Clay possesses the highest strength in which of the following conditions?

Explanation:

When heated to very high temperatures, up to redness:

• When clay is heated to high temperatures (up to redness), it undergoes a process called sintering, where the minerals in the clay undergo a chemical transformation that increases its strength.
• The heat drives off moisture and helps the clay particles bond together more strongly. This is why fired clay, such as bricks or ceramics, becomes much stronger.

 Additional Information

When at liquid limit:

• Clay is in a soft, fluid-like state.

• Weak and highly deformable, making it unsuitable for strength.

When with kaolinite at room temperatures:

• Kaolinite is stable and relatively strong at room temperature.

• Strength is not maximized compared to when heated.

When at shrinkage limit:

• Clay no longer shrinks as it dries out.

• Strength is not as high as when heated at high temperatures.