UNIT - IIL / Stress Distribution in Soils 3.1 Boussinesq’s and Westergaard’s Theories Q.1 Discuss the assumptions of Boussinesq’s stress distribution theories. BB [INTU : Nov.n15, Marks 3, Dec.-17, Marks 2] Ans. : Assumptions of Boussinesq’s theory 1, The soil is assumed to be homogeneous, elastic isotropic and semi-infinite medium. The self weight of the soil is neglected, On the application of the loads on the soil, the difference in the volume of soil is neglected 4, It is assumed that the continuity of the stress exist in the medium, ‘The medium of soil obeys Hooke’s law. 6. The stresses of soil are distributed symmetrically with respect to Z-axis, 7. It is assumed that initially the soil is unstressed. Q.2 What are the assumption of Westergaard’s theory ? Ans.: Assumption of Westergaard’s theory : 1, The soil is assumed to be isotropic and homogeneous. 2. The soil is assumed to be weightless and linearly elastic material It is assumed that soil is semi-finite. 4, The soil is electric continnum, having a constant value of modulus of elasticity (B), ie. the ratio between the stress and strain is constant, 5. It is assumed that deformation of the material is prevented by the members. 6. The soil is assumed to be placed or reinforced horizontally with members of low thickness spaced closely to each other 3.2 Pressure Bulb Q.3 Explain pressure bulb and its importance. Ans. Pressure bulb + The stress line below the ground surface connecting all the points at which the vertical pressure is equal is called pressure bulb or isobar. + The isobar is a curved surface resembling like a bulb due to the vertical pressure at all the points below the ground surface in the horizontal plane so called the name as pressure bulb, Important of isobar or pressure bulb : + It is used for the determination of the effect of load on vertical stresses at different points. + A number of isobars can be drawn of different intensities of vertical pressure for a given system of, Toad, but among which only one isobar is responsible for the settlement of structure in the Q.4 Explain in brief about stress isobar or isobar diagram. EG [NTU : Nov.-15, Marks 2] Ans. : «An isobar is a stress contour or a line which connects all points below the ground surface at which the vertical pressure is the same.Soil Mechanics Stress Distribution in Sols * The isobar of stress has shape of bulb, so it is also Known as pressure bulb, Vertical stresses under a circular area qx’) Pp Fig. 0.4.4 The vertical stress due to entire load is given by (Q.4.1) Let +2? =u Therefore 2rdr=du (R2+ 22) -Cap q I Coefficient for the v= [-Grem) 3.3 Vertical Stress o,=4 o,=1, Q5 Derive the expression for vertical stress at depth ‘2’ under the centre of circular area of radius ‘¥’ loaded uniformly with a load ‘q’ at the surface of the mass of ‘oil using Boussinesq’s expression. Ans, : The vertical stresses under a circular area of radius 1 at depth ‘2’ loaded uniformly with “q? is as shown in Fig. Q5.1: ‘qlintensity Fig. 0.5.1 Uniformly distributed circular load Consider a circular atea of *dA° of radius ‘r’ which is uniformly loaded by °q" at the surface mass of the soil which is shown in the Fig. Q.5.1 When the cross section area ‘dA’ is divided into small elemental areas, then the point load on each small area is, given by ‘qdA’. -. The vertical stress ‘P* at a dey the cross section is given by, _3qda 7? 2n (+2) h ‘7’ on vertical axis of Aq, AQ5.1) By integrating the equation (Q.5.1) Jac, = R 3qp_2dA ant (+2) pete) R 3q f z'Qnr dr) an) te) 4(Q.5.2) m’ in equation (Q.5.2) rdr = mdm Applying limits from r = 0 to m = 2 and r =r to maz sz)” o=3q an (4. rde = mdm) xSoil Mechacs 3-3 Stress Distribution in Sos (R + 2 on The vertical stress 6,, due to load ‘dQ’ on the small =3¢@ of clemental area is given by. x 3dQe’ pepe 0, = ae -(Q.6.1) =3 vLaa where, Q = dA (Q.6.2) = x 4Q = qdlx db (Q6.3) =-92 x3] fro -! di, db, r expressed in terms of angles ct, 6 [Fe eatngeqaon (QS) wep - a=ap j 9, = -q| 1-ar J J +420 atl In@ +r) z a=0p-0 * 9, = al, after, (wet) Ly 8 ant mn emi hm en Where, 1, =| 1-[77— “tan! | 2m RET cab "Um tn mn + = Boussinesq influence factor for uniformly | Where m=", n=4 o,=1, distributed circular load Q6 Derive an expression for uniform load on rectangular area based on Boussinesa’s theory. Ans. : Consider a rectangular shaped foundation comprising a small elemental area of rectangular section of size db x dl is as shown in Fig, Q.6.1 ida Fig. Q.6.1 Vertical stress at the corner of a uniformly loaded rectangular area The total vertical stress below the uniformly loaded rectangular area at a depth of “2” form the surface is given by, 6, = Ql thth+h) For outside the uniformly distributed rectangular area at a depth ‘7’ is given by, = ah + bth +h) Where, I~ Dimensionless factor 1, + 1; ++ 1, - Influence values for smaller rectangular areas cutout from the large rectangular area. Q7 Derive an expression for uniform load on rectangular area based on westergaard’s theory. Ans. : rectangular area using Westergaard’s theory is given by, -f(le2vy(d 1) (le2v) 7” 2n [ow (Gs) Ge 3) Gata 1] When y= 0, we get ‘The vertical stress 6, for uniformly loaded 5, | oct [2x (4, os = [wr'fe(h+ =A] cortf4y(4 3h foot! |5 «(a3 + 8, = VowSoll Mechanics Where, I,y = Influence coefficient for vertical stress at the end of the uniformly loaded rectangular area Q8 Derive Boussinesa’s formula for point loads. UB [INTU : Dec.-16, Marks 2, May-18, Marks 3] Ans. : The vertical stress ‘6,’ at a point load *P” based on Boussinesq’s theory is given by o, « 25, z Where, r = Horizontal distance between the point load *P" below the surface and vertical axis through the point load *Q’. z = Vertical distance from the surface to the point load ‘P” 3 I, Ta ait) ‘The values of I,” and 5 are obtained using the Fig. Q.8.1 a Fig. 0.8.1 Q.9 Derive Westergaard’s formula for point loads. BF [INTU : May-18, Marks 3] ‘Ans. ; The westergaards formula for the vertical stress a," for the vertical stress ‘6,’ for surface point load ‘Q' is given by, 12 9, = 323 = Ge 7m (nea) (2= 24) + (way 3-4 Stress Distribution in Soils Where, 1 - Poisson’s ratio When ‘y’ is considered as zero, then Westerguards stress coefficient Ui l= = “Ta The graphical representation of vi a with 2 tion of “1,” with value against the Boussinesq’s coefficient 1, is shown below, 25 t 20 4s ly 1 os 01 02 03 04 05 06 Ty ory —> Fig. 9.4 r It a)Soll Mechanics ‘Sivess Distribution in Soils Wy Shy by 33% Q.10 Explain briefly the vertici a horizontal plane. tress distribution on Ans. : The stress distribution on a horizontal plane is equal to zero at infinite. + The value of 6, remains negligeble at a short distances in practical. + The maximum pressure, the ordinate is high at the shallow clevations which gets decreased with increase in depth. Fig. 10.4 When Q=1=9 6, =1 = 0.4775 $ Where I - Influence diagram 6- Vertical stress at “A” The vertical stress 6, on a horizontal plane at a depth ‘7’ is nby, o> KS z Where z= Depth When r = 2z, 6, 8% Of Fux F= 37, 6,=0.3% of On Q.11 Explain briefly the vertical stress distribution along a vertical lin« Ans.: The change in the vertical stress w.r.t the depth at constant radial distance from the load axis is represented by the horizontal ordinates as shown in Fig. Q.11.1 = 39° 19°53, cy Fig. 0.41.4 ‘The value of “2° is inversely proportional to 5 for the coe r constant value of ‘r’, The value of 7 decreases as the depth of increases resulting increase in value of Ky, ‘The value of °6,” increase with an increase in value of “2" and reaches the maximum point (0 = 37° 13° 53.5”) beyond which ‘o,” rapidly get decreased. The maximum vertical stress at an angle 39°13'53.5” is equal to 0,08880 and minimum value 1 is 0.00470. 0 r for 3.4 Newmark’s Influence Chart Q.12 Explain briefly Newmark’s influence chart method. NGF [INTU : Nov.-15, Dec.-16, Marks 5, May-18, Marks 10, Dec.-17, Marks 6] Ans, : Newmark’s influence chart method : + The soil is assumed to be homogenous semi-infinite, clastic and isotropic in this method, + It is not applicable for stratified soils as these charts are based on Boussinesq’s equation. + The influence chart consists of a number of concentric circles and radial lines which divides it into different area units where influence of each area unit at theSoil Mechanics centre of the chart is factor. imilar and referred as influence + In this chart, generally 10 concentric circles and 20 radial lines are considered which divides it into 200 Where, m = Number of concentric circles n= Number of radial lines L 1 i ts 10x20 ~ 200 + ‘The influence chart is used to determine the vertical stresses at any point below a uniformly loaded area of any shape, for which following steps are followed, i) Draw a plan of loaded area with a scale such that the depth ‘2? at which stress is being computed equals the length AB shows on the chart. Depth unit =z A B —i Seale Influence value = 0.005 Fig. 0.12.1 Newmark influence chart for vertical stress at any depth z= AB 3 6 Stress Distribution in Soils ii) The plan of the loaded area is then kept on the influence chart in such a way that the point at which stress are required should coincide with the centre of the chart. i) The number of area units covered by the plan area on the influence chart to be counted including the fractional ones. iy Ife given by, 6, = yx Nyxq influence factor, then the vertical stress is mxn* Na Where N, = Total number of area units occupied 3.5 Compaction Q.13 Write short note on soil compaction. SP (NTU : Dec.-17, May-18, Marks 3] Ans. : « It is an application of mechanical energy to a soil so as to rearrange it’s particles to a closer packing by pressing it. + Soil compaction is done 1) To increase the shear strength and its bearing capacity, 2) To reduce settlement under working load. 3) To reduce permeability of soil 4) To give stability to slope + Soil compaction is required 1) When sufficient bearing capacity is not available even at a greater depth. 2) When soi 3) In economical foundation design 4) In special soil types. is totally cohesionless like dry sand, Q.14 Briefly explain the factors affecting compaction of soil. EGF [NTU : Nov.-15, March-17, Marks 5, May-18, Marks 5} Ans, : Following factor which affect compaction 1) Water content : + Lower water content, soil particles offer more resistance to compaction and soil behaves like stiff material.Soil Meclumies 3s Stoess Distebuton in Soils + Increase in water content, helps the particles move closer because of the lubrication effect. 2) Type of Soll: + Coarse grained soils, well graded can be compacted to high dry unit weight, especially if they contains some fines. 3) Compactive Effort: « For a given type of compaction, an increase in the amount of compaction will initiatly result in closure packing of the soil particles and maximum dry unit weight increase, while the optimum moisture content at which itis attained decreases. 4) Method of compaction : + There are two types of compaction ie. field and laboratory. + Laboratory compaction test have more value of maximum dry unit weight Q.15 Explain the field methods for compaction of soil in details. EGPNTU : Dec.-17, Marks 3] Ans. : Following are the equipments used in field compaction. A) Smooth wheo! roller : + In these types of rollers compaction is achieved by the application of pressure over the soil These are generally suitable for crushed stones gravel and sand. + Itis generally used for road construction, £) Sheep foot roller Compaction is achieved by kneading action, which provides comparatively stronger bond between compacting layers of the soil mass. These are generally used for the construction of core of earthen dam, ) Pneumatic tyred roller : = Compaction is achieved by use of both pressure and kneading action, These are suitable for all types of soil but are generally used for cohesive soil. ‘These are used for construction of air fields, roadway and earthen dams, Q.46 Define compaction effort with formula, EGF [INTU : Dec.-17, Marks 3] ‘Ans.: Compaction effort : + The effort put on soil by external weights causing impact effect on the soil in order to increase the soil density and remove air is called compaction effort. The degree of compaction is measured by dry unit weight and depends on the and compactive effort. water content For a given comp: tive effort, the maximum dry unit weight occurs at an optimum water content ‘The compactive effort is given by ayer Nur oar x Weigh of hammer ih of do Volume of mould (Blows Fig. 0.16.4 Q.17 Write short note on field compaction control and proctor needle method. ‘Ans, : +The field compaction control consist of the determination of : 1) The water content at which the soil has been compacted and 2) The dry density achieved. + Generally t0 control the compaction, Procter needle method is used. + Itis rapid method to control compaction.Soil Mechanics ‘Stress Distribution in Soils Procter Needle Method : + This method is a useful tool for the rapid determination ‘of compaction in the field. It consist of a needle attached to a string loader plunger, the steam of which is graduated in kg. The needle is provided with interchangeable tips having bearing areas from 0.32 sq.em to 6.45 sq.cm. The needle fitted with a tip of known bearing area is, forced into the compacted soil in the mould in the laboratory compaction test at the rate of 1.25 em per second to a depth of 7.5 em and perpendicular resistance in kg/em’ is noted. A libration chart is prepared from reading. Q18 Explain the effects properties. of compaction on soil ‘Ans. : Following effect occurs on soil properties by ‘compaction, A) Permeability : Permeability of a soil decreases with an increase in ‘water content on the dry side of the optimum water content. ‘The minimum permeability occurs at or slightly above the optimum water content If the compactive effort is increased, the permeability of the soil decreases due to increased dry density and better orientation of particles. B) Pore water pressure : + As deficieney of water is more on the dry side of ‘optimum water content, pore water pressure comparitively less on this as deficiency. ©) Shrinkage : is * Due to higher deficiency of water on dry side of optimum water content it exerts higher swelling pressure when water is added in it. + Itshows higher swelling. D) Compressibility : + At relatively low stress levels, a soil compacted wet side of optimum is more compressible than the soil compacted dry side of optinmum + Therefore, for construction of embankment, the soil is compacted on the dry side of optimum, At high stress levels, the compressibility increases due to the breakdown of the structure, now the locculated structure with larger voids volume, can undergo a large volume decrease. E) Shear strength + Strength of the soil is more on dry side of optimum water content due to stronger inter-particle bond at low value of stress. Q.19 Differentiate between modified proctor test. BG [INTU : Dec.-16, Marks 3, March-17, Marks 5] jandard proctor test and Ans.: Sr. | Standard proctor test | Modified proctor test No. L. | The effective height of | The effective height of cylindrical mould is | cylindrical mould is 117 mm. 127 mm, 2. | The weight of hammer | The weight of hammer used in this method is | used in this method is 2.60 ke. 4.90 ke. 3. | The height of fall of | The height of fall of hammer is 310 mm, | hammer is 450 mm, 4, | The soil is filled in| The soil is filled in 3 layers in mould of | 5 layers in mould of capacity 1 litre, capacity 1 litre. 3. | The compactive | The compactive energy transmitted to | energy transmitted to the soil is | the soil is 605 Nmm/1000 em’ 2726 Nm/1000 em’ 3.6 Numericals Q.20 Find the intensity of vertical pressure at a point 4 m directly below a 20 kN point load acting at a horizontal ground surface. What will be the vertical pressure at a point 2 m horizontally away from the axis of loading but at the same depth of 4 m and directly under the load at a depth of 3 m ? GP [ONTU : March-17, Marks 10]Soil Mechanics 3-9 Stress Distribution in Soils Ans.: %, Given: Q= 20 kN Case (i): z= 4m 0 Q=20KN G, = 0.08 KNim” 6, = 80N/m* Case (it) : Fig. 0.20.1 Using Boussinesq’s equation, o, = 0.60 kN/m* 6, = 600 Ni m* Case (i) Q=20kN Q=20kN (06 kNim? 6, = 1060 N/m? Q.21 A circular area of radius 2 m_ carries a uniformly distributed load of 90 kN/m’. Determine the intensity of vertical pressure at 4 m beneath the centre of the circle using Boussinesq’s theory. GF [INTU : Nov.-15, Marks 5] Ans. Given: = 2m q=90kNim? z=4m The vertical pressure using Boussinesq’s theory by givenSul Mechanics 3 10 Stress Distribution in Soils 90 0.284 25.60 KN/m? %, Q.22 Using Boussinesq’s theory, determine the vertical stress at a depth of 3 m directly under the point load of 3 m directly under the point load of 500 KN acting at the surface of a soil mass and also at a horizontal distance of 4m. UF [INTU : Nov.-15, Marks 5] Ans.: Given that : Q = 500 KN z=3m The vertical stress using Boussinesq’s theory is given by, Q_ 3s *“(-@) Case (i) : Vertical stress under the load r= 0 6, o, = 50328 a oy [Q] 6, = 26.52. N/m’ Case (ii) : Vertical stress at a horizontal distance of 4m eam 500 __3/2n x ayy 1+) 6, = 2.06 Nimm? Q.23 During a compaction test a soil attains MDD of 18.6 kNim’ at a moisture content of 15 %. Taking specific gravity of soils as 2.7, find the degree of jaturation and percentage air voids at MDD. What will be the dry density corresponding to zero air voids at omc. WP [INTU : Dec.-16, Marks 5] Ans. : Given: Yaga = 18.6 KNim’ w= 15% i) Degree of saturation Se = wG S$ (0.424) = 0.15 2.7 S = 0.96 S = 6% ) Percentage air voids “a,” aS = 100 a, = 100-96 a= 4% iti) Maximum dry density corresponding to zero air voids at OMC (Yang) (-0)V,6 Tw _ 9812.7 1 +015 23.032 kN/m* Yonusc) Yanan) Q.24 An elevated structure with a total weight of 10000 KN is supported on a tower with 4 legs. The legs rest on piers located at the comers of a square 6 m on a side. What is the vertical stress increment due to the loading at a point 7 m beneath the centre of the structure ? EH [INTU : Dec.-16, Marks 5] Ans.: Given: @= 10000 kN z=7m Side of square, a= 6mSoil Mechanics 3-1 ‘Stress Distribution in Soils Fig. 0.24.1 ‘The radial distance ofa point is given by, r= ya+3 =i r= 424m From Axyz o tL sin as? = 3=F5 r= 212m ¥ = Radial distance for each point load Fig. 24.2 Using Westergaard’s equation Q 1 “= On) The vertical stress at point a, b, ¢ and d is given by The vertical stress at point ‘7’ is given by, Q34Q “Stress at, 2 = 7 m depth is equal to four times caused by one load, fe _ 410000 1 nT) 6, = 334.53 kN/im? Q.25 A ring foundation is of 3 m external diameter and 2.00 m internal diameter. It transmits a uniform pressure of 90 kPa. Calculate the vertical stress at a depth of 1.5 m directly beneath the centre of the loaded area. SSP [INTU : Dec.-17, Marks 4) Ans.: Given: Internal diameter (d) = 2m Internal radius (r) External diameter (D) = 2m External radius (R) = Z-15m q= 90kN/m? Outer circular (xX boundary Inner circular boundary Fig. 0.25.4 Vertical stress is given by, 6, = 4K 1 1 Kye = |] a5 -7 p Ry If OP b-B) = 0.5760 — 0.3535Soil Mechanics k, ne = 0.2225 6, 1, = 90x 0.2225 o, = 20.02 KN/m? ‘Siness Distribution in Soils Q.26 The following results were obtained in a compaction test. Determine the optimum moisture content and the ‘maximum dry density by plotting the data. Moisture Content (%) | 74 | 97 | 10s | ins | tsa | 14a Butk Unit Weight kim’) | 18.81 | 2007 | 20.52 | 21.06 | 21.06 | 20.07 HB [NTU : Dec.-17, Marks 6] Ans.: Assume, volume of mould, V = 950 ml Specific gravity of sol 2.60 oid ratio ‘Theoretical max. 7, Moisture | Bulk density Gr. content w (2%) | 7 (kNim') (Dama "Teen a) 14 Iss 1.886 0.432 21.39 97 2007 1830 1.393 0.181 20368 tos, 2032 Iss? lant 0.198 20.036 us. 21.06 sss 138 02 19.635 ba 21.06 18.62 LT 0.288 19.026 Ma 2007 1734 1454 0.287 18.86 s 2 3 02 4 6 8 1012 14 16 Moisture content, (36) —e Fig. 0.26.1 From graph, Maximum dry density, (7), ~ 18.88 kN/m? Optimum moisture content, *OMC’ = 11.5%Soil Mechanics 3-13 Stress Distribution in Sole Q.27 A concentrated point load of 200 kN acts at the ground surface. Find the intensity of vertical pressure at a depth of 10 meters below the ground surface and situated on the axis of loading. What will be the vertical pressure at a point at a depth at 5 m and at a distance of 2 m from the axis of ding ? Use Westergaard analysis taking 1 = 0. RP [ONTU : May-18, Marks 5] tom ' bp Fig. 27.1 ‘The vertical pressure at depth 10 m, is given by, o, iz _, (fa _, 2 | ME \2G-w ~\20-9) 877 200 1 g «se 5 The vertical pressure at depth of 5m, with 2m distance from axis of loading is given by, 200 1 “po Se —Eo 2(m) (0.707) 5.385, “ iS [i + [aie | 2 kim" Review Questions: Discuss the assumptions of Boussinesq’s theories. Explain pressure bulb aid it's importance. Explain briefly Newmark’ influence chart method. What are the factors affecting on compaction ? What are the assumption of Westergaards stress distribution theories 2 Fill in the Blanks for Mid Term Exam Q.1 Permeability of soil by compaction. Q.2 Westergaard analysis is used for ___soil Q3 The soil involved in compaction is always _ saturated, a4 the method used for compaction of cohesionless soils. Q.5 The locus of a point at which the interval stress intensity is the same value is ealled © In (0.707) oy)" {toy [ a ©, = 0.637 kN/m? 2200 KN 2m Fig. 0.27.2 Multiple Choice Questions for Mid Term Exam Q.4 The Boussinesq solution always gives stresses the wetergaard solution. [a] greater than lesser than [e} equal to wone of the above Q.2 Soil compaction _ the dry density of the soil. [a] increases [b] decreases [ec] no change [d] none of the above Q3 Pre compress [a] clays [e] organic soils method is useful for compacting silts [a] all of the aboveStoess Distribution in Soils Sail Mechanics 3-4 Q.4 Optimum water content for heavy clays are [a] low [b] high [e] medium [a] none of the above Q.5 In standard procter test the height of rammer fall [a] 300 mm [b] 350mm [ce] 200 mm [d]450 mm ‘Answor Keys Fill n the Blanks Qt | decreases Q.2_ | stratified Q3 | partly Q4_| Vibration Q5 | pressure bulb ‘Answer Keys Multiple Choice Questions Qi ja Q2 ja Q3 fd Q4 |b Qs ja Match the Following I List 1 1) | Smooth whee! rollers a) | Most suitable for compacting cohesive soils 2) | Sheep foot rollers bb) | Most suited for compacting course grained soils, 3) | Preumatic tyred rollers ©) | Used for compacting soils in confined places. 4) | Rammers 4) | Suitable for both cohesionless and cohesive soils. Tans. : t-b, 203, 344, 4c]