Boussinesq Equation

PL = vertical soil pressure due to live load lb/ft2, psf

Ww = wheel load, lb
H = vertical depth to pipe crown, ft
If = impact factor
r = distance from the point of load application to pipe crown, ft
X = distance between wheel to center of weight, ft
Example :
Determine the vertical soil pressure applied to a 180mm pipe located
1200mm deep under a dirt road when two vehicles traveling over the pipe
and in opposite lanes pass each other. Assume center lines of wheel loads
are at a distance of 4 feet. Assume a wheel load of 16000 lb

Answer/Solution :
Original Formula unit conversion
Symbol unit value unit value 1 psi = 144 psf
PL psf 558,8 psi 3,88 1 psf = 0,006944444 psi
Ww lb 16000 kg 7.257 1 lb = 0,45359237 kg
H ft 3,94 mm 1200 1 ft = 304,8 mm
If - 2
r ft 4,42
X ft 2,00
π - 3,14
PL (Total) psf 1117,5 psi 7,76 1 psf = 0,006944444 psi
The load on the pipe crown is from both wheels, so

So vertical soil pressure is 1117,5 psf or equal to 7,76 psi