Nile Institute For Engineering and Technology

Construction and Building Engineering Department

Soil Mechanics – Sheet ( 5 )
2016/2017

Stress Distribution

Question No. 1

(a) Define: Pressure bulb (Isobars), Contact stress

(b) What is the purpose for studying the stress distribution in soil.
(c) What are the types of stresses in soil.
(d) Deffrentiate between rigid and flexile foundation
Question No. 2

a) The soil profile of a site consists of a clay layer of 2.00 m thick lies in between two sand
layers as shown in Fig. (1). The second sand layer overlies another clay stratum of 2.00 m
thick. Calculate the vertical stress at points (A),(B),(C) due to the weight of soil.

b) Figure (2) shows a concentrated load of 250 ton acts on a 3x4 ms. Calculate the increase
of stress in soil at a depth of 5.0 m.(use the approximate method).

Question No. 3

a) Draw the stress distribution due to concentrated load 150 ton acting at ground surface :
(i) At horizontal plan for depth 2.0 m and 5.0 m.
(ii) At vertical plan through the center of the load.
(b) Compute the increase in vertical stress at points a , b due to the application of two points
loads of 800,1000 ton. As shown in Fig.(3).

Question No. 4

(a) Figure (4) shows a raft foundation. The net pressure for part A and B are 25 t/m2 and 20
t/m2. Estimate the increase in vertical stress at a depth of 7.0 m below point (o). (use
Newmark chart).
(b) Resolve the proplem No. (4-a) by using Boussinsq method for uniform load.
 Nile Institute For Engineering and Technology
Construction and Building Engineering Department
Soil Mechanics – Sheet ( 5 )
2016/2017

P = 250 kN
5m Sand γ = 1.95 t/m2
x (A)
2m Clay γ = 1.85 t/m2
G.W.T

7m Sand γ = 1.90 t/m2

x (B)
3.0 × 4.0 m
2m Clay γ = 1.85 t/m2
x (C)
Fig. (2)
Fig. (1)

900 kN

800 kN
5m 4m
2m
O
2m 2m
8m A B 5m
4m
25 t/m2 20 t/m2
a
2m
b

Fig. (4) Fig. (3)

GOOD LUCK
Associate Prof. Dr / Waseim R Azzam