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

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(sub E) z alpha where m(sub e) is a constant and alpha is referred to as the non-homogeneity parameter. The variation of these solutions as the non-homogeneity parameter alpha varies between the limits of zero (homogeneous soil) to unity (Gibson soil) gives some fresh insight into both these limiting cases. (Author/TRRL)