Shear strength is affected by
i) Soil composition
Mineralogy, grain size, shape of soil particles, pore fluid type and content, clay content.
ii) Initial State
Loose, dense, normally consolidated, over consolidated, stiff, soft etc
iii) Structure
Arrangement of soil particles, stratifications presence of voids, cementation etc.
iv) Properties
Relative density, permeability, compaction, confining pressure etc gradation
v) Type of loading
static, dynamic
vi) Drainage conditions
Undrained, drained
vii) Stress conditions
deviator stress, confining stress, intermediate stress