Question

Consider the following statements associated with local shear failure of soils:
1. Failure is sudden with well-defined ultimate load.
2. This failure occurs in highly compressible soils.
3. Failure is preceded by large settlement.
Which of these statements are correct?

• A. 1, 2 and 3
• B. 1 and 2
• C. 2 and 3
• D. 1 and 3

Answer 1

The correct option is C 2 and 3

Sudden and well defined failure occurs in dense sand having relative density ( > 70%) Foundations on sand of relative density between 35 to 70 % do not show sudden failure. As the settlements are about 15% of the foundation width, a visible boundary of sheared zones appears at the surfaces. However, the peak of the base resistance may never be reached. This type of failure is called as local shear failure.