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GATE 2021 CE (CE1) – Question 41

Geotechnical Engineering · Shear strength, Mohr circle, stress-strain characteristics, stress paths · 2 marks · Multiple choice

In drained triaxial tests, curve P initially contracts then dilates, while Q continues contracting. Which soils correspond to P and Q?

see the reproduced source diagram and its labels.
  1. P: dense sand and overconsolidated clay; Q: loose sand and normally consolidated clay
  2. P: dense sand and normally consolidated clay; Q: loose sand and overconsolidated clay
  3. P: loose sand and overconsolidated clay; Q: dense sand and normally consolidated clay
  4. P: loose sand and normally consolidated clay; Q: dense sand and overconsolidated clay

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) P: dense sand and overconsolidated clay; Q: loose sand and normally consolidated clay

Explanation

Dense sand and overconsolidated clay have interlocked or overconsolidated structures that tend to dilate after initial contraction during drained shearing. Loose sand and normally consolidated clay predominantly contract. These behaviours identify **A**.