If a 2ft x 2ft outrigger pad has 45,000 pounds applied to it, what is the pressure applied to the ground in psi?

To determine the pressure applied to the ground in psi, you need to use the formula for pressure, which is defined as force divided by area. In this scenario, the pressure being exerted by the outrigger pad can be calculated as follows:

1. First, calculate the area of the outrigger pad. Since it's a square pad measuring 2 feet by 2 feet, the area is:

Area = Length x Width = 2 ft x 2 ft = 4 square feet.

2. Next, convert the area from square feet to square inches because psi (pounds per square inch) is the required unit. There are 144 square inches in one square foot (12 inches x 12 inches), so:

Area = 4 square feet x 144 square inches/square foot = 576 square inches.

3. Now, apply the pressure formula:

Pressure (psi) = Force (pounds) / Area (square inches).

Given that the force applied is 45,000 pounds, we calculate:

Pressure = 45,000 pounds / 576 square inches ≈ 78.125 psi.

Rounding this value gives about 78 psi, confirming that the correct answer is indeed 78