PART TWO

Module 1 – STRESSES IN A SOIL MASS

VERTICAL STRESS INCREASE DUE TO EXTERNAL

LOADINGS
Discussion

Estimation of the increase in stress at various points and associate

displacement caused in a soil mass due to external loading using
the theory of elasticity is an important component in the safe
design of the foundations of structures. The ideal assumption of
the theory of elasticity, namely that the medium is homogenous,
elastic, and isotropic, is not quite true for most natural soil
profiles. It does, however, provide a close estimation for
geotechnical engineers and, using proper safety factors, safe
designs can be developed.
Discussion

1. VERTICAL STRESS
CAUSED BY A VERTICAL
LINE LOAD
Problem 1.3a

Figure shows two line loads

on the ground surface.
Determine the increase of
stress at point A.
Discussion

2. VERTICAL STRESS
CAUSED BY A HORIZONTAL
LINE LOAD
Problem 1.4a

An inclined line load with a

magnitude of 1000 lb/ft is
shown in Figure. Determine
the increase of vertical stress
at point A due to the line load.
TRY THIS!

Due to the application of line

loads q1 and q2, the vertical
stress increase, ∆𝜎𝑧 , at A is 30
kN/m2. Determine the
magnitude of q2.
Discussion

3. VERTICAL STRESS
CAUSED BY A VERTICAL
STRIP LOAD
(FINITE WIDTH AND
INFINITE LENGTH)
Discussion

3. VERTICAL STRESS
CAUSED BY A VERTICAL
STRIP LOAD
(FINITE WIDTH AND
INFINITE LENGTH)
Discussion

The following should be kept in mind.

z z
• tan−1 and tan−1 trigonometric functions are
x− B/2 x+ B/2
in radians.
• Equation is valid as shown; that is, for point A, 𝒙 > 𝑩/𝟐.
−1 z
However, for 𝑥 ≤ 𝐵/2, the magnitude of tan
x− B/2
becomes negative. For this case, that should be replaced by 𝜋 +
−1 z
tan .
x− B/2
Problem 1.5a

With reference to the figure,

we are given 𝑞 = 200 kN/m2,
𝐵 = 6 m, and 𝑧 = 3 m.
Determine the vertical stress
increase at 𝑥 = ±9, ±6, ±3, and
0 m.
Problem 1.5b

With reference to the figure,

we are given 𝑞 = 165 kN/m2,
𝐵 = 6 m, and 𝑧 = 3 m.
Determine the vertical stress
increase at 𝑥 = ±8, ±6, ±4, ±2,
and 0 m.
Discussion

3. VERTICAL STRESS
CAUSED BY A VERTICAL
STRIP LOAD
(FINITE WIDTH AND
INFINITE LENGTH)
Discussion
3. VERTICAL STRESS CAUSED BY A VERTICAL STRIP LOAD
(FINITE WIDTH AND INFINITE LENGTH)
Table 10.4 shows the variation of σz/q with 2z/B and 2x/B. This
table can be used conveniently for the calculation of vertical stress
at a point caused by a flexible strip load.
Problem 1.5c
Given: B = 4 m and q = 100
kN/m2. For point A, z = 1 m
and x = 1 m. Determine the
vertical stress increase at A.
Compare the values obtained
from the formula and the table
given.
σz/q = 0.902
Discussion

4. VERTICAL STRESS
CAUSED BY A HORIZONTAL
STRIP LOAD
Problem 1.6a
Given: B = 4 m, z = 1 m, and q =
100 kN/m2. Determine ∆𝜎𝑧 at
points ±1 m.
Problem 1.6b
Consider the inclined strip
load shown in the Figure.
Determine the vertical
stress increase at A (x =
2.25 m, z = 3 m) and B (x =
–2.25 m, z = 3 m). Given:
width of the strip = 3 m.
Ans. 50.53 kPa, 24.27 kPa
Try this!
With reference to Problem 1.6b, determine the vertical Stress
increase at point C (x = 3m, z = 3m) and point D (x = -3m, z = 3m)
Problem 1.6b
Consider the inclined strip
load shown in the Figure.
Determine the vertical
stress increase at A (x =
2.25 m, z = 3 m) and B (x =
–2.25 m, z = 3 m). Given:
width of the strip = 3 m.
Ans. 50.53 kPa, 24.27 kPa
Discussion

5.a VERTICAL STRESS

INCREASE CAUSED BY A
POINT LOAD
(3-Dimension)
Discussion

5.b HORIZONTAL STRESS

INCREASE CAUSED BY A
POINT LOAD
(3-Dimension)
Problem 1.7a
Consider a point load P =
5 kN. Calculate the
vertical stress increase
(∆𝜎𝑧 ) at z = 0, 2 m, 4 m, 6
m, 10 m, and 20 m. Given
x = 3 m and y = 4 m.
Problem 1.7b
Calculate the vertical
stress increase (∆𝜎𝑧 )
at z = 2 m; y = 3 m;
and x = 0, 1, 2, 3, and
4 m.
Assignment

Consider a point load of 5 kN. Given x = 3 m and y = 4 m. Express

your answers in kilopascals.
a) Calculate the vertical stress increase ∆𝜎𝑧 , when z is from 0 to 20
m using an interval of 2 m.
b) Calculate the corresponding horizontal stresses ∆𝜎𝑥 and ∆𝜎𝑦 ,
between the values of z using 𝜇 = 0.33
SOURCES OF THE STRESSES IN THE
GROUND
We divide these sources into two broad categories:
(1) Geostatic Stresses (sometimes called body stresses) are those that occur
due to the weight of the soil above the point being evaluated. These
stresses are naturally present in the ground. However, human activities,
such as placing a fill or making an excavation, can cause them to change.
SOURCES OF THE STRESSES IN THE
GROUND
We divide these sources into two broad categories:
(2) Induced Stresses are those caused by external loads, such as structural
foundations, vehicles, or fluid in a storage tank. These are usually caused
by human activities.
Geostatic Stresses

Vertical Stresses. These stresses are caused by gravity, so the direct result is a
vertical normal stress, 𝜎𝑧 . This vertical normal stress indirectly produces
horizontal normal stresses and shear stresses, which also are important to
geotechnical engineers.
Total Stress, 𝜎𝑧 = Σ 𝛾𝐻
Pore Water Stress, 𝑢 = 𝛾𝑤 ℎ𝑤
Effective Stress, 𝜎𝑧′ = 𝜎𝑧 − 𝑢
Geostatic Stresses

Horizontal Stresses. The horizontal stresses, 𝜎𝑥 and 𝜎𝑦 , are also important for
many engineering analyses. For example, the design of retaining walls
depends on the horizontal stresses in the soil being retained. Most horizontal
stresses are indirectly produced by vertical geostatic and induced stresses.
Theses stresses depends upon the confinement of surrounding soil and rock,
it is dependent upon many factors including soil stiffness, loading history, and
regional geologic forces. We normally characterize the horizontal soil stress in
relation to the vertical stress using the concept of the lateral earth pressure
coefficient, K.
*Note this concept will be presented in details in Lateral Earth Pressure.
Geostatic Stresses

If the ground surface is horizontal, we normally assume the horizontal

geostatic 𝜎𝑥 and 𝜎𝑦 are equal.
Horizontal Stresses
Total Horizontal Stress, 𝜎𝑥 = 𝜎𝑦 = 𝑲𝝈𝒛
Pore Water Stress, 𝑢 = 𝜸𝒘 𝒉𝒘
Effective Horizontal Stress, 𝜎𝑥 ′ = 𝜎𝑦 ′ = 𝑲𝝈𝒛 − 𝒖
Induced Stresses

Civil engineering projects often introduce external loads onto the ground,
thus producing induced stresses. These loads include structural foundations,
vehicles, tanks, stockpiles, and many others. The resulting induced stresses
are often significant, and can be the source of excessive settlement, shear
failure, or other problems.
To distinguish induced stresses, we use the prefix Δ to identify induced
stresses, for example, Δ𝜎𝑧 represents an induced vertical normal stress.
SOURCES OF THE STRESSES IN THE
GROUND
Sample Problem
A proposed vertical point load of
500 kN is to be applied to the 500 kN
ground surface 2m south and 3m
east of point A. Compute all the
total and effective stresses acting
on the vertical and horizontal
planes at Point D. The x-y axes are in
east and south directions
respectively.
Assume K = 0.65 , 𝜇 = 0.40.
Discussion

6. VERTICAL STRESS AT ANY POINT

BELOW A UNIFORMLY LOADED
CIRCULAR AREA
Problem 1.8a

Consider a uniformly loaded flexible circular area on the ground

surface. Given: 𝑅 = 3 m and uniform load 𝑞 = 100 kN/m2.
Calculate the increase in vertical stress at depths of 1.5 m, 3.0 m,
4.5 m, 6.0 m, and 12.0 m below the ground surface for points at
(a) r = 0
(b)r = 4.5 m
ACTIVITY

A vertical point load P is to be applied to a level ground surface. The

underlying soil has the following preconstruction characteristics
Groundwater Table : 1.68 meters
Unit weight above the ground water table : 19.01 kN/m3
Unit weight below the ground water table : 19.48 kN/m3
K = 0.87 and μ = 0.33

The total horizontal stress, σx , at a point is 2.4 meters below the ground
surface and 0.90 meters east of the point load application must not
exceed 50 kPa.
Discussion

7 VERTICAL STRESS CAUSED BY A

RECTANGULARLY LOADED AREA
Boussinesq’s Approach
Discussion

7 VERTICAL STRESS CAUSED BY A

RECTANGULARLY LOADED AREA
Method 1 : Boussinesq’s Approach
Discussion

7 VERTICAL STRESS CAUSED BY A

RECTANGULARLY LOADED AREA
Method 1 : Boussinesq’s Approach
Problem 1.9a
The plan of a uniformly loaded rectangular area is shown in Figure. Determine the
vertical stress increase below point A’ at a depth of z = 4 m.
Problem 1.9b
The plan of a flexible rectangular loaded
area is shown. The uniformly distributed
load on the flexible area, 𝑞 is 100 kN/m2.
Determine the increase in the vertical
stress, ∆𝜎𝑧 , at a depth of 𝑧 = 2 m below
a) Point A
b) Point B
c) Point C
END OF LECTURE