𝜎ℎ

Calling 𝐾0 = ⁄𝜎𝑧 , we can write:

1
𝜎𝑐 = (1 + 2𝐾0 ) 𝜎𝑧
3
For each value of 𝜎𝑐 in nature a value of 𝜎𝑐 may be obtained. The mechanics of the acquisition of
cohesion in clay sediments will be discussed in further paragraphs.

4.4 Determination of the Avarage Shear Strength Parameters c and ∅.

Using the shear strengt equation 𝑠 = 𝑐 + 𝜎𝑛 tan ∅ and substituting into expressions 14 and 15-II.4
for the principal stresses at the instant of failure, we obtain
1 𝜎1 + 𝜎3 𝜎1 − 𝜎3
(𝜎1 − 𝜎3 ) cos ∅ = 𝑐 + [ − sin ∅] tan ∅
2 2 2
After ordering terms and algebraic operations we have
1 1
(𝜎1 − 𝜎3 ) = 𝑐 cos ∅ + (𝜎1 − 𝜎3 ) sin ∅
2 2
Let us define

c´=𝑐 cos ∅

sin ∅ = tan 𝛼
1
A straight line equation may be obtained in a coordinate system, plotting as ordinates (𝜎1 − 𝜎3 )
2
1
and as abscisas 2 (𝜎1 + 𝜎3 ) (Fig. 8-II.4). The ordinate at the origin is c’ and the slope of the line
tan 𝛼. Therefore
1 1
(𝜎1 − 𝜎3 ) = 𝑐 ′ + (𝜎1 + 𝜎3 ) tan 𝛼
2 2
The above equation can be made to represent the average results of test in a material with the
same index properties. Thus, one can obtain the average angle of internal friction representative
of the test:

∅ = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 (tan 𝛼)

And the cohesion:

𝑐′
𝑐=
cos ∅

Notice from the geometry of Fig. 8(b)-II.4, where a máximum stress circle is drawn
tangent to the shear strength line, that the equation of the straight line given by formula
24-II.4 may be also obtained.
4.5 Coulomb-Mohr’s Plasticity Condition
At the instant the shear strength is totally mobilized, and represented by the máximum
stress circles tangent to thge Coulomb shear strength curve, the Coulomb-Mohr condition
for plastic behavior may be obtained. The circles are characterized by their similarity on
the approximate assumption that the shear strength law is a