The behaviour of an elastic non‐homogeneous half‐space. Part I‐line and point loads

Abstract

Abstract In the first part of this paper solutions are developed for the response of a non‐homogeneous half‐space subjected to either a surface point load or a surface line load. The non‐homogeneity considered is a variation in Young's modulus ( E ) with depth ( z ) which takes the form E = m E Z α where m E is a constant and α is referred to as the non‐homogeneity parameter. The variation of these solutions as the non‐homogeneity parameter α varies between the limits of zero (homogeneous soil) to unity (Gibson soil) gives some fresh insight into both these limiting cases.