Question

The maximum vertical stress is _______ when a concentrated load of 20 kN acts at a radial distance of 2m.

(a) 0.444 kN/m^2

(b) 0.555 kN/m^2

(c) 0.666 kN/m^2

(d) 0.777 kN/m^2

The question was posed to me in class test.

This key question is from Stress Distribution in section Stress Distribution of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

Correct option is (a) 0.444 kN/m^2

The best I can explain: Given,

radial distance r=2m

load Q=20 kN

The maximum vertical stress is given by,

\((σ_z)_{max}=\frac{0.0888Q}{r^2} \)

∴ \((σ_z){max}=\frac{0.0888*20}{2^2} \)

∴ \(\)(σz)max=0.444 kN/m^2.