Question

Consider the following statements for a rectangular footing of length $l$ and breadth ${}^{\prime }{b}^{\prime }$ applied with load P as shown in the given figure:



1. The stresses developed at points A and D are equal.
2. The stress developed at point B is maximum.
3. The stresses developed at point B and C are compressive.
Which of these statements are correct?

• A. $1,2$ and $3$
• B. $1$ and $2$
• C. $2$ and $3$
• D. $1$ and $3$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $2$ and $3$

Since the footing is rectangular and the load is eccentric about both X and Y axes respectively, the stresses at A and D are not equal. The stress developed at point C is the combination of compressive stress due to load P, tensile stress due to eccentricity about X and Y axis respectively. So the final stress is compressive or not will depend upon the magnitude of tensile stresses. In exact terms we cannot say that the final stress at C is
compressive however, option ( c) is the most close among all the options.