Exercise 7.

1:

An elastic soil is confined laterally and is axially compressed under drained conditions. In soil
mechanics, the loading imposed on the soil is called Ko compression or consolidation. Show that
under the Ko condition,
 x 

 z 1   
where ’ is Poisson’s ratio for drained condition.

Solution 7.1

Prove that for the Ko condition (lateral strains are zero):

 x 

 z 1   
where:  = Poisson’s ratio and:
x  y , x  y  0

Substitute these values into the generalized Hooke’s Law:

x 
1
E
 
 x    y   z   x 1       z   0
1
E
(1)

or

y 
1
E
 
   x   y    z   x 1       z   0
1
E
(2)

Solve (1) or (2) for the ratio of  x to  z giving;

( )
Exercise 7.2:

Show that if an elastic, cylindrical soil is confined in the lateral directions, the constrained elastic
modulus is
( )
( )( )
where E’ = Young’s modulus and ’ is Poisson’s ratio for drained condition.

Solution 7.2

Generalized Hooke’s Law defines 1 as:

(( ) )
( )( )

( )
( )( )
Exercise 7.3:

The increase in porewater pressure in a saturated soil is given by u = 3 + A(1 - 3). Show
that if the soil is a linear, isotropic, elastic material, A = 1/3 for the axisymmetric condition.

Solution 7.3

u    3  A  1   3 

For undrained loading the change in mean effective stress is zero.

 1  u   2  3  u 
i.e. 0
3

 u   3 
1
 1   3 
3

1
Thus A =
3
Exercise 7.4
A cylindrical soil, 75 mm in diameter and 150 mm long, is axially compressed. The length
decreases to 147 mm and the radius increases by 0.3 mm. Calculate:
(a) The axial and radial strains
(b) The volumetric strains
(c) Poisson’s ratio

Solution 7.4

r r = 0.3 mm, z = 3 mm

75 mm 3 3
3

b)
150mm

( 3)

c)
3
Exercise 7.5
A cylindrical soil, 75 mm in diameter and 150 mm long, is radially compressed. The length
increases to 153 mm and the radius decreases to 37.2 mm. Calculate:

(a) The axial and radial strains

(b) The volumetric strains

Solution 7.5

r r =37.5 – 37.2 = 0.3 mm

z = 150 – 153 = -3 mm

75 mm

b)
150mm

( )
Exercise 7.6
A soil, 100 mm x 150 mm x 20 mm high, is subjected to simple shear deformation (see Figure
7.3). The normal force in the Z direction is 1 kN and the shear force is 0.5 kN. The displacements
at the top of the soil in the X and Z directions are x = 1 mm and z = 1 mm. Calculate:
(a) The shear and normal stresses
(b) The axial and shear strains

Solution 7.6

F 
Z
T 

X
20 mm

100 mm

F = 1 kN, T = 0.5 kN

Normal stress =  = F/A, where “F” is the normal force and A = a × b

Shear stress = t = T/A, where “T” is the shear force and A = a × b

a)

b)
Exercise 7.7

A long embankment is located on a soil profile consisting of 4 m of medium clay followed by 8

m of medium to dense sand on top of bedrock. A vertical settlement of 5 mm at the center of the
embankment was measured during construction. Assuming all the settlement is elastic and
occurs in the medium clay; determine the average stresses imposed on the medium clay under
the center of the embankment using the elastic equations. The elastic parameters are E = 15 MPa
and  = 0.3. (Hint: Assume the lateral strain is zero.)

Solution 7.7

E = 15MPa  15 103 kPa ,  0.3

5
1   1.25  103
4  103

Plane strain condition, use equation (5.21)

Note: Aat the center of the embankment the lateral strains are zero

1  E 1     1 
    
3  1   1  2   1    3 

 1  15000  0.7 0.3   3

1.25  10  
  = 1.3  0.4 0.3   
 3   0.7  
0 


∆1 = 25.2 kPa, ∆3= 10.8 kPa

Exercise 7.8

An element of soil (sand) behind a retaining wall is subjected to an increase in vertical stress of 5
kPa and a decrease in lateral stress of 25 kPa. Determine the change in vertical and lateral
strains, assuming the soil is a linearly elastic material with E = 20 MPa and  = 0.3.

Solution 7.8

E= 20MPa  20 103 kPa ,  0.3 ,  1  5 kPa ,  3   25 kPa

Plane strain condition, use equation (7.21)
Assume all stresses are principal stresses.

1  1   1      1 
     
3  E   1    3 

1  1.3 0.7  .03  5 

    
 3  20,000  0.3 0.7  25

1.3
1   0.7  5  0.3  (25)   7.15  104
20, 000
1.3
3   0.3  5  0.7  (25)   1.24  103
20, 000
Exercise 7.9

A cylindrical specimen of soil is compressed by an axial principal stress of 500 kPa and a radial
principal stress of 200 kPa. Plot Mohr’s circle of stress and determine (a) the maximum shear
stress and (b) the normal and shear stresses on a plane inclined at 30° counterclockwise from the
horizontal.

Solution 7.9

Because there are no shear stresses on the planes where the normal stresses are applied, these
normal stresses are principal stresses.

Horizontal plane
Plane 30o from
30o horizontal plane
(counter clock
150 kPa wise)
124 kPa

30o

 1  500 kPa ;  3  200 kPa

500  200
(a)  max   150 kPa
2
(b)   = 428 kPa,   = 124 kPa
Exercise 7.10

A soil specimen (100 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm) is subjected to the forces shown in Figure P7.10.
Determine (a) the magnitude of the principal stresses, (b) the orientation of the principal stress
plane to the horizontal, (c) the maximum shear stress, and (d) the normal and shear stresses on a
plane inclined at 20° clockwise to the horizontal.

Solution 7.10

Counter clock wise shear positive

8 4 2
Area = 0.1 x0.1 = 0.01 m 2 ,  z = = 800 kPa,  x  = 400 kPa,  zx = = -200 kPa
0.01 0.01 0.01

800  400  800  400 

2

(a)  1      (200) = 882.8 kPa

2

2  2 

800  400  800  400 

2

3      (200) = 317.2 kPa

2

2  2 
200
(b) tan  = = -0.414,    22.5
882.8  400
882 .8  317 .2
(c)  max  = 282.8 kPa
2
882.8  317.2 882.8  317.2
(d)   =  cos  40   816.6 kPa
2 2
(e) ( )
Exercise 7.11
The initial principal stresses at a certain depth in a clay soil are 100 kPa on the horizontal plane
and 50 kPa on the vertical plane. Construction of a surface foundation induces additional stresses
consisting of a vertical stress of 45 kPa, a lateral stress of 20 kPa, and a counterclockwise (with
respect to the horizontal plane) shear stress of 40 kPa. Plot Mohr’s circle (1) for the initial state
of the soil and (2) after construction of the foundation. Determine (a) the change in magnitude of
the principal stresses, (b) the change in maximum shear stress, and (c) the change in orientation
of the principal stress plane resulting from the construction of the foundation.

Solution 7.11

current
pole

initial
23°

Initial stresses:  1 = 100 kPa,  3 = 50 kPa

New stresses:  1 = 245 kPa,  3 = 120 kPa,  zx = 40 kPa

(a) 1 = 161 kPa,  3 = 54 kPa; 1 = 61 kPa,  3 = 4 kPa

(b)  max = 28.5 kPa
(c) Principal stress plane rotates 23° clockwise from horizontal plane or 67o
counterclockwise.
Exercise 7.12
Plot the distribution of total stress, effective stress, and porewater pressure with depth for the soil
profile shown in Figure P7.12. Neglect capillary action and pore air pressure.

Solution 7.12

 G  Se   2.7  0.850.7  
   s   w    9.8  19.0 kN / m 3
 1 e   1  0.7 

Bottom:
S=1
w Gs 0.28 (2.7)
e   0.756  0.76
S 1
 G  Se   2.7  0.76 
 sat   s   w    9.8  19.3 kN / m 3
 1 e   1  0.76 

Depth  (kPa) u (kPa)  ( – u) (kPa)

0 0 0 0
4.5 19 × 4.5 = 85.5 0 85.5
9.5 85.5 + 5 × 19.3 = 182 5 × 9.8 = 49.0 133

Stress (kPa)
0 50 100 150 200
0
1
total stresses
2
Depth (m)

3 pore water pressure

4
5 effective stresses
6
7
8
9
10
Exercise 7.13
If the groundwater in problem 7.12 were (a) to rise to the surface, (b) to rise 2 m above
the surface, and (c) to rapidly decrease from 2 m above the surface to 1 m below its
present level, determine and plot the distributions of effective and total stress and
porewater pressure with depth.

Solution 7.13

a) G.W.L. rises to the surface

4.5m

5m
w = 28%; sat = 19.3kN/m3

Depth (m)  (kPa) u (kPa) ' = u (kPa)

0 0 0 0
4.5 19.6 × 4.5 = 88.2 4.5 × 9.8 = 44.1 44.1
9.5 88.2 + 5 × 19.3 = 184.7 9.5 × 9.8 = 93.1 91.6

Stress (kPa)
0 50 100 150 200
0

2
Depth (m)

total
6

8
effective

10
b) G.W.L. rises 2 m above water surface

Rise of 2 m
4.5m sat = 19.6kN/m3

5m
sat = 19.3kN/m3

Depth (m)  (kPa) u (kPa) ' = u (kPa)

0 2 × 9.8 = 19.6 2 × 9.8 = 19.6 0
4.5 88.2 + 19.6 = 107.8 6.5 × 9.8 = 63.7 44.1
9.5 184.7 + 19.6 = 204.3 11.5 × 9.8 = 112.7 91.6

Stress (kPa)

0 50 100 150 200 250

0

2
Depth (m)

total
6

effective
8

10

Note: The vertical effective stresses remain unaltered from part (a) by the rise of
groundwater above the surface.
c) G.W.L. decreases from 2m above surface to 1m below its original level

4.5m sat = 19.6kN/m3

Decrease of 1m
sat = 19.3kN/m3
5m

Total stresses remain same from part (a) the only change is porewater pressures and
effective stresses

Depth (m)  (kPa) u (kPa) ' = u (kPa)

0 0 0 0
4.5 88.2 0 88.2
5.5 107.5 0 107.5
9.5 184.7 39.2 145.5

Stress (kPa)

0 50 100 150 200

0

2
Depth (m)

6
total
8
effective

10
Exercise 7.14
At what depth would the vertical effective stress in a deep deposit of clay be 100 kPa, if e = 1.1?
The groundwater level is at 1 m below ground surface and S = 95% above the groundwater level.
Neglect pore air pressure.

Solution 7.14

 G  Se   2.7  0.95 1.1  w

  s     17.5 kN / m3 ;
 1 e  1  1.1
w

 Gs  e   2.7  1.1 
 sat    w    9.8  17.7 kPa = 17.7 kPa
 1  e   2.1 

Let z be the depth below the GWL at which z is 100 kPa

 z = 17.5  1  17.7  9.8z = 100; z = 10.4m

Depth from surface = 1 + 10.4 = 11.4 m

Exercise 7.15
A culvert is to be constructed in a bed of sand (e = 0.5) for drainage purposes. The roof of the
culvert will be located 3 m below ground surface. Currently, the groundwater level is at ground
surface. But, after installation of the culvert, the groundwater level is expected to drop to 2 m
below ground surface. Calculate the change in vertical effective stress on the roof of the culvert
after installation. You can assume the sand above the groundwater level is saturated.

Solution 7.15

2m
3m

Change in vertical effective stress: '  2  9.8  19.6kPa

Can be worked out as follows:

Assume the saturated unit weight of sand as  sat
' beforeinstallation   sat  3  9.8  3
' after installation   sat  3  9.8 1
Change in vertical effective stress :
'    sat  3  9.8 1    sat  3  9.8  3
 2  9.8  19.6kPa
Exercise 7.16
A soil profile consists of 10-m-thick fine sand of effective size 0.15 mm above a very
thick layer of clay. Groundwater level is at 3 m below the ground surface. (a) Determine
the height of capillary rise, assuming that the equivalent capillary tube diameter is 10% of
the effective size and the sand surface is similar to smooth glass. (b) Plot the distribution
of vertical effective stress and porewater pressure with depth if the void ratio of the sand
is 0.6 and the degree of saturation is 90%. Neglect pore air pressure.

Solution 7.16

3m

10m Fine sand

D10=0.15mm

Clay

Capillary tube is 10% of effective size: d = 0.1x D10 = (0.1 x 0.15) mm = (0.1 x 0.15 x
10-3) m

Sand surface similar to smooth glass:  = 0 (contact angle)

4  T  cos 
Now, height of capillary size: Z C 
d  w
T (surface tension) for water = 0.073 N/m

4  T  cos  4  0.073 cos 0

a) Z C    1.99m  2.0m
d w 0.1 0.15  103  9.8  103

 G  Se   2.7  0.9  0.6 

b)    s   w    9.8  19.9 kN 3
 1  e   1  0.6  m

 2.7  0.6 
 sat    9.8  20.2 kN 3
 1  0.6  m

    sat   w  20 .2  9.8  10 .4 kN
m3
 Height of capillary action
3m sat = 20.2 Zc=2m  = 19.9 kN/m3

10m
sat = 20.2

Clay

Depth (m)  (kPa) u (kPa) ' = u (kPa)

0 0 0 0
1 19.9 × 1 = 19.9 -2 × 9.8 = -19.6 39.5
3 19.9 + 2 ×20.2 = 60.3 0 60.3
10 60.3 + 7 ×20.2 = 201.7 7 × 9.8 = 68.6 133.1

Stress (kPa)
-50 0 50 100 150 200 250
0

2
Depth (m)

u ' 
10
Exercise 7.17
A soil profile consists of a clay layer underlain by a sand layer, as shown in Figure P7.17. If a
tube is inserted into the bottom sand layer and the water level rises to 1 m above the ground
surface, determine the vertical effective stresses and porewater pressures at A, B, and C. If Ko is
0.5, determine the effective and total lateral stresses at A, B, and C. What is the value of the
porewater pressure at A to cause the effective stress there to be zero?

Solution 7.17

(a)
Water
 x = Ko x = x + u
Point  (kPa) height u (kPa)
(kPa) (kPa) (kPa)
(m)
A (Top 4 x 9.8 =
1 x 18.5 + 2 x 19 = 56.5 4 17.3 8.7 47.9
of sand) 39.2
5 .5 x 9.8 =
B 56.5 + 1.5 x 17 = 82 5.5 28.1 14.1 68
53.9
7.5 x 9.8 =
C 56.5 + 3.5 x 17 = 116 7.5 42.4 21.2 94.8
73.6

(b) 'A = 0 = 56.5 - u

: . u = 56.5 kPa [Equivalent water height = 56.5/9.8 = 5.77 m]
Exercise 7.18
A soil section, as shown in Figure P7.18, has a perched groundwater level. Plot the
vertical total and effective stresses and porewater pressures with depth along sections A-
A and B-B. Neglect pore air pressure.

Solution 7.18

( )

Under GWE;

( )

Perched water;

( )
A – A’
Depth (m)  (kPa) u (kPa) ' = u (kPa)
0 0.0 0.0 0.0
3 3 × 21.8 = 65.4 0.0 65.4
7 7 × 21.8 = 152.6 0.0 152.6
8 8 × 21.8 = 174.4 0.0 174.4
11 174.4 + 3 × 21 = 244.9 3 × 9.8 = 29.4 215.5

Stress (kPa)
0.0 50.0 100.0 150.0 200.0 250.0 300.0
0

2 total stresses

porewater pressures
4
Depth (m)

effective stresses
6

10

12

B – B’
' = u
Depth (m)  (kPa) u (kPa)
(kPa)
0 0.0 0.0 0.0
3 3 × 21.8 = 65.4 0.0 65.4
7 65.4 + 4 × 23.5 = 159.4 4 × 9.8 = 39.2 120.2
8 159.4 + 1 × 21.8 = 181.2 0.0 181.2
11 181.2 + 3 × 21 = 244.2 3 × 9.8 = 29.4 214.8
 Stress (kPa)
0.0 50.0 100.0 150.0 200.0 250.0 300.0
0

2 total stresses

porewaer pressures
4
Depth (m)

effective stresses
6

10

12
Exercise 7.19
A pole is held vertically on a soil surface by three equally spaced wires tied to the top of
the pole. Each wire has a tension of 1 kN and is inclined at 45° to the vertical. Calculate:
(a) The increase in vertical stress at a depth 1 m below the surface
(b) The amount of elastic settlement below the axis of the pole if E = 40 MPa and  =
0.45

Solution 7.19

Point load
= 3 x 1x cos45o
45o 3
=
2

1kN
1 x cos45o

a) Increase in vertical stress at depth 1m below the surface

Using pole as a point load:

 
3Q  1 
 Z 
2z 2  1  ( r ) 2  5/2 
 2  
for po int A; r  0, z  1
3 3
 ZA   1kPa
2 2

b) Amount of elastic settlement below the pole

Q(1  )  1 
z   2(1   )  
2  2   r )2 
1

2Ez (1  ( ) ) 
r 1 (
z 
 z 

z  1 m; r  0; Q  3 kN; E  40MPa;   0.35

2

(3 ) 1.35  (103 )
z  2
 2(0.65)  1  2.62x105 m
2 (40 106 )(1)

z  0.0262 mm
Exercise 7.20
A rectangular foundation 4 m x 6 m (Figure P7.20) transmits a stress of 100 kPa on the
surface of a soil deposit. Plot the distribution of increases of vertical stresses with depth
under points A, B, and C up to a depth of 20 m. At what depth is the increase in vertical
stress below A less than 10% of the surface stress?

Solution 7.20

Use the influence chart shown in Fig 7.24 or use the program STRESS at
www.wiley.com/college/budhu

Point A X
Y

Depth, z m n Iz  z  4q s I z
(kPa)
0 --- --- --- 150
5 0.4 0.6 0.08 48
10 0.2 0.3 0.025 15
15 0.13 0.2 0.012 7 Z E
20 0.1 0.15 0.006 4
L D K
Point B

B=4
L=6

Depth, m n Iz  z  q s I z
z (kPa)
0 --- --- --- 150
5 0.8 1.2 0.17 25
10 0.4 0.6 0.08 12
15 0.27 0.4 0.04 6
 20 0.2 0.3 0.027 4
Point C

Area XYZC: B = 4 m , L = 6 m ; Area ZCKL: B = 2m , L = 6 m

Area BYCE: B = 2 m , L =4 m ; Area ECKD: B = 2m , L =2 m
The vertical stress increase at C is the vertical stress increase from Area XYZC + Area
ZCKL - Area BYCE - Area ECKD

Area XYZC Area ZCKL

Depth, m n Iz z m n Iz z
z (kPa) (kPa)
0 --- --- -- 150 --- --- --- 150
5 0.8 1.2 0.17 25 0.4 1.2 0.11 16
10 0.4 0.6 0.08 12 0.2 0.6 0.047 7
15 0.27 0.4 0.043 6 0.135 0.4 0.02 3
20 0.2 0.3 0.026 4 0.1 0.3 0.013 2

Area BYCE Area ECKD

Depth m n Iz z m n Iz z
(z) (kPa) (kPa)
0 --- -- -- 150 --- --- --- 150
5 0.4 0.8 0.09 14 0.4 0.4 0.06 9
10 0.2 0.4 0.03 5 0.2 0.2 0.02 3
15 0.135 0.27 0.013 2 0.135 0.135 0.007 1
20 0.1 0.2 0.007 1 0.1 0.1 0.005 0.7

The increase in vertical stresses at C is given in the table below

Depth, z z
(kPa)
0 0
5 18
10 11
15 6
20 4.3
 Vertical stress increase (kPa)

0 50 100 150 200

0

5
Depth (m)

10 Point A
Point B

15 Point C

20

25
Exercise 7.21
Determine the increase in vertical stress at a depth of 5 m below the centroid of the
foundation shown in Figure P7.21.

Solution 7.21

2m
 ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
̅
( ) ( ) ( )

( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
̅
( ) ( ) ( )

With centroid at the center of the Newmark chart and using the depth scale reproduce the
figure as shown below (Check on Newmark on the in the software “STRESS” to generate
a Newmark chart. STRESS is available free at www.wiley.com/college/budhu)

 z  qs I N N S
qs  200kPa; N S  56
 z at 5m below centroid  0.005  200  56  56kPa
Exercise 7.22
Three foundations are located next to each other (Figure P7.22). Determine the stress increases at
A, B, and C at a depth of 2 m below the ground surface.

Solution 7.22
I II

Point Footing L(m) B (m) z(kPa)

A
.. B

A I 2.5 1.5 59.3

. C
II 10 2.5 52.8
4 2.5 -51.5 III 1m
III 9.5 1.5 17.9
9.5 2.5 17.9 1.5m 3.5m

5.5 1.5 -17.8

5.5 2.5 -17.8
z 60.8
B I 3 2.5 37.4
II 8.5 2.5 52.8
 2.5 2.5 -48.0
III 9.5 1 13.7
9.5 3 23.0
5.5 1 -13.7
5.5 3 -22.8
z 42.4
C I 5 3 20.4
II 8.5 5 29.2
5 2.5 -26.1
III 7 1 13.7
7 3 22.9
3 3 -21.6
3 1 -13.1
z 25.4
Exercise 7.23
You are the geotechnical engineer for a proposed office building in a densely clustered
city. The office building will be constructed adjacent to an existing office complex. The
soil at the site is a deposit of very dense sand with E = 45 MPa and  =  = 0.3. The
sand rests on a deep deposit of dense gravel. The existing high-rise complex is founded
on a concrete slab, 100 m x 120 m, located at 2 m below ground surface, and transmits a
load of 2400 MN to the soil. Your office foundation is 50 m x 80 m and transmits a load
of 1000 MN. You also intend to locate your foundation at 2 m below ground level. The
front of your building is aligned with the existing office complex, and the side distance is
0.5 m. The lesser dimension of each building is the frontal dimension. The owners of the
existing building are concerned about possible settlement of their building due to your
building. You are invited to a meeting with your client, the owners of the existing
building, and their technical staff. You are expected to determine what effects your office
building would have on the existing building. You only have one hour to make the
preliminary calculations. You are expected to present the estimated increase in stresses
and settlement of the existing office complex will due to the construction of your office
building. Prepare your analysis and presentation.

Solution 7.23
100m

120 m
A 80m
II I

0.5m 50m

Calculate the average surface stress on your building.

1000  10 3
qs  = 250 kPa
50  80
The maximum increase in vertical stress would be at Point A. Calculate the vertical stress
increase at A up to a depth 2B ( B = width of new building)

Area I: L = 50.5m, B = 40m

Area II: L = 0.5m, B = 40m

Using the software STRESS at www.wiley.com/college/budhu

z (m) 5 20 30 50 100
∆z (Area I) (kPa) 62.43 59.06 53.58 40.08 17.9
∆z (Area I) (kPa) 7.9 1.96 1.25 0.65 0.21
∆z (kPa)
109.06 114.2 104.66 78.86 35.38
[2 x ∆z (Area I) – 2 x ∆z (Area I)]

5109   4114   3105   279   35

Harmonic mean vertical stress increase =  100 .6kPa
5 4  3 2 1

The depth at which this mean vertical stress increase occurs is approximately at 5m.

The vertical stress increase on the existing building is significant and can cause the
existing building to settle differentially. With this magnitude of vertical stress increase,
the foundation of the new building should be carried on piles (see Chapter 13) to reduce
differential settlement on the existing building.
Exercise 7.24
A house (plan dimension: 10 m x 15 m) is located on a deep deposit of sand mixed with
some clays and silts. The groundwater at the time the house was completed was 0.5 m
below the surface. A utility trench, 4 m deep, was later dug on one side along the length
of the house. Any water that accumulated in the trench was pumped out so that the trench
remained dry. Because of a labor dispute, work on laying the utility in the trench ceased,
but the open trench was continuously pumped. Sometime during the dispute, the owners
noticed cracking of the walls in the house. Assuming S = 0.9 for the soil above the
groundwater level and a void ratio of 0.7, write a short, preliminary technical report (not
more than a page) to the owner explaining why the cracks developed. The walls of the
trench did not move laterally. The hydraulic conductivities of the soil in the vertical and
horizontal directions are 0.5 x 10-4 cm/sec and 2.3 x 10-4 cm/sec, respectively. The
calculations should be in an appendix to the report. Neglect pore air pressure.

Solution 7.24

15m

10m

4m

A few ideas:
Since water is pumped out from the utility trench, the depth of the water table from
ground level will tend to decrease from about 0.5 m at the side of the house to 4 m on the
trench side. The changes in effective stress stresses are equal to the changes in the
decreases in the groundwater level. Since the latter are not uniformly distributed under
the house, differential settlement will occur leading to structural cracks.
Exercise 7.25
A farmer requires two steel silos to store wheat. Each silo is 8 m in external diameter and
10 m high. The foundation for each silo is a circular concrete slab thickened at the edge.
The total load of each silo filled with wheat is 9552 kN. The soil consists of a 30 m thick
deposit of medium clay above a deep deposit of very stiff clay. The farmer desires that
the silos be a distance of 2 m apart and hires you to recommend whether this distance is
satisfactory. The area is subjected to a gust wind speed of 100 kilometers per hour.
(a) Plot the distribution of vertical stress increase at the edges and at the center of one of
the silos up to a depth of 16 m. Assume the soft clay layer is semi-infinite and the
concrete slab is flexible. Use a spreadsheet to tabulate and plot your results.
(b) Calculate the elastic settlement at the surface of one of the silos at the edges and at the
center, assuming E = 30 MPa and  = 0.7.
(c) Calculate the elastic tilt of the foundation of one of the silos and sketch the deformed
shape of the foundation slab.
(d) Would the tops of the silos touch each other based on the elastic tilt? Show
calculations in support of your answer.
(e) What minimum separation distance would you recommend? Make clear sketches to
explain your recommendation to the owner.
(f) Explain how the wind would alter the stress distribution below the silos.
(Hint: Use the charts in Appendix B.)
Solution 7.25

SILO 1 SILO 2

8m
Inner
Outer

10 m

-4 m A B C

-8 m D E F

-12 m G H I

-16 m J K L
 Using the charts in Appendix B compute the following

Stress % Due to Silo 1 Stress % Due to Silo 2

1r 0r 1r 1.5r 2.5r 3.5r
depth in
outer Silo 1 center Silo 1 inner Silo 1 inner Silo1 center Silo1 outer Silo1
radii
0r (0 m) 50 100 50 0 0 0
1r (4 m) 33 (point A) 65 (point B) 33 (point C) 15 (point A) 1.8 (point B) 0.3 (point C)
2r (8 m) 20 (point D) 28 (point E) 20 (point F) 12 (point D) 4 (point E) 1.1 (point F)
3r (12 m) 11 (point G) 13 (point H) 11 (point I) 9 (point G) 4.3 (point H) 2 (point I)
4r (16 m) 7.3 (point J) 9 (point K) 7.3 (point L) 6.3 (point J) 4 (point K) 2.2 (point L)

STRESS % FROM BOTH SILOS STRESS FROM BOTH SILOS (kPa)

depth in
outer center inner outer center inner
radii
190.03 X 0.5 =
0r (0 m) 50 100 50 190.03 95.02
95.02
33 + 0.3 = 65 + 1.8 = 33 + 15 =
1r (4 m) 63.28 126.94 91.21
33.3 66.8 48
20 + 1.1 = 28 + 4 = 20 + 12 =
2r (8 m) 40.10 60.81 60.81
21.1 32 32
11 + 2 = 13 + 4.3 = 11 + 9 =
3r (12 m) 24.70 32.88 38.01
13 17.3 20
7.3 + 2.2 = 9+4= 7.3 + 6.3 =
4r (16 m) 18.05 24.70 25.84
9.5 13 13.6

(a)
Solution 7.25(continued..)
(b) Using the charts in Appendix B compute the following
DUE TO
Elastic Settlement Factor DUE TO SILO 1 SILO 2
1r 0r 1r 1.5r 2.5r 3.5r
depth in radii depth outer S1 center S1 inner S1 inner S1 center S1 outer S1
0r 0 0.9 1.5 0.9 0.52 0.3 0.21
1r 4 0.8 1.05 0.8 0.53 0.31 0.22
2r 8 0.54 0.65 0.54 0.47 0.305 0.23
3r 12 0.42 0.45 0.42 0.38 0.3 0.23
4r 16 0.31 0.33 0.31 0.305 0.28 0.21

factor FROM BOTH

SILOS
depth in radii depth outer center inner E 30000 Pa
0r 0 1.11 1.8 1.42
1r 4 1.02 1.36 1.33
2r 8 0.77 0.955 1.01
3r 12 0.65 0.75 0.8
4r 16 0.52 0.61 0.615

SETTLEMENT (mm)
FROM BOTH SILOS
depth in radii depth outer center inner
0r 0 56.24918 91.21488 71.95841
1r 4 51.68843 68.91791 67.39766
2r 8 39.0197 48.39456 51.18168
3r 12 32.93871 38.0062 40.53995
4r 16 26.35097 30.91171 31.16508

Tilt Angle 0.119 degrees 30

Horizontal
projection of one
silo 0.02 m
Solution 7.25(continued..)

Final Answers:

b) Outside = 56 mm
Center = 91 mm
Inside = 72 mm

c) Tilt Angle = 0.119 degrees

d) No, the silos will not touch.

e) 2 m separation is enough, since there will be only 0.02 m horizontal movement

at the tops of the silos

f) Wind will cause additional horizontal pressure. This may increase tilting.
Exercise 7.26
A water tank, 15 m in diameter and 10 m high, is proposed for a site where there is an existing
pipeline (Figure P7.26). Plot the distribution of vertical stress increases imposed by the water
tank on the pipeline along one-half the circumference nearest to the tank.

Solution 7.26

Assume weight of tank is negligible.

Vertical stresses at base of tank from water = w × h = 9.8 × 10 = 98 kPa

5 points selected on the pipe (A, B, C, D, E)

10 m
15 m

r
A B

C
z
D
E
Using the charts in Appendix B compute the fallowing.

Position Vertical stresses Horizontal stresses

z r z/a r/a
(kPa) (kPa)
A 3 8 0.40 1.07 33.8 30.8
B 3.5 7.5 0.47 1.00 41.4 29.2
C 4 7 0.53 0.93 47.9 27.0
D 4.5 7.5 0.60 1.00 39.2 24.8
E 5 8 0.67 1.07 30.3 20.3

Stress (kPa)

20.00 25.00 30.00 35.00 40.00 45.00 50.00

3
3.2
3.4
Depth (m)

3.6
3.8
4
4.2
4.4
4.6
vertical stresses
4.8
5 horizontal stresses
Exercise 7.27
A developer proposes to construct an apartment building near an existing retaining wall (Figure
P7.27). The building of width 12 m and length 300 m (parallel to the retaining wall) will impose
a surface stress of 150 kPa. In the preliminary design, the long edge of the building is located 1
m from the wall.
(a) Plot the distribution of the lateral force increase with depth up to a depth of 4 m.
(b) What is the maximum value of the lateral force increase, and where does it occur?
(c) If the embedment depth of the retaining wall is 4 m, calculate the maximum additional
moment about the base of the wall (point O in Figure P7.27).
(d) What advice would you give to the developer regarding how far the apartment should be
located from the existing retaining wall? You may assume that the load from the apartment
building can be approximated as a strip load.

Solution 7.27

2
1

H0 Px
 [ ( )]

qs = 150 kPa; H0 = 9 m the calculation is done for a depth up to 8 m. The question only requires
you to do the calculation for up to 4 m.

z   Px

0 0.00 0 0
0.5 63.43 87.80 365.44
1 45.00 85.60 609.02
1.5 33.69 83.42 745.92
2 26.57 81.25 820.33
2.5 21.80 79.11 859.70
3 18.43 77.01 878.56
3.5 15.95 74.93 884.79
4 14.04 72.90 882.92
4.5 12.53 70.91 875.67
5 11.31 68.96 864.79
5.5 10.30 67.07 851.45
6 9.46 65.22 836.44
6.5 8.75 63.43 820.33
7 8.13 61.70 803.54
7.5 7.59 60.02 786.36
8 7.13 58.39 769.01

Lateral Force
0 200 400 600 800 1000
0
1
2
3
Depth (m)

4
5
6
7
8
9

Px(max) = 884.8 kN at 3.5 m

Additional moment at the base of the wall;

Mo = 884.8 × (9 - 3.5) = 4866.4 kN.m

Retaining wall stability analysis should be done with new additional lateral forces from the building.
Distance between wall and the building have to be decided by retaining wall stability analysis.
Exercise 7.28
A 10-m-thick, water-bearing sand layer (permeable), called an aquifer, is sandwiched between a
6-m clay layer (impermeable) at the top and bedrock impermeable) at the bottom. The
groundwater level is at the ground surface. An open pipe is placed at the top of the sand layer.
Water in the pipe rises to a height of 5 m above the groundwater level. The water contents of the
clay and sand are 52% and 8%, respectively.
(a) Does an artesian condition exist? Why?
(b) Plot the distribution of vertical total and effective stresses, and porewater pressure with depth
up to a depth of 10 m.
(c) If Ko of the clay is 0.5 and Ko of the sand is 0.45, plot the distribution of lateral total and
effective stresses.
(d) An invert (surface of the bottom arc) level of 4 m from the ground surface is proposed for a
water pipe 2 m in diameter. Draw the soil profile and locate the water pipe. Explain any issue
(justify with calculations) with locating the water pipe at the proposed invert level.

Solution 7.28

5m
A

6m Clay 4m

Sand
10 m

a)

Yes. The water in the aquifer is between two impermeable layers, has excess head over the head
due to the groundwater.
b)

Find saturated unit weights;

Clay:

Sand:

z = (z – u)
Depth z (kPa) u (kPa)
(kPa)
0 0 0 0
4 16.73 × 4 = 66.92 4 × 9.8 = 39.2 27.7
6 16.73 × 6 = 100.38 6 × 9.8 = 58.8 41.6
(-7.42) cannot be
negative.
Possible data
6 16.73 × 6 = 100.38 11 × 9.8 = 107.8
error from
measurements.
Use zero.
10 100.38 + 23.5 × 4 = 194.38 15 x 9.8 = 147 47.4
16 100.38 + 23.5 × 10 = 335.38 21 × 9.8 = 205.8 129.58
 Stress (kPa)
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
0

2
Total stress
4
porewater pressure
6 effective stress
Depth (m)

10

12

14

16

18

c)

K0
Clay 0.5
Sand 0.45
Depth 'x = Ko 'z (kPa) u (kPa) x = ('x + u) (kPa)
0.0
0 0 0
53.1
4 27.7 × 0.5 = 13.9 4 × 9.8 = 39.2
79.6
6 41.6 × 0.5 = 20.8 6 × 9.8 = 58.8
6 0 11 × 9.8 = 107.8 107.8
10 47.4 x 0.45 = 21.5 15 x 9.8 = 147 168.5
16 129.6 × 0.45 = 64.8 21 × 9.8 = 205.8 270.6
 Lateral Stress (kPa)
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
0
Effective stress
2
Porewater pressure
4 Total stress

6
Depth (m)

10

12

14

16

18

d)

Excavation to install the pipe will cause blow out.

After removal of 4 m of soil and water, the total stress pressure at point B reduces from 100.38
kPa to 2 × 16.73 = 33.46 kPa