What does the term 'effective stress' refer to in soil mechanics?

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Question: What does the term \'effective stress\' refer to in soil mechanics?

Options:

Correct Answer: Total stress minus pore water pressure

Solution:

Effective stress is defined as the total stress acting on a soil mass minus the pore water pressure within the soil.

What does the term 'effective stress' refer to in soil mechanics?

What does the term 'effective stress' refer to in soil mechanics?

Step 1: Understand that soil is made up of solid particles and water.
Step 2: Recognize that when weight is applied to soil, it creates total stress.
Step 3: Know that pore water pressure is the pressure of water in the spaces between soil particles.
Step 4: Realize that effective stress is what actually holds the soil particles together and supports loads.
Step 5: Calculate effective stress by subtracting the pore water pressure from the total stress.

Effective Stress – Effective stress is the stress that contributes to the strength and stability of soil, calculated by subtracting pore water pressure from total stress.