Shearing Strength of a Cohesionless Soil:

Shearing strength of a cohesionless soil is the maximum shear stress or shear resistance that the soil can withstand before it fails. The following factors affect the shearing strength of a cohesionless soil:

1. Dry Density:

The dry density of a soil is the weight of the soil per unit volume in the absence of water. The shearing strength of a cohesionless soil increases with an increase in the dry density of the soil. This is because a denser soil has more particles in contact with each other, which increases the frictional resistance between the particles.

2. Rate of Loading:

The rate of loading is the speed at which the load is applied to the soil. The shearing strength of a cohesionless soil decreases with an increase in the rate of loading. This is because a rapid loading does not allow the soil particles to adjust to the applied load, leading to a decrease in the frictional resistance between the particles.

3. Confining Pressure:

The confining pressure is the pressure that is applied to the soil from all sides. The shearing strength of a cohesionless soil increases with an increase in the confining pressure. This is because the confining pressure compresses the soil particles and increases the frictional resistance between them.

Conclusion:

Therefore, it can be concluded that the shearing strength of a cohesionless soil depends on the dry density, rate of loading, and confining pressure.