Soil, during shearing, can behave like a dense soil or a loose soil. What factorsaffect these behaviours?

The behavior of soil during shearing, whether it behaves like a dense soil or a loose soil, is influenced by several factors:

1. Soil Composition: The type of soil, its mineral content, and the size and shape of its particles can all affect its behavior during shearing. For example, clay soils, which have small, plate-like particles, tend to be more cohesive and less prone to shearing than sandy soils, which have larger, rounder particles.

2. Moisture Content: The amount of water present in the soil can also affect its shearing behavior. Wet soils are more likely to behave like loose soils, as the water can act as a lubricant, reducing friction between particles and making the soil more susceptible to shearing. On the other hand, dry soils are more likely to behave like dense soils, as the lack of water increases friction and cohesion between particles.

3. Compaction: The degree of compaction can also influence the soil's behavior during shearing. Highly compacted soils are denser and more resistant to shearing, while less compacted soils are looser and more susceptible to shearing.

4. Stress History: The history of stress applied to the soil, such as previous loads or disturbances, can affect its shearing behavior. Soils that have been subjected to high stresses in the past may be more resistant to shearing, while soils that have not may be more susceptible.

5. Temperature: Temperature can also affect the shearing behavior of soil. Cold temperatures can increase the soil's strength and resistance to shearing, while warm temperatures can decrease it.

6. Rate of Shear: The rate at which the shearing force is applied can also influence the soil's behavior. Rapid application of shear can cause the soil to behave more like a dense soil, while slow application can cause it to behave more like a loose soil.