ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the calculation of stress and displacement for three-dimensional problems based on the theory of elasticity. The elastic deformation in the vertical direction at the corner of a uniformly loaded rectangular area of size L × B can be obtained by proper integration of the expression for strain. The chapter discusses the stresses inside a homogeneous elastic medium due to various loading conditions. In actual cases of soil deposits, it is possible to encounter layered soils, each with a different modulus of elasticity. The effect of the reduction of stress concentration due to the presence of a stiff top layer is demonstrated. The actual nature of the distribution of contact stress will depend on the elastic properties of the foundation and the soil on which the foundation is resting. For a flexible foundation resting on a cohesionless soil, the distribution of contact pressure will be uniform.
