Question

The Thixotropy is the phenomenon of _______

(a) strength loss

(b) strength gain

(c) strength loss – strength gain

(d) strength gain – strength loss

I got this question by my college director while I was bunking the class.

This intriguing question originated from Sensitivity and Thixotropy of Clays in section Index Properties Determination of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

Correct answer is (c) strength loss – strength gain

For explanation I would say: When sensitive clay is used in construction, it loses its strength due to remoulding and with passage of time they regain their strength though not to original level. The phenomenon of ‘strength loss – strength gain’ with no change in water content or volume is termed as Thixotropy.