Weight of Soil Prism given Vertical Stress on Surface of Prism Calculator

Weight of Prism Formula:

\[ W = \sigma_{vertical} \times b \]

Weight of Prism (kg):

1. What is Weight of Soil Prism given Vertical Stress?

Definition: This calculator computes the weight of a soil prism based on the vertical stress acting on its surface and the inclined length of the prism.

Purpose: It helps geotechnical engineers and soil mechanics professionals determine the weight of soil prisms for slope stability analysis and other geotechnical calculations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ W = \sigma_{vertical} \times b \]

Where:

\( W \) — Weight of prism (kg)
\( \sigma_{vertical} \) — Vertical stress at a point (Pascal)
\( b \) — Inclined length of prism along the slope (m)

Explanation: The vertical stress is multiplied by the inclined length to determine the weight of the soil prism.

3. Importance of Weight Calculation

Details: Accurate weight calculation is crucial for analyzing slope stability, bearing capacity, and settlement of foundations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the vertical stress in Pascals and the inclined length in meters. The ±5% indicates the typical accuracy range for such calculations.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is vertical stress in soil mechanics?
A: Vertical stress is the force per unit area acting perpendicular to the surface of the soil mass.

Q2: Why is the length called "inclined"?
A: Because in slope stability analysis, we typically consider the length along the slope surface, which is inclined at an angle.

Q3: What does the ±5% represent?
A: This represents the typical uncertainty range in soil parameter measurements and calculations.

Q4: Can this be used for rock prisms?
A: Yes, but the density and stress values would be different for rock compared to soil.

Q5: How do I measure vertical stress in the field?
A: Field measurements can be done using pressure cells or estimated from soil properties and overburden weight.