How to calculate for Tractive Force | Soil Mechanics and Foundation

September 27, 2020April 17, 2024 Loveth Idoko

Last Updated on April 17, 2024

The image above represents tractive force. To calculate tractive force, four essential parameters are needed and these parameters are Unit weight of water (w), Cross-sectional area of the channel (A), Length of the channel (L) and Inclination Angle (θ).

The formula for calculating tractive force:

F = WAL . sinθ

Where:

F = Tractive Force
W = Unit Weight of Water
A = Cross-Sectional Area of the Channel
L = Length of the Channel
θ = Inclination Angle

Let’s solve an example;
Given that the unit weight of water is 4, the cross-sectional area of the channel is 7, the lenght of the channel is 11 and the inclination angel is 9.

This implies that;

W = Unit Weight of Water = 4
A = Cross-Sectional Area of the Channel = 7
L = Length of the Channel = 11
θ = Inclination Angle = 9

F = WAL . sinθ
That is, F = (4)(7)(11) . sin(9°)
F = 308 . 0.156
F = 48.18

Therefore, the tractive force is 48.18.

Calculating for the Cross-Sectional Area of the Channel when the Tractive Force, the Lenght of the Channel, the Unit Weight of Water and the Inclination Angel are Given

A = ^F / _{WL . sin θ}

Where;

A = Cross-Sectional Area of the Channel
F = Tractive Force
W = Unit Weight of Water
L = Length of the Channel
θ = Inclination Angle

Let’s solve an example;
Find the cross-sectional area of the channel when the tractive force is 40, the unit weight of water is 2, the length of the channel is 4 and the inclination angle is 6.

This implies that;

F = Tractive Force = 40
W = Unit Weight of Water = 2
L = Length of the Channel = 4
θ = Inclination Angle = 6

A = ^F / _{WL . sin θ}
A = ⁴⁰ / _{(2)(4) . sin 6}
Then, A = ⁴⁰ / _{(8) . 0.104}
A = ⁴⁰ / _0.832
A = 48.07

Therefore, the cross-sectional area of the channel is 48.07.

Calculating for the Length of the Channel when the Tractive Force, the Unit Weight of Water, the Cross-Sectional Area of the Channel and the Inclination Angle are Given

L = ^F / _{WA . sin θ}

Where;

L = Length of the Channel
F = Tractive Force
W = Unit Weight of Water
A = Cross-Sectional Area of the Channel
θ = Inclination Angle

Let’s solve an example;
Find the length of the channel when the tractive force is 30, the unit weight of water is 10, the cross-sectional area of the channel is 9 and the inclination angle is 3.

This implies that;

F = Tractive Force = 30
W = Unit Weight of Water = 10
A = Cross-Sectional Area of the Channel = 9
θ = Inclination Angle = 3

L = ^F / _{WA . sin θ}
L = ³⁰ / _{(10)(9) . sin 3}
So, L = ³⁰ / _{(90) . 0.052}
L = ³⁰ / _4.68
L = 6.41

Therefore, the length of the channel is 6.41.

How to calculate for Tractive Force in Soil Mechanics and Foundation With Nickzom Calculator

Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia is capable of calculating the tractive force.

To get the answer and workings of the tractive force using the Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia. First, you need to obtain the app.

You can get this app via any of these means:

Web – https://www.nickzom.org/calculator-plus

To get access to the professional version via web, you need to register and subscribe for NGN 2,000 per annum to have utter access to all functionalities.
You can also try the demo version via https://www.nickzom.org/calculator

Android (Paid) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Android (Free) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Apple (Paid) – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nickzom-calculator/id1331162702?mt=8
Once, you have obtained the calculator encyclopedia app, proceed to the Calculator Map, then click on Agricultural under Engineering.

Now, Click on Soil Mechanics and Foundation under Agricultural

Now, Click on Tractive Force under Soil Mechanics and Foundation

The screenshot below displays the page or activity to enter your values, to get the answer for the tractive force according to the respective parameters which is the Unit weight of water (w), Cross-sectional area of the channel (A), Length of the channel (L) and Inclination Angle (θ).

Now, enter the values appropriately and accordingly for the parameters as required by the Unit weight of water (w) is 4, Cross-sectional area of the channel (A) is 7, Length of the channel (L) is 11 and Inclination Angle (θ) is 9.

Finally, Click on Calculate

As you can see from the screenshot above, Nickzom Calculator– The Calculator Encyclopedia solves for the tractive force and presents the formula, workings and steps too.