Correct Answer - Option 2 : Stratified soils
Explanation:
Westergaard’s Theory Assumptions:
Elastic medium of semi-infinite extent but containing numerous, closely spaced horizontal sheets of a negligible thickness of an infinite rigid material which permits only downward deformation as a whole without allowing it to undergo any lateral strain.
Westergaard's assumptions are more close to the field reality, especially for over-consolidated and laminated sedimentary or stratified soils, which exhibit marked anisotropy.
Based on this criterion of no lateral displacement, Westergaard derived the following equation for a point load, Q, at a depth z from the surface:
\({\sigma _z} = \frac{Q}{{{Z^2}\pi }}{\left[ {\frac{1}{{1 + 2{{\left( {\frac{r}{z}} \right)}^2}}}} \right]^{3/2}}\)
∴ Westergaard’s analysis for stress distribution beneath loaded areas is applicable to stratified soils.
