A geotechnical engineer is evaluating the stability of a silty sand slope as shown. This evaluation is considering the potential for a shear failure at an infinitesimal point (soil element) on the trial shear surface. At this point, the soil is subjected to a major principal stress of +150 kN/m^2 and a minor principal stress of +50 kN/m^2 (A) Using the Pole Method, find the intensity of the normal and shear stresses acting on the shear plane making a 50 deg angle with the major principal plane of the infinitesimal element of soil. (Plot the Mohr circle) (B) If the silty sand is found to have a cohesion of 250 kPa and a friction angle of 25 deg from direct shear (DS) testing, plot the failure envelope against the same pole-method graphical construction completed under question above. (C) Determine the factor of safety (FOS) against potential landsliding at this same point on the shear surface
Study of soil under various loading conditions for different structures. The stability of slopes, foundation planning and designing, shear and bearing capacity of soil are common areas of geotechnical engineering.
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