Stresses under Linearly Loaded Rectangular Area

The theoretical determination of the stresses induced in the soil by a linearly loaded rectangular area at the surface of a semi-infinite mass of elastic, isotropic, homogeneous soil is presented. This is useful for determining the settlement of buildings, dams, and retaining walls. The stress coefficients have been calculated for points located under the center and the corners of the rectangle by integration of the Boussinesq and Cerruti formulas for the stresses due to a single load, either normal or tangential. The numerical values of Ko are listed as a function of the ratio of the sides of the rectangle. A practical example is given. The main features of the theoretical analysis are given without going into the details of the calculations.