4.2. Shear strength depends on several factors.

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is shear strength?

   Hint

   Think about how soil holds weight.

2. 2.

   How does compaction affect voids in soil?

   Hint

   More compacted soil means less air.

3. 3.

   What effect does compacting clay soil wet of optimum have?

   • Increases density
   • Decreases permeability
   • Increases shear strength

   Hint

   Think about how moisture affects structure.

4. 4.

   True or False: Increased dry density always leads to reduced shear strength.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the particle contact concept.

5. 5.

   Given a soil layer with varying moisture contents, analyze how the density and structure would differ between dry of optimum and wet of optimum conditions.

   Hint

   Consider how moisture influences the arrangement of particles.

6. 6.

   Evaluate a construction plan that involves compacting clayey soil. Identify methods to optimize shear strength during compaction.

   Hint

   What is the importance of moisture in shear strength?