This study formulates, by the technique of integral transforms, the solution of a two-layer half space subjected to a concentrated force which may act either vertically or horizontally in the interior of the system. Accurate approximations of the reciprocals of the common denominators in{u2014} volved in the solution integrals are suggested in such a way that the latter are in standard closed forms and can be identified by two parts. The first part is the singular part of Mindlin's solution which is singu{u2014} lar at the point of application of the force, and the second is non{u2014} singular. The solutions for plane problems are also obtained in closed forms by performing appr0priate integrations of the solutions for the corresponding three dimensional cases. Although the preposed solution for the two{u2014}layer half space is approximate, it yields, as limiting cases, the exact solutions of Mindlin and Melan as well as of the half space fixed on the surface, the latter a limiting case of Rongved's solution.

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Engineering of the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand.

Thesis (Ph.D.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1973