Stress distribution

due to
applied loads

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Vertical stress below applied loads

The vertical stress transmitted to the soil layers
below the foundation
- lead to vertical deformation in the soil,
causing foundation settlement.
Thus, distribution of stresses within
the soil mass, induced by the loads applied on
the surface of the soil, is a prerequisite for
foundation design.
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Boussinesq Equation(1885)
Investigated the stress in a
Elastic
semi-infinite
isotropic and
homogeneous medium,
loaded normally on its upper plane surface
by a concentrated point load.
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Point load of magnitude Q

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3Q
1

Z
2Z 2 r 2
1
Z

5
2

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3Q
1

Z
2Z 2 r 2
1
Z

Q
Z 2 I
Z
I = Influence factor
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5
2

Line Load

q / unit length
+x

+y

p
x

Z
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2q
1

Z x 2
1
Z

Strip Load
B
q

Z
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sin cos 2

Uniformly Loaded Circular Area

Uniform load acting over a circular area of radius, R

z
z

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The vertical stress z at point o directly below

the center of the loaded area and at a depth z
is given by

Z
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q 1
2

3
2

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Stress increase below an interior point

D

Plan

Chart gives the stress at a

distance z, beneath a corner
of a rectangular loaded area
Must use Superposition

Y
O

B
zz ( ABCD )

Elevation

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Point of interest

zz (OXAY )
zz (OYBZ )
zz ( 0 ZCT )
zz (OTDX )

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Newmark's Influence Chart

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Basic concept of Newmarks chart

It is based on the vertical stress below
the centre of a circular area of radius R
and depth Z which carries uniformly
distributed load q.
3

2


1

Z q 1
2

R
1
Z

Q- load on the circular area

R- radius of the circular area
Z- depth at the point

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The circles are then drawn to a convenient scale 1cm = 2m

How to use this Newmarks influence

chart?
The procedure for obtaining the vertical stress at any point below a
loaded area is as follows:
1. Verify the depth z below the uniformly loaded area where the stress
increase is to be obtained.
2. Plot the plan of the loaded area with a scale of z equal to the unit
length of the chart (AB).
3. Place the plan on the influence chart in such a manner that the point
below which the stress is to be determined is located at the center
of the chart.
4. Count the number of elements (N) of the chart enclosed by the plan
of the loaded area.

Finally , the vertical stress at the point is, z = IV . q . N

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Isobar & Pressure bulb

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Westergaards Theory

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