The critical hydraulic gradient ($i_c$) is calculated using the formula: \[ i_c = \frac{G_s - 1}{1 + e} \] where: $G_s = 2.7$ (specific gravity of solids), $e = 0.7$ (void ratio).
Substitute the values: \[ i_c = \frac{2.7 - 1}{1 + 0.7} = \frac{1.7}{1.7} = 1.0 \]