Mobilized Shear Resistance of Soil given Factor of Safety Calculator

Mobilized Shear Resistance Formula:

\[ c_m = \frac{c_u}{F_s} \]

Mobilized Shear Resistance (Pascal):

1. What is Mobilized Shear Resistance of Soil?

Definition: Mobilized Shear Resistance of Soil is a result of friction and interlocking of particles, and possibly cementation or bonding at particle contacts.

Purpose: It helps geotechnical engineers determine the shear strength available for soil stability under given safety factors.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ c_m = \frac{c_u}{F_s} \]

Where:

\( c_m \) — Mobilized Shear Resistance (Pascal)
\( c_u \) — Unit Cohesion (%)
\( F_s \) — Factor of Safety (%)

Explanation: The unit cohesion is divided by the factor of safety to determine the available shear resistance.

3. Importance of Mobilized Shear Resistance

Details: Proper calculation ensures safe slope stability, foundation design, and earth retaining structures.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the unit cohesion (%) and factor of safety (%). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is typical unit cohesion for clay soils?
A: Soft clay might have 5-20%, while stiff clay can have 50-200% cohesion.

Q2: What factor of safety is commonly used?
A: Typically 1.5-3.0% for slope stability, depending on consequences of failure.

Q3: How does water content affect the results?
A: Higher water content generally reduces unit cohesion, especially in fine-grained soils.

Q4: Can this be used for all soil types?
A: Primarily for cohesive soils. Granular soils rely more on friction angle than cohesion.

Q5: Why use percentage values?
A: Percentage values simplify comparisons and are commonly used in geotechnical reports.