Question

The normal stress in x-direction in terms of effective stress is given by __________

(a) σx= σx’+γw(h-he)

(b) σx= σx’*γw(h-he)

(c) σx= σx’-γw(h-he)

(d) σx= σx’

I had been asked this question in an online quiz.

I want to ask this question from Elasticity in section Elements of Elasticity of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

The correct choice is (a) σx= σx’+γw(h-he)

For explanation I would say: The total stress is equal to effective stress plus pore pressure. In x- direction, the normal stress is given by,

σx= σx’+u

u= γw(h-he)

where, h=total head at the point

he=elevation head

∴ σx= σx’+γw(h-he).