Sfressesin a Soil Mass

C o n s t r u c t i o no f a f o u n d a t i o nc a u s e sc h a n g e si n t h c s t r e s su, s u n l l ya n e t i n c r c a s eT. h e
n e t s t r e s si n c r e a s ei n t h e s o i l c l c p c n d so n t h c l o a d p e r u n i t a r c a t o w h i c h t h e f o u n d a -
t i o n i s s u b j e c t e dt,h c c l e p t hb e l o w t h e f o u n d a t i o na t w h i c h t h c s t r e s sc s t i m a t i o ni s d e -
s i r e d ,a n d o t h e r l a r c t o r sl .t i s n c c e s s a r yt o c s t i m a t et h e n c t i n c r e a s eo f ' v e r t i c a ls t r e s s
i n s o i l t h a t o c c u r sa s a r e s u l t o f t h e c o n s t r u c t i o no f a f o u n d a t i o ns o t h a t s e t t l e m c n t
c a n b e c a l c u l a t e dT. h c s e t t l e m c n tc a l c u l i t t i o np r o c e d u t ' ci s d i s c u s s e di n m o r e d e t a i l
i n C h a p t e r 1 0 .T h i s c h n p t c r c l i s c u s s ctsh c p r i r r c i p l e so 1 ' e s l i m a t i o no l ' v c r t i c a l s t r e s s
i n c r c a s ei n s o i l c a u s e db y v a r i o u st y p c s o f l o a d i n g ,b a s e di t n t h c t h e o r y o f c l a s t i c i t y .
A l t h o u g h n a t u r a l s o i l d c p o s i t s ,i n m o s t c a s e sa, r c n o t l ' u l l yc l a s t i c ,i s o t r o p i c .o r h o -
m o g e n c o u sm a t e r i a l s ,c a l c u l a t i o n sf o r e s t i n r a t i n gi n c r c a s se i n v c r t i c a l s t r e s sy i c l d
fairly good resultsl'or practical work.

9,1 Normal and Shear Sfresses on a Plane

S t u d e n t si n a s o i l m e c h a n i c sc o u r s ea r c f a m i l i a r w i t h t h e f u n d a m e n t a lp r i n c i p l e so f
thc mechanicsof del'ormablesolids.This section is a bricf rcview of the basic con-
ccpts of normal anclshcar stresseson a plane that can be found in any courseon the
m c c h a n i c so l ' m a t e r i a l s .
F i g u r e9 .1 as h o w sa t w o - d i m e n s i o n asl o i l e l c m e n tt h a t i s b e i n gs u b j e c t e dt o n o r -
mal and shearstresses(o,, ) rr,). To dctermine thc normal strossand the shearstress
on a plane EF lhat makes an angle 0 with the plane z1B,we need to considerthe tiee
body diagram of EFB shown in Figure 9.1b. Let o,, and r,, be the normal stressand
thc shear stress,respectivcly,on the plane Efi From geometry,we know that

EB : EF c<ts0 ( e1)
and

FB: F,Fsin0 (e.2)

Summing the componentsof forcesthat act on the elemcnt in the direction of ly' and
4 we have
o,,(EF) : c,@F) sin20 + o,(EF) cos20 + 2r,,(EF) sind cosg

224
 9.1 Normal and ShearStresseson a plane 225

t +
It"Trt

or.
(a) (b)

F i g u r e 9 ' 1 ( a ) A s o i l c l e m c n t w i t h n o r m a la n d s h c a r s t r c s s c s a c l i n g o n (i tb; ) f r e c b o d v
diagram of EFB as shown in (a)

(r,: ( r \ s i n 20 + ( r l .c o s 20 I 2 r , u s i n { i c o s 0

o, =,? . rycos 20* r,rsin2o (e.3)

Again,

r , , ( E F ) - - o , ( E I t ) s i n 0 c o s0 + c , ( E F ) s i n 0 c o s0

r , , ( E F ) c o s ro + r , , ( 2 7 ; s i n 2g

r,- ( F ] . s i n 0 c o0s - c , s i n 0 c o s 0 - sin2d)

r,,,(coslO

,,:Tsin2o - r,rcos2o (e.4)

From Eq. (9.4), we can see that we can choosethc value of g in such a wav that
r,, will be equal to zero. Substitutingr, : 0, we get

-/ t' . Y r '
ran20 :
(f| c_,
(e.s)
226 Chapter 9 Stresses in a Soil Mass

For given values of r.,,,,rr..,and o.", Eq. (9.5) will give two values of 0 that are 90" apart.
This means that there are two planes that are at right anglesto each other on which
the shear stressis zero. Such planes are calledprincipal planes.The normal stresses
that act on the principal planes are referred lo as principal stresses.The values of
principal stressescan be found by substituting Eq. (9.5) into Eq. (9.3), which yields

Major principal stress

:
o, * tf,
cn: al: + (e.6)
Z

Minor principal stress:

cr, * u,
on: a3: * (:e.7)
Z

The normal stressand shcar stressthat act on any plane can also be determined
by plotting a Mohr'.scircle, as shown in Figurc 9.2. The following sign conventions
are uscd in Mohrs circles:compressivenormal stressesare taken as positive, and
shcar stresscsare considcrcd positive if they act on opposite facesof the element in
such a way that they tend to produce a counterclttckwiserotation.
For plane AD <t[ thc sclilelement shown in Figurc 9. 1a, normal stressequals
*rr, arndshcar stressequals *r.,,. For plane AB, normal stressequals *rr., and shear
stressequals -r.,,,.
The points R and M in Figure 9.2 rcpresentthe strcssconditions on planes,4D
and AB, respcctively.O is the point of intcrsectionof thc normal stressaxis with the
line RM.'I'he circle M NQRS drawn with O as the center and OR as the radius is the

Shearstress,T

9'l"' {(O'i"')'' .:

K
'f" x' o.,1
'";l/{
O1
Normal stress.o

\ \
(or' -TrrJ,
\ M
\ _-,'

Figure 9.2 Principles of thc Mohr s circle

 9.7 Normal and Shear Sfresseson a plane 227

Mohr's circle for the stressconditions considered.The radius of the Mohr,s circle
is
equal to

The stresson plane E,F canbe determined by moving an angle 20 (which is twice
the
angle that the plane EFmakes in a counterclockwiseclirectionwith plane AB in Fig-
ure 9.1a) in a counterclockwisedirection from point M along the circumfcrence
of
the Mohr's circle to reach point Q.The abscissaand ordinate of point
e, respectively,
give the normal stresso,, and the shear stressr,, on plane 6[
Becausethe ordinates (that is, the shear stresses)of points ly' ancl .! are zero,
they represent the stresseson the principal planes.The abscissaof point ly' is equal
t o a , [ E q . ( 9 . 6 ) ] ,a n d t h e a b s c i s s a
for point S is oj [Eq. (O.Z)].
A s a s p e c i a lc a s c ,i f t h e p l a n c sA B a n d A D w e r e m a j o r a n d m i n . r p r i n c i p a l
planes,thc normal stressand the shear stresson plane EFcould bc found by substi-
t u t i n g r , , : 0 . E q u a t i o n s( 9 . 3 )a n d ( 9 . 4 )s h o w t h a t ( r \ .- ( r t a n d r r , - o . , ( F i g u r e9 . 3 a ) .
Thus.

ut + u\ (rt trt
'-
U tt
" 2
-t- -
2 COS ltl ( e.8)
(Jt * (ft
7,,:: -sin20
^
z
( e.e)

The Mohr's circle for suchstressconclitionsis shown in Figure 9.3b.The abscissa

and the ordinate of point Q give the normal stressand the shear strcss,respcctivclv.
on the plane EF-.

O1

I
O1

(a)

Figure 9.3 (a) Soil element with,4B and AD as major ancl minor principal planes;
(b) Mohr's circle for soil element shown in (a)
Chapter 9 Sfresses in a Soil Mass

Example9.1

A soil element is shown in Figure 9.4. The magnitudesof stressesare or :

120kN/ m2,r - 40 kN/m2,dr : 300kN/m2,and 0 : 20'' Determine
a. Magnitudesof the principalstresses
b. Normal and shearstresseson planeAB. Use Eqs.(9.3),(9.4),(9.6),
and(9.7).

+,
o\
i
I +",
,+ o.l

actingon il
Figure 9.4 Soil elementwith stresses

Solution
a. FromEqs.(9.6)and(9.7),
o, * o' - o,1t
,r.l
" \ * + lo,
( *
or) t L 2 l
300+ 120
',/|ry]'*1-on;'
or : 308'5kNimz
o: : 111.5kN/m2

b. FromEq. (9..1).
tt,, - o,
'' o'cos
0, - o ,
or: -' r - , 2o -t r sin2o
2 2
300 + -r20
-" 300 - 120
:'"" - * - c o s( z x 2 0 ) + ( * 4 0 ) s i n( 2 x 2 0 )
2 2
:252.23 kN/m2
 9.2 SfressCausedby a point
Load 229
From Eq. (7.4),
-rn:- c ) - o ,
sin 2d - r cos2o
=-

: !9q-l?9 sin(2 x z0)*

(_40)cos
(2 x 20)
88.49kN/m2

Sfress Caused by a point Load

Boussinesq(1itiJ3)solvcd the
problem of str
scneous, erastic,and isotropic medium ;".::l,l',lff TI,; fi}"::ilffi
surfaccof an infiniterylargetrorr-rpu...",
,+..oraingto nrgu..
:;T:;
trontor normalstresses r.s,-B.rrrri,r"rq..s
s.ru_
at a pointcausedby thepointloadp
is
Aa,:+{*-(,
-r.[ffi.; ' , f

. v - zl l
\

(e.lo)
ttr.lJ
:
Arr, :,{tt:- (r- ,rlr,.a:.i -, - r - ; l l
t.,r,ll (e.ll)
and

3P z3 3P z3
Ao.:
2n Ls 2n (r2 * fsstz (e.t2)

whercr:V;r+v,
L: f? + y,..:: Vl + ,:
p : p o i s s o n . sr a t i o

Figure g.S
Stressesin an
elasticmedium
causedby a
point load
230 Chapter 9 Sfresses in a Soil Mass

Note that Eqs. (9.10) and (9.11),which are the expressionsfor horizontal nor-
mal stresses,depend on the Poissonkratio of the medium. However, the relationship
for the vertical normal stress,Ao. , as given by Eq. (9.12), is independentof Poisson'.s
ratio. The relationship for Ao- can be rewritten as

p ( z P.
r l J I : (e.l-3)
Lo, ? -tt
+
z . ' l 2 nl( r tz) z 11"'I z ' '

where
3 l --
1' , - - (9.1-l)
2 n -l ( r tz ) : - I l t '

The variationof 11lor variousvaluesof r/z is givenin Tablc9' 1.

ol'11for Various
Table9.1 Variation of r/z IEq.(9.l'l)l
Values
rlz rlz l1

t) (\.1775 0.7-s 0.156-5

0.02 0.4110 0.u0 0.13tr6
0.04 0.4765 0.13-5 0.t226
0.06 0.4723 0.90 0 . 10 8 3
0.0u 0.4699 0.95 0.09-56
0 .I 0 0.4651 l.(x) 0.0u44
0 .1 2 0.460'7 |.2(l 0.0-5I3
0.14 0.454u 1.40 0.03I7
0.16 0.4482 1.60 0.0200
0.IlJ 0.4409 l.u0 0.012r)
0.20 0.4329 2.00 0.(x)tt5
0.22 0.4242 2.20 0.(x)-5tt
0.24 0.4151 2.40 0.(n40
0.26 0.40-50 2.60 0.(x)29
0.2[r 0.3954 2.80 0.0021
0.30 0.3r349 3.(X) 0.001-5
0.32 0.3742 3.20 0.001r
0.34 0.3632 3.40 0.0(x)8-5
0.36 0.3521 3.60 0.00066
0.3t1 0.3408 3.80 0.000-51
0.4t) 0.3294 4.00 0.00040
0.45 0.3011 4.20 0.00032
0..50 0.2733 4.40 0.00026
0.55 0.2466 1.60 0.00021
0.60 0.2214 4.80 0.00017
0.6s 0.1978 5.00 0.00014
0.70 0.1762
r
I
II
9.3 VerticalStress Caused bv a Line Load 231

Example9.2

I considera point load P: 5 kN (Fig.9.5).Calculatethe verticalstressincrease

( A o . )a t z : 0 , 2 m . 4 m , 6 m , 1 0 ma. n d 2 0 mG. i v e n x= 3 m a n d

II
v:4m.
Solution
, * t/FTT = \/7 + 4:5m
The following table can now be prepared:

r r o',:($)',
I (m)
z
(ml 2 lr {kN/m2)

I
I 4
0
)
o
) <
1.25
o 0
0.0034
0.0424
0
0.0043
0.0133
i 6
10
0.83
0.5
0.1295
0.2733
0.0180
0.0137
20 0.25 0.4103 0.0051

', g,g
Vertical Sfress Caused by a Line Load
Figure 9.6showsa flexible line load of infinite length that hasan intensityr7lunit
length
on the surfaceof a semi-infinitesoil mass.The vertical stressincreasc,Ao.,
insidelhe
soil masscan be determined by using the principlesof the theory of elasticity,
or

Ao,: ,?'1'r= (e.r.s.1

1r\x- + z'r

Figure 9.6
Line load overthe surfaceof a
semi-infinitesoil mass
232 Chapter 9 Sfresses in a Soil Mass

Table9.2 Variationot L,o-l(qlz)with 'vlr [nq. (9'16)]

xlz AcJlqlzl xlz Ao,l(qlzl

0 0.637 I.-l 0.0utr

0.1 0.624 1.4 0.073
0.2 0.589 t.5 0.060
0.3 0..536 1.6 0.050
0.4 0.473 1.7 0.042
0.-5 0.401 1.8 0.035
0.6 0.344 1.9 0.030
0.7 0.2u7 2.0 0.025
0.tJ 0.237 2.2 0 . 0 I9
0.9 0 . 19 4 a ,,1 0.014
1.0 0.1-59 2.6 0 . 0 1I
l.l 0 . 13 0 2.tt 0.00tt
1.2 0.I07 3.0 0.(x)6

This equationcanbe rcwrittcnas

-
2q
-\rr' '. , .) , )
7 1 7 . 1 \7x. t) ' ll-

Ao- 2
( e . 61 )
Q1lz.) nl(xlz)2 + t))
f oarlm . U s i n g t h i s c q u a t i o n .w c c a n c a l c u -
N o t c t h a t E q . ( 9 . 1 6 )i s i n a r " r o r r c l i m c n s i o n
latc thc varialion r-ttL,c-l(qlz.)with r/:. This is given in Table 9.2. The value of Ao"
c a l c u l a t c db y u s i n gE q . ( 9 . 1 6 )i s t h c a d d i t i r ) n a l s t r c sos n s o i l c a u s e db y t h c l i n c l o a d .
The valuc gf Arr- docs not includc thc <lverhurdenprcssureol'the soil above point.4.

Example9.3

Figure 9.7ashowstwo line loaclsand a point load acting at the ground surface.
Determinethe increasein verticalstressat point,4, which is locatedat a depth
o f 1 . 5m .
Solution
Referringto Figures9.7bthrough9'7d,we find that
Ao. : Ao.11y* Ao121 * Aori3;

2qrz' 2qrz' 3P z3
, J x r '
? (.ri + z-y rr(xl + z")t 2tr (r2 + z')t't ,t
r t l
Eq.(e.1.s) Eq.(e.1s) Eq.(e.12)
(2X1sX1.s)3 (2X1oX1.s)3 , (3X30) (1s)'
' t ( 2 f * ( l 5 f l ' * u l ( 4 f+ ( l 5 f l ' ? - Q 1 r , {l(3)'+ + (1.s)'i"'
(4)'l
0.825+ 0.065+ 0.012= 0.902kN/m2
 9.4 VerticalSfress Causedby a Strip Load 233

.,..1:.t.;.,
..,.

(d)

Figure 9.7 Two line loads and a point load acting at the ground surface
234 Chapter 9 Sfresses in a Soil Mass

{ = Load per unit area

Figure 9.8
Verticalstresscausedby a
flexiblestrip load

9,4 Vertical Sfress Caused by a Strip Load

(Finite Width and Infinite Length)
The fundamental equation for the vertical stressincreaseat a point in a soil mass
as the rcsult of a line load (Section9.3) can be uscd to determine the vertical stressat
a point causedby a flexiblestrip load of width B. (SeeFigure 9.8.)Let the load per unit
area of the strip shown in Figure 9.tl be equal to q. lf we consider an elemental strip
of width dr, the load per unit length of this strip is equal to q dr. This elemental strip
can be treated as a line load. Equation (9.15)givesthe vertical stressincreasedo.at
point,4 inside the soil masscausedby this elementalstrip load. To calculatethe ver-
tical stressincrease,we need to substituteq dr for 4 and (x - r) for r. So
2(q dr)23
do- - (e.17)
nl(x-r)2+zzf'
The total increasein the vertical stress(Aa.) at point ,4 causedby the entire strip
load of width B can be determined by integration of Eq. (9.17)with limits of r from
- Bl2 to + Bl2. or
(zq\f z'
Lo,: 0",:
| l_)r'\ ; / l G - --\2 | -212
t ) r 1 ) \ .,

: 1{o"''lr:ol- tan-
lr;aal (e.18)

B z l x 2 -z'z -' - g't+11

1 n ' t + 1 I1
---/
l * ' + z ' - ( B t l 4 ) l t+ B ' z ' )
Table 9.3 shows the variation of L,o,lq with2zlB for 2xlB. This table can be
used conveniently for the calculation of vertical stressat a point caused by a flexible
strip load.
 9.3 Variation of IAo ,lq with 2zlB and 2xlB [Eq. (e.18)l
,- /B
0.0 0.1 o.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
1J00 I f,000 1J00 I J00 1lnO 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 r.000 0.000
1.000 1.000t., 0.999 0.999 0.999 0.998 0.997 0.993 0.980 0.909 0.500
0.997 0.997 7 0.996 0.995 0.992 0.98u 0.979 0.9.59 0.909 0.'/75 0.500
0.990 0.9u9 0.987 0.984 0.978 0.1)67 0.947 0.908 0.833 0.697 0.499
0.977 0.976 0.973 0.966 0.955 0.937 0.906 0.8-55 0.773 0.6-51 0.498
0.959 0.9-58 0.9.s3 0.943 0.927 0.902 0.864 0.rJ08 0.727 0.620 0.497
0.937 0.93-5 0.928 0.95 1 0.tt96 0.rJ66 0.1325 0.767 0.69r 0.-598 0.49.5
0.910 0.90[t 0.899 0.88-5 0.it63 0.831 0.788 0.732 0.662 0.-5r3r 0.492
0.881 0.u78 0.869 0.8-53 0.829 0.797 0.7.s5 0.701 0.638 0.566 0.489
0.850 0.847 0.837 0.821 0.797 0.765 0.124 0.67-s 0.617 0.-552 0.,185
0 . 8 81 0.8I-5 0.805 0.789 0.766 0.73-5 0.696 0.6-s0 0.598 0.,540 0.480
0.781 0.7t33 0.774 0.7.58 0.73.5 0.706 0.67(') 0.628 0.-5u0 0.529 0.474
0.7.5.5 0.752 0.743 0.728 0.707 0.679 0.646 0.607 0.564 0.-5I7 0.'{6u
0.725 0.722 0.714 0.699 0.671) 0.6-5'1 0.623 0.-su8 0..54tt 0.506 0.162
0.696 0.693 0.6u5 0.672 0.6-53 0.630 0.602 0.-56r) 0.53't 0.495 0.4.55
0.66tt 0.666 0.65r1 0.646 0.629 0.607 0.581 0.-552 0 . - 5 I 9 0.484 0.448
0.642 0.639 0.633 0.621 0.605 0.5n6 0..562 0.53-5 0.506 0.474 0.440
0.6t7 0.6I-5 0.608 0.-s9f,i 0.5u3 0.-56.5 0.544 0 . . 5 I I 0.492 0.463 0.433
0.593 0..591 0..5u-5 0.516 0.-563 0.546 0..526 0..s04 0.179 0.4-53 0.125
0.-571 0.-569 0.564 0.55-s 0.543 0.-s2t3 0.5I0 0.4tt9 0.467 0.443 0.4t7
0.5.50 0.-54t3 0.-s43 0..53-s 0.521 0.5I0 0.194 0 . 4 7 5 0.45-5 0.433 0.409
0.,530 0.529 0.524 0 . 5I 7 0.507 0.494 0.419 0.462 0.'143 0.423 0.401
0 . 5 II 0.-sI0 0.-506 0.499 0.490 0.479 0.465 0.449 0.432 0.413 0.393
0.491 0.493 0.489 0.4u3 0.414 0.464 0.4-51 0.431 0.421 0.4(J4 0.38-s
0.417 0.476 0.473 0.467 0.460 0.450 0.43tt 0.425 0 . 4 I 0 0.39-s 0.378
(\.462 0.461 0.458 0.152 0.44.5 0.436 0.426 0.4t4 0.400 0.3t36 0.370
0.447 0.446 0.443 0.439 0.432 0.424 0.'114 0.403 0.390 0.377 0.363
0.433 0.432 0.430 0.425 0.4I9 0.4t2 0.403 0.393 0 . 3 f 1 I 0.369 0.3-5-5
0.420 0.4I9 0.417 0 . 4 I3 0.407 0.4(x) 0.392 0.383 0.372 0.360 0.34iJ
0.40t3 0.407 0.40.5 0.401 0.396 0.3u9 0.3rJ2 0.373 0.363 0.352 0.341
0.396 0.395 0.393 0.3c)0 0.3135 0.379 0.372 0.364 0.3-55 0.34-5 0.334
0.3135 0.3u4 0.3u2 0.379 0.37-s 0.369 0.363 0.35-5 0.347 0.337 0.327
0.374 0.373 0.372

lll'
0.369 0.36-s 0.3fi) 0.3-54 0.347 0.339 0.330 0.321
0.364 0.363 0.362 0.359 0.35-5 0.3.5 t 0.34.5 0.339 0 . 3 3 1 0.323 0.31-5
0.354 0.354 0.3-52 0.3-s0 0.346 0.342 0.337 0 . 3 3 1 0.324 0.3I6 0.308
0.345 0.34.5 0.343 0.341 0.338 0.334 0.329 0.323 0 . 3 I 7 0.310 0.302

lies
| 3.80
0.337
0.32r1
0.320
0.336
0.328
0.320
0.33.5
0.327
0 . 3r 9
0.333
0.32.s
0.317
0.330
0.322
0.31.5
0.326
0.3lrl
0 . 3 1I
0.321
0.314
0.307
0 . 3 I6
0.309 0.304
0.303 0.297
0.310 0.304 0.297
0.298 0.291
0.292 0.213.5
I 3.e0 0 . 3l 3 0.313 0.3r2 0 . 3l 0 0.307 0.304 0.30I 0.296 0.291 0.286 0.280
| 4.00 0.306 0.305 0.304 0.303 0.301 0.298 0.294 0.290 0.2n.5 0.280 0.275
I 4.10 0.299 0.299 0.29it 0.296 0.294 0.21)1 0.288 0.284 0.2t3t) 0.275 0.270
| 4.20 0.292 0.292 0.291 0.290 0.288 0.28-5 0.282 0.278 0.274 0.270 0.265
| 4.30 0.286 0.286 0.28-5 0.283 0.282 0.279 0.276 0.273 0.269 0.265 0.260
| 4.40 0.280 0.280 0.279 0.2'/8 0.276 0.274 0.27L 0.268 0.264 0.260 0.256
I 4.50 0.274 0.274 0.273 0.272 0.270 0.268 0.266 0.263 0.259 0.2.55 0.251
I 4.60 0.268 0.268 0.268 0.266 0.265 0.263 0.260 0.2-58 0.254 0.251 0.247
4.70 0.263 0.263 0.262 0.261 0.260 0.258 0.2-5,5 0.253 0.250 0.216 0.243
4.80 0.258 0.2-58 0.257 0.256 0.2-55 0.253 0.251 0.248 0.245 0.242 0.239
4.90 0.253 0.253 0.252 0.251 0.250 0.248 0.246 0.244 0.241 0.238 0.235
5.00 0.248 0.248 0.247 0.246 0.245 0.244 0.242 0.239 0.237 0.234 0.23r
(continued)
Table 9.3 (continued\
2x /B
2zl B 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9
0.00 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
0.10 0.091 0.020 0.007 0.003 0.002 0.001 0.00r 0.000 0.000 0.000
0.20 0.225 0.09r 0.040 0.020 0.011 0.007 0.004 0.003 0.002 0.002
0.30 0.301 0.16-5 0.090 0.0-52 0.031 0.020 0 . 0r 3 0.(x)9 0.007 0.005
0.40 0.346 0.224 0 . 14 1 0.090 0.059 0.040 0.027 0.020 0.014 0.011
0.50 0.373 0.26'7 0.18.5 0.128 0.0u9 0.063 0.046 0.03,1 0.02-5 0.019
0.60 0.391 0.298 0.222 0 . 16 3 0.120 0.088 0.066 0.050 0.038 0.030
0.71) 0.403 0.321 0.2-50 0 . 19 3 0.148 0 . 1l 3 0.087 0.068 0.053 0.042
0.80 0 . 4 1I 0.338 0.273 0 . 2r 8 0.t'73 0.t37 0.108 0.086 0.069 0.056
0.90 0.41 6 0 . 3 5r 0.291 0.239 0 . 19 5 0 . 15 u 0 . 12 8 0 . 10 4 0.0135 0.070
t.(x) 0 . 4 I9 0.360 0.30-5 0.256 0.2t4 0.t77 0.t4'7 0.122 0.101 0.084
l.l0 0.420 0.366 0 . 3r 6 0 . 2 7| 0.230 0 .t 9 4 0.164 0.138 0 . 1l 6 0.098
1.20 0.,1I9 0.371 0.325 0.282 0.243 0.209 0 . 17 u 0.r52 0.130 0 . 1I 1
1.30 o.4t7 0.373 0.331 0.291 0.254 0.221 0.191 0 . 16 6 0.143 0.123
1.40 0.4t4 0.374 0.33.5 0.29tt 0.263 o.232 0.203 0.t71 0.I -55 0.135
1.50 0 . 4 1I o.374 0.33rJ 0.303 0.211 0.240 0.213 0.Itrtt 0 .r 6 5 0.146
1.60 0.407 0.373 0.339 0.307 0.276 0.24u 0.221 0.lL)1 0.I 7.5 0.155
l.'70 0.402 0.370 0.339 0.309 0.2131 0.254 0.22u 0.20-s 0.1n3 0.164
l.lr0 0.396 0.368 0.339 0 . 3 II 0.281 0.25t3 0.231 o.2t2 0 .19 l 0.172
1.90 0.3c) I 0.364 0.33fJ 0.3I2 0.2rJ6 0.262 0.239 0.2t7 0.197 0.179
2.(X) 0.38-5 0.360 0.336 0 . 3 II 0.281J 0.265 0.243 0.222 0.203 0.ltt5
2.1(l 0.371) 0.3.56 0.333 0 . 3 II 0.288 0.261 O.24(t 0.226 0.20n 0.190
2.20 0.373 0.3,52 0.330 0.309 0.2i38 0.26u 0.24r1 0.229 0.2t2 0 .r 9 5
2.30 0.366 0.341 0.321 0.307 0.2t{3 0.26u 0.2-50 0.232 0.21-5 0.I 99
2.40 0.360 0.342 0.323 0.305 0.287 0.268 0.2-51 0.234 0.2t7 0.202
2.50 0.354 0.337 0.320 0.302 0.21J.5 0.268 0.2-51 0.235 0.220 0.205
2.60 0.317 0.332 0.3I6 0.21)9 0.2tt3 o.267 0.251 ('t.236 0.22t 0.20'7
2.70 0.34I 0.32'7 0 . 3r 2 0.296 0.2u1 o.266 0.251 0.236 0.222 0.208
2.rJO 0.335 0.321 0.307 0.293 0.279 0.265 0.250 0.236 0.223 0.210
2.1)o 0.329 0.3I6 0.303 0.290 0.276 0.263 0.249 0.236 0.223 0.2t1
3.(X) 0.323 0 . 3 1I o.299 0.2u6 0.274 0.261 0.248 0.236 0.223 0.2il
3 .l 0 0.3I7 0.306 0.294 0.2u3 0.27| 0.2-59 0.247 0.23.5 0.223 0.212
3.20 0 . 3 1I 0.30I 0.290 0.279 0.268 0.256 0.245 0.234 0.223 0.212
3.30 0.305 0.296 0.286 0.215 0.265 o.254 0.243 0.232 0.222 0.211
3.40 0.3(x) 0.291 0.2u1 0.211 0.261 0.251 0.241 0.231 0.221 0.211
3.-50 0.21)4 0.2IJ6 0.271 0.268 0.258 0.219 0.239 0.229 0.220 0.210
3.60 0.289 0.2131 0.273 0.264 0.2-55 0.246 0.231 (\.228 0.21[t 0.209
3.70 0.284 0.276 0.26r1 0.260 0.252 0.243 0.235 0.226 0.217 0.208
3.80 0.2'79 0.212 0.264 0.256 0.249 0.240 0.232 0.224 0.2t6 0.201
3.90 0.2'74 0.267 0.260 0.2.53 0.245 0.23rJ 0.230 0.222 0.214 0.206
4.(X) 0.269 0.263 0.256 0.249 0.242 0.235 0.227 0.220 0.2t2 0.205
4.10 0.264 0.2.5u 0.252 (\.246 0.239 0.232 0.225 0.28 1 0.211 0.203
4.20 0.260 0.254 0.248 0.242 0.236 0.229 0.222 0.216 0.209 0.202
4.30 0.2-5-5 0.250 0.244 0.239 0.233 0.226 0.220 0.213 0.207 0.200
4.40 0.251 0.246 0.241 0.235 0.229 0.224 0.2t7 0.211 0.20-5 0.199
4.50 0.247 0.242 0.237 0.232 0.226 0.221 0.215 0.209 0.203 0.197
4.6i) 0.243 0.238 0.231 0.229 0.223 0.28 1 0.2t2 0.207 0.20t 0.195
4.70 0.239 0.235 0.230 0.225 0.220 0.215 0.210 0.205 0.199 0.194
4.80 0.235 0.231 0.227 0.222 0.21'7 0.213 0.208 0.202 0.197 0.792
4.90 0.231 0.227 0.223 0.2r9 0.215 0.2ri) 0.205 0.200 0.195 0.190
5.00 0.227 0.224 0220 0.216 0.2t2 0.207 0.203 0.19rJ 0.193 0.188
 9.5 VerticalSfress Due to Embankment Loadina

Example9.4
With referenceto Figure9.8,we are givenq : 20AkN/m2,B : 6m, and : 3 m.
e
Determinethe verticalstressincreaseat J : +9, +6, +3, and0 m. plot a graphof
Ao" asainst-r.

E I20
z
J-

d'n0

Figure 9.9
-t(, -tr _o _,+ I 0 2 Plot of Ao- against
.\ (nl )
distance x
Solution
The lollowingtablecanbe made:
x(m) 2xlB 2zl B a,uJq" Ao," (kN/m2)
+(, +? | 0.017 J.+
+ 6 + ) l
0.084 16.8
+ f + l t 0.4i10 96.0
1 ) n l
0.818 r63.6
"From Table9.3
i'4 : 200kN/m2
The plot of Arr, againstx is given in Figure 9.9.

9.5 Vertical Sfress Due to Embankment Loading

Figure 9. l0 shows tlrc cross scctior.rof an cmbankment of height H. For this two-
d i m c n s i o n a lI o a d i n sc o n d i t i o nt h e v e r t i c a ls t r e s si n c r e a s em a Vb c e x p r e s s e cals

/Jr- |+8,+l

Figure 9.10
Embankmentloading
238 Chapter 9 Sfresses in a Soil Mass

=+VLt')t*,*"; - fra,tl
Ao. (e.1e)

where q,, yH
v unit weight of the embankment soil
H hcight of the embankment

a , l r a d i a n s )- - t a n ' ( B ' ! -
\ i ,
B'
/
)
- ,on
(?) (e.20)

, / B ,\ (e.21)
0 -. : t a n t I
\ 2 , /

3.0
2.0
t.6
t.4
t.2

t.0
0.9
0.8

0.1

0.6

Figure 9.11
Ostcrberg'.schart
for determination
of vertical stress
due to embank-
ment loading
 9.5 VerticalSfress Due to Embankment Loading 239

For a detailed derivation of the equation, see Das (199'7).A simplifieclform of

E q . ( 9 . 1 9 )i s
Lo r. : q,,[2 (e.22)
where 1, : a function of B1lz and B2lz.
T h e v a r i a t i o n o f l r w i t hB l l z . a n d B 2 l z , i s s h o w n i n F i g u r e g . l l ( o s t e r b e r g , l 9 5 7 ) .

Example9.5

An embankmentis shownin Figure 9.12a.Determinethe stressincreaseunder

the embankmentat pointsA, andA2.
Solution
yH : (17.s)(7): 122.5
kN/m2
StressIncreaseat A,
The left sideof Figure9.12indicatesthat Br :2.5 m and82: l4 m. So
Bt:zs-:0s.4:-lj:ro
z 5 z 5 - " '
Accordingto Figure9.11,in this case,Iz = 0.445.Becausethe two sidesin Fig-
ure 9.12bare symmetrical,the valueof 1, for the right sidewill alsobe 0.445.So
Lor.: Ao411* Lor.121 : erllzg-"try* Iz(nieh,]
- 1"22.510.445
+ 0.4451- 109.03kN/m2

laIn-J+-5rn >l+-
-+--- ""... 1 . 1r ' + l
t ' - . .
t . .
H =r7 m
.".-oJo -''',.,.,.
^,,o.t' { y= tl.S kNlm:
. : "1. .1 ' : ; ' ; - . 1 , . . f j , - - r : .,..t....-' f: .' ' 't . , . . . , ' _ . r : , . . ' . . , t . . , .. ", .: .; .. ,. ._. .' 1
i - t - t - l
-\ m ll.5 lil 1 6 . 5r r r
-5'tn 5 nr

2.-5rl
l<-lam+F-+l l-*l.+l'1 m+l

I
I
i
_":l | )V
a
Al
Figure 9.12
Chapter 9 Stresses in a Soil Mass

l<- 1,1nr-=-+-l.r t+ nr---l

-t (7m)x
|. "t ,l .1.)= (2.-5 m) ( 17.-5
x (17.-5 kN/mr)
k N / m r) = = l)r 5

I '13.75 kN/mr kN/rrl

I
I
I
Y A o . (r )
a
A.

].-.r,u ----]
d\, rtry
a
A'
(c)

Figure 9.12 (continued)

Stress Increaseat ,42

Referto Figure9.12c.For the left side,82 : 5 m and 81 : 0. So
B z 5 B t 0 ^
z 5 ? , 5

Accordingto Figure9.I 1, for thesevaluesof B2lz andB 1lz, /z : 0,25.S<r

: 43.75(0.25):10.94kN/m2
Ao.1r1

For the middle section.

82 14 ^^ B' 14
-- - ' - ' L -, O
a o

z . 5 z

Thus,/2 : 0.495.So
: 60.64kN/m'
Ao,ot: 0.495(122.5)

For the right side

8 -2 - - g- - ^ B t : - 0: 0
l X '
7 . 3 2 )

and 12: 0'335'So

:26.38 kN/m'
Ao.(:)= (78.75X0.335)
Total stressincreaseat point ,4, is

Ao,: A o . r r r* L o r ( r , - A a , r s ): 1 0 . 9 4+ 6 0 . 6 4- 2 6 . 3 8 : 4 5 . 2 k N / m z
 9.6 vertical stress Below the center of a LJniformtyLoaded circular Area 241

Figure 9.13
Vcrticalstressbclowthc centcrof a unilirrmlyloadcd
f l c x i b l ec i r c u l aar r e a

9,6 VerticalSfress Below the Center of

a Uniformly Loaded Circular Area
U s i n g B o u s s i n e s q 'sso l u t i o nf o r v e r t i c a ls t r e s sA r . r c- a u s e db y a p o i n t l o a d
IEq. (9.12)],
one can also devclop an exprcssionfclr thc vertical stressbektw the center of a uni-
f o r m l y l o a d e df l c x i b l c c i r c u l a ra r e a .
From Figurc 9. 13, lct thc intensity of pressurcon thc circular area of radius R
be equal to q. Thc total loerdon the elcmental area (shadedin the figure) is equal to
qr dr da. The vertical strcss.rlrr- at point A causedby the load on the elemental area
(which merybe assumedto be a concentratedload) can be obtaincd from Eq. (9.12):

, 3(q, dr dtt) 2.3

r i r r' - .- _ ,, (e.23)
Ztr (r, + z2)s,2
The increasein the stressat point A causedby the entire loaded area can be
found by integrating Eq. (9.23):

I t,, 2n Sr lt 7,, _.\,"

Ao.- ldo,- | | :-' , 4* r t r d a
J J,, 0 J, ,t l7r (r' z')

So

Lo,:n{t - (e.24)
l(Rlz)z+ 1)3tz
 Chapter 9 Sfressesin a Soil Mass

Table9.4 Variationof Lc-"lqwith e/R [eq. (9.2a)]

zlR Lc,

0 1
0.02 0.9999
0.0.5 0.9998
0.10 0.9990
0.2 0.9925
0.4 0.9488
0.5 0.9106
0.8 0.7562
t.0 0.6465
1.-5 0.4240
2.0 0.2u45
2.5 0.I 996
3.0 0.I 436
4.0 0.0869
5.0 0.0571

Figure 9.14
Stressunderthe centerof a uni-
fornrlyloadcdflexihlecirculararea

T h e v a r i a t i o n o f L , o , l qw i t h z / R a s o b t a i n c d f r o m E q . ( 9 . 2 a ) i s g i v e n i n T a b l e 9 . 4 .
A plot of this is also shown in Figure 9.14.The value of Aa- decreasesrapidly with
depth, and at z :5R, it is about 60/oof 4, which is the intensity of pressureat the
ground surface.

9.7 Vertical Sfress at any Point Below

a Uniformly Loaded Circular Area
A detailed tabulation for calculationof vertical stressbelow a uniformly loaded flex-
ible circular area was given by Ahlvin and Ulery (1962). Referring to Figure 9.15,we
find that Lo, at any point ,4 located at a depth z at any distance r from the center of
t h e l o a d e da r e ac a n h e s i v e na s
Ao,: q(A' + B') (g.25)

where A' and B' are functions of zlR and rl R. (See Tables 9.5 and 9.6 on pages244
and245.)

9.8 Vertical Sfress Caused by a

Rectangularly Loaded Area
Boussinesq'ssolution can also be used to calculate the vertical stressincrease below
a flexible rectangular loaded area, as shown in Figure 9.16. The loaded area is lo-
cated at the ground surface and has length L and width B. The uniformly distributed
 9.8 VerticalSfress Causedby a Rectangularly Loaded Area

"
: " " " t q *" " '1 -b r . . . . . '
' , -*,"i ". '' . r d ; ' . . 1 o r " f
" .*, " ; 1 .o, '" .
lu."Y."'.,1
: :.1::
* . - :l ,f.Tf,',;-
'. t l t - l - ' * t :'-_
", ; ". I "" .tr."", -r-
|
t - -
I
t -
li.

Figure 9. 15 vertical stressal any point below a unitbrmly loaded circular area

lo,,
I
A-1
w
too
I
I
II
Y.

Figure 9. 16 Verticalstressbelowthe cornerof a uniformly loadeclflexible

rectangulararea
I load per unit area is equal to 4. To determine the increasein the vertical stress(Ao.)
at point,4, which is located at depth z below the corner of the rectangulararea, we
need to consider a small elemental area dx dy of the rectangle. (This is shown in Fig-
ure 9.16.)The load on this elemental area can be given bv

dq:qdxdy (e.26)
 Table9.5 Variationof A' with zlR and rlR"

zlR 0.6 1.2 1.5

1.0 l.i) 1.0 1.0 1.0 0..5 0 0 0
0.1 0.9(n50 0.89718 0.88679 0.U6126 0.78797 0.4301 5 0.096.+-5 0.02'787 0.008-56
0.2 0.1t0388 0.79824 0.77u8.+ 0.734t33 0.630l4 0.3tr269 0.15433 0.052-s
1 0.01680
0.3 0.71265 0.70-518 0.6t33 16 0.62690 0.520ti
I 0.34375 0.119(t4 0.07199 0.02440
0.4 0.6286 1 0.6201 5 0.59241 0.53767 0.44329 0.3104u 0.I tt709 0.0t3-s93 0.03I l8
0.-s 0.55279 0.-s4.+03 0.51622 0.46448 0.38390 0.21J l-56 0.I rJ556 0.09499 0.03701
0.6 0.41t.550 0.'17691 0.45078 0.40127 0.33676 0.2-55t{r 0.17952 0.10010
0.1 0.,126-5,1 0.41874 0.39491 0.35,121.t 0.291J33 0.21121 o.17t24 0.l022rJ 0.04558
0.E 0.3753r 0.36S32 0.34729 0.31243 0.265n1 0.21297 0.16206 0.10236
0.9 0.33101 0.32492 0.30669 0.21107 0.23832 0.Ig,llJlJ 0.l 5253 0.10094
I 0.292t39 0.211763 0.27(X).s O.24691 0.2146u 0.17u6lJ 0.I4329 0.09849 0.05I85
t.2 0.2317rJ 0.22795 t).21662 0.19ti90 0.1'7626 0.t5l0l 0.12.570 0.09192 0.0.s260
1.5 0.| 679.s 0.16552 0.15877 0.I4ft04 0.13436 0 .I 1 8 9 2 0.I 0296 0.0rJ0.+rJ r).05116
2 0 . I 0 5 5 7 0 . I 0 : 1 5 3 0.10140 0.096'17 0.0901| 0.0ri269 0.0711| 0.0627-s 0.01496
l.) 0.07I52 0.0709ri 0.069.17 0.0669ii 0.06373 0.0597'+ 0.055-s5 0.0413ft0 0.037tt7
3 0.0.s132 0.0.5 101 0.0.5022 0.048ti6 0.04707 0.044,s7 0.04241 0.03E39 0.03150
4 0.029,s6 0.02916 0.02907 0.02n02 0.021132 0.02719 0.026.s | 0.02490 0.02193
5 0.0I9.12 0.0I93,S 0.0IlJ35 0.0I-573
6 0 . 0 I3 6 I 0.0I307 0.0II6tt
l 0.0I(x).s 0.()()976 0.()()IJ94
8 ().ool12 0.()()7.s.5 ().(x)703
0.(x)6 I2 0.(x)fix) 0.(x)566
l0 o.o011l 0.(x)465
'r'Al'tcA
r h l v i n a n c lI J l c r v ( 1 9 ( r 2 )

Table 9.6 Vrlialiorr of 1J' with z.lIl '.rnd rl R't'

r/R
zlB o.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.2 1.5
r.) 0 0 t, 0 0 0 0 0 0
0.I 0.0(lri52 0.I0 t.10 0 . 1I l S r J 0.I3,124 0.Ifi796 0.053,s8 0.07u99 0.02672 0.(X)tt45
0.2 0.lll,S57 0. I 93(Xr 0.20172 0.23524 0.2-5983 0.0ti.sl3 (t.O1759 .0.044,11J 0.()1593
0.3 0.26362 0.261E7 0.2n0IrJ 0.29,1It3 0.21251 0.I 0757 0.043| 6 0.0.1999 0.02I66
0.4 0.320I6 0.322.s9 0..127'+fi 0.32273 o.26925 0.l2'104 0.(X)76(r 0.04535 0.02522
0.5 0.35111 0.35752 0.35123 0.33I(Xr 0.26236 0.| 359l 0.02I 65 0.03455 0.0265 I
0.6 0.371t31 0.37.s3 I 0.3630fi 0.32E22 0.25.1I1 0.I44,10 0.04.1-57 0.02I0 I
0.7 0.3E'187 0.37t)62 0.36072 0 . 31 9 2 9 0.2'+638 0.l49ti6 0.0620(.) 0.(x)702 -0.02329
0.tr 0.31J09I 0.37,101J 0 . 3 51 3 3 0.3(b99 0.23119 0.15292 0.07530 0.(X)6 14
0.9 0.36962 0.36275 0.33734 0.2929t) 0.22n91 0.I5404 0.0ti507 0.0I795
0.3.s355 0.3.15.s3 0.32075 0.2781 9 0.21978 0.I 53.s5 0.(D2I 0 0.02814 0.0I005
2 0.3I185 0.30730 0.28,+,S I 0.2zlti36 0.20I3 0.14915 0.l(XX)2 0.0,+3713 0.(Xn23
-5 0.2-s6()2 0.2502-s 0.2333n 0.2069.1 0.t 736ii 0.13732 0.10 193 0.05745 0.01385
0.l 7lJlJg 0.l tl l,14 0.1664,1 0 .l - 5 1 9 n 0.l 3375 0.I 1331 0.09254 0.r)6371 0.02836
2.5 0.I2807 0.I2633 0.t2126 0 . II 3 2 7 0.| 0298 0.09130 0.07869 0.06022 0.03429
3 0.09487 0.09394 0.09099 0.0n635 0.08033 0.07325 0.0655 1 0.05354 0.0351 1
4 0.05707 0.05666 0.05562 0.05383 0.05I45 0.01713 0.04532 0.03995 0.03066
5 0.03172 0.03760 0.03384 0.02414
6 o.02666 0.02.168 0.01968
7 0.01980 0.0lrJ6l3 0.01577
at 0.01526 0.01459 0.01279
0.01212 0.01170 0.01051
l0 0.00921 0.00879
* S o u r c e : F r o m " T a b u l a t c d V a l u e s l o r D e t e r m i n i n g t h e C i o m p l e t eP a t t e r n o f S t r e s s e s .S t r a i n s .a n d D e f l e c t i o n sB e n e a t h
a Uniform Circular Load on a Honroseneous Half Space." b1' R. G Ahlvin and H. H. Ulery. ln Highway Research
Bulletin.342, Transportation Rt:scarch Board, Ni,rtional Research Council. Washinston. DC. 1962.
244
 _ - ! q

(continued)

10 12 14
0 (, TJ U
0.00084 0.000.12
0.001
67 0.00083 0.00048 0.00030 0.00020
0.002-50

0.00,+07 0.00209 0 . 0 0 1 1 8 0 . ( x x ) 7 1 0 . 0 ( x ) 5 3 0.00025 0.(n014 ().00009

0.(x)761 0.00393 0.00226 0.(x)143 0.00097 0.0(x).50 0.0(x)29 0.0(x)

I rJ
0.00u7t 0.00459 0 . ( x ) 2 6 9 0.00171 0.(x)11-s
0 . 0 1 0 1 3 0 . ( x ) 5 4 8 0.(x)32-s 0.(x)210 0.(x)111 0.(xx)73 0.(xx)43 0.o('i027
0.0t 160 0.00659 0.(x)399 0.(X)264 0.(x)l u0 0.(xx)94 0.(xx)-56 0.(xx)36
o.0t22t 0.00732 0.(x)463 0.(x)301J 0.(x)2 I4 0.(x)t l5 0.(xx)6ti 0.(xx)43
0.01220 0.(x)770 0.(x)50.s 0.(x)346 0.00242 0.(x) 132 0.(x)()79 0 . ( x x ) 5 1
0.01109 0.(x)761J ().(x)-s36 0.(x)3u4 0.(x)2rJ2 0.(x) lfi) 0.(xx)99 0.(xx)6.5
0.(x)949 0.(x)70rj 0.(x).s27 0.(x)394 0.(X)298 0 . ( x ) 1 7 9 0 . ( x )1l3 0.(xx)75
0.(x)795 0.(x)628 0.(x)492 0.(x)31t4 ().(x)299 0.(x) lult 0.(x) 124 0.(xx)u4
0.(x)66 t 0.(x)541J 0.(x)445 0.(x)36() 0.(x)29 | ( ) . ( x ) 1 9 3 0 . ( x ) 1 3 0 0.(xx)91
0.(x).s54 0.00112 0.(x)39u 0.(x)332 0.(\t)216 0.(X) 1lJ9 0.(X) l 3;1 0.(xx)94
0.(X)46(r 0.(X)4(X) 0.(x)3.s3 0.(){)301 0.(x)256 0.(x) lti4 0.()()133 0.(xxD6
{).(x)397 0.(x)352 0.(X)326 0.(X)273 0.(X)2,11

(ttttttitrtrt'tl)

10 12 14
0 0 0
0.()(x)ti4-0.(xx)42
--0.(x)166 O.(xxllJ3 0.(xx)2,1 0.(x)01
5 O.(xx)l
0
0.(x)245

0.(x)3ti8 0.(x)199 0.()()tt6 0.(xx)73 ,-0.(xx)49 0.(xx)2-s 0.(xnl4 0.00(x)9

- 0 . 0 1 1 1 5 0 . ( x ) 6 0 8 -0.(n3.+,t -0.00210 0.(x)I 3-5 0.00092 0.00041J 0.00021r - 0.0001 u

-0.0099-s -0.(x)632 0.(x)378 0.00236 0.001-s6 0.(x)107
-0.00669 0.006(x) 0.0040I -0.(x)265 - 0 . ( x ) t 8 t - 0 . ( x ) 1 2 6 -0.00068
0.000,+0 0.00026
0.0002ti *0.(x)410 -0.00371 0.0027rJ 0.00202 0.()0l4lJ 0.(xx)84 -0.(xD-50 -0.00033
0.0066 1 0.00130 0.0027| -0.002-s0 - 0 . 0 0 2 0 1 - 0 . ( D 1 5 6 -0.00094 -0.00059
0.00039
0 . 0111 2 0.00157 -0.(x)134 -0.00t92 -0.00r79 0.(nl5l 0.0(x)99 0.0006-5 - 0.00016
0.015 15 0.0059-5 0.00155 0.00029 0.0009.1 0.00109 0.00094 -0.(x)068 -0.00i)50
0.01522 il.00ul t) 0.0037I 0.00132 0.00013 -0.00043 - 0 . ( x l { } 7 u u . ( x } 0 6 1 0 0 ( x t 4 o
0.01380 0.00867 0.00496 0.002-54 0.001l0 0.00028 0.00037 0.000.+7 0.0004-s
0.01204 0.00842 0.00547 0.00332 0.t)01 85 0.00093 0.00002 ,0.00029 -0.00037
0.01034 0.00719 0.00-551 0.00372 0.00236 0.00141 0.00035 -0.0000u -0.00025
0.00B88 0.0070.5 0.00533 0.00386 0.00265 0.00178 0.00066 0.00012 0.00012
0.00764 0.00631 0.00-501 0.00382 0.00281 0.00199

245
246 Chapter 9 Sfressesin a Soil Mass

The increase in the stress (do,) at point ,4 caused by the load dq can be determined
by using Eq. (9.12).However, we need to replace Pwith dq: q dx dy and I with
x2 + y2.Thus.
r l
Jq ox oy z'
do,: (e.27)
2rr(x2+y'+z')t''
The increasein the stress,at point A causedby the entire loaded area can now be
determined by integrating the preceding equation. We obtain

A o: J' o o J' :, - . Z q z 3 ( d x d y )
I fB 1L

L -f ,f i " : tr' (e.28)

where

/m2+n2+2\ , / z ^ r x 6 r f+ i + t \
I l + l a n .' .l ^ ^ |
\m +n'+l/ \ m ' + n ' - m ' n 'I l /
(e.2e)
- B (e.30)
z
:L (e.31)
Z

The variation of 1.,with m and n is shown in Table 9.7.

Table9.7 Variationof 1.,with m ancln [Eq. (U.29)l

0.1 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 1.0

0.1 0.0047 0.0092 0.0132 0.016t3 0.0198 0.0222 0.0242 0.025rJ 0.0270 0.02'79
0.2 0.0092 0.0179 0.0259 0.0328 0.0387 0.0435 0.0474 0.0504 0.052u 0.0547
0.3 0.0132 0.0259 0.0374 0.0474 0.05-s9 0.0629 0.0686 0.0731 0.0766 0.0"/94
0.4 0.0168 0.0328 0.0474 0.0602 0.0711 0.080r 0.0873 0.0931 0.097'7 0.1013
0.5 0.0198 0.0387 0.0-5-59 0.071I 0.0840 0.0947 0.1034 0 . r1 0 4 0.1t 58 0.1202
0.6 0.0222 0.043.5 0.0629 0.0801 0.0947 0.1069 0.1168 0.1247 0 . t 3 1I 0.1361
0.7 0.0242 0.0474 0.0686 0.0873 0.1034 0 . 11 6 9 0.1277 0.1365 0.1436 0.1491
0.8 0.0258 0.0504 0.0731 0.0931 0.1104 0.1247 0.1365 0.146r 0.1537 0.1598
0.9 0.02'70 0.0528 0.0766 0.09'77 0 . 11 5 8 0.1311 0.1436 0.1537 0.r619 0.1684
1.0 0.0279 0.0547 0.0'794 0.1013 0.1202 0.1361 0.1491 0.1-598 0.1684 0.1752
1.2 0.0293 0.0573 0.0832 0 . 10 6 3 0.1263 0.1431 0.1.570 0.1684 0.17'77 0.1851
1.4 0.030r 0.0589 0.0856 0.1094 0.1300 0.t475 0.1620 0.1739 0.1836 0.1914
1.6 0.0306 0.0599 0.0871 0.1114 0.t324 0.1503 0.1652 0.1774 0.18'74 0.1955
1.8 0.0309 0.0606 0.0880 0.1126 0.1340 0.1521 0.7672 0.1797 0.1899 0.1981
2.0 0.0311 0.0610 0.0887 0.1134 0.1350 0.1533 0.1686 0.1812 0.1915 0.1999
2.5 0.0314 0.0616 0.0895 0 . 11 4 5 0.1363 0.1s48 0.1704 0.1832 0.1938 0.2024
3.0 0.031-5 0.0618 0.0898 0 . r1 5 0 0.1368 0.1555 0.1711 0.1841 0.1947 0.2034
4.0 0.0316 0.0619 0.0901 0.1153 0.1372 0.1560 0.r7t7 0.1847 0.1954 0.2042
5.0 0.0316 0.0620 0.0901 0.1154 0.1314 0.1561 0.1719 0.1849 0.1956 0.2044
6.0 0.0316 0.0620 0.0902 0.1154 0.7314 0.1562 0 . 1 7t 9 0.1850 0.t957 0.2045
 9.8 VerticalStress Caused by a Rectangularly Loaded Area 247

A'

2 1

F i g u r e 9 . 7 7 I n c r e a s e o fs t r c s s a t a n y p o i n t b e l o w a r e c t a n g u l a r l v l o a d e d f l e x i b l e a r e a

The increasein the stressat any point below a rectangularlyloaded area can
'I'his
be found by using Eq. (9.28). can be explained by referenceto Figure 9.ri.Let
us determine the strcssat a point below point ,4' at depth z. The loaded area can be
divided into four rectanglesas shown. The point A' is the corner common to all four
r c c t a n g l e sT. h e i n c r e a s ci n t h e s t r c s sa t d e p t h z b e l o w p o i n t . 4 ' d u e t o e a c hr e c t a n -
gular area can now be calculatedby using Eq. (9.2t3).The total stressincreasecaused
by the entirc loaded arca can be given by

Arr- : qll.r,l + |.2; * 11ry+ 1.,t.t] (e.32)

and 1.,,.,: valuesof /j for rectangles1,2,3, and 4, respectively.

where 1.(,), 1.,(rr,1.,,3,,

(continuctl)

1.4 1.6 1.8 2.O 2.5 3.0 5.0

0 . 0 3 0 I 0.03()6 0.0309 0.031 I 0.03l4 0.03I .5 0.03I6 0.0316 0.0316
0.05t39 0.0599 0.0606 0 . 0 6t 0 0.06r6 0.06trl 0 . 0 691 0.0620 0.0620
0.0832 0.0u-56 0.0u7t 0.0880 0.0ttu7 0.0t39-5 0.0u9u 0.0901 0.0901 0.0902
0.1063 0.109,1 0 . l l l ' 1 O.1126 0 . 11 3 4 0 . tl 4 - 5 0.1150 0 . tl - 5 3 0.I 1-54 0.I 154
0.1263 0.r 300 0.t321 0.1340 0.I 350 0.1363 0.l36tt 0.1372 0.137 4 0.1374
0,143I 0.r 47.5 0 . 1 5 0 3 0.1521 0.I 533 0.L54tt 0.L555 0.1.560 0.1.561 0.1562
0.1570 0.1620 0 . 1 6 - s 2 0.t672 0.I 686 0.1704 0.1111 0 . 1 t77 0.17l9 0.1719
0.1
684 0.I 739 0.t174 0.t191 0 .l f : i l 2 0.1832 0.1841 0.1847 0.1849 0.1850
0.1771 0.1836 0.1874 0.1899 0 .1 9 1 5 0.1938 0.1947 0.I 954 0.1956 0.19-57
0.1
85I 0 .I 9 1 4 0.I955 0.I9tJI 0.I 999 0.2021 0.2034 0.2042 0.2044 0.2045
0.19.s8 0.2028 0.2073 0.2i03 0.2124 0.2151 0.2163 0.2172 0.2175 0.2176
0.2028 0.2102 0 . 2 1 . 5 1 0.2184 0.2206 0.2236 0.2250 0.2260 0.2263 0.2264
0.2073 0 . 2 1 5 1 0.2203 0.2237 0.2261 0.2294 0.2309 0.2320 0.2323 0.2325
0.2703 0 . 2 1 8 3 0.223'7 0.2274 0.2299 0.2333 0.2350 0.2362 0.2366 0.2367
0.2124 0.2206 0.2261 0.2299 0.232s 0.2361 0.2378 0.2391 0.2395 0.239'7
0,2151 0.2236 0.2294 0.2333 0.2361 0.2401 0.2420 0.2434 0.2439 0.2441
0.2163 0.2250 0.2309 0.2350 0.2378 0.2420 0.2439 0.2455 0.2461 0.2463
0.2172 0.2260 0.2320 0.2362 0.2391 0.2434 0.2455 0.2472 0.2479 0.2481
0.2r'75 0.2263 0.2324 0.2366 0.2395 0.2439 0.2460 0.2479 0.2486 0.2489
0.2176 0.2261 0.2325 0.2367 0.2397 0.2441 0.2463 0.2482 0.2489 0.2492
248 Chapter 9 Sfresses in a Soil Mass

I
I Ao'
I
n1
?:lL
lAo
I

II
I
Figure 9. 18 Ve rtical slr-essbclow thc ccntcr ol a
unil'orrnlyIoacled llcxiblc rcctangulitrarclt

I n n t o s tc a s e st h e v c r t i c a ls t r e s si n c r c a s eb e l o w t h e c e n t e ro l ' a r c c t a n g u l a ra r e a
( F i g u r c 9 .l t 3 )i s i m p o r t a n t .T h i s s t r c s si n c r c a s ec a n b c g i v e nb y t h e r e l a t i o n s h i p

L,tr-: qla (e.33)

wherc

2 nltnI n1t
(e.34)
6n +if1 + ,f
t 1
nlyl 1 - * 11 4
I

,nt: (e.3s)
E

Z.
tt I (e.36)
D

B (e.37)
b :
2

The variationof -Iawith rz, and n, is givenin Table9.8.

 9.8 VerticalStress Caused by a Rectangularly Loaded Area 249

Table9.8 Variationof 1owith rn, andn1[Eq. (9.3a)l

0.20 0.994 0.997 0.997 (\.997 ().997 0.1)97 0.991 0.997 0.997 0.99'7
0.40 0.960 0.916 0.977 0.977 0.977 0.91'/ 0.911 0.977 0.1)7'7 0.97'7
0.60 0.ft92 0.932 0.936 0.936 0.937 0.937 0.937 0.937 0.937 0.937
0.u0 0.u00 0.870 0.87E 0.tt80 0.ti8I 0.t381 0.881 0.881 O.utt 1 0.uf]l
1.00 0.701 0.u(x) 0 . u 1 4 0 . 8 1 7 0 . 8 l t t 0 . 8 1 8 0 . t i8
l O.ftI ft 0.tiil8 0.8t 8
t.20 0.606 0.727 0.748 0.7.53 0.7-54 0.7-s-s 0.75-5 0.7.s,5 0.7-5-s 0.75-5
1.40 0.522 0.6-su 0.68-s 0.692 0.694 0.69-5 0.69-5 0.696 0.696 0.696
1.60 0.449 0.-593 0.627 0.636 0.639 0.6,10 0.641 0.641 0.641 0.642
l.u0 0.3uu 0.53'+ 0.-s73 0.-5tt5 0.-s90 0..591 0.-592 0.-592 0.-593 0..593
2.00 0.336 0.4u1 0.-s2-5 0.-s40 0.-545 0.517 0.-548 0.-s49 0.549 0.549
3 . ( X ) 0 . 1 7 9 0.293 0.34ti 0.373 0.3u4 0.3u9 0.392 0.393 0.394 0.39.s
4 . ( X ) 0 . l O t t 0 . I 9 0 0.211 0.269 0.2n5 0.293 0.29u 0.301 0.302 0.303
-5.(X) 0.072 0 . 1 3 1 0 . 1 '4/ 0 . 2 0 2 0 . 2 1 9 0.229 0.236 (\.240 0.242 0.244
6 . ( X ) 0 . 0 5 1 0.09.5 0.I 30 0.l -s-s o.n2 0.ltt4 0.t92 0.197 0.2(x) ('t.202
7.00 0.038 0.012 0 .l ( x ) 0 . 1 2 2 0 . 1 3 9 0.I50 0.I5u 0.164 0.168 0.171
il.(x) 0.029 0.0-56 0.079 0.0911 0.1l3 0.12-s 0.133 0.139 0.114 (\.t47
9.00 0.023 0.04-5 0.064 0.0u1 0.094 0 . 1 0 - s0 . 1 1 3 0 . 1l 9 ( \ . 1 2 4 0 .t 2 8
1 0 . ( x ) 0 . 0 19 0.037 0.053 0.061 0.079 0.089 0.097 0 . 1 0 3 0 . 1 0 u 0 . 1l 2

Example9.6

The flexible area shown in Figure 9.19 is uniformly loaded. Given that q =
150kN/m2.determinethe verticalstressincreaseat oointA.

I
3nt
| -5rr = radius
A

I
r/ - 150 kN/rnr

Figure 9. t9 Uniformly loaded flexible area

Chapter 9 Sfresses in a Soil Mass

-f
1 . 5n r
I
m >lao.r2r
l4.---8

Ao:rl)
-f
A
.5 rn Arca3 Figure 9.20
I Divisionof uniformly loadedflexiblearea
l-sm+l i n t ot h r e ep a r t s

Solution
The flexible area shownin Figure 9.19is dividedinto three parts in Figure 9.20.
AIA,
Ao, * Ao.1ry+ Ao12;t Acr.1:y

From Eq. (9.24),

Ao,i
l: (;) ,{'- *ar;r"1
m, z * 3 m, andq : 150kN/m2,so
We knowthat R = 1".5

A o . ( 'T: { ' -,'3 kN/m2

ia."iu"}
We canseethat L,aap1*Ao.(r).FromEqs.(9.30)and (9.31),
1.5
m - ::*: O'5

8
, : 2.61
,:

From Table9.7,for m:0.5 of 13= 0'1365.

andn:2.67,the magnitqde
- Thus,
from Eq. (9.28). .
:20'48kN/m2
L'o,Q): Ao.(r)= ql, - (150X0'1365)
so
Ao. : 213 +2A.48+ 20.48: 62.26kN/m2 I
 9.9 lnfluence Chart for Verticat pressure 251

g,g Influence Chart for Vertical Pressure

Equation (9.24) can be rearranged and written in the form

4: (e.38)
z
Note that Rlz and A,o-lq in this equation are nondimensionalquantities.The values
of R/z that correspond to various pressure ratios are given in Table 9.9.

Table9.9 Yaluesof Rlz.for VariouspressureRatios

[Eq. (9.3g)]
Ao2lq Rlz L,o2lq Rlz
U U 0.5-5 0.u384
0.0-5 0.186-5 0.60 0.9176
0.10 0.2698 0.6-s 1.0067
0.l-5 0.3383 0.70 1.1097
0.20 0.400-5 0.7-5 1.2328
0.25 0.459[J 0.u0 L3871
0.30 0.-5It3I 0.8.5 l.-5943
0.3.5 0.576{3 0.90 1.90tt4
0.40 0.6370 0.95 2.5232
0.4-5 0.6991 1.00 oo
0.50 0.7664

Using the values of Rlz obtained from Eq. (9.38) fbr various pressureratios,
Newmark (1942)presentedan influencechart that can be used to determine the ver-
tical pressureat any point below a uniformly loaded flexible area of any shape.
Figure 9.21showsan influencechart that has been constructedby drawing con-
centric circles.The radii of the circles are equal to the R/z valuescorrespondingto
L o " l q : 0 , 0 . 1 , 0 . 2 , . . . , 7 . ( N o t e : F o r L , o , l q : 0 , R l z : 0 , a n d f o r A , o . l q : 1 , Rj/ozo ,
so nine circlesare shown.) The unit length for plotting the circlesis AB. The circles
are divided by severalequally spacedradial lines.The influencevalue of the chart is
given by 1/N, where l/ is equal to the number of elementsin the chart. In Figure 9.21,
there are 200 elements;hence,the influencevalue is 0.005.
The procedure for obtaining vertical pressure at any point below a loaded area
is as follows:

1. Determine the depth z below the uniformly loaded area at which the stressin_
creaseis required.
2. Plot the plan of the loaded area with a scaleof z equal to the unit length of
t h e c h a r t( A B ) .
3. Place the plan (plotted in step 2) on the influence chart in such a way that the
point below which the stressis to be determined is located at the center of the
chart.
4. count the number of elements (M) of the chart enclosed by the plan of the
loaded area.
252 Chaoter 9 Stresses in a Soil Mass

Influence
value= 0.005 Figure 9.2? Inlluence chart lirr vertical
pressurchasedon Boussincsq'.s thcttry
(aftcrNewmark.1942)

The increascin the pressurcat the point undcr considerationis given by

Lo,: (lV)qM (e.3e)

w h e r e 1 V : i n f l u e n c ev a l u e
r/ : pressureon thc loaded arezr

Example9.7
The crosssectionand plan of a columnfooting are shownin Figure9.22.Find the
increasein verticalstressproducedby the columnfooting at point A.
Solution
Point,4 is locatedat b depth3 m belowthe bottom of thq footing.The plan of the
squarefooting has been replotted to a scaleof AB -{3 m and placedon the
influencechart (Figure9.23)in sucha way that point.4 bn the plan falls directly
overthe centerof the chart.The numberof elementsinsidethe outlineof the plan
is about48.5.Hence,
/ 6 6 0 \
Lo, = (rv)qM = 0.00s(;; :17.78 kN/m2 r
)+s.s
 253

660 kN
I
I
+
' .
1
1 . 5r n
t , -
I: F o o t i n gs i z e

tI Jrnx3rl

3nr
II
A. i
*r
l* t,_s
l+:rn+l

Figure 9.22 Crosssectionand plan of a columnfootins

TA

t_, lnfluencevalue= 0.005

Figure 9.23 Determination of stress at a point by use of Newmark's influence

charl
 Chapter 9 Sfresses in a Soil Mass

9,10 Summary and GeneralComments

This chapter presents the relationships for determining vertical stressat a point due
to the application of various types of loading on the surface of a soil mass.The types
of loading consideredhere are point, line, strip, embankment, circular, and rectan-
gular. These relationships are derived by integration of Boussinesq'sequation for a
point load.
The equations and graphs presentedin this chapter are based entirely on the
principles of the theory of elasticity; however, one must realize the limitations of
these theories when they are applied to a soil medium. This is becausesoil deposits,
in general,are not homogeneous,perfectly elastic,and isotropic.Hence, some devi-
ations from the theoretical stresscalculationscan be expected in the field. Only a
limited number of field observationsare availablein the literature at the presenttime.
On the basisof these results,it appearsthat one could expect a differenceof *25 to
30% between theoretical estimatesand actual field values.

Prohlems
9.1-9.5 For the soil elementsshown in Figures9.24-28, determine the maxi-
mum and minimum principal stresses.Also determine the normal and shear
stresseson plane AB. lNote: For Problems 9.1 and 9.2 use Eqs. (9.3), (9.a),
( 9 . 6 ) ,a n d ( 9 . 7 ) ; f o r P r o b l e m s9 . 3 , 9 . 4 ,a n d 9 . 5 u s e M o h r ' s c i r c l e . l
9.6 Point loads having magnitudesof 1-5kN, 20 kN, and 30 kN act at A, B, and
C, respectively(Figure 9.29).Determine the increasein vertical stressbelow
point D at a depth of -5m.
9.7 Refer to Figure 9.30.Determine the stressincrease,Aa,, at A, given the fol-
lowing data:
4r:75 kN/m x1:2m z : 1 . 5m
Qz:0 x2 lm:
9.8 Repeat Problem 9.7 with the following values:
Qr
: 0 x 1- 5 f t z:5ft
Qz
: 300 lb/ft x2 - 3 ft

100 kN/rn2 400lblfr2

-{-0, u*,.. 300rb/ft,

+ B
45 kN/rn2
B 60 kN/m2 750lb/fr2

300lb/frz

Figure 9.24 Soil elementfor Problem9.1 Figure 9.25 Soil elememtfor Problem9.2
 Problems

80 kN/rnl

+
25 tb/fl
--j1,not,.'
55 1b/ft2
B
3 0k N /m 2

t 1 5 0k N / m 2 Bl
t-
-r00lblfr2
.55tb/ft2

*+- I +* I
Figure 9.26 Soilelementfbr problem
9.3 9.27 Soil elementfor problem9.4

25 kN/m2
l.+3m-l
-J*,, o*,n,,

I I t5kN/rn2

| ,i'l| 'rrrvr''
I -'-''1
l,-/+r to" I

f
Figure 9.28 Soil elementfbr problem
9.-5 Figure 9.29

L i n e l o a d= r / r L i n e l o a d= 4 .

-'-
l Ao.,I

F-'',-i
,l_L
Figure 9.30
256 Chapter 9 Sfresses in a Soil Mass

:- i_-]
I t..
I
I '| , .
t . .
t .
I
5m t*__.,
I II 1
Unitweight
Y= 18 kN/m3
I
Y
f':i
.::_ , : _;. ,---;: ..,
i-. i'
; 1 ;ti_i_: l1' :-' ;,:_' .r___".: ;

-5m

Figure 9.31
ei I
9.9 Repeat Problem 9.7 with the l'ollowingvalucs:
r71-l(X)kN/m . r 1- 3 m z.-2m
q2 - 200 kN/m 'Y.: 2 m
9.10 Rcfer to Figurc 9.6.The magnitude ol thc linc krad q is 2-500lb/ft. Calculate
a n d p l o t t h c v a r i a t i o no l ' t h c v c r t i c a ls t r c s si n c r e a s eA r r - b e t w e e nt h e l i m i t s
ofr - l 0 l ' t a n d , r : * l 0 f t . g i v e nt h a t z : 5 f t .
9.ll Refer to Figurc 9.30.Given that r71- l0 kN/m. f,r - 3 fl, rz : 2 m, and z :
1 m , i f t h e v e r t i c a ls t r e s si n c r c a s ca t p o i n t , 4 d u e t o t h e l o a d i n gi s 3 k N / m r .
dctcrmine the magnitude of r72.
9.72 Refer to Figure 9.tt.Given that B - 12 tt, r/ : 350 lb l[l', x : 9 ft, and z :
5 f t . d e t e r m i n et h e v e r t i c a ls t r e s si n c r c a s c A , o,, at point.4.
9 . 1 3 R e p e a tP r o b l e m 9 . 1 2u s i n gt h e f o l l o w i n gv a l u e s :q : 7 0 0 0k N / m ' , B : 2 m ,
x : 2 m . a n dz - 2 . - m 5 .
9 . 1 4 A n e a r t h em b a n k m e n td i a g r a mi s s h o w n i n F i g u r e9 . 3l . D e t e r m i n e t h e
stressincrcaseat point A due to the embankment load.
9.15 Figure 9.32showsan embankment load for a silty clay soil layer. Determine
the vertical strcssincreaseat points A, B, and C.
9.16 Consider a circularly loaded flexible area on the ground surface.Given that
the radius of the circular area is (R) : 4 m and the uniformly distributed
load is q : 200 kN/m2, calculatethe vertical stressincreaseAo. at a point
located 5 m (z) below the ground surface(immediately below the center of
the circular area).
9.17 Consider a circularly loaded flexible area on the ground surface. Given that
the radius of the circular area (R) : 6 ft and that the uniformly distributed
load (q) : 4200Ib/ft2,calculatethe vertical stressincreaseAo. at points 1.5,
3,6,9, and 72 ft below the ground surface(immediately below the center of
the circular area).
 Problems 257

7.5fr 7.5ft
l.el..e

I
1
I
. t I l r
30 ft I

I
----l L - _ _

z 2

I Unirweighty= I l5 lb/frl

:'t . . , ' : , ' . . " ' .. : . . ,,

l 5 TI

+
Figure 9.32

9 . 1 8 F i g u r e 9 . 1 - 5s h o w sa l l e x i b l cc i r c u l a ra r e a o l r a c l i u s1 ?: 4 m . T h c u n i f o r m l v
d i s t r i b u t c c lto a d o n t h c c i r c u l a ra r e a i s 3 0 0 k N / m r . C a l c u l a t ct l r c v c r t i c t r l
s t r c s si n c r c a s ei t t r - 0 . 0 . 1 J1. . 6 . 4 . 6 ,a n d l Jr . n .a n c lz : 4 . [ Jn t .
9 . 1 9 R c | e r t o F i g u r c 9 . 3 3 .T h c c i r c u l a rl l e x i b l c a r c a i s u n i l i r r m l y l o a c l e dG
. iven
q : 3 2 0 k N / m r a n c lu s i n gN c w n t a r k ' .csh a r t , c l c t e r r n i n ct l . r cv c r t i c a l s t r e s si n -
c r e i l s cA r r - a t p o i n t , 4 .
9 . 2 0 T h c p l a n o l ' a l l c x i b l c r c c t a n g u l a rl o a c l c cal r c a i s s h o w n i n F i g u r c 9 . 3 4 .' l ' h e
u n i f o r n t l yd i s t r i b u l c c l o a c lo n t h c f l c x i b l ca r c a .q i s 9 0 k N / m r . I ) e t c r n t i n et h c
v e r t i c a ls t r c s si n c r c a s c A . r r - , a t a d c t r t ho l ' ; : 2 n t b c l o w
a. Point ,rl
b. PointR
c. Point Cl

l=-4m-l

r/ = 90 kN/rnl tI
i<- 1 . 6n r
2nr
--- t lJ
I
0.li rn
I
v- -{
A4 ( '
l+2 rtt+1

Figure 9.34

r l
ao-: I
o,'
I
af_.L
Cnts.s section

Figure 9.33
Chapter 9 Sfresses in a Soil Mass

9.2I Repeat Problcm 9.20.Use Newmark's influencechart for vertical pressure

d i s tr i h u ti o n .
9.22 Refer to the uniformly loaded rectangulararea shown in Figure 9.34.
Estimate the strcssbelow the center of the area at a depth of 3.5 m. Use
Eq.(e.33).

References
Astr,rrN. R. G.. and Ur-r.nv. H. H. (1962)."Tabulated Values for Determining the Complete
Pattern of Stresses.Strains.and DeflectionsBeneath a Uniform Circular Load on a Ho-
mogcneous Half Space." in tlighwuy RaseurchBulletin -?.12, Transportation Rescarch
B o a r d . N a t i o n a l R e s e a r c hC l o u n c i lW
. a s h i n g t o nD
, .C., l-13.
BcrussrNr,se,J.(18U3).Applicution rlesPotentiulsti L'Etrule de L'Equilibre et tlu Mouvement
dcs SoI ida.sE lasIiq tras,Gauthier-Villars. Parts.
Da.s. B. (1997).Advunccd Soil Mcclmni<,s, 2nd ed.. Taylor and Francis.Washington,D.C.
N cwr.l,r,r<r. N. M. ( I 942). " lnflucncc (lharts for Corlputation of Stressesin E,lasticSoil." Uni-
vcrsity of lllinois Enginccring E,xperirnentStation, Bulletin Nr.,.-l-18.
Os'r'nnnnn<;,J. O. (1957)."lnflucnce Valucs for Vertical Stressesin Semi-lnllnitc Mass Due
to Embankment Loading," Proct'cdings,Fourth International Conf'ercnccon Soil Me-
chanicsand Foundation E,ngineering,I-ondon, Vol. l, 393-396.