Question

If a UDL of 70 kN/m^2 is acting at a rectangular area of 25 m^2, then the contact pressure is _______

(a) 51kN/m^2

(b) 54 kN/m^2

(c) 80 kN/m^2

(d) 70 kN/m^2

This question was posed to me during an interview for a job.

The doubt is from Stress Distribution in portion Stress Distribution of Geotechnical Engineering I

Answer 1

The correct choice is (d) 70 kN/m^2

For explanation I would say: Given,

UDL of 70 kN/m^2

 area = 25 m^2

\(Contact\, pressure=\frac{normal\, load}{true \,contact\, area}\)

Since for every m^2, load of 70 kN acts. Therefore the contact pressure is 70 kN/m^2.