8. Stresses in the Ground
The chapter focuses on the fundamental concepts of stresses in the ground, particularly total stress and pore water pressure. It introduces the principle of effective stress, emphasizing its critical role in understanding soil mechanics. Additionally, it discusses the effects of changes in total stress and pore water pressure on soil behavior, especially in saturated conditions, incorporating key definitions and the implications of these concepts in geotechnical engineering.
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What we have learnt
- Total stress is the stress acting at a point below ground based on the weight of the overlying soil and water.
- Pore water pressure affects the total stress and is influenced by factors such as depth and seepage conditions.
- The principle of effective stress relates total stress, pore water pressure, and the behavior of saturated soils.
Key Concepts
- -- Total Stress
- The total vertical stress at a point below the ground surface, which increases with depth and includes the weight of soil, water, and surface loads.
- -- Pore Water Pressure
- The pressure of water in the pores of the soil, which is affected by depth and conditions of seepage flow.
- -- Effective Stress
- The stress that contributes to the strength and stability of soil, calculated as total stress minus pore water pressure.
- -- Water Table
- The natural level of groundwater, which separates saturated soil below from unsaturated soil above.
- -- Capillary Rise
- The height that water can rise in the soil above the water table due to surface tension, influenced by grain size.
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