Vertical Stress on Surface of Prism Calculator

Vertical Stress Formula:

\[ \sigma_z = \frac{W}{b} \]

Vertical Stress (Pa):

1. What is Vertical Stress on Surface of Prism?

Definition: Vertical stress at a point is the stress acting perpendicular to the surface of a soil prism.

Purpose: This calculation is essential in geotechnical engineering for analyzing soil stability and foundation design.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ \sigma_z = \frac{W}{b} \]

Where:

\( \sigma_z \) — Vertical stress at a point (Pascal)
\( W \) — Weight of prism (kg)
\( b \) — Inclined length of prism (m)

Explanation: The vertical stress is calculated by dividing the weight of the soil prism by its inclined length.

3. Importance of Vertical Stress Calculation

Details: Accurate stress calculation helps in designing stable foundations, retaining walls, and assessing slope stability.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the weight of prism in kg, inclined length in meters, and tolerance percentage (default ±5%). All values must be ≥ 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical tolerance used in calculations?
A: A ±5% tolerance is commonly used to account for measurement uncertainties in field conditions.

Q2: How do I determine the weight of the prism?
A: Multiply the volume of the prism by the unit weight of the soil material.

Q3: What units should I use for inputs?
A: Weight in kilograms (kg), length in meters (m), and tolerance in percentage (%).

Q4: Why is the inclined length used instead of vertical height?
A: The inclined length accounts for the slope angle of the prism, providing more accurate stress calculations.

Q5: How does this relate to bearing capacity calculations?
A: Vertical stress is a fundamental component in determining the bearing capacity of soils.