Subscriber Question: Plotting Mohrs Circles

By Dr. Peter T. Martin on January 25, 2010

Here’s a question from Jacqueline that’s stumping all of us; anyone know the answer?

It is my understanding that you cant take a drafting compass into the exam so how do you plot mohrs circle for the triaxial test problems?

James Wentz February 8, 2010 at 3:20 pm | Permalink | Reply

A quick review of the permissible materials in the exam room for my state (NC) does not specifically mention drafting compasses. I suggest you contact your state’s board and pose the question directly. Hope this helps.
John Tichenor February 8, 2010 at 5:34 pm | Permalink | Reply

Since you kow the radius of the mohrs circle you could simply plot the height of the circle. However, I would expect that ploting the circle would not be part of the test, it would more likely be determine the effective stress or some other stress they are asking for based on the information they give you. Thanks, JT