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GATE 2016 CE (CE1) – Question 21

Geotechnical Engineering · Shear strength, Mohr circle, stress-strain characteristics, stress paths · 1 mark · Multiple choice

In a consolidated undrained triaxial test on saturated soil, the pore water pressure is zero ______.

  1. During shearing only
  2. At the end of consolidation only
  3. Both at the end of consolidation and during shearing
  4. None of the above

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Correct answer: (B) At the end of consolidation only

Explanation

During the consolidation stage drainage is permitted, and excess pore pressure dissipates to zero by its end. During subsequent undrained shearing, volume change is prevented and excess pore pressure generally develops. Therefore the correct stage is **the end of consolidation only, B**. Zero excess pressure does not mean zero hydrostatic pore pressure.