| 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=mEZα where mE 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. |
