Question

Please determine if the following statement is true or false, and explains why.

1. The coefficient of consolidation tends to be higher for less compressible soil.

2. A sand that is initially dense of its critical state will exhibit a peak stress that is higher than its critical state strength in a drained direct simple shear test.

Answer 1

1) True

Coefficient of consolidation is a measure of the rate at which consolidation process takes place. For less compressible soil the rate of consolidation is higher and high compressible soil rate of consolidation is lower. Therfore the coefficient of consolidation is higher for less compressible soil

2) True

The Residual shear strength in the figure represents the critical state of stress. From figure the peak stress for dense sand or solid clay is more than the critical state of stress initially. At the final stage it is almost same as critical state of stress or residual shear strength