Question

The Boussinesq settlement factor is given by _______

(a) \(F_B=\frac{3}{2}  \frac{1}{1+(\frac{z}{a})^2}\)

(b) \(F_B=\frac{3}{2}  \frac{1}{(1+(\frac{z}{a})^2)^\frac{5}{2}}\)

(c) \(F_B=\frac{3}{2}  \frac{1}{(1+(\frac{z}{a})^2)^\frac{1}{2}}\)

(d) \(F_B=\frac{1}{(1+(\frac{z}{a})^2)^\frac{1}{2}}\)

I got this question in homework.

This intriguing question originated from Stresses in Flexible Pavements topic in chapter Design of Flexible & Rigid Pavement of Geotechnical Engineering II

Answer 1

The correct option is (c) \(F_B=\frac{3}{2}  \frac{1}{(1+(\frac{z}{a})^2)^\frac{1}{2}}\)

To explain: The Boussinesq settlement factor is given by equation,

\(F_B=\frac{3}{2}  \frac{1}{(1+(\frac{z}{a})^2)^\frac{1}{2}},\)

where, FB= Boussinesq settlement factor

z=depth of point

a=radius of the loaded area.