Which property is least likely to be indicated by a shear strength test?

Shear strength tests are primarily designed to evaluate the ability of soil to resist sliding and determine its shear strength parameters, such as cohesion and internal friction angle. These tests provide critical information related to the stability of slopes, retaining structures, and foundations under various loading conditions.

Among the options presented, the texture of the soil is generally not directly indicated by a shear strength test. While soil texture involves properties such as particle size distribution and mineral content, these factors do not directly correlate with the results of shear strength tests. Hence, while the texture can influence the overall behavior and strength of the soil, it isn't a property that shear strength tests explicitly measure.

Conversely, the other options directly relate to the outcomes of shear strength testing. The ability of soil to resist sliding is a fundamental aspect assessed through shear strength tests. The maximum load a soil can bear is closely tied to its strength parameters as determined in these tests. The internal friction angle, a crucial parameter in shear strength, is calculated during these evaluations, making these aspects more relevant in the context of shear strength testing.