Determination of the Shear Strength of Unsaturated Soils

This free course will educate you on the various models used in determining the shear strength of unsaturated soils. This course starts by discussing the interesting historical developments in the determination of the shear strength of soils. You will learn about the Terzaghi’s concept of soil behaviour and the Bishop's Modified Effective Stress Principle. You will also learn how to analyse experimental data, obtained from Suction-Controlled Tests, to interpret the effective stress concept for unsaturated Soils.

Next, you will be introduced to how the null-type test confirms the validity of Bishop’s effective stress equation for unsaturated soils. You will be presented with how to estimate the shear strength parameters of the Extended Mohr-Coulomb Criterion. You will also learn how to interpret the Suction-Controlled Triaxial Test Data using the Extended Mohr-Coulomb Criterion. Lastly, you will learn how to handle the non-linearity of the angle of internal friction in a matric suction plane of the Extended Mohr-Coulomb envelope.

Knowing the shear strength of unsaturated soils will guide you in determining whether soils can withstand certain loading conditions. If you are an engineer or potential engineer who deals in building constructions, this course will serve you well. Start this course to learn about the various models used in determining the shear strength of unsaturated soils, and be on your way to being a better professional in the construction of buildings.

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