Stress Distribution

Stress Distribution Calculator

Calculate vertical stress increase (Δσz) at any depth in a semi-infinite soil mass under point, line, and rectangular area loads using Boussinesq and Westergaard elastic theories.

Boussinesq 1885Westergaard 1938

Inputs

Demo

1. Theory & Load Configuration

Elastic Half-Space Model

Surface Load Type

2. Applied Load Magnitude & Geometry

Load Intensity (kPa)

Footing Width B (m)

Footing Length L (m)

Target Evaluation Depth Z (m)

Radial Offset X (m)

Results

Enter load intensity and target evaluation depth above, or click a Demo Preset at the top to compute stress distribution.

Theory and formulae

Elastic Stress Formulation Equations

About this calculator

This free stress distribution calculator runs entirely in your browser: what you enter is never uploaded. Switch between metric and imperial units at any time. Use the calculation steps and the theory section to check the working, and print a calculation sheet with the inputs, results and formulae for your records.

Methods and references: Boussinesq 1885, Westergaard 1938.

Topics: boussinesq, westergaard, point load, line load, rectangular load, stress increase, semi-infinite mass.

Engineering notice: Results are for preliminary estimation, screening and education. All inputs and outputs must be independently verified by a qualified professional engineer before use in any design or construction decision. Read the full disclaimer