Prepared by: Dr. Rafi' M.

Sulaiman Al-Ne'aimi

CHAPTER 4 Civil Engineering Department – College of Engineering

Duhok University - 2014

STRESSES IN SOIL MASS

4.1 DEFIFINTIONS
• VERTTICAL STRESS
Occurs due to internal or external applied load such as, overburden pressure, weight of
structure and earthquake loads.

• HORIZONTAL STRESS
Occurs due to vertical stress or earth pressure, water pressure, wind loads or earthquake
horizontal loads.

• ISOBAR
It is a contour connecting all points below the ground surface of equal intensity of pressure.

• PRESSURE BULB
The zone in a loaded soil mass bounded by an isobar of a given pressure intensity is called
a pressure bulb for that intensity.

4.2 CONTACT PRESSURE

The analysis of Borowicka (1938) shows that the distribution of contact stress was
dependent on a non-dimensional factor defined as:
1 ⎛ 1− ν 2s ⎞⎛ E f ⎞⎛ T ⎞ 3
kr = ⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟⎟⎜ ⎟ ……....................……….….…..(4.1)
6 ⎜⎝ 1 − ν 2 f ⎟⎜ E
⎠⎝ s ⎠⎝ b ⎠
where: ν s and ν f = Poisson's ratio for soil and foundation materials, respectively,
E s and E f = Young's modulus for soil and foundation materials, respectively,
T = thickness of foundation,
B = half-width for strip footing; or radius for circular footing,
k r = 0 indicates a perfectly flexible foundation; or
∞ means a perfectly rigid foundation.

The actual soil pressures distributions of rigid and flexible footings resting on sand and clay soils
are shown in Figures (4.1 and 4.2).
Foundation Engineering
g Chapter 4: Sttresses in Soil Mass

(a)) Flexible (b) Rigid

Fig
gure (4.1): Foundations
F s on sand.

(a)) Flexible (b) Rigid

Fig
gure (4.2): Foundations
F s on clay.

4.3 AS
SSUMPT
TIONS: The
T soil is asssumed as:
(1) Semi-infinite in extent; x and y are innfinite but thhe depth z haas a limit vallue (Half-spaace),
S
(2) Issotropic; thee soil has sam
me properties in all direcctions,
(3) H
Homogeneou us,
(4) E
Elastic and ob beys Hook's law; the soiil has linear relationship,
(5) S
Stresses at a point
p due to more than one
o surface load are obtaained by superposition, and a
(6) N
Negative valuues of loadinng can be useed if the streesses due to excavations were requirred or
thhe principle of superposiition was useed.

SS INCR
STRES REASE DUE
D TO
O DIFFER
RENT LO
OADING
G
(1) POINT
P LO
OAD
• BOUSSINES
B SQ METHO OD FOR HO OMOGENE EOUS SOIL L:
This method can be used forr point loadss acts directlly at or outsside the centter. For a ceentral
load actinng on the su urface, its nature at deppth z and raddius r accorrding to (sim
mple radial stress
s
distribution) is a cylin
nder in two--dimensionall condition and
a a sphere in three-dim mensional caase.

2
Foundation Engineering Chapter 4: Stresses in Soil Mass

Q Q
G.S. G.S.

Isobars σz Z

Stress bulb
r

Figure (4.3): Vertical stress due to point load.

The vertical stress increase below or outside the point of load application is calculated as:
Q
σz = A b ……...........................……….………...…….…...(4.2)
.z 2
3 / 2π.
where: A b =
5/ 2
⎡ r 2⎤
⎢⎣1 + ( )
z ⎥⎦

• WESTERGAARD METHOD FOR STRATIFIED SOIL:

Q (1 − 2μ) /( 2 − 2μ)
σz =
2π.z 2 ⎧ r 2⎫
3/ 2
⎨[(1 − 2μ) /( 2 − 2μ)] + ( ) ⎬
⎩ z ⎭
……......................(4.3a)
where: μ = Poisson's ratio.
Q
when μ = 0: σz = A W …….........................……….………...…….….(4.3b)
.z 2
1 / π.
where: A W =
3/ 2
; Values of A W can be tabulated for different values of μ as:
⎡ r 2⎤
⎢⎣1 + 2( z ) ⎥⎦

AW
r/z
μ =0 μ = 0.4
0.0 0.3183 0.9549
0.2 0.2836 0.6916
0.8 0.0925 0.0897 Note that :
1.0 0.0613 0.0516 At (r/z ≈ 1.8 ) both Boussinessq
2.0 0.0118 0.0076 and Westergaard methods give
3.0 0.0038 0.0023
equal values of σ z .
4.0 0.0017 0.0010

3
Foundation Engineering
g Chapter 4: Sttresses in Soil Mass

Example e (4.1): A concentrateed point loadd Q acts verrtically at thee ground surrface. Deterrmine
thhe vertical sttress σ z for each of the following caases:
a. Along
A the dep pth for r = 2m
m, and
b. At
A depth z = 2m. 2

Q 3 / 2π.
Solution: From Bousssinesq’s equuation: σz = Ab where: A b =
.z 2 ⎡ r 2⎤
5/ 2

⎢⎣1 + ( z ) ⎥⎦
(a) For r = 2m,, the valuess of σ z at various
v arbiitrarily seleccted depths are given inn the
foollowing table and the diistribution of σ z with deepth is show
wn in Figure (4.4 a).

z (m)) r/z Ab z2 Q / z2 σ z (Q / m 2 )
0.0 ∞ 0 0 ∞ Indeterminate
e
0.4 5.0 0.00014 0.16 6.250Q
6 0.0009Q
0.8 2.5 0.00337 0.64 1
1.563Q 0.0053Q
1.2 1.67 0.01712 1.44 0
0.694Q 0.0119Q
1.6 1.25 0.04543 2.56 0
0.391Q 0.0178Q
2.0 1.00 0.08440 4.00 0
0.250Q 0.0211Q
2.4 0.83 0.12775 5.76 0
0.174Q 0.0222Q
2.8 0.71 0.17035 7.84 0
0.128Q 0.217Q
3.6 0.56 0.24372 12.96 0.0772Q 0.0188Q
5.0 0.40 0.32946 25.00 0.0400Q 0.0132Q
10.0 0.20 0.43287 100.00 0.0100Q 0.0043Q

e (4.4 a): σ z distribution with depth at

Figure a
a fixxed radial distance
d from
m
poinnt of surface
e load.

4
Foundation Engineering
g Chapter 4: Sttresses in Soil Mass

At depth z = 2m, the values of σ z for

(b) A f various horizontal
h diistances of r are given inn the
foollowing table and the diistribution of σ z with r is shown inn Figure (4.4
4 b).

r (m) r/z Ab z2 Q / z2 σ z (Q / m 2 )
0.0 0 0.47746 4.0 0.25Q
0 0.1194Q
0.4 0.2 0.43287 4.0 0
0.25Q 0.1082Q
0.8 0.4 0.32946 4.0 0
0.25Q 0.0824Q
1.2 0.6 0.22136 4.0 0
0.25Q 0.0553Q
1.6 0.8 0.13862 4.0 0
0.25Q 0.0347Q
2.0 1.0 0.08440 4.0 0
0.25Q 0.0211Q
2.4 1.2 0.05134 4.0 0
0.25Q 0.0129Q
2.8 1.4 0.03168 4.0 0
0.25Q 0.0079Q
3.6 1.8 0.01290 4.0 0
0.25Q 0.0032Q
5.0 2.5 0.00337 4.0 0
0.25Q 0.0008Q
10.0 5.0 0.00014 4.0 0
0.25Q 0.0001Q

Figure
F b σ z distrib
(4.4 b): bution with depth
d at a fixxed radial
distancee from point of surface lo oad.

Example
e (4.2): Q, is a concenttrated point load acts vertically at thhe ground suurface. Deterrmine
the verticaal stress σ z for variouss values of horizontal
h diistances r annd at z = 1, 2, 3,
and 4m, thhen plot the σ z distributtion for all z depths.
Q 3 / 2π.
Solution: From Bou
ussinesq’s eqquation: σz = Ab where: A b =
.z 2 ⎡ r 2⎤
5/ 2

⎢⎣1 + ( z ) ⎥⎦
σ z for z = 1, 2, 3, and 4m depths d is giiven in the following tables and their
ons with horizontal distaances are shoown in Figurre (4.5).
distributio

5
Foundation Engineering Chapter 4: Stresses in Soil Mass

z=1m
r (m) r/z Ab z2 Q / z2 σ z (Q / m 2 )
0.0 0 0.47746 1.0 Q 0.47746Q
0.4 0.4 0.32946 1.0 Q 0.32946Q
0.8 0.8 0.13862 1.0 Q 0.13862Q
1.2 1.2 0.05134 1.0 Q 0.05134Q
1.6 1.6 0.01997 1.0 Q 0.01997Q
2.0 2.0 0.00854 1.0 Q 0.00854Q
2.4 2.4 0.00402 1.0 Q 0.00402Q
2.8 2.8 0.00206 1.0 Q 0.00206Q
3.6 3.6 0.00066 1.0 Q 0.00066Q
5.0 5.0 0.00014 1.0 Q 0.00014Q

z=2m
r (m) r/z Ab z2 Q / z2 σ z (Q / m 2 )
0.0 0 0.47746 4.0 0.25Q 0.1194Q
0.4 0.2 0.43287 4.0 0.25Q 0.1082Q
0.8 0.4 0.32946 4.0 0.25Q 0.0824Q
1.2 0.6 0.22136 4.0 0.25Q 0.0553Q
1.6 0.8 0.13862 4.0 0.25Q 0.0347Q
2.0 1.0 0.08440 4.0 0.25Q 0.0211Q
2.4 1.2 0.05134 4.0 0.25Q 0.0129Q
2.8 1.4 0.03168 4.0 0.25Q 0.0079Q
3.6 1.8 0.01290 4.0 0.25Q 0.0032Q
5.0 2.5 0.00337 4.0 0.25Q 0.0008Q

z=3m
r (m) r/z Ab z2 Q / z2 σ z (Q / m 2 )
0.0 0 0.47746 9.0 Q/9 0.0531Q
0.4 0.1333 0.45630 9.0 Q/9 0.0507Q
0.8 0.2666 0.40200 9.0 Q/9 0.0447Q
1.2 0.4000 0.32950 9.0 Q/9 0.0366Q
1.6 0.5333 0.25555 9.0 Q/9 0.0284Q
2.0 0.6666 0.19060 9.0 Q/9 0.0212Q
2.4 0.8000 0.13862 9.0 Q/9 0.0154Q
2.8 0.9333 0.09983 9.0 Q/9 0.0111Q
3.6 1.2000 0.05134 9.0 Q/9 0.0057Q
5.0 3.3333 0.01710 9.0 Q/9 0.0019Q

6
Foundation Engineering
g Chapter 4: Sttresses in Soil Mass

z=4m
r (m) r/z Ab z2 Q / z2 σ z (Q / m 2 )
0.0 0 0.47746 16 Q/16 0.02984Q
0.4 0.1 0.46573 16 Q/16 0.02911Q
0.8 0.2 0.43287 16 Q/16 0.02705Q
1.2 0.3 0.38492 16 Q/16 0.02406Q
1.6 0.4 0.32946 16 Q/16 0.02059Q
2.0 0.5 0.27332 16 Q/16 0.01708Q
2.4 0.6 0.22136 16 Q/16 0.01384Q
2.8 0.7 0.17619 16 Q/16 0.01101Q
3.6 0.9 0.10833 16 Q/16 0.00677Q
5.0 1.25 0.04543 16 Q/16 0.00284Q

Figure (4.5):
( σ z distribution with
h horizontal distance fro
om point of surface
s load at several depths.

7
Foundation Engineering Chapter 4: Stresses in Soil Mass

Example (4.3): An elastic soil medium of (4m x 3m) rectangular area is shown in figure. If the
area is divided into 4 elementary areas of (2m x 1.5m) each that subjected at its
surface a concentrated loads of (30 ton) at its centroid, use the Boussinesq’s equation
to find the vertical pressure at a depth of 6m below:

1. the center of the area,

2. one corner of the area. 30 30

A B
30 30
3m

1.5m D C

2m
4m

Solution:
Q 3 / 2π.
σz = where: A b =
[1 + (r / z) ]
From Boussinesq’s equation: Ab
.z 2 2 5/ 2

(a) At the center of the area:

r = 1.25m, r/z = 1.25/6 = 0.208

[
A b = 3 / 2π. / . 1 + (0.208) 2 ]5/ 2
= 0.4293 , σ z (One.element) =
30
(0.4293) = 0.35775
6 2 rA
T/m2 rB
σ z (Total) = (4).0.35775 = 1.43 T/m2 rD rC

At one corner of the area:

Elementary Q
r (m) r/z Ab σz = Ab
area .z 2
A 3.750 0.625 0.209 0.174
B 2.462 0.410 0.324 0.270
C 1.250 0.208 0.429 0.358
D 3.092 0.515 0.265 0.221
1.023 T/m2
∑

8
Foundation Engineering Chapter 4: Stresses in Soil Mass

(2) 2:1 APPROXIMATION METHOD for depths < 2.5 (width of loaded area):
Total load on the surface = q.B.L; and Area at depth z = (L + z) (B + z)

q.B.L
σz = ......................…...…….………...…….…...(4.4)
(L + z)(B + z)
q/unit area

Type of footing Area, A z

B
Square (B + z)2
L
Rectangular (B + z)(L + z)
2 z 2
Circular π( D + z ) 2 / 4
Strip or wall (B + z).1 1 1 B+z
L + z

Figure (4.6): 2:1 Stress distribution method.

(3) UNIFORMLY LOADED LINE OF FINITE LENGTH:

Figure (4.7) shows a line load of equal intensity q applied at the surface. For an element
selected at an arbitrary fixed point in the soil mass, an expression for σ z could be derived by
integrating Boussinesq’s expression for point load as:

Q
σz = Po ……...........................……….………...…….…...(4.5)
.z 2
where:
⎡ ⎛
3⎤
⎞
Po =
1 ⎢ 3n
−⎜
n ⎟ ⎥
2π(m2 + 1) 2 ⎢ n 2 + 1 + m2 ⎜⎝ n 2 + 1 + m2 ⎟
⎠
⎥
⎣⎢ ⎦⎥
m = x / z , and n = y / z

Values of Po for various

combinations of m and n
are given in Table (4.1).

Figure (4.7): Vertical stress σ z induced by

Line loads of finite length.

9
 Foundation Engineering Chapter 4: Stresses in Soil Mass

Table (4.1): Influence values P0 for case of uniform line load of finite length.

m 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.2 1.4

0.0 0.04735 0.09244 0.13342 0.16917 0.19929 0.22398 0.24379 0.25947 0.27176 0.28135 0.29464 0.30277
0.1 0.04619 0.09020 0.13023 0.16520 0.19470 0.21892 0.23839 0.25382 0.26593 0.27539 0.28853 0.29659
0.2 0.04294 0.08391 0.12127 0.15403 0.18178 0.20466 0.22315 0.23787 0.24947 0.25857 0.27127 0.27911
0.3 0.03820 0.07472 0.10816 0.13764 0.16279 0.18367 0.20066 0.21429 0.22511 0.23365 0.24566 0.25315
0.4 0.03271 0.06406 0.09293 0.11855 0.14058 0.15905 0.17423 0.18651 0.19634 0.20418 0.21532 0.22235
0.5 0.02715 0.05325 0.07742 0.09904 0.11782 0.13373 0.14694 0.15775 0.16650 0.17354 0.18368 0.19018
0.6 0.02200 0.04322 0.06298 0.08081 0.09646 0.10986 0.12112 0.13045 0.13809 0.14430 0.15339 0.15931
0.7 0.01752 0.03447 0.05035 0.06481 0.07762 0.08872 0.09816 0.10608 0.11265 0.11805 0.12607 0.13140
0.8 0.01379 0.02717 0.03979 0.05136 0.06172 0.07080 0.07862 0.08525 0.09082 0.09546 0.10247 0.10722
0.9 0.01078 0.02128 0.03122 0.04041 0.04872 0.05608 0.06249 0.06800 0.07268 0.07663 0.08268 0.08687
1.0 0.00841 0.01661 0.02441 0.03169 0.03832 0.04425 0.04948 0.05402 0.05793 0.06126 0.06645 0.07012
1.2 0.00512 0.01013 0.01495 0.01949 0.02369 0.02752 0.03097 0.03403 0.03671 0.03905 0.04281 0.04558
1.4 0.00316 0.00626 0.00927 0.01213 0.01481 0.01730 0.01957 0.02162 0.02345 0.02508 0.02777 0.02983
1.6 0.00199 0.00396 0.00587 0.00770 0.00944 0.01107 0.01258 0.01396 0.01522 0.01635 0.01828 0.01979
1.8 0.00129 0.00256 0.00380 0.00500 0.00615 0.00724 0.00825 0.00920 0.01007 0.01086 0.01224 0.01336
2.0 0.00085 0.00170 0.00252 0.00333 0.00410 0.00484 0.00554 0.00619 0.00680 0.00736 0.00836 0.00918
2.5 0.00034 0.00067 0.00100 0.00133 0.00164 0.00194 0.00224 0.00252 0.00278 0.00303 0.00349 0.00389
3.0 0.00015 0.00030 0.00045 0.00060 0.00074 0.00088 0.00102 0.00115 0.00127 0.00140 0.00162 0.00183
4.0 0.00004 0.00008 0.00012 0.00016 0.00020 0.00024 0.00027 0.00031 0.00035 0.00038 0.00045 0.00051

m 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.5 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 8.0 10.0 ∞
0.0 0.30784 0.31107 0.31318 0.31593 0.31707 0.31789 0.31813 0.31822 0.31828 0.31830 0.31831
0.1 0.30161 0.30482 0.30692 0.30966 0.31080 0.31162 0.31186 0.31195 0.31201 0.31203 0.31204
0.2 0.28402 0.28716 0.28923 0.29193 0.29307 0.29388 0.29412 0.29421 0.29427 0.29428 0.29430
0.3 0.25788 0.26092 0.26293 0.26558 0.26670 0.26750 0.26774 0.26783 0.26789 0.26790 0.26792
0.4 0.22683 0.22975 0.23169 0.23426 0.23535 0.23614 0.23638 0.23647 0.23653 0.23654 0.23656
0.5 0.19438 0.19714 0.19899 0.20147 0.20253 0.20331 0.20354 0.20363 0.20369 0.20371 0.20372
0.6 0.16320 0.16578 0.16753 0.16990 0.17093 0.17169 0.17192 0.17201 0.17207 0.17208 0.17210
0.7 0.13496 0.13735 0.13899 0.14124 0.14224 0.14297 0.14320 0.14329 0.14335 0.14336 0.14338
0.8 0.11044 0.11264 0.11416 0.11628 0.11723 0.11795 0.11818 0.11826 0.11832 0.11834 0.11835
0.9 0.08977 0.09177 0.0318 0.09517 0.09608 0.09677 0.09699 0.09708 0.09713 0.9715 0.09716
1.0 0.07270 0.07452 0.07580 0.07766 0.07852 0.07919 0.07941 0.07949 0.07955 0.07957 0.07958
1.2 0.04759 0.04905 0.05012 0.05171 0.05248 0.05310 0.05330 0.05338 0.05344 0.05345 0.05347
1.4 0.03137 0.03253 0.03340 0.03474 0.03542 0.03598 0.03617 0.03625 0.03630 0.03632 0.03633
1.6 0.02097 0.02188 0.02257 0.02368 0.02427 0.02478 0.02496 0.02504 0.02509 0.02510 0.02512
1.8 0.01425 0.01496 0.01551 0.01643 0.01694 0.01739 0.01756 0.01765 0.01768 0.01769 0.01771
2.0 0.00986 0.01041 0.01085 0.01160 0.01203 0.01244 0.01259 0.01266 0.01271 0.01272 0.01273
2.5 0.00424 0.00453 0.00477 0.00523 0.00551 0.00581 0.00593 0.00599 0.00603 0.00605 0.00606
3.0 0.00201 0.00217 0.00231 0.00258 0.00277 0.00298 0.00307 0.00312 0.00316 0.00317 0.00318
4.0 0.00057 0.00063 0.00068 0.00078 0.00086 0.00096 0.00102 0.00105 0.00108 0.00109 0.00110

10
Foundation Engineering Chapter 4: Stresses in Soil Mass

Problem (4.4): Given: q = 100 kN/m.

Find: The vertical stress σ z at points 0, 1, and 2 shown in Fig. (4.8)?

3.2m
y
2m q
G.S.

4m
0 1 2
x
1m 3m

z
Figure (4.8): Uniformly line surface load of finite length.
Solution:

(a) σ z at point (0):

For m = x/z = 2/ 4 = 0.5 and n = y/z = 3.2/ 4 = 0.8 from Table (4.1): P0 = 0.15775
Q 100
σ z ( 0) = P0 = 0.15775 = 3.944.kN / m 2
z 4
q q

1m 2.2m 1m 2.2m
4m

1 1

(a) Left load. (b) Right load.

Figure (4.9): σ z at point (1).

(b) σ z at point (1):

σ z (1) = σ z (1L ) + σ z (1R )
From Fig. (4.9-a)
For m = x/z = 2/ 4 = 0.5 and n = y/z = 1/ 4 = 0.25 from Table (4.1): P0 = 0.06534
Q 100
σ z (1L) = P0 = (0.06534) = 1.634.kN / m 2
z 4
From Fig. (4.9-b)

11
Foundation Engineering Chapter 4: Stresses in Soil Mass

For m = x/z = 2/ 4 = 0.5 and n = y/z = 2.2/ 4 = 0.55 from Table (4.1): P0 = 0.12578
Q 100
σ z (1R ) = P0 = (0.12578) = 3.144.kN / m 2
z 4
σ z (1) = σ z (1L ) + σ z (1R ) = 1.634 + 3.144 = 4.778.kN / m 2

q q

3.2m 0.8m
Extension
4m 4m

2 2
(a) (b)
Figure (4.10): σ z at point (2).

(c) σ z at point (2):

σ z ( 2) = σ z ( 2L ) − σ z ( 2R )
From Fig. (4.10-a):
For m = x/z = 2/ 4 = 0.5 and n = y/z = 4/ 4 = 1.0 from Table (4.1): P0 = 0.1735
From Fig. (4.10-b):
For m = x/z = 2/ 4 = 0.5 and n = y/z = 0.8/ 4 = 0.2 from Table (4.1): P0 = 0.0532
100
σ z ( 2) = σ z ( 2 L ) − σ z ( 2 R ) = (0.1735 − 0.0532) = 3.01.kN / m 2
4

Problem (4.5): Given: Two walls loaded as shown in Fig..

Find: the vertical stress σ z at z = 8m below point A?

30m
C
B
Solution: q = 60 kN / m 3m
4m
Wall BC:
26m: For m = x/z = 3/ 8 = 0.375 and n = y/z = 26/ 8 = 3.25 A 20m
From Table (4.1): P0 = 0.26
4m: For m = x/z = 3/ 8 = 0.375 and n = y/z = 4/ 8 = 0.5 q = 70 kN / m
From Table (4.1): P0 = 0.15
D
q 60
σ z ( BC) = P0 = (0.26 + 0.15) = 3.10.kN / m 2
z 8

Wall CD:

12
Foundation Engineering Chapter 4: Stresses in Soil Mass

3m: For m = x/z = 4/ 8 = 0.5 and n = y/z = 3/ 8 = 0.375

From Table (4.1): P0 = 0.09
17m: For m = x/z = 4/ 8 = 0.5 and n = y/z = 17/ 8 = 2.125
From Table (4.1): P0 = 0.20
q 70
σ z (CD) = P0 = (009 + 0.20) = 2.50.kN / m 2
z 8

σ z ( A ) = 3.10 + 2.50 = 5.6.kN / m 2

(4) UNIFORMLY LOADED STRIP AREA:

To calculate the vertical stress under uniformly loaded strip area (see Figure 4.11).

B/2
X/B
∆ 1.0 1.5 2.0
0.0
0.95
0.90
0.80
0.5
0.70
0.60

1.0 0.50

0.40
Z/B 1.5

2.0
∆
0.30
∆

2.5

0.20

3.0

Figure (4.11): Pressure bulbs for vertical stresses under strip load.

13
Foundation Engineering Chapter 4: Stresses in Soil Mass

(5) TRIANGULAR LOADED STRIP AREA:

To calculate the vertical stress under triangular loaded strip area (see Figure 4.12).

B/2
∆ X/B
1.0 2.0
0.0
0.9
0.7
0.5
0.4

0.3
1.0

0.2
Z/B

0.15
2.0

∆
0.10
∆
3.0

Figure (4.12): Pressure bulbs for vertical stresses under triangular strip load.

(6) UNIFORMLY LOADED CIRCULAR AREA:

2r

2π 5/ 2
3q ⎡ 1 ⎤ G.S.
qo
σz = ∫ ⎢ ⎥ dA
θ=0 .2 π.z 2
⎢
⎣1 + ( r / z ) 2
⎥⎦ r
σz
z
1 2
where, dA = r .d θ ; which after integrating and simplifying leads to:
2 x
I.xq o
σz = …........................................................…...…..…...(4.5)
100

where, I = Influence factor depends on (z/r and x/r); expressed in percentage of surface contact
pressure, q o , for vertical stress under uniformly loaded circular area (see Figure
4.13).

14
Foundation Engineering
g Chapter 4: Sttresses in Soil Mass

Figure (4
4.13): Influence values expresse
ed in percen
ntage of surface conta
act pressuree for
vertical stress under uniformly loaaded circullar area (af
after Foster and
Ahlviin, 1954, as cited by U.SS. Navy, 19771).

Problem
m (٤.6):
2
Given: A circular areea, r = 1.6m, induces a so
oil pressure at the surfacce of 100 kN
N/m .
Find: thee vertical strress σ z at:
(a) z = 2m
2 directly under
u the cennter of the ciircular area.
(b) z = 2m
2 below andd 2m away from f the cennter of the cirrcle.

Solution:
a. For z//r = 2/1.6 = 1.25 and x//r = 0; from Fig. (4.13):: I = 52
I.q o 52.((100)
σz = = = 52 kN/m2.
100 100
b. For z//r = 2/1.6 = 1.25 and x//r = 2/1.6 = 1.25;
1 F (4.13): I = 22
from Fig.
I.q o 22.((100)
σz = = = 22 kN/m2.
100 1000

15
Foundation Engineering Chapter 4: Stresses in Soil Mass

(6) UNIFORMLY LOADED RECTANGULAR OR SQUARE AREA:

The vertical stress increase below the corner of a flexible rectangular or square loaded area
is calculated as:
σ z = I.q o …...................................................................…..…...(4.6)

where, I = influence factor, depends on (m = B/z, and n = L/z) obtained from (Figure 4.14).

qo B
B
qo
L L 4
3
G.S. G.S.
1
2

Z
Z

Example (1): σ z = I.q o Example (2): σ z = q o [ I1 + I 2 + I 3 + I 4 ]

d f a
qo

c e b

Example (3): σ z ( a ) = q o [I abcd − I abef ]

Examples for Vertical stress under the corner of a uniformly loaded rectangular area.

16
Foundation Engineering
g Chapter 4: Sttresses in Soil Mass

Figurre (4.14): Va
alues of I fo or vertical stress
s below
w the corneer
of a flexible re
ectangular area (after Fadum,
F 1948)).

Problem
m (4.7): Thhe plan of a foundationn is given inn the Fig. below.
b The uniform coontact
pressure is 40 kN/m2. Determine thet vertical stress increm
ment due to the
t foundatiion at
a depth off (5m) below
w the point (xx).

1.5m 1.5m

2m 3

2 4 0
0.5m
x
2m
1

3m 3m 3m
m

17
Foundation Engineering Chapter 4: Stresses in Soil Mass

Solution:

• Using Fig. (4.14) the following table of results can be prepared for z = 5m

Segment B L m = B/z n = L/z I

1 1.5 4.5 0.3 0.9 0.077
2 0.5 4.5 0.1 0.9 0.027
3 1.5 2.5 0.3 0.5 0.056
4 0.5 1.5 0.1 0.3 0.013

σ z = I.q o = (2)(40)[ 0.077 + 0.027 + 0.056 - 0.013] = 11.76 kN/m2

Problem (4.8): Determine the vertical stress increase at points (A) and (B) due to the loaded
area shown in Fig. knowing that A and B points are located at depth of (5m) below
the foundation level.
3m 2m 2m

q 1 = 100

1 2 3m

q 2 = 200 3 B
Solution:

(1) for point A:

• For half-circular area:
From Fig. (4.13): for z = 5m, z/r = 5/1 = 5 and x/r = 0: I1 = 5.7
• For rectangular loaded area:
From Fig. (4.14): for z = 5m, m = B/z = 3/5 = 0.6 and n = L/z = 4/5 = 0.8: I2 = 0.125
for z = 5m, m = B/z = 3/5 = 0.6 and n = L/z =3/5 = 0.6: I3 = 0.107
∴ σ z = (0.5)(200)(5.7/100) + (100)(0.125 + 0.107) = 28.9 kN/m2

(2) for point B:

• For half-circular area:
From Fig. (4.13): for z = 5m, z/r = 5/1 = 5 and x/r = 3/1 = 3: I1= 2.7
• For rectangular loaded area:
From Fig. (4.14): for z = 5m, m = B/z = 3/5 = 0.6 and n = L/z = 7/5 = 1.4: I2 = 0.147
∴ σ z = (0.5)(200)(2.7/100) + (100)(0.147) = 17.4 kN/m2

18
Foundation Engineering
g Chapter 4: Sttresses in Soil Mass

(7) TR
RIANGUL
LAR LOAD
D OF LIM
MITED LEN
NGTH:

The vertical streess under thee corners of a triangular load of limitted length is calculated as:
a

σ z = I.q o …................
… ......................................................…..…...((4.7)

where, I = influencee factor, depeends on (m = L/z, and n = B/z) obtaiined from (F

Figure 4.15)).
y

qo L
G.S.
x
B
Z m = L/Z, n = B/Z,
B σ z = I.q o

Verrtical stress
s under the corner of a triangular
ad of limited length.
loa

Figure (4
4.15): Influe
ence values s for vertical stress undder the cornners
of a trriangular lo
oad of limite
ed length (af
after U.S. Navy
vy, 971).

19
Foundation Engineering
g Chapter 4: Sttresses in Soil Mass

(8) EM
MBANKME
ENT LOA
ADING:
The vertical streess under emmbankment looading is callculated as:
σ z = I.q o …................
… ......................................................…..…...((4.8)
where, I = influencee factor depeends on (a/z, and b/z) dettermined froom (Figure 4.16). 4

b a

qo
G.S. x

Z I = f (a/z, b/z);; σ z = I.q o

Verrtical stress
s under emb
bankment lo
oading.

F
Figure (4.16): Influence
e factor for embankmen
e nt loading (after
( Osterbeerg, 1957).

20
Foundation Engineering Chapter 4: Stresses in Soil Mass

Problem (4.9): An embankment of (3m) high is to be constructed as shown in the figure

3
below. If the unit weight of compacted soil is 19 kN/m , calculate the vertical stress
due to the embankment loading at (A), (B), and (C) points.

6m
4.5m 1.5m 1.5m

1: 1 slope 3m 1: 1 slope

γ soil = 19 kN/m3
3m

C B A
Solution:

(1) Vertical stress at A:

From Fig. (4.17a): σ zA = σ z (1) + σ z ( 2)
Left-hand section: b/z = 1.5/3 = 0.5 and a/z = 3/3 = 1.0, from Fig. (4.16); I1 = 0.396
Right-hand section: b/z = 4.5/3 = 1.5 and a/z = 3/3 = 1.0, from Fig. (4.16); I 2 = 0.477
σ zA = ( I1 + I 2 )q = [0.396 + 0.477](19)(3) = 49.761 kN/m2

(2) Vertical stress at B:

From Fig. (4.17b): σ zB = σ z (1) + σ z ( 2) − σ z (3)
Left-hand section: b/z = 0/3 = 0 and a/z = 1.5/3 = 0.5, from Fig. (4.16); I1 = 0.140
Middle section: b/z =7.5/3 = 2.5 and a/z = 3/3 = 1.0, from Fig. (4.16); I 2 = 0.493
Right-hand section: b/z = 0/3 = 0 and a/z = 1.5/3 = 0.5, from Fig. (4.16); I 3 = 0.140
σ zB = (I1.q1 ) + (I 2 .q 2 ) − (I 3 .q 3 )
= (0.14)(19)(1.5) + (0.493)(19)(3) - (0.14)(19)(1.5) = 28.101 kN/m2

(3) Vertical stress at C:

Using Fig. (4.17c): σ zC = σ z (1) − σ z ( 2)
Left-hand section, b/z = 12/3 = 4 and a/z = 3/3 = 1.0, from Fig. (4.16); I1 = 0.498.
Right-hand section, b/z = 3/3 = 1.0 and a/z = 3/3 = 1.0, from Fig. (4.16); I 2 = 0.456.
σ zC = (I1 − I 2 )q = (0.498 - 0.456)(19)(3) = 2.394 kN/m2

21
Foundation Engineering Chapter 4: Stresses in Soil Mass

3m 1.5m 4.5m 3m

3m 3m
+

3m 3m

(a) A
σ z (1) σ z ( 2)

7.5m 3m

+ +
3m
1.5m 1.5m

1.5m 1.5m
3m

(b) B
σ z (1) σ z ( 2) σ z ( 3)

6m 6m 3m 3m

3m 3m

3m
3m

(c) C
σ z (1) σ z ( 2)

Figure (4.17): Solution of Example (4.9).

22
Foundation Engineering Chapter 4: Stresses in Soil Mass

(9) ANY SHAPE LOADED AREA (NEWMARK CHART):

The stress on an elemental area dA of soil due to surface contact pressure q o is calculated
as:
3q o 1
dq = dA
2π.z [1 + (r / z) ]
2 2 5/ 2

r
3q o 2π.r.dr
but dA = 2π.r.dr ∴ q=∫
0 2π.z 2 [1 + (r / z) 2 ] 5 / 2
⎧⎪ 1 ⎫⎪
or q = q o ⎨1 − ⎬
⎪⎩ [1 + ( r / z ) 2 ] 3 / 2 ⎪⎭

(r / z) = (1 − q / q o ) −2 / 3 − 1 …...............................…..…....(4.9)
Prepare a chart on transparent paper with ri circles as follows with 18° sectors:

q / qo 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
(r/z) 0.270 0.400 0.518 0.637 0.766 0.918 1.110 1.387 1.908 ∞

In this case, each circle of the chart is subdivided into 20 units, therefore the number of units for
10 circles = (20 units x 10 circles) = 200 and the influence value ( IV =1/200 = 0.005). If the
scale distance (AB) is assumed = 5 cm, then:

ri (cm) 1.35 2 2.59 3.18 3.83 4.59 5.55 6.94 9.54 ∞

To estimate σ z :

(1) Adopt a scale such that, the scale distance (AB) is equal to the required depth (z),

(2) Based on the scale adopted in (1), replot the plan of the loaded area,

(3) Place the plan plotted in (2) on the Newmark chart in such a way that the point (P) at
which the vertical stress is required,

(4) Count the number of blocks, N of the chart which fall inside the plan, and

(5) calculate σ z as:

σ z = q.(I V ).( N) …........................................................….......(4.10)

where, Iv = Influence value of the chart ( see Figure 4.18).

23
Foundation Engineering
g Chapter 4: Sttresses in Soil Mass

• Important No
otes abou
ut Newma
ark Chartt

a. If the stresss is requiredd at differennt depth, thenn the plan is drawn agaain to a diffferent
scale such thhat the new depth z is eqqual to the distance
d (AB
B) on the chart.

b. The use of Newmark’s

N chart is baseed on a factoor termed thee influence value,
v determ
mined
from the nu
umber of uniits into whicch the chart isi subdividedd. For exammple; Fig.(4.1 18) is
subdivided into 200 uniits (20 units x 10 circless), therefore the influencce value is (11/200
= 0.005). But
B if the serries of rings are subdiviided into 400 units, thenn, IV = 1/4400 =
0.0025.

c. In making a chart, it is necessary that

t the sum of units bettween two concentric
c ciircles
multiplied by
b IV be equual to the chhange in q/qo of the twoo rings. (i.e., if the changge in
two rings iss 0.1 q/qo, theen IV x num
mber of unitss should equual to 0.1).

Figure (4.18):
( Influence chart for computtation of verrtical pressure (after Newmark,
N 1942).

24
Foundation Engineering Chapter 4: Stresses in Soil Mass

Problem (4.10): The foundation plan shown in the figure below is subjected to a uniform
contact pressure of 40 kN/m2. Determine the vertical stress increment due to the
foundation load at (5m) depth below the point (x).

1.5m 1.5m

2m 3

2 4 0.5m
x
2m
1

3m 3m 3m

Solution:

Using Fig. (4.18): N ≈ 58

σ z = q.(I V ).( N) = (40)(0.005)(58) = 11.6 kN/m2

25