Vertical Pressure below a Concentrated Load

There are two methods for calculating pressure below a concentrated load – the
Westergaard Equation and the Boussinesq Equation. Both of these result from the theory of
elasticity, which assumes that stress is proportional to strain. Implicit in this assumption is a
homogeneous material, although soil is seldom homogeneous. The Westergaard equation is
based on alternating thin layers of an elastic material between layers of an inelastic material.
The Boussinesq equation assumes a homogeneous soil throughout.
Stresses due to Surface Loads; Boussinesq’s Equations
In 1885 Joseph Valentin Boussinesq advanced theoretical expressions for determining
stresses at a point within an ideal mass due to surface point loads. They are based on the
assumption that the mass is an (1) elastic, (2) isotropic, (3) homogeneous, and (4) semi-infinite
medium that extends infinitely in all directions from a level surface. Boussinesq’s equations
provide a widely-used basis for estimating the stresses within a soil mass caused by a
concentrated load applied perpendicularly to the soil surface. In 1938 Westeergard developed
a solution for stresses within a soil mass by assuming the material to be reinforced by very
rigid horizontal sheets that prevent any horizontal strain.
Boussinesq’s equations may be expressed in terms of either rectangular or polar
coordinates. Referring to the elements Figure 10, the equations are as follows:
In rectangular coordinates:
3𝑄 𝑧 3
𝜎𝑧 = (eq.14)
2𝜋 𝑅 5
3𝑄 𝑥 2𝑧 1−2𝑢 (2𝑅+𝑧)𝑥 2 𝑧
𝜎𝑥 = { + [ 3(𝑅+𝑧)2 − ]} (eq.15)
2𝜋 𝑅5 3 𝑅 𝑅3
3𝑄 𝑦 2 𝑧 1−2𝑢 (2𝑅+𝑧)𝑦 2 𝑧
𝜎𝑦 = 2𝜋 { 𝑅5 + 3
[ 3(𝑅+𝑧)2
𝑅
− 𝑅3]} (eq.16)
3𝑄 𝑥𝑧 2
𝜏𝑧𝑥 = − (eq.17)
2𝜋 𝑅 5
3𝑄 𝑥𝑦𝑧 1−2𝜇 (2𝑅+𝑧)𝑥𝑦
𝜏𝑥𝑦 = 2𝜋 [ 𝑅5 − 3 𝑅 3 (𝑅+𝑧)2
] (eq.18)
3𝑄 𝑦𝑧 2
𝜏𝑌𝑍 = − 2𝜋 𝑅5
(eq.19)

Figure 10. Stresses on elements due to concentrated load Q. (a) Rectangular coordinate notation. (b)
Polar coordinate notation
In polar coordinates
𝑄 3𝑧 3 𝑄
𝑧 = 2𝜋 (𝑟2 +𝑧 2 )5⁄2
= 2𝜋𝑧 2 (3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 5 𝜃) (eq.20)
𝑄 3𝑟2 𝑧 1−2𝜇
𝜎𝑟 = 2𝜋 [(𝑟2 +𝑧 2)5⁄2 − ]
𝑟2 +𝑧 2 +𝑧√𝑟2 +𝑧 2
𝑄 (1−2𝜇)𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃
𝜎𝑟 = 2
[3𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 − ] (eq. 21)
2𝜋𝑧 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
𝑄 𝑧 1
𝜎𝑡 = − (1 − 2𝜇) [ 2 2 3⁄2
− ]
2𝜋 (𝑟 + 𝑧 ) 𝑟 2 + 𝑧 2 + 𝑧√𝑟 2 + 𝑧 2
𝑄 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃
𝜎𝑡 = − 2𝜋𝑧 2 (1 − 2𝜇) [𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 𝜃 − 1+cos 𝜃] (eq. 22)
𝑄 3𝑟𝑧 3 𝑄
𝜏 = 2𝜋 (𝑟2 +𝑧 2 )5⁄2
= 2𝜋𝑧 2 (3 sin 𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝜃) (eq. 23)

In the above equations 𝜇 designates Poisson’s ratio, which varies between 0 and 0.5.
Although Poisson’s ratio may be readily obtained from tables for most materials, for soil it
cannot. In fact, the experimental results in this regard vary widely and are inconclusive.
Because it simplified some of the equations, many engineers have used a value of 0.5.
The expression for vertical stress, designated 𝜎𝑧 , is regarded as reasonably accurate and
is widely used in problems associated with bearing capacity and settlement analysis.
Equation 20 is more conveniently expressed in a slightly different form as
3
𝑄 ( )
2𝜋
𝜎𝑧 = 𝑧 2 [(𝑟⁄𝑧 ) +1]5⁄2
2 (eq. 24)

or
𝑄
𝜎𝑧 = 𝑧 2 𝑁𝐵 (eq. 25)
where NB, commonly referred to as the vertical stress coefficient, is given by
3
2𝜋
𝑁𝐵 = [(𝑟⁄𝑧 )2+1]5⁄2
(eq.25)

Example 05:
A concentrated point load Q acts vertically at the surface. Determine the vertical stress
distribution along the depth for 𝑟 = 2𝑚.
𝑄
Solution: Using 𝜎𝑧 = 𝑧 2 𝑁𝐵 where values of NB are obtained from Table 1, for 𝑟 = 2𝑚, the
values of 𝜎𝑧 at various arbitrarily selected depths are shown below.
𝑧1 (m) 𝑟⁄ NB 𝑧2 𝑄⁄ 𝜎𝑧 (Q/m2)
𝑧
𝑧2

∞ 0 0 ∞
0.4
5.0 0.00014 0.16 6.250Q 0.0009Q
0.8
2.5 0.00337 0.64 1.563Q 0.0053Q
1.2
1.67 0.01712 1.44 0.694Q 0.0119Q
1.6
1.25 0.04543 2.56 0.391Q 0.0178Q
2.0
1.0 0.08440 4.00 0.250Q 0.0211Q
2.4
0.83 0.12775 5.76 0.174Q 0.0222Q
2.8
0.71 0.17035 7.84 0.128Q 0.0217Q
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
0.2 0.43287 100.00 0.0100Q 0.0043Q
The distribution of 𝜎𝑧 with depth is shown below.

Distribution of Pressure from Point Load

An analysis of Eq. 24 reveals that the intensity of vertical stress at a point within a soil mass
caused by a given surface point load decreases with an increase in the depth and radial
distance from the load to the point within the mass.
The intensity of the vertical stress, 𝜎𝑧 , at various depths and radial distances is plotted
to a uniform scale and is schematically represented in Figure 11 by the arrows under the
dashed lines. If one were to connect the points of equal stress for various depths, the result
would be a series of pressure bulbs, as indicated by the solid lines. That is the pressure at
each point of a particular pressure bulb has the same value. Hence, any number of pressure
bulbs may be drawn for any given load, with each pressure bulb representing particular stress
magnitude. The value of any given pressure bulb could be obtained by merely reading the
intensity of 𝜎𝑧 corresponding to the point where the solid line intersects any of the dashed line.

Figure 11. Distribution of vertical stress induced by point load Q

Pressure caused by Uniformly Loaded Line of Finite Length
Boussinesq’s expression for the vertical stress 𝜎𝑧 as given by Eq. 14 is not directly applicable
for the determination of vertical stresses induced by line loads, perhaps typified by continuous
wall footings. It can be modified, however, to provide us with a tool for estimating the vertical
stress or pressure from a line load.
Figure 9 shows a line load applied at the surface. For an element selected at an
arbitrary fixed point in the soil mass, an expression for 𝜎𝑧 could be derived by integrating
Boussinesq’s expression for point load as given by Eq. 14. The line load is assumed to be of
equal intensity q and applied at the surface. Furthermore, one notes that the intensity of q is
expressed as a force per unit length.

Figure 9. Line load application

With these assumptions established, the expression for 𝜎𝑧 can be determined as follows:
3𝑧 3 𝑙 𝑞 𝑑𝑦
𝜎𝑧 = ∫0 (a)
2𝜋 𝑅5

where 𝑅 = √𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 . Thus, we have

3𝑧 3 𝑙 𝑞 𝑑𝑦
𝜎𝑧 = 2𝜋
∫0 (𝑥 2+𝑦2 +𝑧 2 )5⁄2 (b)

For a specific location of the element, x and z are constants. Let 𝑥 2 + 𝑧 2 = 𝑆 2 , and 𝑦 =
𝑆 tan 𝛽. Then 𝑑𝑦 = 𝑆 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝛽 𝑑𝛽. Eq.( b) becomes
3𝑧 3 𝑞 𝑆 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝛽 𝑑𝛽 3𝑧 3 𝑞 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝛽 𝑑𝛽
𝜎𝑧 = 2𝜋
∫ 𝑆 5 (1+𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝛽)5⁄2 = 2𝜋𝑆 4 ∫ (1+𝑡𝑎𝑛2𝛽)5⁄2 (c)

But 1 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝛽 = 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝛽. Then Eq. (c) becomes

3𝑧 3 𝑞 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝛽 𝑑𝛽 3𝑧 3 𝑞 𝑑𝛽 3𝑧 3 𝑞
𝜎𝑧 = ∫ = ∫ = ∫ 𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 𝛽 𝑑𝛽
2𝜋𝑆 4 (𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝛽)5⁄2 2𝜋𝑆 4 𝑠𝑒𝑐 3 𝛽 2𝜋𝑆 4
3𝑧 3 𝑞 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 𝛽
𝜎𝑧 = [𝑠𝑖𝑛𝛽 − ] (d)
2𝜋𝑆 4 3
𝑦 𝑦 𝑦
From Fig.9, tan 𝛽 = ⁄𝑆 and sin 𝛽 = ⁄𝑅 = ⁄ 2 . Thus, substituting into Eq.(d)
√𝑥 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2
3
3𝑧 3 𝑞 𝑦 1 𝑦
𝜎𝑧 = 2 2 2
[ − ( ) ]
(
2𝜋 𝑥 + 𝑦 ) 2 2
√𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 2 3 √𝑥 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2
2

Rearranging,
1⁄2 1⁄2 3
𝑞 ⁄𝑧 3(𝑦 2 ⁄𝑧 2 ) (𝑦 2 ⁄𝑧 2 )
𝜎𝑧 = 2 2 2
[ −( ) ] (e)
2𝜋(𝑥 ⁄𝑧 +1) √𝑦 2 ⁄𝑧 2 +1+𝑥 2⁄𝑧 2 √𝑦 2 ⁄𝑧 2 +1+𝑥 2 ⁄𝑧 2

If we let (𝑥 ⁄𝑧) = 𝑚 and (𝑦⁄𝑧) = 𝑛, equation (e) becomes

 𝑞 ⁄𝑧 3𝑛 𝑛 3
𝜎𝑧 = 2𝜋(𝑚2+1)2 [√𝑛2 − (√𝑛2 ) ] (eq. 26)
+1+𝑚 2 +1+𝑚 2

or
𝑞
𝜎𝑧 = 𝑧 𝑃𝑜 (eq. 26a)
where
1 3𝑛 𝑛 3
𝑃𝑜 = [ − ( ) ]
2𝜋 (𝑚 2 + 1)2 √𝑛2 + 1 + 𝑚 2 √𝑛2 + 1 + 𝑚 2

Values for Po for various combinations of m and n are given in table. In using this table
one notes that the values for m and n are not interchangeable. Furthermore, for values of m
and n falling within the range of those given in the table, a straight-line interpolation may be
assumed.

Example 06:
For the figure shown, 𝑞 = 100 𝑘𝑁/𝑚. Find 𝜎𝑧 at points 0, 1, and 2.

Solution:
𝑦
a) Point O, 𝑚 = 𝑥⁄𝑧 = 2⁄4; 𝑛 = ⁄𝑧 = 3.2⁄4 = 0.8. From table: 𝑃𝑜 = 0.15775
𝑞 100
Thus, 𝜎𝑧0 = 𝑧 𝑃𝑜 = (0.15775)=3.944 kN/m2
4

b) Point 1:
𝜎𝑧1 = 𝜎𝑧𝐿 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑓𝑡 + 𝜎𝑧𝑅 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡

Due to load on left: 𝑚 = 2⁄4 = 0.5; 𝑛 = 1⁄4 = 0.25 from the table: 𝑃𝑜 = 0.06534
𝑞 100
𝜎𝑧𝐿 = 𝑃𝑜 = (0.06534) = 1.634 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2
𝑧 4

Due to load on right: 𝑚 = 2⁄4 = 0.5; 𝑛 = 2.2⁄4 = 0.55 from table: 𝑃𝑜 = 0.12578
100
𝜎𝑧𝑅 = (0.12578) = 3.144 𝑘𝑁/𝑚 2
4

𝜎𝑧1 = 1.634 + 3.144 = 4.778𝑘𝑁/𝑚 2

 c) Point 2:

Actual load plus extra load Extra load

𝜎𝑧2 = 𝜎𝑧 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑙𝑢𝑠 𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑟𝑎 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 − 𝜎𝑧 𝑑𝑢𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑟𝑎 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑

Due to actual load plus extra load: 𝑚 = 2⁄4 = 0.5; 𝑛 = 4⁄4 = 1

from table: 𝑃𝑜 = 0.17354
due to extra load : 𝑚 = 2⁄4 = 0.5; 𝑛 = 0.8⁄4 = 0.2
from table: 𝑃𝑜 = 0.05325.
100
𝜎𝑧2 = (0.17354 − 0.05325)
4
𝝈𝒛𝟐 = 𝟑. 𝟎𝟏 𝒌𝑵/𝒎𝟐

Uniformly Loaded Circular Area

The unit vertical stress on any given depth could be determined with acceptable accuracy by
extending Boussinesq’s equation to a uniformly loaded circular area.
Two separate cases of the vertical stress under circular footings will be considered.
Case A considers only the vertical stress under the center of the footing, while case B
considers the vertical stress at any point in the soil, including under the center of the footing.
Case A. Vertical stress under the center of the footing

Figure 10. Vertical stress under center of loaded circular area

From Boussinesq’s equation

3𝑞𝑧 3 2𝜋 𝑟 𝜌𝑑𝛽𝑑𝜌
𝜎𝑧 = ∫ ∫
2𝜋 0 0 (𝜌2 + 𝑧 2 )5⁄2
Integrating with respect to 𝛽 and substituting limits, we have
3𝑞𝑧 3 𝑟 𝜌𝑑𝜌 2𝜋
3𝑞𝑧 3 𝑟 𝜌𝑑𝑝
𝜎𝑧 = ∫ ⁄
[𝛽] 0 = ∫
2 2
2𝜋 0 (𝜌 + 𝑧 )5 2 1 0 (𝜌 + 𝑧 2 )5⁄2
2

−1 𝑟
Integrating, 𝜎𝑧 = 𝑞𝑧 3 [(𝜌2+𝑧 2 )3⁄2 ]
0
−1 1
or 𝜎𝑧 = 𝑞𝑧 3 [(𝑟2 +𝑧 2 )3⁄2 + (𝑧 2 )3⁄2]
 1
Hence, 𝜎𝑧 = 𝑞 [1 − 3⁄2 ] (eq. 27)
𝑟2
( 2 +1)
𝑧

or 𝜎𝑧 = 𝑞𝑊0 (eq. 27a)

where W 0, a dimensionless coefficient is given by

1
𝑊0 = 1 − 3⁄2
𝑟2
[ ( 2 + 1) ]
𝑧
Values for W o for various combinations of r and z are given in the table.

Case B. Vertical stress at any point in the soil

Figure 11. Vertical stress from loaded circular area

Equation 27 is only valid when 𝜎𝑧 is to be determined under the center of a circular area.
Charts and tables are available, however, that provide expedient means for estimating 𝜎𝑧 for
points lying under as well as outside the center. A chart developed by Foster and Ahlvin will
be explained in detail. The expression for 𝜎𝑧 takes the form
𝜎𝑧 = 𝑞𝑁𝑧 (𝑚, 𝑛) (eq. 28)
where Nz is a shape function of dimensionless variables, 𝑚 = 𝑧⁄𝑟, 𝑛 = 𝑎⁄𝑟
The value of Nz can be determined from Figure 12, developed by Foster and Ahlvin or from
table for selected values of 𝑛 = 𝑎⁄𝑟 > 0. It is based on the assumption that the mass is a
semi-infinite elastic medium whose Poisson’s ratio is 0.5. It is applicable to points under as
well as outside the centerline of a circular footing.

Figure 12. Vertical stress from uniformly loaded circular area

Example 07:
A circular area, r = 1.6 m induces a soil pressure at the surface of 100𝑘𝑁/𝑚2 . Determine the
pressure at a depth of (a) 2 m directly under the center of the circular area, and (b) 2 m below
and 2 m away from the center of the circle.
Solution:
(a) 𝑟⁄𝑧 = 1.6⁄2 = 0.8; from table: 𝑊0 = 0.52386
𝜎𝑧 = 𝑞 𝑊𝑜 = 100(0.052386) = 52.386 𝑘𝑁/𝑚 2
From Figure 12, for a depth ratio 𝑧⁄𝑟 = 1.25 radii and an offset distance = 0 from the
centerline, 𝑎⁄𝑟 = 0 , % of total = 52 % of 100
𝝈𝒛 = 𝟓𝟐 𝒌𝑵/𝒎𝟐
𝑧 2
(b) At a depth = 2 m (𝑚 = 𝑟 = 1.6 = 1.25) and offset = 2 m
𝑎 2
(𝑛 = = 1.6 = 1.25)
𝑟
𝜎𝑧 = 22% 𝑜𝑓 100
𝝈𝒛 = 𝟐𝟐 𝒌𝑵/𝒎𝟐

Pressure caused by a Uniformly Loaded Rectangular Area

From Boussinesq’s equation the vertical stress under a corner of a rectangular area uniformly
loaded with a uniform load of intensity, q, can be expressed as
3𝑞𝑧 3 𝑎 𝑏 𝑑𝑦𝑑𝑥
𝜎𝑧 = ∫ ∫
2𝜋 0 0 (𝑥 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 )5⁄2
2

Figure 13. Vertical stress under corner of rectangular area uniformly loaded

The integral is difficult and far too long to provide a practical benefit here. The integration is
performed by Newmark with the following results:
𝑞 2𝑚𝑛√𝑚 2+𝑛2+1 𝑚 2+𝑛2 +2 2𝑚𝑛√𝑚 2+𝑛2 +1
𝜎𝑧 = 4𝜋 [𝑚2+𝑛2+1+𝑚2𝑛2 𝑚 2+𝑛2 +1
+ 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 𝑚2+𝑛2+1+𝑚2𝑛2 ] (eq. 29)

where 𝑚 = 𝑎⁄𝑧 and 𝑛 = 𝑏⁄𝑧. Equation 29 can also be expressed as

𝜎𝑧 = 𝑞 𝑓𝑧 (𝑚, 𝑛) (eq.29a)
where 𝑓𝑧 (𝑚, 𝑛) is the shape function of the dimensionless ratio m and n. The influence values
for various combinations of m and n can be found directly from table.
When the point at which the stress is desired does not fall below a corner of the area,
the area is adjusted into rectangles such that corners become located over the point in
question. Subsequently the effects are superimposed.
Example 08:
A rectangular footing 2 m by 3 m carries a total load of 120 metric tons uniformly distributed.
Determine the stress 2.5 m below the footing at a point (a) under one corner, and (b) under
the center.
120
Solution: 𝑞 = 2 𝑥 3 = 20 𝑡/𝑚 2

(a) Point at corner,

𝑎 2 3
𝑚= 𝑧
= 2.5 = 0.8 𝑛 = 2.5 = 1.2

From table: 𝑓𝑧 (𝑚, 𝑛) = 0.16843

𝜎𝑧 = 𝑞𝑓𝑧 (𝑚, 𝑛) = 20 (0.16843) = 3.3686 𝑡/𝑚 2
(b) Point at center :
1 1.5
𝑚 = 2.5 = 0.4; 𝑛 = 2.5 = 0.6
From table: 𝑓𝑧 (𝑚, 𝑛) = 0.08009

𝜎𝑧 = 4(20)(0.08009) = 6.4072 𝑡/𝑚 2

Example 09:
A rectangular loading is shown with 𝑞 = 20𝑡/𝑚 2. Determine 𝜎𝑧 at 𝑧 = 2.5 𝑚 for points (a) R,
(b) S, (c) T, (d) U.
Solution:

(a) Point R.
1.5 2
𝑚 = 2.5 = 0.6 𝑛 = 2.5 = 0.8
𝑓𝑧 (𝑚, 𝑛) = 0.12474
𝜎𝑧 = 2(20)(0.12474) = 4.9896 𝑡/𝑚 2
(b) Point S.
3 1
𝑚 = 2.5 = 1.2 𝑛 = 2.5 = 0.4
𝑓𝑧 (𝑚, 𝑛) = (0.10631)
𝜎𝑧 = 2(20)(0.10631) = 4.2524 𝑡/𝑚 2

(c) Point T, for rectangle TGAE:

4 1
𝑚= = 1.6 𝑛 = = 0.4
2.5 2.5
𝑓𝑧 (𝑚, 𝑛) = 0.11135

For square THBE,

1 1
𝑚 = 2.5 = 0.4 𝑛 = 2.5 = 0.4

𝑓𝑧 (𝑚, 𝑛) = 0.06024
 Superimposing loads:
𝜎𝑧 = 2(20)(0.11135 − 0.06024) = 2.0444 𝑡/𝑚 2
(d) Point U. For rectangle UHAE,
4 3
𝑚 = 2.5 = 1.6 𝑛 = 2.5 = 1.2
𝑓𝑧 (𝑚, 𝑛) = 0.20731
For rectangle UGBE,
1 3
𝑚 = 2.5 = 0.4 𝑛 = 2.5 = 1.2
𝑓𝑧 (𝑚, 𝑛) = 0.10631
For rectangle, UHDF,
4 1
𝑚 = 2.5 = 1.6 𝑛 = 2.5 = 0.4
𝑓𝑧 (𝑚, 𝑛) = 0.11135
For square UGCF,
1
𝑚 = 𝑛 = 2.5 = 0.4
𝑓𝑧 (𝑚, 𝑛) = 0.06024
Then, 𝜎𝑧 = 20(0.20731 − 0.10631 − 0.11135 + 0.06024)
𝜎𝑧 = 0.9978 𝑡/𝑚 2

Total Load on Rectangular Area in Undersoil

In the preceding section the vertical stress induced by a uniformly distributed load over a
rectangular area to a point at z depth below the surface was evaluated. Now the total load
induced on a rectangular area below the surface by a concentrated load applied at the surface
will be evaluated. For example, the typical problem may be represented by a wheel load
applied at the surface, creating stresses on a buried pipe or culvert, or perhaps on the roof of
a relatively shallow tunnel. Although we shall be assuming a horizontal plane, the procedure
gives reasonably acceptable results for arch-shaped surfaces by assuming the horizontal
plane to be projection of the circular shape.
Figure 14 depicts a rectangular plane, a distance z beneath the surface, subjected to a
concentrated surface load, Q, over one of the corners. The total load on the shaded area is a
summation of all the increments of forces induced by the surface load Q.
The increment of force over a small area may be expressed as the product of the stress
and the increment of area, as indicated in Eq. (a):
𝑑𝐹 = 𝜎𝑧 𝑑𝐴 (eq. a)
3𝑄𝑧 3
From 𝜎𝑧 = 2𝜋𝑅5 eq. (a) becomes
3𝑄𝑧 3 3𝑄𝑧 3 𝑎 𝑏 𝑑𝑥𝑑𝑦
𝐹 = ∫ 2𝜋𝑅5 𝑑𝐴 = 2𝜋
∫0 ∫0 (𝑥 2+𝑦 2 +𝑧 2 )5⁄2
(eq. b)

or 𝐹 = 𝑄𝑓𝑧 (𝑚, 𝑛) (eq. 30)

where 𝑓𝑧 (𝑚, 𝑛) is the influence coefficient or shape function, which can be obtained directly
from table.
 Figure 14. Load on rectangular area undersoil from concentrated surface load Q over one area
Example 10:
A concentrated load 𝑄 = 100 𝑡 is situated directly over the center of an area 2m x 3m, 2.5 m
below the surface. Determine the total load on the area.
Solution:
Divide the area such that the load falls over one of the corners, as shown.

1.5 1
From table: for 𝑚 = = 0.6 𝑛= = 0.4 𝑓𝑧 (𝑚, 𝑛) = 0.08009
2.5 2.5

𝐹𝑡𝑜𝑡 = (4 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠)𝑥 𝑄 𝑥 𝑓𝑧 (𝑚, 𝑛)

𝐹 = 4 𝑥 100 𝑥 0.08009 = 32.036 𝑡
Example 11:
A surface load is shown in the figure. Determine the total load on the shaded area ABCD.

Solution: For the rectangle FBCE:

3 3
𝑚 = 2.5 = 1.2 𝑛 = 2.5 = 1.2 𝑓𝑧 (𝑚, 𝑛) = 0.19584
For the rectangle FADE:
3 1
𝑚 = 2.5 = 1.2 𝑛 = 2.5 = 0.4 𝑓𝑧 = (𝑚, 𝑛) = 0.10631
 𝐹𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷 = 𝐹𝐹𝐵𝐶𝐸 − 𝐹𝐹𝐴𝐷𝐸 = 100 𝑥 (0.19584 − 0.10631)
𝐹𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷 = 8.953 𝑡

Newmark’s Influence Chart

The procedure outlined in the preceding sections for determination of vertical stresses 𝜎𝑧
induced by uniformly loaded or circular area are rather clumsy when applied to irregularly
shaped areas. Newmark devised a graphical procedure for computing stresses induced by
irregularly shaped loaded areas.
Newmark’s procedure evolves from the expression for the vertical stress under the center of
𝜎
a loaded circular area, given by Eq. 31 or Eq. 31a. From these expressions the ratio of 𝑧⁄𝑞
equals Wo, the influence coefficient given in the table. That is, Eq. 31 can be written as

𝜎𝑍 1
𝑞
= 𝑊𝑜 = [1 − 3⁄2 ] (eq. a)
( 𝑟2
⁄ 2 +1)
𝑧

The relationship between 𝜎𝑧 ⁄𝑞 and 𝑟⁄𝑧 may be illustrated by extracting a few values from the
table as shown in the table below. For convenience ten equal increments of 𝜎𝑧 ⁄𝑞 between
𝜎𝑧 ⁄𝑞 = 0 and 𝜎𝑧 ⁄𝑞 = 1 will be selected.
Table. Values of 𝑟⁄𝑧 for selected values of 𝜎𝑧 ⁄𝑞
𝜎𝑧 ⁄𝑞 0 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.00
𝑟⁄𝑧 0 0.27 0.40 0.52 0.64 0.77 0.92 1.11 1.39 1.91 ∞
The values of 𝑟⁄𝑧 represent concentric circles of relative radii. Plotted for a selected scale
for z, these circles are shown in Fig. 15 with the last circle not shown since 𝑟⁄𝑧 = ∞.

Figure 15. Newmark influence chart for vertical stress at any depth 𝑧 = 𝐴𝐵

Now divide the circles by evenly spaced rays emanating from the center, for convenience
say 20. Thus, we obtain a total of (10 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠)(20 𝑟𝑎𝑦𝑠) = 200 influence units. Thus, the
influence value, IV, is
1
𝐼𝑉 = (𝑛𝑜.𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠)(𝑛𝑜.𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑎𝑦𝑠) (b)

In this case
1
𝐼𝑉 = 10 𝑥 20 = 0.005
The stress at a depth z for a specific point is
 𝜎𝑧 = 𝑞 𝑥 𝐼𝑉 𝑥 (𝑛𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠) (eq. 32)
To use this chart, one draws an outline of the loaded surface to a scale such that the distance
AB from Figure 15 equals the depth of the point in question. The point beneath the loaded
area for which the vertical stress is sought is then located over the center of the chart. Hence,
the area will encompass a number of influence units on the chart (in our case each unit has a
value of 0.005). Thus, by counting the influence units and by using equation 32, one may
proceed to determine the stress at the given point.
One may note that while the values for 𝑟⁄𝑧 indicated in the table may be fixed for the
selected values of 𝜎𝑧 ⁄𝑞, the scale for the influence chart was arbitrarily chosen and can,
therefore, be altered as needed. Similarly, the number of rays or the number of rays or the
number of radii may also vary as desired, thereby varying the influence values for these charts.

Example 12:
The T-shaped foundation shown is loaded with a uniform load of 100 𝑘𝑁/𝑚 2. Determine the
pressure at 6 m below point G.

Solution:
The scale is determined such that the distance AB represents 6 m. Hence, the T-shaped area
is redrawn to scale with point G placed over the center of the chart. The number of squares
encompassed as shown below is 66. Hence, the total pressure at G is 0.005 x 66 x 100 kN/m 2.
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 = 33 𝑘𝑁/𝑚 2

Approximate Estimate of Vertical Stress

Approximate estimates of the average vertical stress under a uniformly loaded area at a given
depth, z, can be made by assuming that the applied surface load spreads downward to a
horizontal plane, which is enveloped by four planes sloping from the edges of the loaded area
at an angle of 30o with the vertical. Another method is to assume a slope of 2:1 as shown in
Figure 16. The methods are approximate but rather easy and expedient, and they are quite
commonly used for estimating average stresses. Generally, this approach yields values for
𝜎𝑧 slightly lower than those obtained by previously discussed methods for shallow depths but
of comparable magnitude at greater depths.

Figure 10. Approximate 𝜎𝑧 𝑎𝑣𝑒 on plane at depth z

For a uniformly loaded area a x b, 𝜎𝑧 𝑎𝑣𝑒 is approximately as follows. For a 30 o slope,

𝑎𝑥𝑏
𝜎𝑧 𝑎𝑣𝑒 = 𝑞 (𝑎+1.15𝑧)(𝑏+1.15 𝑧) (eq. 33)

𝑎𝑥𝑏
For a 2:1 slope, 𝜎𝑧 𝑎𝑣𝑒 = 𝑞 (𝑎+𝑧)(𝑏+𝑧)
(eq. 33a)

Example 13:
A 120 – t load is uniformly distributed on a surface area of 3 m by 2 m. Find the approximate
vertical stress at 𝑧 = 2.5 𝑚.
Solution:
𝑎𝑥𝑏 2𝑥3
Using 𝜎𝑧 𝑎𝑣𝑒 = 𝑞 (𝑎+1.15𝑧)(𝑏+1.15 𝑧) = 100 (2+1.15 𝑥 2.5)(3+1.15𝑥2.5)

𝝈𝒛 𝒂𝒗𝒆 = 𝟒. 𝟏𝟖 𝒕/𝒎𝟐
𝑎𝑥𝑏 2𝑥3
Using 𝜎𝑧 𝑎𝑣𝑒 = 𝑞 (𝑎+𝑧)(𝑏+𝑧)
= 100 (2+2.5)(3+2.5)

𝝈𝒛 𝒂𝒗𝒆 = 𝟒. 𝟖𝟓 𝒕/𝒎𝟐