For a foundation on clay, if the undrained shear strength is 75 kPa, what is the

Practice Questions

Q1
For a foundation on clay, if the undrained shear strength is 75 kPa, what is the ultimate bearing capacity using Terzaghi's equation?
  1. 150 kPa
  2. 225 kPa
  3. 300 kPa
  4. 375 kPa

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

For a foundation on clay, if the undrained shear strength is 75 kPa, what is the ultimate bearing capacity using Terzaghi's equation?
  • Step 1: Identify the undrained shear strength (c) of the clay, which is given as 75 kPa.
  • Step 2: Identify the value of the bearing capacity factor (N_c) for cohesive soils, which is given as 5.
  • Step 3: Assume the overburden pressure (q) is 0 for this calculation, as stated in the problem.
  • Step 4: Use Terzaghi's equation for ultimate bearing capacity: q_u = c * N_c + q.
  • Step 5: Substitute the values into the equation: q_u = 75 kPa * 5 + 0.
  • Step 6: Calculate the result: q_u = 375 kPa.
  • Undrained Shear Strength – The maximum shear stress that a saturated clay can withstand without drainage.
  • Terzaghi's Bearing Capacity Equation – A formula used to calculate the ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundations on cohesive soils.
  • Cohesive Soils – Soils that exhibit significant cohesion, such as clay, which affects their bearing capacity.
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