Geotechnical

Analysis
Geotechnical
Analysis Equal and opposite forces
𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 × 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑦 = 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
Weight is a force

The block stops falling when it hits a surface

Stress because that surface applies an equal and
opposite force to the block.

W
Force has units of newtons (N)
S.Wilkinson4@wlv.ac.uk
Room MI147
R

Geotechnical
Analysis Pressure Geotechnical
Analysis Traction

Both blocks have the same weight, the same force is

being applied. However the area (Force concentration) is W is normal (perpendicular)
External
different to the surface, it is known as
Force (F)
𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 a shear force.
𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 =
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎
W T is parallel to the surface, it
𝑛𝑒𝑤𝑡𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑁
Pressure has units of = is known as a shear force.
𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠 ×𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠 𝑚2

W W T is assumed to be equal to F

Resultant forces on base (T)

R R

Geotechnical
Analysis Surface Stress Geotechnical
Analysis Stress as a point quantity
As the block is not moving it must be resisted by a pair of forces

These pairs of forces form a surface

stress state
External 𝑁𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑊
𝑁𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝜎𝑛 =
Force (F) 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎

W 𝑆ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 (𝐹)

𝑆ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝜏 = What is the stress in A
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 Is the stress the
the soil below the D same
F truck?
F
everywhere?
F Both normal and shear B E
𝑁
stresses have units of 2
𝑚
R C
Geotechnical
Analysis Stress in solids Geotechnical
Analysis Stress in solids

What are the stresses on this What are the stresses on this
Force due to truck and soil (W)
plane in the soil? plane in the soil?
𝑊
𝑊 𝜎𝑛 = ?
𝜎𝑛 = 𝐴
𝐴
𝜏 = 0?
𝜏=0

Geotechnical
Analysis Principal applied stresses Geotechnical
Analysis Principal applied stresses
The application of normal stresses to
the surface of a square of material will
σv produce normal and shear stresses on σ1
every plane within the material. σ1
𝜃 𝜃
𝜃
In this case no shear stresses are applied
σH σH to the squares surface. Planes on which
there is no shear stress are known as
principal planes, the normal stresses
σ3 σ3
= σ3 σ3

which act on these are known as the

principal stresses. These stresses are σ1
σv numbered by convention: σ1
𝜎1 ≥ 𝜎2 ≥ 𝜎3

In most situations (with the These two diagrams are equivalent in terms of the plane in question
exception of tectonically deformed
regions).
𝜎𝑉 > 𝜎𝐻

Geotechnical
Analysis Normal and shear stress derivation Geotechnical
Analysis Shear stress derivation
As 𝜃 changes the length L of the plane, 𝐹1 = 𝜎1 (𝐿 × 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)
and the lengths of the surfaces ab and F1 𝐹3 = 𝜎3 (𝐿 × 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)
σ1
a b ac will change. Forces can be divided into components
𝜃 𝜃 parallel and perpendicular to the plane
Their lengths can be defines in terms Taking just the plane parallel components
σ3 σ3 F3 F3
L of L: L (which are shear forces)
These forces are opposed so the resultant force will be:
𝑎𝑏 = 𝐿 × 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
c 𝑭𝒔 = 𝑭𝟏 𝑺𝒊𝒏𝜽 − 𝑭𝟑 𝑪𝒐𝒔𝜽
𝑎𝑐 = 𝐿 × 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
(Remember that 𝐹1 > 𝐹3 )
σ1 F1
In terms of stresses
Forces can be used in order to transfer on to the plane in question
𝜏𝑳 = {𝜎1 (𝑳 × 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)}𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 − {𝜎3 𝑳 × 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 } cosθ
𝐹
𝜎 = ∴ 𝐹 = 𝜎𝐴 So 𝐹1 = 𝜎1 (𝐿 × 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃) 𝜏 = {𝜎1 (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)}𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 − {𝜎3 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 }cosθ
𝐴 Or
& 𝐹3 = 𝜎3 (𝐿 × 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)
𝜏 = 𝜎1 − 𝜎3 cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃
Trigonometric identity:
1
sin 2𝜃 = 2 cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃 𝜏= 𝜎 − 𝜎3 sin 2𝜃
2 1
Geotechnical
Analysis Normal stress derivation Geotechnical
Analysis In Summary
𝐹1 = 𝜎1 (𝐿 × 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)
𝐹3 = 𝜎3 (𝐿 × 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃)
F1
Forces can be divided into components
The normal and
σ1
𝜃 parallel and perpendicular to the plane shear stresses on any
Taking just the plane perpendicular 𝜃
F3
L
F3
components (which are normal forces)
arbitrary plane
These forces act in the same direction so the resultant force
σ3 σ3 through a square of
will be: 𝑭𝑵 = 𝑭𝟏 𝑪𝒐𝒔𝜽 + 𝑭𝟑 𝑺𝒊𝒏𝜽
In terms of stresses
material are:
F1
𝜎𝑁 𝑳 = {𝜎1 (𝑳 × 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)}𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + {𝜎3 𝑳 × 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 } sinθ
𝜎𝑁 = {𝜎1 (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)}𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + {𝜎3 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 }𝑠𝑖𝑛θ
𝝈𝟏 − 𝝈𝟑
Or
σ1 𝝉= 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝟐𝜽
Trigonometric identities: 𝜎𝑁 = 𝜎1 cos2 𝜃 + 𝜎3 sin2 𝜃 𝟐
1 − cos 2𝜃 1 + cos 2𝜃 1 − cos 2𝜃
sin2 𝜃 =
2
𝜎𝑁 = 𝜎1 + 𝜎3 𝝈𝟏 + 𝝈𝟑 𝝈𝟏 − 𝝈𝟑
2 2 𝝈𝑵 = + 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝟐𝜽
1 + cos 2𝜃 𝝈𝟏 + 𝝈𝟑 𝝈𝟏 − 𝝈𝟑 𝟐 𝟐
cos 2 𝜃 =
2 𝝈𝑵 = + 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝟐𝜽
𝟐 𝟐

Geotechnical
Analysis Christian Otto Mohr (1835-1918) Geotechnical
Analysis
Generating Mohr’s Circle
𝝈𝟏 − 𝝈𝟑 𝝈𝟏 + 𝝈𝟑 𝝈𝟏 − 𝝈𝟑
𝝉= 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝟐𝜽 𝝈𝑵 = + 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝟐𝜽
𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
A German civil engineer. He
spent his early life designing and Equation for a circle :(𝑥 − 𝑎)2 +(𝑦 − 𝑏)2 = 𝑟 2
building railways and famous Where the co-ordinates (a,b) are the centre of the circle
bridges in Germany. 𝜎1 + 𝜎3 𝜎1 − 𝜎3
𝜎1 − 𝜎3 𝜎𝑁 = + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2𝜃
As the age of 32 he became the 𝜏= 𝑠𝑖𝑛 2𝜃 2 2
2
professor of mechanics at 𝜎1 + 𝜎3 𝜎1 − 𝜎3
Stuttgart. 𝜎𝑁 − = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2𝜃
2 2
𝜎1 − 𝜎3 2
At the age of 47 he developed a 𝜏2 = sin2 2𝜃
𝜎𝑁 −
𝜎1 + 𝜎3 2
=
𝜎1 − 𝜎3 2
cos2 2𝜃
2
famous graphical method for Addition
2 2
the analysis of stress, and 𝜎1 + 𝜎3 2
𝜎1 − 𝜎3 2 2 𝜎1 − 𝜎3 2
founded the idea that failure is 𝜎𝑁 −
2
+ 𝜏2 =
2
sin 2𝜃 +
2
cos2 2𝜃
ultimately due to shear stresses.
𝟐 𝟐
𝝈𝟏 + 𝝈𝟑 𝟐
𝝈𝟏 − 𝝈𝟑
𝒔𝒐 𝝈𝑵 − + 𝝉−𝟎 =
𝟐 𝟐
sin2 2𝜃 + cos2 2𝜃 = 1

Geotechnical
Analysis Mohr’s Circle Geotechnical
Analysis Solving problems with Mohr’s circle

All real world angles are doubled on Mohr’s circle

Equation for a circle :(𝑥 − 𝑎)2 +(𝑦 − 𝑏)2 = 𝑟 2
𝝈𝟏 + 𝝈𝟑 𝟐 𝝈𝟏 − 𝝈𝟑 𝟐
𝝈𝑵 − + 𝝉−𝟎 𝟐 = σ1
𝟐 𝟐
𝝈𝟏 +𝝈𝟑 𝜏
Circle centre (x, y) =(a, b)= ( , 0) 𝜃
𝟐
𝝈𝟏 −𝝈𝟑
Radius of the circle = 𝟐 σ3 σ3 2𝜃
𝜏 𝜎3 𝜎𝑁 𝜎1

𝝈𝟏 − 𝝈𝟑
Shear Stress

𝜎3 𝝈𝟏 +𝝈𝟑
𝜎1 σ1
( , 0) Normal Stress 𝜎𝑁
𝟐

Given the angle of the plane from the principal stresses and the values of the principal stresses,
the normal and shear stress on any plane can be read from Mohr’s circle
Geotechnical
Analysis In Summary Geotechnical
Analysis Angles on Mohr’s circle
The normal and shear stresses on any plane can be identified Where would the plane cd plot on Mohr’s Circle?

Graphically: Graphically:
σ1 σ1
c a
𝜃 𝜏 𝜃 𝜏 ab

σ3 σ3 2𝜃 σ3 σ3 𝜎𝑁 2𝜃
𝜎3 𝜎𝑁 𝜎1 𝜎3 𝜎𝑁 𝜎1
b
𝜏 cd
d
σ1 σ1

Or Mathematically: 𝝈𝟏 − 𝝈𝟑
𝝉= 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝟐𝜽
𝟐
𝝈𝟏 + 𝝈𝟑 𝝈𝟏 − 𝝈𝟑
𝝈𝑵 = + 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝟐𝜽 REAL ANGLES ARE DOUBBLED ON MOHR’S CIRCLE
𝟐 𝟐

Geotechnical
Analysis Angles on Mohr’s circle Geotechnical
Analysis Positive and negative stresses

How does that work mathematically?

Normal Stresses Shear Stresses
Angle of CD: θ′ = 𝜃 + 90
σ1 𝝈𝟏 − 𝝈𝟑 Compression = positive Anticlockwise = Positive
c a 𝝉= 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝟐𝜽′
𝜃
𝟐
𝝈𝟏 + 𝝈𝟑 𝝈𝟏 − 𝝈𝟑
𝝈𝑵 = + 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝟐𝜽′
σ3 σ3 𝟐 𝟐

b Tension = Negative Clockwise = Negative

d
𝝈𝟏 − 𝝈𝟑 𝝈𝟏 − 𝝈𝟑
σ1 𝝉= 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝟐𝜽 + 𝟏𝟖𝟎 = − 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝟐𝜽
𝟐 𝟐

𝝈 𝟏 + 𝝈𝟑 𝝈𝟏 − 𝝈𝟑 𝝈𝟏 + 𝝈𝟑 𝝈𝟏 − 𝝈𝟑
𝝈𝑵 = + 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝟐𝜽 + 𝟏𝟖𝟎 = 𝝈𝑵 = + 𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝟐𝜽
𝟐 𝟐 𝟐 𝟐
However, Mohr’s circle can work with the opposite sign convention, be aware which you are using.

Geotechnical
Analysis Non principal planes Geotechnical
Analysis Expressed on Mohr’s Circle
If no movement Draw the normal and shear stress axes

σ1 σ 𝜏 = 𝜏′ Mark the positions of the applied normal stresses

𝜏 σ Measure in the shear stresses
𝜏 Connect them with a line to identify the circles center
𝜏′
𝜏′ Draw the circle
σ3 σ3
σ' σ'
σ' σ' If 𝜎 > 𝜎′
𝜏
𝜏′
𝜏′
σ1 𝜏
𝜏 𝜏
σ 𝜎′ 2𝜃
σ 𝜎3 𝜎 𝜎1
In rocks there are three precise principal 𝜎𝑁
There are an infinite number of 𝜏′
planes on which the normal stresses
other planes on which shear
𝜎1 , 𝜎2 & 𝜎3 are applied. No shear
stresses do exist. It is very unlikely
stresses exist on these planes
that a plane under consideration
will be the principal plane
Geotechnical
Analysis Mohr’s circle to the real world Geotechnical
Analysis 3D Stress states
𝜏

𝜎′ 2𝜃
𝜏
• As applied to a specific plane
𝜎3 𝜎 𝜎1 𝜎𝑁 𝜎𝑥𝑥 𝜏𝑥𝑦 Due to symmetry 𝜎𝑥𝑥 𝜏𝑥𝑦
𝜏′ 𝜏𝑦𝑥 𝜎𝑦𝑦 τ xy= τyx 𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝜎𝑦𝑦

three values can define a stress state in 2D

All angles measured on Mohr’s circle are twice those in the real world
So in the real world the plane on which 𝜎1 acts will be 𝜃° clockwise from the plane on
• As applied to an infinitesimal cube
which 𝜎 acts (the horizontal) σzz
Due to symmetry
τzy τzx
𝜎𝑥𝑥 𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝜏𝑥𝑧 τ xy= τyx 𝜎𝑥𝑥 𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝜏𝑥𝑧
τyz
𝜎1 𝜏𝑦𝑥 𝜎𝑦𝑦 𝜏𝑦𝑧 τ xz= τzx ∴ 𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝜎𝑦𝑦 𝜏𝑦𝑧 σyy τxy
𝜎3 𝜏𝑧𝑥 𝜏𝑧𝑦 𝜎𝑧𝑧 τ zy= τyz 𝜏𝑥𝑧 𝜏𝑦𝑧 𝜎𝑧𝑧 τyx τxz σxx
𝜃

six values are required in 3D: 𝜎𝑥𝑥,𝜎𝑦𝑦,𝜎𝑧𝑧,𝜏𝑥𝑦,𝜏𝑥𝑧,𝜏𝑦𝑧.

Geotechnical
Analysis Mohr’s circle of three dimensional stress Geotechnical
Analysis The three principal stresses

Mohr’s circle is a two dimensional solution to a three dimensional problem, Mohr did
however produce a three dimensional solution: σzz
τzy τzx
τyz τxy
σyy Ellipsoid of stress
τyx τxz σxx
Real World 𝜏 𝜎1 + 𝜎3
𝜎1 − 𝜎3 2
𝑥3
2
𝜎1 + 𝜎2
𝜎1 − 𝜎2 2
2 𝜎2 + 𝜎3
𝜎2 − 𝜎3 2
2

𝜃1 𝜎3 𝜎1 𝜎𝑁 In the principal stress

𝑥2
2𝜃1
𝜎2
2𝜃2 2𝜃3 𝜎1 0 0
𝜃3 orientation all shear
𝜃2 0 𝜎2 0
0 0 𝜎3 stresses on the infinitesimal
cube reduce to zero.
𝑥1
By convention 𝜎1 > 𝜎2 > 𝜎3

Geotechnical
Analysis Stress State addition Geotechnical
Analysis Stress State addition
Stress State 1 Stress State 2 Stress State 1 Mohr Circle

5 + 11
𝐶𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑒 = = 8𝑘𝑃𝑎
2
𝑅𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠 = 8−5 2 + 22 = 3.6𝑘𝑃𝑎

What are the magnitudes and lines of action of the resultant maximum and minimum −2
𝜃 = tan−1 = −33.7°
principal stresses? 3
Geotechnical
Analysis Stress State addition Geotechnical
Analysis Stress State addition
Stress State 1 Stress State 2 Stress State 1 Stress State 2 Resultant
To match stress state 1
must be rotated by 50°

50°
50° clockwise = -100° on
Mohr’s circle

14.5 + 26.6
New angle = -33.7+-100=-133.7° 𝐶𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑒 = = 20.5𝑘𝑃𝑎
2
46.3° 𝑅𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠 = 20.5 − 14.5 2 + 6.62 = 8.9𝑘𝑃𝑎
Included angle= –180-133.7=46.3°
6.6
𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑟 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 = tan−1 = 47.8° ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑓
𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑏 = 3.6 × cos(46.3) = 2.49𝑘𝑃𝑎 20.5 − 14.5
= 23.9°
𝑎 = 8 − 2.49 = 5.51𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝑏 = 8 + 2.49 = 10.49𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝜎1 = 20.5 + 8.9 = 29.4𝑘𝑃𝑎 @ 110 − 23.9 = 86.1°

𝑐 = 3.6 × sin 46.3 = 2.6𝑘𝑃𝑎 𝜎3 = 20.5 − 8.9 = 11.6𝑘𝑃𝑎 @ 176.1°

133.7°

Geotechnical
Analysis Method 2 Geotechnical
Analysis Stress State addition
Normal Stresses
Stress State 1 Stress State 2 Stress State 1 𝜎𝑥 𝛿𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
𝜎𝑦 𝛿𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝛿𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃

O
y’ 𝜏𝑦𝑥 𝛿𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝜏𝑦′𝑥′ 𝛿
δ θ 𝜎𝑥′ δ
B
A 𝐹𝑥′ = 0
y
𝜎𝑥 𝛿𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 + 𝜎𝑦 𝛿𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 +
𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝛿𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 + 𝜏𝑦𝑥 𝛿𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 cos𝜃 −
𝜎𝑥′ 𝛿 = 0

δ 𝑆𝑜 𝜎𝑥′ = 𝜎𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 𝜎𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 2𝜏𝑦𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃cos𝜃

x 𝑆𝑜 𝜎𝑦′ = 𝜎𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 𝜎𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − 2𝜏𝑦𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃cos𝜃

𝑘𝑁
11𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 40° + 5𝑠𝑖𝑛2 40° + 2 × 2𝑠𝑖𝑛40°cos40° = 10.49
x’ 𝑚2
What are the magnitudes and lines of action of the resultant maximum and minimum 𝑘𝑁
principal stresses? 11𝑠𝑖𝑛2 40° + 5𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 40° − 2 × 2𝑠𝑖𝑛40°cos40° = 5.51 2
𝑚

Geotechnical
Analysis Stress State addition Geotechnical
Analysis Stress State addition
Shear Stress
Stress State 1 𝜎𝑥 𝛿𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 Stress State 1 Stress State 2 Resultant
𝜎𝑦 𝛿𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝛿𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃

O
y’ 𝜏𝑦𝑥 𝛿𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝜏𝑦′𝑥′ 𝛿
δ θ 𝜎𝑥′ δ
B
A 𝐹𝑦′ = 0
y
− 𝜎𝑥 𝛿𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 + 𝜎𝑦 𝛿𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 +
𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝛿𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 − 𝜏𝑦𝑥 𝛿𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 sin𝜃 −
𝜏𝑦′𝑥′ 𝛿 = 0 Stress Transformation Equations
δ 𝑆𝑜 𝜎𝑥′ = 𝜎𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 𝜎𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 2𝜏𝑦𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃cos𝜃
𝑆𝑜𝜏𝑦′𝑥′ = 𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 − (𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦 )𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃cos𝜃
x 𝑆𝑜 𝜎𝑦′ = 𝜎𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 𝜎𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − 2𝜏𝑦𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃cos𝜃
𝑆𝑜𝜏𝑦′𝑥′ = 𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 − (𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦 )𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃cos𝜃
𝑘𝑁
x’ 2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 40 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 40 − 11 − 5 𝑠𝑖𝑛40cos40 = −2.6
𝑚2 Simple check 𝜎𝑥 + 𝜎𝑦 = 𝜎𝑥′ + 𝜎𝑦′ 11+5=10.49+5.51
Geotechnical
Analysis Stress State addition Geotechnical
Analysis Stress State addition
Stress State 1 Stress State 2 Resultant Stress State 1 Stress State 2 Resultant

To identify the principal stress directions i.e. where 𝜏𝑦′𝑥′ = 0 1 2 × 6.6

1 2𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝜎𝑥′ = 𝜎𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 + 𝜎𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 2𝜏𝑦𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃cos𝜃 tan−1 = 23.9
2 26.49 − 14.51
𝜏𝑦′𝑥′ = 𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 − 𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃cos𝜃 = 0 𝜃= tan−1
2 𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦 𝜎𝑦′ = 𝜎𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 + 𝜎𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − 2𝜏𝑦𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃cos𝜃
so 𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 = 𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃cos𝜃
𝜎1 = 26.49𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 23.9 + 14.51𝑠𝑖𝑛2 23.9 + 2 × 6.6𝑠𝑖𝑛23.9cos23.9
1 1 2 × 6.6 = 29.4𝑘𝑃𝑎 @ 110 + 23.9 = 86.1°
𝜏𝑥𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃cos𝜃 sin 2𝜃 1 tan−1 = 23.9
= =2 = tan 2𝜃 2 26.49 − 14.51 𝜎2 = 26.49𝑠𝑖𝑛2 23.9 + 14.51𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 23.9 − 2 × 6.6𝑠𝑖𝑛23.9cos23.9
𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃 2
= 11.6𝑘𝑃𝑎 @176.1°

Geotechnical
Analysis Granular media Geotechnical
Analysis Concepts

Heavy • Infinitesimal Stress • Statistical Averaging

How does the
stress vary in a

Number of particles
granular soil?

Stress at contact

Note: Diagrammatic representation

Geotechnical
Analysis Stress chains Geotechnical
Analysis Stress chains

(Guo and Zhao 2013) (Radoslaw 2014)