Q1: The neutral stress in a soil mass is

ANS:C - stess taken up by the pore water

The stress taken up by the pore water refers to the pressure exerted by the water present within the pore spaces of a soil mass. This pressure arises due to the weight of the overlying water and any additional external loads acting on the water. In a saturated soil mass, the pore spaces are filled with water. As the water is relatively incompressible, it transmits stress to the surrounding soil particles. This stress is called pore water pressure. Pore water pressure can vary depending on factors such as the depth of water, the rate of water flow, and the soil's permeability. Pore water pressure plays a significant role in soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering. It affects the stability of slopes, the consolidation behavior of soils, and the overall behavior of soil under various loading conditions. Excess pore water pressure, which occurs during events like rapid loading or changes in water levels, can lead to soil instability, liquefaction, and other geotechnical hazards. Understanding and accounting for pore water pressure is crucial in engineering design to ensure the stability and safety of structures built on or within soil masses. Various methods, such as pore pressure measurements, numerical modeling, and laboratory testing, are used to assess and analyze pore water pressure in soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering.