Shear strength parameters

Shear strength parameters describe how well a material or soil resists forces that try to slide parts of it past each other. The key parameters are cohesion (the natural bonding between particles) and the internal angle of friction (how much resistance comes from particles pushing against each other). Together, they determine the material’s ability to withstand sliding or failure under stress, which is crucial for designing foundations, slopes, and retaining walls. Knowing these parameters helps engineers predict how materials will behave under load, ensuring safety and stability in construction and geotechnical projects.