This paper aims to investigate the influence of moisture content on the structural strength of laterite.Direct shear tests were conducted on undisturbed and remolded laterite samples with different moisture content levels,and the stress differences between undisturbed and remolded laterite were compared under various vertical pressures and moisture content conditions.The experimental results showed that in the small deformation stage,the strength of undisturbed and remolded laterite was not directly comparable,but as deformation progressed,the shear stress differences gradually increased or stabilized.Water significantly affected the cohesion between laterite particles,with laterite exhibiting greater shear strength differences at low moisture content than at high moisture content.Moreover,the structural performance of laterite at high moisture content was fully developed at the beginning of the shear action.Additionally,the structural strength of laterite was closely related to its moisture content and consolidation state,showing a decrease with increasing moisture content and a rise with decreasing moisture content and increasing consolidation.In practical engineering applications,it is crucial to fully consider the influence of moisture content and consolidation state on the structural strength of laterite to ensure an accurate assessment of soil mechanical properties.