1.2. Figure: e – log σ ’ plot

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define void ratio in your own words.

   Hint

   Think of how much empty space is in a soil sample.

2. 2.

   What does effective stress represent?

   Hint

   Consider how water pressure in soil affects its strength.

3. 3.

   What does the e – log σ' plot represent?

   • Relationship between temperature and pressure
   • Relationship between void ratio and effective stress
   • Relationship between soil type and strength

   Hint

   Connect the terms 'void ratio' and 'effective stress' in the context of soil.

4. 4.

   Is the swelling index vital for predicting soil behavior?

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about scenarios involving wet and dry conditions.

5. 5.

   Given a soil with an initial void ratio of 0.5, predict what might happen to its properties as effective stress increases.

   Hint

   Consider how pressing a sponge changes its shape.

6. 6.

   If a soil's void ratio decreases from 0.7 to 0.4 under increasing effective stress, calculate the swelling index.

   Hint

   Plug in effective stress values to find the index.