Civil Engineering MCQAE Level Civil Engineering
The unconfined compressive strength q_u of a cohesive soil in the UCS test is related to undrained shear strength c_u as:
Soil MechanicsUnconfined Compression TestMEDIUM
Choose the correct answer
A
c_u = q_u
B
c_u = q_u / 2
C
c_u = 2 × q_u
D
c_u = q_u / 4
Correct Answer
B. c_u = q_u / 2
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In the UCS test (σ₃ = 0), at failure the Mohr circle has diameter = q_u. Undrained shear strength c_u = radius of Mohr circle = q_u/2. This assumes φ_u = 0 for saturated clays under undrained conditions.
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