Question

The shear strength for a structural clay from the unconfined compression test is

• A. Half the unconfined compression strength
• B. Same as the unconfined compression strength
• C. Twice the unconfined compression strength
• D. Not related to the unconfined compression strength

Hint:

For saturated clay, \[ \boxed{ q_u=2c_u } \] or equivalently, \[ \boxed{ c_u=\frac{q_u}{2}. } \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Recall the unconfined compression test relationship. For saturated cohesive soils, \[ q_u=2c_u, \] where \[ q_u=\text{unconfined compressive strength}, \] and \[ c_u=\text{undrained shear strength}. \]

Step 2: Determine the shear strength. Therefore, \[ c_u=\frac{q_u}{2}. \] Hence, the shear strength is \[ \boxed{\text{Half the unconfined compression strength}.} \] Therefore, \[ \boxed{(A)} \] is the correct answer.