Multiple choice

A footing 2 m x 1 m exerts a uniform pressure of 150 kN/mm2 on the soil. Assuming a load dispersion of 2 vertical to 1 horizontal, the average vertical stress (kN/m2) at 1.0 m below the footing is

  1. 50

  2. 75

  3. 80

  4. 100
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A Correct answer
Explanation

 $\text{Average vertical stress}\\ = \frac{\text{total load}}{\text{total area at 1 m depth}}\\ = \frac{150 \times 2 \times 1}{( 2 + 0.5 + 0.5)(1 + 0.5 + 0.5)} = 50 kN/m^2$

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