CHAPTER FOUR

STRESSES IN SOIL

Lecture Notes
Soil Mechanics
3rd Class
Up copyrights 2017

Assistant Prof.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Obaidi

 CHAPTER FOUR
STRESSES IN SOIL

4.1 Introduction
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.
In an original soil, it obviously is impossible to keep track of forces at each
contact point. Also, it is necessary to use the concept of stress. Stresses within
the soil are:
1- Geostatic stress: Sub Surface Stresses caused by mass of soil
A. Vertical stress
B. Horizontal Stress
2- Stresses due to surface loading:
A. infinitely loaded area (filling)
B. Point load (concentrated load)
C. Circular loaded area.
D. Rectangular loaded area.
4.2 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

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4.2.1 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  is the soil unit weight
For layered soil:
𝜎𝑣 = 𝛾1 𝑧1 + 𝛾2 𝑧2 + 𝛾3 𝑧3
𝜎𝑣 = ∑ 𝛾𝑖 𝑧𝑖
If the unit weight is varied with depth
𝑧
𝜎𝑣 = ∫ 𝛾𝑖 𝑑𝑧
0

Example (4.1)
For the soil profile, calculate the vertical
stresses at points (A), (B), and (C).
Solution
For point (A), z = 0, thus v = 0
For point (B)
𝜎𝑣 = 𝛾𝑧 = 16.5 * 6 = 99 kN/m2
For point (C)
𝜎𝑣 = ∑ 𝛾𝑖 𝑧𝑖 =16.5*6 +17.8*13 = 330.4 kN/m2
4.2.2 Effective Vertical Stresses

In saturated soils, the normal stress (v) 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
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intergranular stress, and is generally denoted by '. 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:

='+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 (4.2)
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: vA = 0
Pore water pressure uA = 0
Effective stresses = 'vA = 0
At Point B
𝜎𝑣𝐵 = 𝛾𝑧 = 16.5 * 6 = 99 kN/m2
uB = 0
'vB = 99 – 0 = 99 kN/m2
At Point C
𝜎𝑣𝐶 = ∑ 𝛾𝑖 𝑧𝑖 =16.5*6 +19.25*13 = 349.25 kN/m2
uC = 13 * 9.81 = 127.53 kN/m2
'vC = 349.25 – 127.53 = 221.72 kN/m2

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Example (4.3)
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 ' Depth (m) v (kPa) U (kPa) 'v (kPa)
0 0 0 0
computed above are 4 71.2 0 71.2
summarized in Table 6 108.2 19.6 88.6
10 186.2 58.9 127.3
15 281.2 107.9 173.3

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Example (4.4)
Refer to Example 4.2. How high should the water table rise so that the effective

stress at C is 190 kN/m2? Assume sat to be the same for both layers (i.e.,
19.25 kN/m3).
Solution: Let the groundwater table rise be (h) above the present groundwater
table

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4.2.3 Effective Horizontal Stresses
The horizontal geostatic stress can be computed as following:
𝜎′ℎ = 𝑘𝑜 𝜎′𝑣
ko is the coefficient of lateral stress
In sand soil and normally consolidated clay ko < 1.0 = 1 – sin, where  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).

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Overconsolidated Clay:
In this case, the soil has been
subjected to effective stress in its
past stress history. (p'c) is larger
than 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
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Example (4.5)
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, v = 9.81* 2 + 20*2 = 59.62 kN/m 2
Pore water pressure at A u = 9.81* 4 = 39.24 kN/m 2
Effective vertical stress at A 'v = 59.62 - 39.24 = 20.38 kN/m2
Effective horizontal stress at A, 𝜎′ℎ = 𝐾𝜎′𝑣 = 0.7 * 20.8 = 14.266 kN/m2

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

Example (4.6)
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), v = 19* 3 = 57 kN/m2
Pore water pressure at (1), u = 9.81* 0 = 0 kN/m2
Effective vertical stress at (1), 'v = 57 - 0 = 57 kN/m2
Effective horizontal stress at (1), 𝜎′ℎ = 𝑘𝑜 𝜎′𝑣 = 0.45 * 57 = 25.65 kN/m2
Total horizontal stress at (1), h = 'h + u = 25.65 + 0 = 25.65 kN/m2
Point (2)
Total vertical stress at point (2), v = 19* (3+2) = 95 kN/m2
Pore water pressure at (2), u = 9.81* 0 = 0 kN/m2
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Effective vertical stress at (2), 'v = 95 - 0 = 95 kN/m2
Effective horizontal stress at (2), 𝜎′ℎ = 𝑘𝑜 𝜎′𝑣 = 0.45 * 95 = 42.72 kN/m2
Total horizontal stress at (2), h = 'h + u = 42.72 + 0 = 42.72 kN/m2
Point (3)
Total vertical stress at point (3), 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), 'v = 179 – 39.24 = 139.76 kN/m2
Effective horizontal stress at (3), 𝜎′ℎ = 𝑘𝑜 𝜎′𝑣 = 0.40 * 139.76 = 55.9 kN/m2
Total horizontal stress at (3), h = 'h + u= 55.9 + 39.24 = 95.14 kN/m2
4.3 Capillary Rise in Soils
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

where
T=surface tension (force / length)
= angle of contact
d = diameter of the capillary tube
w = unit weight of water
For pure water and clean glass,  = 0. Thus, above Eq. becomes

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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

The general relationship between total stress, effective stress and pore water
pressure was given as  = ' + u
The pore water pressure (u) at a point in a layer of soil fully saturated by a
capillary rise is equal to -wh (h = height of the point under consideration

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measured from the groundwater table) with the atmospheric pressure taken
as a datum.
Example (4.7)
A soil profile is shown in. Given: H1 = 1.83 m, H2 = 0.91 m, H3 = 1.83 m. Plot
the variation of , ', and u with depth.
Solution
Determination of Unit Weight
Dry sand:

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Civil Eng. Dept. – College of Eng. Soil Mechanics Assistant Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Obaidi
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Example (4.8)
For the soil profile shown draw , ', and u with
depth
Solution
First find the unit of the soils

Clay layer t = (1+) d

= (1+0.12)*18 = 20.16 kN/m3

𝐺𝑠 +𝑆.𝑒
Silt layer,𝛾𝑡 = 𝛾𝑤
1+𝑒
2.71+0.7∗0.6
𝛾𝑡 = *9.81 = 19.2 kN/m3
1+0.6
At capillary zone
𝐺𝑠 +𝑆.𝑒 2.71+1∗0.6
𝛾𝑠𝑎𝑡 = 𝛾𝑤 = ∗ 9.81 = 20.3 kN/m3
1+𝑒 1+0.6
Sand layer
𝑛 0.33
𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑛 = = = 0.493
1−𝑛 1 − 0.33
𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑥 − 𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 0.75 − 𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑
𝑅𝐷 = = 0.72 = → 𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑑 = 0.565
𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑥 − 𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑛 0.75 − 0.493
𝐺𝑠 +𝑆.𝑒 2.68+1∗0.565
𝛾𝑠𝑎𝑡 = 𝛾𝑤 = ∗ 9.81= 20.34 kN/m3
1+𝑒 1+0.565
Calculation of stresses
At point A
Total vertical stress, v = 20.16 * 3 = 60.48 kN/m2
Pore water pressure, u = 9.81* 0 = 0 kN/m2
Effective vertical stress, 'v = 60.48 - 0 = 60.48 kN/m2
At point B
Total vertical stress, v = 20.16 * 3 + 19.2 * 3 = 118.08 kN/m2
Pore water pressure, u = - 9.81* 2 = - 19.62 kN/m2
Effective vertical stress, 'v = 118.08 + 19.62 = 137.7 kN/m2
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At point C
Total vertical stress, v =20.16 * 3 +19.2 * 3 +20.3 * 2 = 158.68 kN/m 2
Pore water pressure, u = 9.81* 0 = 0 kN/m2
Effective vertical stress, 'v = 158.68 - 0 = 158.68 kN/m2
At point D
Total vertical stress, v =158.68 + 20.35 * 4 = 240.08 kN/m2
Pore water pressure, u = 9.81* 4 = 39.24 kN/m2
Effective vertical stress, 'v = 240.08 - 39.24 = 200.84 kN/m2

Stresses
-50 0 50 100 150 200 250 300
0

4
Depth (m)

6 Total Stress
Pore water pressure
8 Effective stress
10

12

14

Important Note
The effective stress principle is probably the most important concept in
geotechnical engineering. The compressibility and shearing resistance of a
soil depend largely on the effective stress. Thus, the concept of effective
stress is significant in solving geotechnical engineering problems, such as the
lateral earth pressure on retaining structures, the load-bearing capacity and
settlement of foundations, and the stability of earth slopes.

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4.4 Normal and Shear Stresses 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 (y > x). 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 n and

n 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,

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If n equal to zero:

For given values of xy, y and x will give two values of  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 (1), and the smallest
principal stresses is called Minor Principal Stress (3). The third is called the
intermediate principal stress (2)
In isotropic soils 3 = 2
In anisotropic soil 3  2
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, v = 1, h = 3
k  1.0, v = 3, h = 1
k  1.0, v = h = 1 = 3

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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 +x

and shear stress equals +xy. For plane AB, normal stress equals +y and

shear stress equals -xy.

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:

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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 +n on plane EF.

The abscissa of point N is equal to 1, and the abscissa for point S is 3.
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 xy = 0.

If y = 1 and x = 3 Thus,

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Example (4.9)
The magnitudes of stresses are 1 =120 kN/m2, xy =40 kN/m2, y =300
kN/m2, and  = 20°. Determine
a. Magnitudes of the principal stresses.
b. Normal and shear stresses on plane AB.
Solution
(a)

(b)

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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. 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.)

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Example (4.10)
For a given in figure find the stresses at plane B-B
Case one: Given 1 and 3, required  and 
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
 = 25 kN/m2,  = - 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

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By using equations

Example (4.11)
For a given in figure find the stresses at
plane D-D
Solution
1. locate points with co-ordinates (40,0) and
(20,0)
2. Draw Mohr 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 gives origin of planes
5. Draw line D'D’ through point o O P
parallel to DD
6. Intersection X give stresses
x = 35 kN/m2, xy = 8.7 kN/m2

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Example (4.12)
For a given in figure find the direction and
magnitude of principal stresses
Case two: Given  and , required 1
and 3
Solution
1. locate points (40,-10) and (20,10)
2. Erect diameter and draw Mohr circle, using these points to defined
diameter, diameter location = (40+20)/ 2 = 30 kN/m 2, thus center location is
(30, 0).
3. Draw line B' B’ through point (40, -10) and parallel BB.
4. Read 1 and 3 from graph

5. Line though OP and 1 give plane on which 1 acts.

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Solution by equations
1. First make use of tact that sum of normal stresses is a constant:

2. Use relation

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4.5 Stress Increment Soil
Construction of a foundation causes changes in the stress. The net stress
increase in the soil depends on the load per unit area to which the foundation
is subjected, the depth below the foundation at which the stress estimation is
desired, and other factors. 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 Embankment type of loading
a strip
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.
4.5.1 Stresses Caused by a Point Load
Boussinesq (1883) solved the
problem of stresses produced at any
point in a homogeneous, elastic, and
isotropic medium as the result of a
point load applied on the surface of
an infinitely large half-space.

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Example (4.13)
Consider a point load P = 5 kN, calculate the vertical stress increase Δz at z
= 0, 2 m, 4 m, 6 m, 10 m, and 20 m. Given x =3 m and y =4 m.
Solution

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4.5.2 Vertical Stress Caused by a Vertical Line Load
The stresses increment due to line load can be
calculated using the following equation:

Example (4.14)
Figure shows two line loads on the ground surface. Determine the increase of
stress at point A.
Solution
The total stress at A is

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4.5.3 Vertical and horizontal Stresses Caused by a Vertical Uniform

Distributed Load on Circular Area

F: factor, can be find from the following figure
R: is the radius of the circular area
X: is the distance from the center of the circle to the point
Z: is the depth of the point.
Example (4.15)
For the soil with  = 16.5 kN/m2 and ko = 0.5 loaded by Δqs = 240 kN/m2 over
circular area of 6m indiameter. Find vertical and horizontal stresses at depth
of 3m under the center of the loaded area.
Solution
Intial stresses: v = 16.5 * 3 = 49.3 kN/m2 , h = 49.3 * 0.5 = 24.75 kN/m2
Stress increment:
X = 0, R = 3, z = 3
X/R = 0 , z/R = 1
Let Δv = Δ1 and Δh = Δ3
F = 0.64 for vertiacal and 0.64 -0.54 = 0.1
Δv = 0.64 * 240 = 153.6 kN/m2, Δh = 0.1 * 240 = 24 kN/m2
vf = 153.6 + 49.3 = 202.9 kN/m2, hf = 24 + 24.75 = 48.75 kN/m2

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Civil Eng. Dept. – College of Eng. Soil Mechanics Assistant Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Obaidi
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4.5.4 Vertical and Horizontal Stressed Caused by a Vertical Uniform
Distributed Load on Strip
Use the following figure

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4.5.5 Vertical and Horizontal Stressed Caused by a triangular Load on Strip
Use the following figure

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4.5.6 Vertical Stress Caused by a Uniform distributed Load on Rectangular
Surface
Use the following shape (Newmark chart) to find stress increment under the
corner of rectangular area.
Example (4.16)
Find the vertical stress increment at
depth of 10m below point A due to
loading area of Δqs = 240 kN/m2.
Solution
Devided the sahpe into:

Stress increment,
Loading m n Coeff qs Factor
 kN/m2
I 15/10=1.5 20/10=2.0 0.223 240 +1 + 22.3
II 5/10=0.5 20/10=2.0 0.135 240 -1 - 13.5
III 15/10=1.5 5/10=0.5 0.131 240 -1 - 13.1
IV 5/10=0.5 5/10=0.5 0.085 240 +1 + 8.5
Total stress increment 4.2

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Civil Eng. Dept. – College of Eng. Soil Mechanics Assistant Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Obaidi
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Example (4.17)
For the loaded area a uniform pressure of 100 kN/m2. Compute the vertical
stress at depth of 12m below point A.

Solution
𝐺𝑠 ∗ 𝛾𝑤 2.7 ∗ 9.81
𝛾𝑑 = = = 19.62 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2
1+𝑒 1 + 0.35
v @ 12m = 9 * 19.62 + 16 * 3 = 224.58 kN/m2
Devided the area into

For circular area

X/R = 1 , z/R = 1.2
F = 0.3 for vertiacal stress = Δv = 0.3 * 0.5 * 100 = 15 kN/m2
For rectangular area
n = 1.66 m = 2.25, coeff = 0.23 Δv = 0.23 * 100 = 23 kN/m2,
vf = 15 + 23 + 224.58 = 262.58 kN/m2

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Example (4.18)
For the loaded area with uniform
pressure on the ground surface with
qs=100 kN/m2 as shown in figures.
Compute the increment in vertical
stresses at 5m below point A.
Solution
Devided the area into

Stress increment,
Loading X/R Z/R Coeff. qs Factor
 kN/m2
I 1/10=0.1 5/10=0.5 0.9 100 0.5 45

Stress increment,
Loading m n Coeff. qs Factor
 kN/m2
II 27/5=5.4 6/5=1.2 0.215 100 0.5 10.75
III 27/5=5.4 20/5=4 0.248 100 1 24.8
Total stress increment 80.55

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4.6 Vertical Stress Due to Embankment Loading
The figure shows the cross section of
an embankment of height H. For this
two dimensional loading condition the
vertical stress increase may be
expressed as

Where, qo = H
 = unit weight of the embankment soil
H = height of the embankment

Δz = qo I2
Where, I2 = a function of B1/z and B2/z.
The variation of I2 with B1/z and B2/z is shown in Figure

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Osterberg’s chart for determination of vertical stress due to embankment
loading

Civil Eng. Dept. – College of Eng. Soil Mechanics Assistant Prof. Dr. Ahmed Al-Obaidi
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Example (4.19)
An embankment is
shown in Figure.
Determine the stress
increase under the
embankment at points
A1 and A2.
Solution
Stress Increase at A1
H = 17 * 5 = 122.5 kN/m2
The left side of the figure below indicates that B1 = 2.5 m and B2 = 14 m. So,

According to Osterberg’s chart, in this case, I2 = 0.445 Because the two sides
in this figure are symmetrical, the value of I2 for the right side will also be 0.445.
So

Stress Increase at A2
Refer to Figure below. For the left side, B2 = 5 m and B1 = 0.

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So,

According to Osterberg’s chart, for these values of B2/z and B1/z, I2 = 0.24. So,

For the middle section,

Thus, I2 = 0.495. So,

For the right side,

and I2 = 0.335 So,

Total stress increase at point A2 is

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4.7 Method 2:1

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 Homework Chapter 4
4.1 For the soil profile shown calculate the
total, effective vertical stresses and
pore water pressure.

4.2 Draw the stresses , u, and ' with

depth for the profile shown.

4.3 A soil profile consisting of three layers

is shown in the figure. Calculate the
values of , u, and ' at points A, B, C,
and D and plot the variations of , u,
and ' with depth. Characteristics of
layers 1, 2, and three are given below:

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4.4 Redo problem 4.3 for the same profile but with following soil
characteristics.

4.5 Redo problem 4.3 for the same profile but with following soil
characteristics.

4.6 Consider the soil profile in Problem 4.2. What is the change in effective
stress at point C if:
a. The water table drops by 2 m
b. The water table rises to the surface up to point A
c. Water level rises 3 m above point A due to flooding
4.7 Consider the soil profile shown in
Figure:
a. Calculate the variations of , u,
and ' at points A, B, and C.
b. How high should the
groundwater table rise so that
the effective stress at C is 111
kN/m2

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4.8 For the stressed soil element shown
in Figure, determine
a) Major principal stress
b) Minor principal stress
c) Normal and shear stresses on the
plane DE
(Ans.) a) Major principal stress = 170.7 kN/m2, b)
Minor principal stress = 29.3 kN/m2, c) Normal stress
= 164 kN/m2, Shear stress = - 29.9 kN/m2

4.9 A soil elements are shown in Figures.

Determine the following (by drawing and equations):
1. Maximum and minimum principal stresses
2. Normal and shear stresses on plane AB

a b

c d

(Ans.)

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4.10 Point loads of magnitude 100,
200, and 400 kN act at B, C, and
D, respectively. Determine the
increase in vertical stress at a
depth of 6 m below the point A.
Use Boussinesq’s equation.
Ans. 1,127 kN/m2

4.11 Determine the vertical

stress increase, Δz, at point
A with the following values:
q1 = 90 kN/m; q2 = 325 kN/m;
x1 = 4 m; x2 = 2.5 m; z = 3 m.

4.12 For the loaded area with uniform pressure on the ground surface with
qs=100 kN/m2 as shown in figures. Compute the increment in vertical
stresses at 5m below point A.

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 C D

E F

Ans. A = 36 kN/m2, B = 16.5 kN/m2, C = 80.55 kN/m2 D = 1.8 kN/m2 E = 26 kN/m2 F = 10.6 kN/m2

4.13 An earth
embankment is
shown in Figure.
Determine the
stress increase at
point A due to the
embankment load.

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4.14 For the embankment
loading shown in
Figure, determine
the vertical stress
increases at points
A, B, and C.

4.15 A circular area on the ground surface is subjected to a uniformly

distributed load, q = 105 kN/m2. If the circular area has a radius, R = 3.6
m, determine the vertical stress increase, at points 0, 1.2, 2.4, 4.8 and 9.6
m below the ground surface along the centerline of the circular area.
4.16 A circular area of radius, R = 5 m subjected to a uniformly distributed
load, q = 380 kN/m2. Determine the vertical stress increases 3 m below
the loaded area at radial distances, r = 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 m.
4.17 Refer to Figure. A
rectangular area is uniformly
loaded by q = 225 kN/m2.
Using Newmark’s chart,
determine the increase in
vertical stress, at points A, B
and C at depth of 3m.

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