Formula:
Definition: This calculator determines the cohesion of soil (Cs) based on the mobilised cohesion (Cm) for local shear failure conditions.
Purpose: It helps geotechnical engineers and soil scientists understand the relationship between mobilised cohesion and actual soil cohesion in failure conditions.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula shows that the actual cohesion of soil is 1.5 times the mobilised cohesion observed during local shear failure.
Details: Accurate cohesion values are critical for slope stability analysis, foundation design, and earth retaining structure calculations.
Tips: Enter the mobilised cohesion value in kPa and the desired tolerance percentage (default 5%). The calculator will provide the cohesion value and tolerance range.
Q1: What is mobilised cohesion?
A: Mobilised cohesion is the portion of soil cohesion that is actually resisting shear stress at the time of failure.
Q2: Why is the factor 3/2 used?
A: The 3/2 factor accounts for the relationship between mobilised cohesion and actual cohesion in local shear failure conditions.
Q3: What's a typical range for soil cohesion?
A: Cohesion values vary widely: clay (10-200 kPa), silt (5-50 kPa), sandy soils (0-10 kPa).
Q4: When would I adjust the tolerance?
A: Adjust tolerance based on required precision - higher for critical structures, lower for preliminary estimates.
Q5: How is mobilised cohesion measured?
A: Through laboratory tests like triaxial shear tests or field vane shear tests.