| Abstract: | This paper presents a general algebraical formula to determine the vertical stresses resulting from a linearly distributed surface pressure resting on an elastic medium. This problem and its various derivations has received considerable attention because of its applications in foundation engineering 1–5]. The equation presented in this paper has been determined by the integration of the Boussinesq 6] equation with respect to the general surface function of a linearly distributed loading regime. The equation can be applied to the case of an optimally designed rectangular footing subjected to biaxial bending. Unlike the current design formulae 1–7], it provides the flexibility of having various contact pressures at each of the four corners of the rectangular area. This may enable more accurate design procedures for pad foundations in the future. This paper explains the validity of the new formula by comparing its results with those produced by classical methods. It shows how it can be applied to determine the vertical stress distributions resulting from all types of linearly distributed surface pressures which occupy a rectangular area on an elastic mass. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
