GATE 2020 CE (CE1) – Question 32
A sand sample fails in drained triaxial compression at deviator stress 150 kPa and confining pressure 50 kPa. Find friction angle (degrees), nearest integer.
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Correct answer: 36 to 38
Explanation
Major principal stress is $\sigma_1=50+150=200$ kPa and minor is 50 kPa. For cohesionless sand, $\sin\phi=(200-50)/(200+50)=0.6$. Thus $\phi=36.87^\circ$, rounded **37°**.