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Geotechnical Engineering2D

Effective Stress - Theory & Concepts

The principle of effective stress and its importance in soil strength and deformation.

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Effective Stress Profile

Parameters

Water Table Depth (m)5.0
Layer 1 Unit Weight (kN/m³)16.0
Layer 2 Unit Weight (kN/m³)19.0

Layer 1: 0-4m (Sand)
Layer 2: 4-10m (Clay)
Observe how raising the water table increases pore pressure (uu) and decreases effective stress (σ′\sigma').

0m1m2m3m4m5m6m7m8m9m10m03978117157196Stress (kPa)Layer 1 / Layer 2 Interface▼ Water TableTotal Stress (σ)Pore Pressure (u)Effective Stress (σ')

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