Effective Stress (σ’)

Effective Stress (σ’)

“Effective Stress” (σ’) is a geotechnical engineering term. Effective Stress is a function of “total stress,” and is due to the solid particles of soil. Effective stress represents an excess of stress above pore-water pressure (or neutral stress).

Effective Stress Formula

Effective Stress = Total Stress – Pore-Water Pressure.

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