GATE 2019 CE (CE2) – Question 62
A 2 m × 4 m rectangular footing carries uniform pressure 120 kPa. Use 2:1 stress dispersion to find vertical stress increment 2 m below its base (kPa).
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Correct answer: 40 to 40
Explanation
Total load is $120(2)(4)=960$ kN. At depth 2 m, 2:1 dispersion gives effective dimensions $(2+2)$ by $(4+2)$ m, area 24 m². Stress increment is $960/24=$ **40 kPa**.