TYGRTH51
TYGRTH51
TYGRTH51
Stresses in
a Soil Mass
Module 1 – Geotechnical Engineering
Objective After the lecture, the student must be able to analyze stresses at any
point of the soil; calculate vertical stress increase due to foundations
and other external loadings applied in a soil strata.
Content In this lecture we will discuss the methods of analyzing stresses in the
ground,
Review of Plane-Stress Transformation and Theory of Elasticity
Mohr Circle Analysis
Boussinesq’s Approach of Vertical Stress Increase
Newmark’s Influence Chart on Foundations
Activities During the module, students will perform graded activities to measure
their progress during the course; Quiz, seatwork, class discussion,
problem set computations, recitation are expected.
Credits to: Engr. Mark Kenneth M. Tuazon for the original content.
From an idealized stress-strain diagram, at low stress levels the strain increases linearly with stress which is the elastic
range of the material. Beyond certain stress level the material reaches a plastic state, and the strain increases with no
further increase in stress. The theories of stresses and strains presented are for the elastic range only. In determining stress
and strain in a soil medium, one generally resorts to the principles of the theory of elasticity, although soil in nature is not
fully homogenous, plastic, or isotropic. However, results derived from the elastic theories can be judiciously applied to the
problem of soil mechanics.
INSTRUCTIONS Show the complete derivation of the General Equations of Plane – Stress Transformation shown below
using the method of equilibrium a.) MechDef b.) SoilMech and explain the difference between the two
sets of formulae. No Free-Body Diagram, No Points. Use the sign conventions given. Strictly use one
page to derive each equation. Highlight your final answers.
Apply these general equations in the problem shown in the next page.
MATERIALS Cross sectional paper, ruler, pencil, black pen, red pen, and protractor.
DISCUSSION The method of transforming the normal and shear stress components from the x, y to the coordinate
axes, as discussed, can be developed in a general manner and expressed as a set of stress-
transformation equations.
Sign Conventions for the Stress Components. (MechDef) The +𝑥 and +𝑥′ axes are used to define
the outward normal from a side of the element, then 𝜎𝑥 and 𝜎𝑥′ are positive when they act in the
positive 𝑥 and 𝑥′ directions, same as the normal stresses along the +𝑦 and +𝑦′ axes. The shear
stresses,
𝜏𝑥𝑦 and 𝜏𝑥𝑦′ are positive when they act in the positive 𝑦 and 𝑦′ directions, Fig. (a). The orientation of
the plane on which the normal and shear stress components are to be determined will be defined by
the angle 𝜃, which is measured from the axis to the axis, Fig. (b). The angle 𝜃will be positive, provided
it follows the curl of the right-hand fingers, i.e., counterclockwise as shown in Fig. (b).
*Figure is also shown in the next page.
For SoilMech, Normal Stresses are acting inward (positive), Shear stresses follow the same principle as the one mentioned above
and the same goes with the given angle 𝜃.
It can be seen that the magnitudes of the normal stresses, 𝜎𝑥′ , 𝜎𝑦′ , and shear stress 𝜏𝑥′𝑦 ′ depend directly on the angle
of inclination 𝜃 of the planes on which these stresses act. In engineering practice it is often important to determine the
orientation of the element that causes the normal stress to be a maximum and a minimum and the orientation that
causes the shear stress to be a maximum.
In-Plane Principal Stresses. To determine the maximum and minimum normal stress, we must differentiate the equation
for 𝜎𝑥′ with respect to the angle of inclination 𝜃 and set the result to zero. Solving this equation we obtain the orientation
of the planes of maximum and minimum normal stress. Setting 𝜃 = 𝜃𝑝, we obtain
𝜏𝑥𝑦
tan 2𝜃𝑝 =
(𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦)/2
There are two values of 2𝜃𝑝 the range 0-360°, with values differing by 180°. There are two values of 𝜃𝑝 the range 0-
180°, with values differing by 90°. In other words, the solution has two roots, 𝜃𝑝1 and 𝜃𝑝2. Specifically, the values of 2𝜃𝑝1
and 2𝜃𝑝2 are 180° apart, so 𝜃𝑝1 and 𝜃𝑝2 will be 90° apart. So, the planes on which the principal stresses act are mutually
perpendicular.
The values of 𝜃𝑝1 and 𝜃𝑝2 must be substituted into the general
equation of 𝜎𝑥′ if we are to obtain the required normal stresses.
To do this we can obtain the necessary sine and cosine of 2𝜃𝑝1
and 𝜃𝑝1 from the shaded triangles shown in the figure. The
construction of these triangles is based on
assuming that 𝜏𝑥𝑦 and (𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦) are both
positive or both negative quantities. Substituting these
trigonometric values into 𝜎𝑥′ equation and simplifying, we
obtain
Depending upon the sign chosen, this result gives the maximum or minimum in-plane normal stress acting at a
point, where 𝝈𝟏 ≥ 𝝈𝟐. This particular set of values are called the in-plane principal stresses, and the corresponding
planes on which they act are called the principal planes of stress.
Furthermore, if the trigonometric relations for 𝜃𝑝1 or 𝜃𝑝2 are substituted into the equation of 𝜏𝑥 ′𝑦′ , it can be seen that
𝜏𝑥′𝑦′ = 0, in other words, no shear stress acts on the principal planes.
In-Plane Maximum Shear Stress. To determine the maximum shear, we must differentiate the equation for 𝜏𝑥′𝑦 ′ with
respect to the angle of inclination 𝜃 and set the result to zero. Solving this equation we obtain the orientation of the
planes of maximum and minimum normal stress. Setting 𝜃 = 𝜃𝑠, we obtain
−(𝜎𝑥 − 𝜎𝑦)/2
tan 2𝜃𝑠 =
𝜏𝑥𝑦
The two roots of this equation, 𝜃𝑠1 and 𝜃𝑠2 can be determined from
the shaded triangles shown. By comparison with 𝜃𝑝, tan 2𝜃𝑠 is the
negative reciprocal of tan 2𝜃𝑝 and so each root 2𝜃𝑠 is 90° from 2𝜃𝑝
, and the roots 𝜃𝑠 and 𝜃𝑝 are 45° apart. Therefore, an element
subjected to maximum shear stress will be 45° from the position of
an element that is subjected to the principal stress.
Using either one of the roots or the maximum shear stress can be found by taking the trigonometric values of
sin 2𝜃𝑠 and cos 2𝜃𝑠 from the figure and substituting them to the general equation of 𝜏𝑥′𝑦′ . The result will be
𝝈𝒙 − 𝝈𝒚 𝟐
𝝉𝑚𝑎𝑥,𝑚𝑖𝑛 = ±√ ( ) + 𝝉𝒙𝒚 𝟐
𝟐
The value of 𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 as calculated from this equation is referred to as the maximum in-plane shear stress because it
acts on the element in the x–y plane.
Substituting the values for sin 2𝜃𝑠 and cos 2𝜃𝑠 into the general equation of 𝜎𝑥′ , we see that there is also an average
normal stress on the planes of maximum in-plane shear stress. We get
𝝈𝒙 + 𝝈𝒚
𝝈𝒂𝒗𝒈 =
𝟐
IMPORTANTPOINTS
The principal stresses represent the maximum and minimum normal stress at the point.
When the state of stress is represented by the principal stresses, no shear stress will act on the element.
The state of stress at the point can also be represented in terms of the maximum in-plane shear stress. In
this case, an average normal stress will also act on the element.
The element representing the maximum in-plane shear stress with the associated average normal stresses is
oriented 45° from the element representing the principal stresses.
Instead of memorizing equations for plane stress transformation, we will introduce a graphical solution that is often
convenient to use and easy to remember. Furthermore, this approach will allow us to “visualize” how the normal and
shear stress components and vary as the plane on which they act is oriented in different directions.
PROCEDUREOFANALYSIS
Principal Stresses
1. The principal stresses and are the coordinates of points 𝐵 and 𝐷 where the circle intersects the 𝜎-axis, where
shear stress is zero.
2. These stresses act on planes defined by angles 𝜃𝑝1 and 𝜃𝑝2. They are represented on the circle by angles 2𝜃𝑝1
and 2𝜃𝑝2 (not shown) and are measured from the radial reference line 𝐶𝐴 to lines 𝐶𝐵 and 𝐶𝐷 respectively.
3. Using trigonometry, only one of these angles needs to be calculated from the circle, since 𝜃𝑝1 and 𝜃𝑝2 are 90°
apart. Remember that the direction of rotation 2𝜃𝑝 on the circle represents the same direction of rotation 𝜃𝑝
from the reference axis to the principal plane.
INSTRUCTIONS Using Mohr circle, create a plot of the stress path of the given soil specimen after a triaxial stress. Read
and follow the discussion preliminaries of stress path. Use proper scaling, and a compass to construct
a perfect circle. Use a blue pen to plot the stresses and red pen to connect them.
MATERIALS Cross sectional paper, ruler, pencils, red pen, blue pen, metric scale and compass.
DISCUSSION Stress Paths. The behavior of the soil is often dependent on the history of the stresses to which it has
been subjected. For example, a soil that has been compressed and then unloaded will behave
differently if it is recompressed than it did under the initial loading. We can evaluate the effects of
loading history of a soil by keeping track of the changes in stress state with time through the use of
stress paths. A stress path is the plot of the highest points of the Mohr’s circles representing successive
states of stress of a soil element. A complete study of stress paths is beyond the scope of the course,
but forms an important part of advanced studies of soil mechanics.
SITUATION A cylindrical specimen of soil is placed in a special testing device which applies vertical and horizontal
normal stresses to the specimen. No shear stresses are applied on the vertical and horizontal planes
so they are always principal stresses. The following loading sequence is applied
Vertical Horizontal
Load
Normal Stress Normal Stress
Step
𝝈𝒚 (in MPa) 𝝈𝒙 (in MPa)
1 0.12 0.12
2 0.24 0.12
3 0.36 0.24
4 0.48 0.24
5 0.48 0.36
Plot the stress path followed during this load sequence using Mohr circles.
INSTRUCTIONS Determine what is required in each situation using Mohr circle analysis. Use a compass to create a perfect
circle, and a protractor to measure angles. Always highlight your final answers. Use black ball pen in
your solution. No erasures.
MATERIALS Cross sectional paper, ruler, pencils, colored pens, compass, and protractor.
SITUATIONS Problem 1. The major principal stress at a certain point is 4800 lb/ft2 and acts vertically. The minor
stress is 3200 lb/ft2. Draw the Mohr Circle for this point, locate the pole, and then compute the
normal stresses and shear stress acting on a plane inclined 26o clockwise from the horizontal. Show
the final result on a sketch of the element.
Problem 2. A certain element of soil is subject to mean normal stress of 410 kPa and a deviator stress
of 280 kPa. The major principal plane is rotated 30o counter clockwise from the horizontal. Draw the
Mohr circle for the soil element, locate the pole, and compute the normal and shear forces acting
on the horizontal and vertical planes. Show the final result on a sketch of the element.
Problem 3. A laboratory soil specimen is initially subject to principal stresses of 3700 Pa and 2300
Pa. During test, the major principal stress is increases while the minor principal stress is kept the
same. What is the major principal stress when the deviator stress has reached 1800 Pa? Draw the
Mohr circles for the initial and final stress states on a single figure.
From the figure shown, let the load per unit area of the strip
shown be equal to 𝑞. If we consider an elemental strip of
width 𝑑𝑟, the load per unit length of this strip is equal to
𝑞 𝑑𝑟 . This elemental strip can be treated as a line load.
Equation of the vertical stress caused by a vertical line load
gives the vertical stress increase 𝑑𝜎𝑧 at point A inside the soil
mass caused by this elemental strip load. To calculate the
vertical stress increase, we need to substitute 𝑞 𝑑𝑟 for 𝑞 and
(𝑥 − 𝑟) for 𝑥. So,
The total increase in the vertical stress 𝜎𝑧 at point A caused by the entire strip load of width B can be determined by
integration of the given equation with limits of 𝑟 from −𝐵/2 to +𝐵/2.
With reference to the figure in the previous page, we are given 𝑞 = 200 kN/m2, 𝐵 = 6 m, and 𝑧 = 3 m.
(a) Determine the vertical stress increase at 𝑥 = ±9, ±6, ±3, and 0 m.
(b) Plot a graph of ∆𝜎𝑧 against 𝑥.
The fundamental equation for the vertical stress increase at a point in a soil mass as the result of a vertical. Figure shows
the cross section of an embankment of height 𝐻. For this two-dimensional loading condition the vertical stress increase
may be expressed as
For a detailed derivation of the equation, see Das (2008). A simplified form of the equation is
*The variation of I2 with B1/z and B2/z is shown in the next page (Osterberg, 1957).
Boussinesq (1883) solved the problem of stresses produced at any point in a homogeneous, elastic, and isotropic medium
as the result of a point load applied on the surface of an infinitely large half-space. According to Boussinesq’s solution
for normal stresses at a point caused by the point load P is
Note that Eqs. ∆𝜎𝑥 and ∆𝜎𝑦, which are the expressions for horizontal normal stresses, depend on the Poisson’s ratio of
the medium. However, the relationship for the vertical normal stress, ∆𝜎𝑧, is independent of Poisson’s ratio.
Consider a point load of 5 kN. Given x = 3 m and y = 4 m. Express your answers in kilopascals.
(a) Calculate the vertical stress increase ∆𝜎𝑧, when z is from 0 to 20 m using an interval of 2 m.
(b) Calculate the corresponding horizontal stresses ∆𝜎𝑥 and ∆𝜎𝑦, between the values of z using 𝜇 = 0.33
INSTRUCTIONS Create a spreadsheet to compute the induced normal stresses, ∆𝜎𝑥, ∆𝜎𝑥, ∆𝜎𝑥 , at any arbitrary point due
a point load at the ground surface using Boussinesq’s Approach. A copy of the program must be
submitted to the professor after the activity to verify the results.
APPLICATION A vertical point load P is to be applied to a level ground surface. The underlying soul has the following
preconstruction characteristics
Groundwater Table: 1.68 meters
Unit weight above the ground water table: 19.10 kN/m3
Unit weight below the ground water table: 19.48 kN/m3
The total horizontal stress, σx, at a point is 2.4 meters below the ground surface and 0.90 meters
east of the point load application must not exceed 50 kPa. Compute the maximum allowable value
of P using the spreadsheet developed. Once the value of P is identified, show the detailed solution
showing the total horizontal stress did not exceed the allowable stress; the value must not exceed
but must be close enough to maximize its value.
1.9 a VERTICAL STRESS BELOW THE CENTER OF A UNIFORMLY LOADED CIRCULAR AREA
Using Boussinesq’s solution for vertical stress ∆𝜎𝑧 caused by a vertical point
load, one also can develop an expression for the vertical stress below the
center of a uniformly loaded flexible circular area.
From Figure, let the intensity of pressure on the circular area of radius 𝑅 be
equal to 𝑞. The total load on the elemental area (shaded in the figure) is
equal to 𝑞𝑟 𝑑𝑟 𝑑𝛼. The vertical stress, ∆𝜎𝑧, at point A caused by the load on
the elemental area (which may be assumed to be a concentrated load) can
be obtained from the equation of a vertical point load.
The increase in the stress at point A caused by the entire loaded area can
be found by integrating
1.9 b VERTICAL STRESS AT ANY POINT BELOW A UNIFORMLY LOADED CIRCULAR AREA
The increase in the stress (𝑑𝜎𝑧) at point A caused by the load 𝑑𝑞 can
be determined by using Eq. (10.12). However, we need to replace 𝑃
with 𝑑𝑞 = 𝑞 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦 and 𝑟2 with 𝑥2 + 𝑦 2 . Thus,
The increase in the stress, at point A caused by the entire loaded area
can now be determined by integrating the preceding equation. We
obtain
NEWMARK’S CHART
Foundations may have irregular shapes that can
become quite cumbersome to solve, involving
overlapping areas where one must be subtracted to
prevent a double exposure. In addition, buildings often
are often supported by separate foundations to
support each column and wall, leading to a confused
network of areas as pressure from one will influence
pressure and settlement of another. Newmark
therefore devised a graphical procedure for
determining influence coefficients for irregular contact
areas.
The unit length for plotting the circles is AB. The circles are divided by several equally spaced radial lines. The influence
value of the chart is given by 1/N, where N is equal to the number of elements in the chart. There are 200 elements; the
influence value is 0.005.
Where IV is the influence value, q is the average pressure load; force per unit area, and M is the number of elements
enclosed by the plan of the loaded area.
INSTRUCTIONS You will be the geotechnical engineer of a specific civil engineering project, and you will investigate
the stress behavior of the soil beneath an existing foundation.
MATERIALS Cross sectional paper, ruler, colored pen, pencil, and ruler.
APPLICATION A proposed 5ft x 5ft square footing foundation will support an office building. The column load plus the
weight of the foundation will be 80 kips, and the bottom of the foundation will be 2ft below the
ground surface. The unit weight of the soil is 120 lb/ft3 and the ground water table is at a depth of
5ft. Develop a plot of the vertical effective stress below the center of the foundation versus the depth
(after the footing has been placed and loaded) using Boussinesq’s Approach. Consider depths from
the bottom of the footing to 15ft below the bottom of the footing; use an interval of 1.
EXTENSION Compare the value of the vertical effective stress at a depth of 15 ft using Newmark’s Chart.
Which among the method is most convenient to do?
2. All civil engineering projects imparts loads onto the ground that supports them, and these loads produce
compressive, shear, and possibly even tensile stresses. Why is it necessary to investigate the geostatic and induced
stresses of a soil? What is the significance of these preliminaries?
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3. From the statement, “for a given point under the ground, there is a unique state of stress. However the magnitude of
shear and normal stress will depend upon the orientation of the planes used to compute stresses”, is it always true,
sometimes true, or false? Defend your answer.
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4. Using the Boussinesq’s Approach of vertical stress increase in soils, identify a possible real life scenario in which it
can be utilized in the design of a superstructure.
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5. Cite an advantage and disadvantage of using Newmark’s Influence Chart in determining vertical stress increase at
any point under a superstructure?
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