Example of Stress Distribution using Fadum Chart
Problem 1
Calculate the distribution of vertical stress at 3 m intervals to depth 12 m below the corner of
a rectangular footing of 6 m by 4 m. Normal stress applied by the footing to the soil is 120kN/m2
at the level of the footing. Use Fadum, chart (Fig 1).
Solution
Referring to Fig 1
Depth m = L/z n = B/z Ir v
(meters) (kN/m2)
3 2.0 1.33 0.218 26.2
6 1.0 0.67 0.147 17.6
9 0.67 0.44 0.088 10.6
12 0.5 0.33 0.062 7.4
*Note that m and n are interchangeable
Fig.1. Fadum chart for stresses beneath corner of a uniformly loaded footing (after R.E.
Fadum, 1984)
Problem 2
Load of 1500 kN is applied to a footing of 2 m square. Estimate the increase in vertical stress
at depth of 5 m below centre of the footing, assuming
(a) The load is uniformly distributed on the footing.
(b) Load acts as a point load at the centre of the footing
Solution
(a) Uniformly distributed load,
q = 1500 = 375 kN/m2
22
Dividing the footing into 4 quadrants,
mz = nz = 1 m
For z = 5 m,
m = n = 0.2
From Fig 1
Influence factor, Ir = 0.018
Therefore,
z = 4qIr = 4 x 375 x 0.018 = 29 kN/m2
(b) For assumption of point load acting at the centre of the footing,
5
3Q 1 2
z= 2
2z 2 1 r / z
5
3 x 1500 1 2
= 28.6 kN/m
2
=
2 5 2 1 0 / 52
= 29 kN/m2