A footing resting on a dense sand is most likely to exhibit which type of shear failure at the ultimate load?
Correct answer: B. General shear failure
- A. Local shear failure
- B. General shear failure
- C. Punching shear failure
- D. Tensile splitting failure
Explanation
Dense sand tends to dilate and develops a well-defined failure surface, which is characteristic of general shear failure. Loose sand more commonly exhibits local or punching behaviour depending on its density and footing conditions. Tensile splitting is not the usual foundation failure mode in sand.
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About Soil Mechanics and Foundations
Soil mechanics examines index properties, phase relationships, classification, permeability, seepage, compaction, consolidation, shear strength and earth pressure. Foundations apply these principles to bearing capacity, settlement and shallow or deep foundation selection, with clear distinction between compaction, which expels air, and consolidation, which expels water over time.
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