Model soil tank tests were conducted in sandy soil to investigate the effect of surcharge strip loads on vertical stress distribution in soil. A total number of 6 tests were performed using one loading plate and two relative density(55%, 65%). The soil was considered as an elastic material, while no friction was allowed between the wall and the soil. Measured stress values were compared to predictions defined by Frohlich, Boussinesq and Westergaard. The comparison of measured values and predictions used the ratio between the soil pressure and load value. Results of this study demonstrated that experimental values were generally larger than predictions. The Frohlich analysis provided the best prediction, while the Boussinesq analysis and Westergaard theory not presented a satisfactional result.