SOIL MECHANICS

Northwest Samar State University

College of Engineering and Architecture
Civil Engineering Program

QUIZ # 2
in
Geotechnical Engineering: Soil Mechanics

Module 6 Preparation and Tutorial Video

Submitted by:
Yla Marie O. Monforte
Salvacion M. Peru
Ain Joevick F. Sapinit

Submitted to:
Engr. Dinah Fe T. Olitan

May 04, 2022

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 98 of 134

 SOIL MECHANICS

Module 6
Module Title: Stresses in Soil

Module Description: This module covers the “stresses in soil”.

Purpose of the Module:

This module let the students learn the some basic understanding of
how stresses induced at the soil surface (or below it) are distributed and the stress levels that
result.

Module Guide:

Each lesson in the module begins with a discussion that contains sample problems and
reinforced with videos.

Module Outcomes:
1. Apply basic mathematics, science and engineering principles to solve
engineering problems,
2. Calculate the stresses transferred to underlying soils applied by the
superstructural loads,
3. Deal with the estimation of compressibility and settlement properties of soils
for shallow foundation footings design,
4. Design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
5. Be familiar with soil mechanics tests and determine which test is needed in
designing civil engineering projects and/or solving engineering problems,
6. Use word processors in writing and finishing lab report,
7. Demonstrate the ability to work in groups.

Module Requirements:

At the end of this module, the students will submit the following:

1. Give sample problems for each subtopic and attach relevant videos as well.
2. Select a topic and create a tutorial video discussing about that specific topic.

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 99 of 134

 SOIL MECHANICS

Learning Plan

Lesson No: 1

Lesson Title: Introduction to Soil Stresses

Let’s Hit These:

At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
 Understand the importance of soil stresses.
 Learn the different types of soil stresses.

Let’s Get Started:

The soils are multiphase systems. In a given volume of soil, the solid
particles are distributed randomly with void spaces between. The void spaces
are continuous and are occupied by water and/or air. To analyze problems
(such as compressibility of soils, bearing capacity of foundations, the stability
of embankments, and lateral pressure on earth-retaining structures), It needs to
know the nature of the distribution of stress in a given cross section of the soil
profile.

Let’s Read:
GEOSTATIC STRESSES - When the ground surface is horizontal, and when the nature
of the soil varies but little in the horizontal direction. In such a situation, the stresses are
called Geostatic Stresses .

A. Vertical Geostatic Stresses

The vertical geostatic stresses at any depth can

be computed by considering the weight of soil
above the depth. If the unit weight of the soil is
constant with depth:
𝜎𝑣 = 𝛾𝑧
where z is the depth of the point

considered and y is the soil unit weight For

layered soil:

𝜎𝑣 = 𝛾1𝑧1 + 𝛾2𝑧2 + 𝛾3𝑧3

𝜎𝑣 = ∑ 𝛾𝑖𝑧𝑖
If the unit weight is varied with depth

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 99 of 134

 SOIL MECHANICS

Example ;
For the soil profile, calculate the vertical stresses at points (A), (B), and (C).
Solution
For point (A), z = 0, thus = 0
For point (B)
= 𝛾𝑧 = 16.5 * 6 = 99 kN/m2
For point (C)
𝜎𝑣 = ∑ 𝛾𝑖𝑧𝑖 =16.5*6 +17.8*13 = 330.4 kN/m2

B. Effective Vertical Stresses

In saturated soils, the normal stress (𝜎𝑣) at any point within the soil mass is shared by the
soil grains and the water held within the pores. The component of the normal stress
acting on the soil grains, is called effective stress or intergranular stress, and is generally
denoted by 𝜎'. The remainder, the normal stress acting on the pore water, is known as
pore water pressure or neutral stress and is denoted by (u). Thus, the total stress at any
point within the soil mass can be written as:

𝜎=𝜎'+u
This applies to normal stresses in all directions at any point within the soil mass. In dry
soil, there is no pore water pressure and the total stress is the same as effective stress.

In geostatic stresses there is no shear stress in soil, also water cannot carry any shear
stress.

Example
For the soil profile calculate the vertical total, effective stresses and pore water pressure
at points (A), (B), and (C).
Solution
At Point A:

Total stress: 𝜎vA = 0

Pore water pressure uA = 0

Effective stresses = 𝜎 'vA = 0

At Point B
𝜎𝑣𝐵 = 𝛾𝑧 = 16.5 * 6 = 99 kN/m2

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 100 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

uB = 0

𝜎 'vB = 99 – 0 = 99 kN/m2
At Point C
𝜎𝑣𝐶 = ∑ 𝛾𝑖𝑧𝑖 =16.5*6 +19.25*13 = 349.25 kN/m2 uC =
13 * 9.81 = 127.53 kN/m2

𝜎 'vC = 349.25 – 127.53 = 221.72 kN/m2

Example
Plot the variation of total and effective vertical stresses, and pore water pressure with
depth for the soil profile shown below:
Solution
Within a soil layer, the unit weight is constant,
and therefore the stresses vary linearly. Therefore,
it is adequate if we compute the values at the layer
interfaces and water table location, and join them
by straight lines. At the ground level,

The values of , u, and 𝜎’ computed above

are summarized in Table

Depth (m) 𝜎v (kPa) U (kPa) 𝜎 'v (kPa)

0 0 0 0
4 71.2 0 71.2
6 108.2 19.6 88.6
10 186.2 58.9 127.3
15 281.2 107.9 173.3

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 101 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

C. Effective Horizontal Stress

The horizontal geostatic stress can be computed as following:

ko is the coefficient of lateral stress

In sand soil and normally consolidated clay ko < 1.0 = 1 – sinQ, where Q is the angle of
internal friction of soil In over consolidated clay k > 1.0
The stress to which soil has been subjected during its formation to the present time
referred as stress history. During deposition, effective stress increased as more soil
particle are placed, and during effective erosion, stress decreased as the soil particles are
removed. Due to this, there are two types of soils:
Normally consolidated clay and sand:
This soil has undergone deposition only if the water table is assumed at the ground level,
the vertical and horizontal effective stresses are increased, and the void ratio of the soil
reduced the plot of void ratio versus effective stress

on the semi-log scale is a usually a straight line. During deposition the mineral grains of
the soil elements will be rearranged and became closer, the effective stress at the stage
will be maximum (p'o).

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 102 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

Overconsolidated Clay:
In this case, the soil has been subjected to effective stress
in its past stress history. (p'c) is larger the effective stress
at present effective stress (p'o)

When the soil is reloaded from (p'o), it reached (p'c).

At this stage the soil is over-consolidated.
The over-consolidated ratio (O.C.R) = p'c / p'o
 Normally consolidated clay (O.C.R) = 1.0
 Lightly over-consolidated clay (O.C.R) = 1.5 -
3
 over-consolidated clay (O.C.R) = > 4

Example
Compute the vertical and horizontal total and effective
stresses and pore water pressure at element (A)
Solution
In this example, the water above soil is an additional load on
the soil thus:
Total vertical stress at A, 𝜎 v = 9.81* 2 + 20*2 = 59.62 kN/m2

Pore water pressure at A u = 9.81* 4 = 39.24 kN/m2

Effective vertical stress at A 𝜎 'v = 59.62 - 39.24 = 20.38 kN/m2

Effective horizontal stress at A, = 0.7 * 20.8 = 14.266 kN/m2

Total horizontal stress at A, 𝜎 h = 𝜎 'h + u = 14.266 + 39.24 = 53.51 kN/m2

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 103 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

Example
Compute the vertical and horizontal total and effective stresses and pore water pressure
at element (1), (2), and (3).

Solution
Point (1)
Total vertical stress at point (1), 𝜎 v = 19* 3 = 57
kN/m2
Pore water pressure at (1), u = 9.81* 0 = 0 kN/m2
Effective vertical stress at (1), 𝜎 'v = 57 - 0 = 57
kN/m2
Effective horizontal stress at (1), =
2
0.45 * 57 = 25.65 kN/m
Total horizontal stress at (1), 𝜎 h = 𝜎 'h + u = 25.65 + 0 = 25.65 kN/m2
Point (2)
Total vertical stress at point (2), 𝜎 v = 19* (3+2) = 95 kN/m2
Pore water pressure at (2), u = 9.81* 0 = 0 kN/m2
Effective vertical stress at (2), 𝜎 'v = 95 - 0 = 95 kN/m2
Effective horizontal stress at (2), = 0.45 * 95 = 42.72 kN/m2
Total horizontal stress at (2), 𝜎 h = 𝜎 'h + u = 42.72 + 0 = 42.72 kN/m2
Point (3)
Total vertical stress at point (3), 𝜎 v = 95 +21*4 = 179 kN/m2
Pore water pressure at (3), u = 9.81* 4 = 39.24 kN/m2
Effective vertical stress at (3), 𝜎 'v = 179 – 39.24 = 139.76 kN/m2
Effective horizontal stress at (3), kN/m2
Total horizontal stress at (3), 𝜎 h = 𝜎 'h + u= 55.9 + 39.24 = 95.14 kN/m2

INTERGRANULAR SIZE,
https://youtu.be/sKglA3DRQ3E
- Is the stress resulting from particle-to-particle contact of soil.
-
Where:
effective stress
= pore water pressure/ neutral stress

=
= the sum of the effective and neutral stress

= +

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 104 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

STRESS IN SOIL WITHOUT SEEPAGE

https://youtu.be/Sp0jKmQqRTM

EXAMPLE:
A soil profile is shown in the figure. Calculate the total stress, pore water pressure, and effective
stress at points A, B, and C.

Solution
At point A,

Total stress: pT = 0

Neutral stress: pw = 0

Effective stress: pE = 0

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 105 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

At point B,
Total stress: pT = 6ydry(sand) = 6 x 16.5 = 99 kN/m^2

Neutral stress: pw = 0 kN/m^2

Effective stress: pE = 99 – 0 = 99 kN/m^2

At point B,

Total stress: pT = 6ydry(sand) + 1.3ysat(clay)

= 6 x 16.5 + 13 x 19.25 = 349.25 kN/m^2
Neutral stress: pw = 13 yw = 13 x 9.81 = 127.53 kN/m^2

Effective stress: pE = 349.25 – 127.53 = 221.72 kN/m^2

STRESS IN SATURATED SOIL WITH SEEPAGE

https://youtu.be/Sp0jKmQqRTM

Upward Seepage

EXAMPLE:
Consider the upward flow of water through a layer of sand in a tank shown in Figure. For the
sand, the following properties are given: e = 0.52, G = 2.67
a) Calculate the total stress, pore water pressure, and effective stress A and B.
b) What is the upward seepage force per unit volume of soil?
CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 106 of
134
 SOIL MECHANICS

Solution
G = 2.67 e = 0.52
ysat = (G + e) / (1 + e) x yw
ysat = (2.67 + 0.52) / (1 + 0.52) x (9.81 kN/m^3)
ysat = 20.588 kN/m^3
a) At Point B
𝜎 = yw (0.7 m) + ysat (2 m)
𝜎 = 9.81 kN/m^3 (0.7 m) + 20.588 kN/m^3 (2 m)
𝜎 = 48.043 KPa
u = yw (0.7 m + 2 m + 1.5 m)
u = 9.81 kN/m^3 (4.2 m)
u = 41.202 KPa
𝜎 = 𝜎’ + u
𝜎’ 𝜎–u
𝜎’ 48.043 KPa – 41.402 KPa = 6.841 Kpa
At point A
𝜎 = yw (0.7 m) + ysat (1 m)
𝜎 = 9.81 kN/m^3 (0.7 m) + 20.588 kN/m^3 (1 m)
𝜎 = 27.455 KPa
u = yw (0.7 m + 1 m + (h/H2 * z))
u = 9.81 kN/m^3 ((0.7 m +1 m + 1.5m / 2 m )*1 m)
u = 24.0345 KPa
𝜎’ 𝜎 – u
CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 107 of
134
 SOIL MECHANICS

𝜎’ 27.455 KPa – 24.0345 KPa = 3.4205 Kpa

b) upward seepage force per unit volume of soil
F = h/H2 yw
F = (1.5 m / 2 m ) (9.81 kN/m^3) = 7.3575 kN/m^3

STRESS IN SATURATED SOIL WITH SEEPAGE

Downward Seepage

Consider the downward flow of water through a layer of sand in a tank shown in Figure 04.10.
For sand, the following properties are given: e = 0.48, G = 2.7
a) Determine the saturated unit weight of sand in kN/m^3
b) Determine the effective stress at point A in KPa
c) Determine the effective stress at point B in KPa

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 108 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

CAPILLARY RISE IN SOIL

The continuous void spaces in soil can behave as bundles of capillary tubes of variable cross
section. Because of surface tension force, water may rise above the phreatic surface. Figure
shows the fundamental concept of the height of rise in a capillary tube. The height of rise of
water in the capillary tube can be given
by summing the forces in the vertical
direction, or

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 109 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

where
T=surface tension (force / length)
a = angle of contact

d = diameter of the capillary tube

yw = unit weight of water

For pure water and clean glass, a = 0. Thus, above Eq. becomes

For water, T = 72 m.N/m. the height of capillary rise is:

Thus, the smaller the capillary tube diameter, the larger the capillary rise. The concept of the capillary
rise can be applied to soils; one must realize that the capillary tubes formed in soils because of the
continuity of voids have variable cross-sections. After the lapse of a given amount of time, the variation
of the degree of saturation with the height of the soil column caused by capillary rise. The degree of
saturation is about 100%. The maximum height of capillary rise is

where
D10 = effective size (mm)
e = void ratio
C = a constant that varies from 10 to 50 mm2
The table below shows the approximate range of capillary rise that is encountered in various types of
soils.

EFFECTIVE STRESS IN THE ZONE OF CAPILLARY RISE

https://youtu.be/AjQ7LWyUkRQ
The general relationship between total stress, effective stress and pore water pressure was given as 𝜎 =
𝜎'+u
The pore water pressure (u) at a point in a layer of soil fully saturated by a capillary rise is equal to -ywh

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 110 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

(h = height of the point under consideration measured from the groundwater table) with the atmospheric
pressure taken as a datum.
EXAMPLE:
A soil shown in the figure. Given : H1 = 1.83 m, H2 = 0.91 m, H3 = 1.83 m. Plot the vartiation
of 𝜎, 𝜎’, and u with depth.
Solution
Determination of unit weight
Dry sand:

Moist sand:

Saturated clay

Calculation of stress
At the ground surface (i.e., point A): 𝜎 = 0
u=0
𝜎’ 𝜎–u=0

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 111 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

Normal Shear Stress on a Plane

This section is a brief review of the basic concepts of
normal and shear stresses on a plane that can be found in
any course on the mechanics of materials.
The Figure shows a two-dimensional soil element that is
being subjected to normal and shear stresses
(𝜎y > 𝜎x). To determine the normal stress and the shear
stress on a plane EF that makes an angle with the plane
AB, the free body diagram of
EFB shown. Let 𝜎n and Tn be the normal stress and the
shear stress respectively, on the plane EF.

From geometry.
Summing the components of forces that act on the element in the direction of N and T,

If T equal to zero:

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 112 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

For given values of Txy, 𝜎y and 𝜎x will give two values of tetha that are 90° apart.
This means, that there are two planes that are at right angles to each other on which the shear stress is
zero. Such planes are called Principal Planes.
The normal stresses that act on the principal planes are referred to as Principal Stresses.
Principal stresses: the normal stresses acting on principal planes, the largest principal stress is called
Major Principal Stress (𝜎1), and the smallest principal stresses is called Minor Principal Stress (𝜎3).
The third is called the intermediate principal stress (𝜎2)
In isotropic soils 𝜎3 = 𝜎2
In anisotropic soil 𝜎3 is not equal to 𝜎2
Isotropic soil: soils that have similar properties at a given location at al planes of all directions
Principal Planes: three planes which is normally stresses act on it and No
Shear Stress
In Geostatic Condition:

k < 1.0, 𝜎v = 𝜎1, 𝜎h = 𝜎3

k > 1.0, 𝜎v = 𝜎3, 𝜎h = 𝜎1
k < 1.0, 𝜎v = 𝜎h = 𝜎1 = 𝜎3

The normal stress and shear stress that act on any plane can also be determined by plotting a Mohr’s
circle, as shown in Figure. The following sign conventions are used in Mohr’s circles:
Compressive normal stresses are taken as positive.
Shear stresses are considered positive if they act on opposite faces of the element in such a way that
they tend to produce a counterclockwise rotation. The angle is positive when measured
counterclockwise from major principal plane.

For plane AD of the soil element shown in Figure, normal stress equals + 𝜎x and shear stress equals

+Txy. For plane AB, normal stress equals + 𝜎y and shear stress equals -Txy.

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 113 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

The points R and M in Figure represent the stress conditions on planes AD and AB, respectively. O is the
point of intersection of the normal stress axis with the line RM. The circle MNQRS drawn with as the
center and OR as the radius is the Mohr’s circle for the stress conditions considered. The radius of the
Mohr’s circle is equal to:

The stress on plane EF can be determined by moving an angle 2 (which is twice the angle that the plane
EF makes in a counterclockwise direction with plane AB in a counterclockwise direction from point M
along the circumference of the Mohr’s circle to reach point Q. The abscissa and ordinate of point Q,
respectively, give the normal stress an and the shear stress +Tn on plane EF.

The abscissa of point N is equal to 𝜎1, and the abscissa for point S is 𝜎3.
As a special case, if the planes AB and AD were major and minor principal planes, the normal stress and
the shear stress on plane EF could be found by substituting Txy = 0.

If 𝜎y = 𝜎1 and 𝜎x = 𝜎3 Thus,

EXAMPLE:

The magnitudes of stresses are 𝜎1 =120 kN/m2, Txy =40 kN/m2, 𝜎y =300 kN/m2, and = 20°. Determine

a. Magnitudes of the principal stresses.

b. Normal and shear stresses on plane AB.

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 114 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

Solution
(a )

(b)

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 115 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 116 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

The Pole Method of Finding Stresses along a Plane

Another important technique of finding stresses along a plane from a Mohr’s circle is the pole
method, or the method of origin of planes. This is demonstrated in Figure.

In this method draw a line from a known point on the Mohr’s circle parallel to the plane on
which the state of stress acts. The point of intersection of this line with the Mohr’s circle is
called the pole. This is a unique point for the state of stress under consideration.
For example, the point M on the Mohr’s circle in Figure represents the stresses on the plane AB.
CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 117 of
134
 SOIL MECHANICS

The line MP is drawn parallel to AB. Therefore, point P is the pole (origin of planes) in this
case. To find the stresses on a plane EF, draw a line from the pole parallel to EF. The point of
intersection of this line with the Mohr’s circle is Q. The coordinates of Q give the stresses on the
plane EF. (Note: From geometry, angle QOM is twice the angle QPM.)

EXAMPLE:
For a given in figure find the stresses at plane B-B
Case one: Given 𝜎1 and 𝜎3, required 𝜎 and T0
Solution

1. locate points with co-ordinates (40,0) and (20,0)

2. Draw circle, using these points to defined diameter, diameter
location = (40+20)/ 2 = 30 kN/m2, thus center location is (30, 0).

3. Draw line A' A' through point (20, 0) and parallel to plane on which stress (20, 0) acts.

4. Intersection of line A' A' with Mohr's circle at point (40,0) is origin of planes
5. Draw line B'B' through point OP parallel to BB
6. Read coordinates of point X where B'B' intersect Mohr circle
𝜎 = 25 kN/m2, T = - 8.7 kN/m2

Alternate Solution, Step 1 and Step 2 same as above

3. Draw line C'C' through (40, 0) parallel to plane on which stress (40, 0) acts. C'C' is vertical

4. C'C' intersects Mohr circle only at (40,0), so this is Op, Step 5 and 6 same as above

By using equations

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 118 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

Lesson No: 2

Lesson Title: Stresses Distribution in Soil

Let’s Hit These:

At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
 Understand the importance of soil stresses.
 Calculate the stresses transferred to underlying soils applied by the superstructural
loads
 Deal with the estimation of compressibility and settlement properties of soils for
shallow foundation footings design
Let’s Get Started:

Estimation of Vertical stresses at any point in a soil mass due to external vertical
loadings are of great significance in the prediction of settlements of buildings, bridges,
and embankments and many other structures. Equations have been developed to compute
stresses at any point in a soil mass in the basis of the theory in elasticity. According to
elastic theory, constant ratio exist between stresses and strains. For the theory to be
applicable, the real requirement is not the material necessarily be elastic, but there must
be constant ratios between stresses and the corresponding strains. Therefore, in non-
elastic soil masses, the elastic theory is may be assumed to hold so long as the stresses
induced in the soil mass are relatively small. Since the stresses in the subsoil of a
structure having adequate factor of safety against shear failure are relatively small in
comparison with the ultimate strength of the material, the soil may be assumed to behave
elastically under such stresses.

Importance of stresses in soil due external loads

 Prediction of settlements of buildings, bridges, and embankments
 Bearing capacity of soils
 Lateral pressure.
Let’s Read:

Vertical Stress – Stress is induced in a soil mass due to weight of overlying soil and due to
applied load. This is called Vertical Stress. Stress in the soil may be caused by; Self weight
of soil and Applied load of soil.
When a load is applied to the soil surface, it increases the vertical stresses within the soil
mass. The increased stresses are greatest directly under the loaded area, but extend
indefinitely in all directions. Many formulas based on the theory of elasticity have been used
to compute stresses in soils. It is necessary to estimate the net increase of vertical stress in soil that
occurs due to construction so that settlement can be calculated. The estimation of vertical stress is
based on the theory of elasticity. The loads may include:
Point load Uniformly loaded rectangular area

Line load

Uniformly distributed vertical strip load Uniformly loaded circular area

Linearly increasing vertical loading on a strip Embankment type of loading

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 119 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

Although natural soil deposits, in most cases, are not fully elastic, isotropic, or homogeneous materials,
calculations for estimating increases in vertical stress yield fairly good results for practical work.

STRESSES CAUSED BY A POINT LOAD

https://youtu.be/bpsa9g5U8-s
Boussinesq (1883) solved the problem of stresses produced at any point in homogeneous,
elastic, and isotrophic medium as the result of a point load applied on the surface of an infinitely
large half space.

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 120 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

PROBLEM:
A point load P = 50,000 lbs is applied at the surface , as shown on the figure. Find the
increase in vertical stress at point A.

At point A, z = 20 ft, r = 10 ft
r / z = 10 / 20 = 0.5
from table 05.1, NB = 0.2733
= P / z^2 = 50,000 / 20^2 (0.2733) = 34.2 psf

VERTICAL STRESS CAUSED BY A LINE LOAD

https://youtu.be/Xf9q-NP9L4
When a line load of infinite length having an intensity of q (kN/m) acts on the surface of a soil
mass, the vertical stress, inside the soil mass is given by:

PROBLEM
The figure shows two line loads on the ground surface. Determine the increase of stress
at point A

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 121 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

equal

Solution
Refer to the figure. The total stress at A is

VERTICAL STRESS CAUSED BY A FLEXIBLE STRIP LOAD

https://youtu.be/MEjAHpHNrlY

PROBLEM
Refer to the figure. A strip load of q = 43 kN/m^2 is appliedover a width, B = 10 m.
Determine the increase in vertical stress at point A located z = 4 m below the surface.
Given : x = 8 m.

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 122 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

If x > B/2,

q = 43 Kpa
z=4m
x = 8 m (measured from centerline)
B = 10 m

VERTICAL STRESS CAUSED BY A RECTANGULARLY LOADED

AREA
https://youtu.be/QMy_lF7blC8
a) Increase in Pressure Below the Corner of Rectangular Area
The increase in vertical stress below the “corner” of a rectangular area of width B and
lenth L is given as:

The value of l2 can be obtained from Figure 05.4, or from Table 05.2. It can be also be
computed from the following equation:

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 123 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 124 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

To solve the stress at appoint using Eq. 5.7, divide the area into rectangles such that the point is
at the corners of each rectangle.

Suppose that it is required to solve the increase in pressure below point A in the 4 m by 6 m
footing shown in Figure 05.5. The area can be devided into four areas (A1, A2, A3, A4). The
values of in the corner of each area is then computed. The increase in pressure is the sum of
’s of each area.

PROBLEM:
For a uniformly loaded rectangular area, the surface pressure q is 2000 psf. Determine the
vertical stress increase below point A at a depth z of 60 feet.

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 125 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

Rectangle 1, B = 10 ft , L= 20 ft, z = 60 ft
m= 10/60 = 0.167, n = 20/60 = 0.333
From Table 05.2
m = 0.1, n = 0.3, I3 = 0.0132
n = 0.4, I3 = 0.0168
n = 0.333, I3 = 0.0132 + (0.333 – 0.2) (0.0168-0.0132)/(0.4-0.3) = 0.04139

m = 0.2, n = 0.3, I3 = 0.0259

n = 0.4, I3 = 0.0328
n = 0.333, I3 = 0.2818

n = 0.333, m = 0.1, I3 = 0.01439

 m = 0.167
m = 0.2, I3 = 0.02818
I3 = 0.01439+ (0.167 – 0.1) (0.02818-0.01439)/(0.2-0.1) = 0.0236

Rectangle 2, m = 0.333, n = 0.333, I3(2) = 0.044

Rectangle 3, m = 0.5, n = 0.167, I3(3) = 0.0324 <= m = 0.167, n = 0.5, , I3(3) = 0.0324
Rectangle 4, m = 0.333, n = 0.5, I3(4) = 0.0639
I3 = I3(1) + I3(2) + I3(3) + I3(4)

= 2000 (0.0236 + 0.044 + 0.0324 + 0.0639) = 328 psf

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 126 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

b) Increase in Pressure Below the Center of Rectangular Area

The value l4 can be obtained using Eq4.10 or Table 05.3

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 127 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

Determine the increase in stress at point A and A/ below the footing shown below.

Solution by below the center of a rectangular area

Point A

For m1 = 1 and n1= 2 I4 = 0.336 (Table 5.9)

=0.336 x 100 = 33.6 kPa

Point A/

For m1 = 1 and n1= 3.33 I4 = 0.155 (Table 5.9)

=0.155 x 100 = 15.5 kPa

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 128 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

APPROXIMATE METHOD FOR RECTANGULAR LOADS

https://youtu.be/Ki-iRyqxwOo

The approximate increase in vertical stress is

PROBLEM:
A rectangular concrete slab, 3 m x 4.5 m, rests on the surface of the soil mass. The load on the
slab is 2025 kN. Determine the vertical stress at a depth of 3 m
a) Under the center of the slab point A

a) Find the vertical stress increase at the center of slab point A.

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 129 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

The approximate method gives

VERTICAL STRESS CAUSED BY A SQUARE & CONTINOUS FOOTING

https://youtu.be/CtjZrBclqlc

Figure 05.7 – Pressure isobars on based on Boussineq equation for square and
continuous footings used to find the pressures along line 1-1

Where:
r – distance from center to point
d – depth of point from source of loading at the surface
b – width of loaded area

PROBLEM:
A rectangular concrete slab, 3 m x 4.5 m, rests on the surface of the soil mass. The load on the
slab is 2025 kN. Determine the vertical stress at a depth of 3 m under point B , and at a distance
of 1.5 m from a corner, point C.

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 130 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

At point B
X = 3/3 = 1B
Z = 2.25 / 3 = 0.75 B
= 2 x 150 x 0.158 = 47.4 KPa
At point C
Large rectangle
X = 4.5/3 = 1.5B
Z = 4.5/ 3 = 1.5 B
Small rectangle
X = 1.5/3 = 0.5B
Z = 4.5/ 3 = 1.5 B
0.13 = 150 x ( 0.22 – 0.13) = 13.5 KPa
INFLUENCE CHART FOR VERTICAL PRESSURE
https://youtu.be/5hoZQH2Fo9l
Newmark (1942) presented an influence chart based on Boussinesq’s theory that can be
used to determine the vertical pressure at any point below a uniformly loaded flexible area of
any shape. This chart is based on Eq 5.12. The influence value of the chart is 1/N, where N is
equal to the number of elements. The figure shows 200 elements, thus, the influence value is
i = 0.005.
Eq 5.14
Where i is the influence value, q is the pressure on the loaded area, and N is the number of
elements of the chart enclosed be the plan of the loaded area.
The procedure for obtaining the value of N to be used in Eq 5.14:
1. Determine the depth z below the loaded area where the stress increase is desired.
2. Plot the plan of the loaded area with a scale of z equal to the unit length AB of the chart.

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 131 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

(i.e. if depth z = 4 m, then AB = 4 m)

3. Place the plan on the influence chart in a manner such that the point below which the
stress is required is located at the center of the chart.
4. Count the number of elements (N) of the chart enclosed by the plan of the loaded area. If
certain segments are not fully covered , you can estimate what fraction is covered .

Ex. A rectangular concrete slab, 3m x 4.5m shown in the figure, rests on the surface of a soil
mass. The load on the slab is 1620KN. Determine:
a) The vertical stress increase at pt. A
b) The vertical stress increase at pt. B

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 132 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

 Vertical stress at A using Newmark’s influence chart.

Z = 3m

From the chart the number of elements N is about 21.6 x 4 = 86.4

= iqN
= 0.005(120)(86.4)
= 51.84 KPa
 Vertical stress at B using Newmark’s influence chart.
Z = 3m

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 133 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

From the chart, the number of elements N is about 31 x 2 = 62

= iqN
= 0.005(120)(62)
= 37.2 KPa

Fig. Increase in stress below the center of the circular area

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 134 of

134
 SOIL MECHANICS

CE414: Soil Mechanics Page 135 of

134