What happens to the shear strength of soil when it is consolidated?

When soil is consolidated, its effective stress increases, which leads to an increase in the soil's shear strength. Consolidation is the process by which soil particles rearrange as pore water is expelled under applied load, resulting in decreased void ratios and denser packing of particles. As the density of the soil increases and the water content decreases, the inter-particle forces become more prominent, which enhances the soil's ability to resist shear stresses. This improvement in shear strength is particularly important in geotechnical engineering, as consolidated soils are more stable and able to support structures effectively. Thus, the correct choice reflects the fundamental principles of soil mechanics, wherein consolidation leads to greater shear strength due to the increased effective stress within the soil matrix.