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If a cohesive soil specimen subjected to vertical compressive load , the inclination of cracks to horizontal
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Inclination of cracks in cohesive soil specimen subjected to vertical compressive load


When a cohesive soil specimen is subjected to vertical compressive load, cracks may appear on the surface of the soil. These cracks are inclined to the horizontal plane at a certain angle.


Factors affecting the inclination of cracks


The angle of inclination of cracks depends on the following factors:



  • Soil type: The angle of inclination of cracks is higher in clays compared to sands.

  • Load intensity: As the load intensity increases, the angle of inclination of cracks also increases.

  • Moisture content: The angle of inclination of cracks is higher in dry soils compared to wet soils.

  • Confining pressure: The angle of inclination of cracks is lower under high confining pressures.

  • Strain rate: The angle of inclination of cracks is higher at higher strain rates.



Explanation


When a cohesive soil specimen is subjected to vertical compressive load, the soil particles move closer together. If the load intensity is high enough, the soil particles may reach their maximum compressive strength and start to crack. The cracks first appear near the surface of the soil specimen and then propagate downwards.


The cracks are inclined to the horizontal plane at a certain angle because of the following reasons:



  • Shear strength: The soil particles have more shear strength in the horizontal direction compared to the vertical direction. Therefore, the cracks tend to form at an angle to utilize the maximum shear strength of the soil.

  • Confining pressure: The confining pressure applied to the soil specimen reduces the angle of inclination of cracks. This is because the confining pressure compresses the soil particles in the vertical direction and increases their strength in the horizontal direction.

  • Strain rate: The strain rate affects the angle of inclination of cracks because it affects the deformation rate of the soil. A higher strain rate results in a higher deformation rate, which leads to a higher angle of inclination of cracks.

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