FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

GEOTECHNIQUES (ECG553) TUTORIAL 2A

Vertical Stresses

QUESTION 1

Three parallel strip foundations, each 2 m wide and spaced at 4 m centre to centre and founded at
1.0 m depth transmit contact pressures of 250 kPa, 150 kPa and 200 kPa respectively. Using the
appropriate influence factors, calculate the intensity of the increase in vertical stresses due to the
combined loads beneath the centre of each footing at a depth of 3.0 m from the ground surface.

QUESTION 2

Four column loads of 800 kN, 750 kN, 350 kN and 600 kN respectively are located at the corners
of a square of 4 m side on the surface of a soil mass. A culvert passes diagonally across the
square, directly under the 800 kN and 350 kN loads, and at a depth (to its top) of 3 m. Calculate
the increase in vertical stresses imposed on the culvert due to the four loads at two points; under
the 800 kN load and under the 350 kN load.

The formula for the influence factors is :

5/2
3  1 
Ip =  2
2 1 + (r / z ) 

where r and z have their usual meanings.

QUESTION 3

In Figure Q3 the cross-section of a proposed embankment is shown. Calculate the increase in

vertical stress that will follow the completion of the embankment at a depth of 4 m at points A and
B as shown. Assume a uniform maximum pressure imposed by the embankment as 120 kN/m2.

q = 120 kN/m2

4m 4m 4m 4m
4m

A B Figure Q3

NFH/ECG553/OCT2020
QUESTION 4

Figure Q4 shows the plan of a large circular raft foundation; the centre (shaded) area transmits a
contact pressure of 150 kPa and the outer annulus area transmits a contact pressure of 250 kPa.
Using the influence factors for circular foundation, calculate the intensity of vertical stress induced
at points in the soil mass 4 m below A, B and C.

A B C

A B

8m Figure Q4

16 m

QUESTION 5

Figure Q5 shows the plan of a rectangular raft foundation, which transmits uniform contact
pressure as shown. Determine the intensity of vertical stress induced at points 5 m directly below
A and B. Point A is at the centre of the central square and point B is at mid-point of one of its side.

5m

250 kPa
5m
5m

A
B 5m

300 kPa 250 kPa

Figure Q5

NFH/ECG553/OCT2020
QUESTION 6

(a) Briefly explain the followings in relation to stresses in soil:

(i) Major and minor principal stresses

(ii) Normal and shear stresses.
(iii) Stress bulbs under a loaded foundation.

(b) An L-shaped raft foundation is to carry superstructure loads with net loading intensity of 600
kN/m2 and 1200 kN/m2 as shown in Figure Q6.

10 m

600 kN/m2

30 m 1200 kN/m2

A B 10 m

30 m

Figure Q6

Using Fadum’s chart, determine the net increase in vertical stress 4 metres below points
A, B and C.

(Note: A is at the centre of the square, B is at mid-point of the side and C is at the corner of
the rectangle).

NFH/ECG553/OCT2020