In soil mechanics, what is the name for the stress that is transmitted through the solid particles of the soil?

In soil mechanics, the correct term for the stress that is transmitted through the solid particles of the soil is effective stress. This concept, initially developed by Karl Terzaghi, is fundamental in understanding how soil behaves under various conditions. Effective stress is defined as the difference between the total stress acting on a soil mass and the pore water pressure within the soil's voids. It reflects the stress that contributes to the strength and stability of the soil skeleton, enabling it to bear loads.

Understanding effective stress is crucial because it governs the strength and deformation characteristics of soil, making it a key factor in geotechnical engineering and soil stability analysis. When water fills the voids, it exerts pore pressure, which reduces the effective stress and affects the soil's load-bearing capacity. This principle is critical in designing foundations, embankments, and earth dams, as well as in predicting soil behavior during conditions like excavation or drainage.

The other terms mentioned, such as overburden pressure, shear stress, and consolidation pressure, pertain to different aspects of soil mechanics but do not represent the stress transmitted through the solid particles of soil. Overburden pressure refers to the weight of the soil above a certain depth, shear stress relates to the parallel forces acting