The property of a soil which enables to regain its strength lost on remoulding in a short time without change of moisture content is called
- AUnconfined compressive strength
- BSensitivity
- CThixotrophyCorrect
- DRelative density
Solution
Concept
Thixotropy is the regain of strength with time, at the same moisture content, after a clay is remoulded.
Step-by-step solution
1. A clay loses strength when it is remoulded. 2. If it is left at rest, it slowly gains back part of its strength. 3. The moisture content does not change during this. 4. This property is called thixotropy, option C.
Explanation
When a clay is disturbed, its particle structure breaks and it loses strength. When left at rest, the particles and water rearrange and some strength comes back. This time-dependent strength regain is called thixotropy.
Why the other options are wrong
A: UCS is a strength value, not a property of strength regain. B: Sensitivity is the ratio of undisturbed to remoulded strength, i.e., strength loss. D: Relative density shows how dense a granular soil is.
Shortcut
Sensitivity = strength loss; Thixotropy = strength regain.
Common mistake
Mixing up sensitivity (loss on remoulding) with thixotropy (regain after remoulding).
Correct answer: C) Thixotrophy