University of Wisconsin-Madison

CEE/GLE 330 Soil Mechanics

Homework # 5
Stress and Stress Profiles (5 problems)
SOLUTIONS
1) Plot profiles of total stress (), pore pressure (u), and effective stress () for the soil deposit
shown below by calculating values at points A, B, and C. Assume that there is no capillary rise
and that no fluid flow occurs (hydrostatic condition).

University of Wisconsin-Madison
CEE/GLE 330 Soil Mechanics

University of Wisconsin-Madison
CEE/GLE 330 Soil Mechanics

2) The data in the following table were obtained from three borings at a site. The ground surface is
level and the water table is at a depth of 3.7 m below the ground surface. Develop a representative
1D soil profile from this information, and then plot total stress, pore water pressure, and effective
stress profiles with depth. To develop the soil profile, convert the information in the table to 3
boring logs. Then compare the logs, looking for similar soil types and layers. Use your judgment
to develop a single, representative soil profile.

University of Wisconsin-Madison
CEE/GLE 330 Soil Mechanics

University of Wisconsin-Madison
CEE/GLE 330 Soil Mechanics
3) The stresses at a certain point in the ground are x = 210 kPa, z = 375 kPa, and zx = 75 kPa.
Draw Mohrs circle for this point and then compute the following:
a) The magnitudes and directions of the principal stresses
b) The magnitude and directions of the maximum shear stress
c) The normal and shear stresses on a plane inclined 55 clockwise from the horizontal.

University of Wisconsin-Madison
CEE/GLE 330 Soil Mechanics
Note THE SOLUTIONS ABOVE SHOULD HAVE UNITS OF kPa

University of Wisconsin-Madison
CEE/GLE 330 Soil Mechanics
4) The stress element shown below represents a soil stress state. Determine the directions
and magnitudes of the maximum and minimum shear stresses. What are the acting
normal stresses in each of the faces in the direction of the maximum and minimum shear
stresses?

University of Wisconsin-Madison
CEE/GLE 330 Soil Mechanics

5) A soil specimen (100 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm) is subjected to the forces shown below.
Determine the following via both numerical and graphical solutions:
a.
b.
c.
d.

Magnitude of the principal stresses,

Orientation of the principal stress planes relative to the horizontal,
Maximum shear stress, and
Normal and shear stresses on a plane inclined 45 clockwise from horizontal.

University of Wisconsin-Madison
CEE/GLE 330 Soil Mechanics

University of Wisconsin-Madison
CEE/GLE 330 Soil Mechanics