circle by using 3 and 1 .
The apparent cohesion; cuct = 16 kPa
(c) Another specimen of this soil is subjected to an undrained tri axial test with a cell
pressure of 160 kN/m2.

We can plot the existing Mohr Circle graph for the undrained tri axial test based
on the shear box plot of the shear strength envelope (similar to the UCT problem
in (b) ).

In this case, 3 = 160 kN/m2

Create the triangle where the designated angle = 45O + (2 / 2)

= 45O + (18O / 2)
= 45O + 9O
= 54O

From here triangle, the value of 1 can be determined.

Where; 1 = 472 kN/m2

And also, the deviator stress;

DEV = 1 - 3 .
= 472 - 160
= 312 kN/m2
Question 17
The results given below were obtained from undrained shear box tests on a silty clay.

Normal stress (kN/m2) 120 230 340 450

Shear stress at failure (kN/m2) 133 150 168 186

(a) Determine the undrained shear strength parameters cu and u .

(b) Determine the value of the apparent cohesion that would be expected from an unconfined
compression test on the same soil.
(c) If a specimen of the same soil is tested undrained in tri axial compression at a cell pressure of
150 kN/m2, determine the expected deviator stress at failure.

Solution :

(a) Plot the test results from shear box test.

Shear Stress against Normal Stress

From the graph;

cu = 110 kN/m2
u = 10O
(b) Apparent cohesion determination for UCT sample if conducted on the same soil.

In UCT, no pore pressure measurement is needed.

We can plot the existing Mohr Circle graph for the UCT based on the shear box
plot of the shear strength envelope.

In this situation, Cell Pressure = 0 kPa.

In this case, 3 = 0 kPa (no cell pressure)

Create the triangle where the designated angle

= 45O + (u / 2)
= 45O + (10O/ 2)
= 45O + 5O
= 50O

From here draw the triangle, the value of 1 can be determined (refer to
graphic).
Draw the semi circle by using 3 and 1 .
The apparent cohesion; cuct = 108 kPa
(c) Another specimen of this soil is subjected to an undrained tri axial test with a cell
pressure of 150 kN/m2.

We can plot the existing Mohr Circle graph for the undrained tri axial test based
on the shear box plot of the shear strength envelope (similar to the UCT problem
in (b) ).

In this case, 3 = 160 kN/m2

Create the triangle where the designated angle = 45O + (2 / 2)

= 45O + (10O / 2)
= 45O + 5O
= 50O

From the triangle, the value of 1 can be determined.

Where; 1 = 480 kN/m2

And also, the deviator stress;

DEV = 1 - 3 .
= 480- 150
= 330 kN/m2
Question 18
The following results were obtained from an undrained shear box test (60mm x 60mm size) carried
out on a set of undisturbed soil samples :

Normal Load (kN) 0.2 0.4 0.8

Strain (%) Shear Force (N)
0 0 0 0
1 21 33 45
2 46 72 101
3 70 110 158
4 89 139 203
5 107 164 248
6 121 180 276
7 131 192 304
8 136 201 330
9 138 210 351
10 138 217 370
11 137 224 391
12 136 230 402
13 234 410
14 237 414
15 236 416
16 417
17 417
18 415

The cross sectional area of the box is 3600 mm2. Determine the strength parameters of the soil in
terms of total stress.

Solution :

Convert the units to kN/m2

Firstly, plot each of the Shear Stress against the Strain (%).

From each of the plotted Shear Stress against Strain (%), obtained the peak
value of shear stress upon failure.

Refer to the plot

 Normal Stress (kN/m2) 55.5 111.1 222.2

Strain (%) Shear Stress (kN/m2)

0 0 0 0
1 5.8 9.2 12.5
2 12.8 20.0 28.1
3 19.4 30.6 43.9
4 24.7 38.6 56.4
5 29.7 45.6 68.9
6 33.6 50.0 76.7
7 36.4 53.3 84.4
8 37.8 55.8 91.7
9 38.3 58.3 97.5
10 38.3 60.3 102.8
11 38.1 62.2 108.6
12 37.8 63.9 111.7
13 65.0 113.9
14 65.8 115.0
15 65.6 115.6
16 115.8
17 115.8
18 115.3

1st set of Data, the peak shear stress at failure = 38.3 kN/m2

2nd set of Data, the peak shear stress at failure = 65.8 kN/m2

3rd set of Data, the peak shear stress at failure = 115.8 kN/m2

Plot the graph of Shear Stress at failure that corresponds to the values of Normal
Stress.

From the graph;

cu = 14 kN/m2
u = 24O
Question 19
The following results were obtained from an undrained shear box test carried out on a set of
undisturbed soil samples :

Normal Load (kN) 0.2 0.4 0.6

2
Strain (%) Shear Stress (kN/m )
1 19.83 38.50 65.33
2 37.33 63.00 91.00
3 52.50 81.43 109.20
4 64.17 93.10 122.03
5 73.03 105.00 132.07
6 77.93 107.33 139.30
7 75.60 111.07 143.97
8 73.50 108.73 146.30
9 106.87 144.43
10 141.17

The cross sectional area of the box is 3600 mm2. Determine the strength parameters of the soil in
terms of total stress.

Solution :

Firstly, plot each of the Shear Stress against the Strain (%).

From each of the plotted Shear Stress against Strain (%), obtained the peak
value of shear stress upon failure.

Refer to the plots.

1st set of Data, the peak shear stress at failure = 80 kN/m2

2nd set of Data, the peak shear stress at failure = 112 kN/m2

3rd set of Data, the peak shear stress at failure = 146 kN/m2
 Then Change the Normal Load to Normal Stress.

Stress = Force / Area

Given the area of shear box is 3600mm2.

Where ;
0.2 kN  0.2 ÷ 3600  55.5 kN/m2
0.4 kN  111.1 kN/m2
0.6 kN  166.7 kN/m2

Plot the graph of Shear Stress at failure that corresponds to the values of Normal Stress.
From the graph;
cu = 40 kN/m2
u = 32O
Question 20
The readings given below are taken from 2 separate shear box test where both tests was set at 210
kN/m2. Plot both test results in terms of Shear Stress against Horizontal Displacement and
Vertical Displacement against Horizontal Displacement. Determine which soil is prepared in a
loose state (not compacted) and which soil is prepared in a dense stated (compacted in 3 layers).

Soil A
Horizontal 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550
Displacement
(0.01 mm)
Vertical 0 -6 -12 -15 -17 -18 -19 -19 -20 -20 -21 -21
Displacement
(0.01 mm)
Shear Stress 0 59 78 91 99 106 111 113 114 116 116 116
2
(kN/m )

Soil B
Horizontal 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550
Displacement
(0.01 mm)
Vertical 0 -3 1 9 17 23 29 35 39 41 41 41
Displacement
(0.01 mm)
Shear Stress 0 73 118 143 152 149 139 133 126 122 120 119
2
(kN/m )

Solution :

Plot the respective graph.

From the graph ;

Soil A Loose Soil
Soil B Dense Soil