Under the supervision of the Head of the Department of Building and Construction Technologies Engineering, Dr. Mayada Wahid Falah, and in alignment with the 7th Sustainable Development Goal (Affordable and Clean Energy), Prof. Dr. Najah Mahdi Latif and Lecturer M.M. Aqil Abdulhassan organized an activity titled "Overloading-Induced Lateral Pressure Based on Elasticity Theory."<br /><br />Overloading-Induced Lateral Pressure is a crucial factor affecting the stability of soil and supporting structures such as retaining walls and deep foundations. According to Elasticity Theory, this pressure is analyzed using mathematical models that assume the soil behaves as a linear elastic material within certain stress limits.<br /><br />🔹 Causes of Overloading-Induced Lateral Pressure<br />When additional loads are applied on the soil surface (such as buildings, embankments, or heavy equipment), they lead to:<br />1️⃣ An increase in vertical stress in the loaded area.<br />2️⃣ The generation of lateral stresses due to force transmission within the soil, following elasticity laws.<br />3️⃣ Soil deformation, which causes lateral displacement that may impact nearby structures.<br /><br />🔹 Lateral Pressure Analysis Using Elasticity Theory<br />The lateral pressure due to overloading is analyzed using Boussinesq Equations, which describe how stresses propagate in an elastic medium. These equations depend on:<br />✅ The magnitude and direction of the external load.<br />✅ Soil properties, such as elastic modulus (E) and Poisson’s ratio (ν).<br />✅ The depth and type of foundation transmitting the load into the soil.<br /><br />🔹 Factors Influencing Overloading-Induced Lateral Pressure<br />🔸 Soil Type: Sand and clay respond differently to applied loads.<br />🔸 Elastic Properties of Soil: Factors like elastic modulus (E) and Poisson’s ratio (ν) affect how stresses are transferred.<br />🔸 Groundwater Level: Can increase lateral pressure due to hydrostatic uplift effects.<br />🔸 Load Application Method: Whether the load is static or dynamic, which influences stress distribution.<br /><br />🔹 Effects on Engineering Structures<br />🔹 Retaining Walls: May experience partial failure or tilting if not designed to withstand additional lateral pressure.<br />🔹 Foundations: Increased loading may cause differential settlement and structural deformation.<br />🔹 Tunnels and Underground Structures: Require additional reinforcement to mitigate excessive lateral pressure.<br /><br />🔹 Engineering Solutions to Reduce Lateral Pressure<br />🔹 Using lightweight backfill materials to reduce overloading effects.<br />🔹 Designing efficient drainage systems to minimize groundwater influence.<br />🔹 Soil reinforcement through piling, grouting, or geosynthetics.<br />🔹 Pre-analyzing stresses using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software for better prediction and design.<br /><br /> Conclusion<br />According to Elasticity Theory, overloading-induced lateral pressure depends on stress transmission mechanisms within the soil and requires careful analysis to ensure structural stability. Engineers must consider these factors in design to guarantee safety and sustainability in geotechnical projects.