GATE CE 2022 Set 2 — Question 18
Go beyond PYQs with Success TrackerAI-powered personalised practice and doubt support. Unlimited practice on eligible plans; AI usage limits apply.MCQ+1 / -0.33MediumMohr's CircleShear Strength of SoilsGeotechnical Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering → Shear Strength of Soils → Mohr's Circle
Last updated
Question
Stresses acting on an infinitesimal soil element are shown in the figure (with ). The major and minor principal stresses are and , respectively. Considering the compressive stresses as positive, which one of the following expressions correctly represents the angle between the major principal stress plane and the horizontal plane?
Correct answer
(A) tan⁻¹ (τ_(zx)σ₁ - σₓ)
Solution
The angle of the major principal plane with the plane on which acts (the vertical plane) is given by:Since the question asks for the angle between the major principal stress plane and the horizontal plane (the plane on which acts), we use the stress transformation relationship. For a plane at an angle with the vertical, the normal stress is . The relationship correctly identifies the orientation of the principal plane relative to the coordinate axes. Thus, the expression is .
Continue learning with Success Tracker
A step still unclear? Work through it with support
Use Success Tracker to ask about the reasoning, then try another GATE CE question to check your understanding.
AI-powered practice· Unlimited practice on eligible plans
- PYQs with solutions
- Attempt available previous-year questions, then compare your reasoning with the worked solution. Coverage varies by stream.
- Practice that adapts
- Choose a topic, work on weaker areas and bookmark questions to revisit. Your attempts feed your progress tracking.
- AI doubt support
- Ask follow-up questions about a step or concept while practising, instead of stopping at the final answer.
Unlimited practice is available on eligible plans. Free practice and AI usage have limits; check the current plan allowances before choosing.
This page stays readable without an account. AI responses can be wrong; check them against the solution and source material.
More questions on Shear Strength of Soils
2026 Set 1 Q18The name of a person in Column 1 is to be matched with the test mentioned in Column 2. | Column 1 |…2026 Set 2 Q21Based on the Casagrande’s plasticity chart, plasticity index (in ) of inorganic clays having a…2026 Set 2 Q22Information related to foundation design is provided in table below. | Column 1 | Column 2 | | :---…2026 Set 1 Q31For a liquid, the permeability of a sandy soil having a void ratio of was determined as…2026 Set 1 Q32To obtain undisturbed clay soil sample, an Area Ratio of needs to be achieved for a…