A Point in the Mathematical Theory of Elasticity

Abstract

I DO not recollect that in Prof. Karl Pearson's recent memoirs embodying the results of tests on jelly models of dams he asserted that the distribution of stresses due to the water pressure on and the weight of a dam is entirely different in a thin slab cut from the dam from the distribution in the actual dam. In fact, Prof. Pearson used many such model slabs in an endeavour to ascertain experimentally certain stress distributions in actual dams. Prof. Pearson will doubtless be able to reply to criticisms from engineers or others regarding any statements he has made in this connection, either in his published memoirs or elsewhere: it is difficult to follow Mr. Martin's arguments (p. 198) at all points, more particularly with respect to the effects of the cancellation forces ŷ = F(xz).