The reinforced soil technique/concept is essentially based on the mobilization of the interfacial shearing resistance between the soil and reinforcement which in turn restrains the
- Ashear force
- Bshearing resistance
- Clateral deformation of the soilCorrect
- Dlongitudinal deformation of the soil
Solution
Concept
Principle of reinforced earth
Step-by-step solution
1. Friction between the soil and the reinforcing strips develops tension in the reinforcement. 2. This tension restrains the lateral deformation (strain) of the soil, giving it apparent cohesion.
Explanation
Reinforced soil behaves as a composite because the reinforcement prevents the soil from expanding sideways under vertical load.
Why the other options are wrong
The restraint is on the lateral deformation, not on a shear force or on the shearing resistance itself.
Shortcut
Reinforcement restrains lateral strain.
Common mistake
Choosing longitudinal deformation.
Correct answer: C) lateral deformation of the soil