There is a basic law of physics that states " for every action there is an EQUAL and opposite reaction". This would mean that if there is 10 psi of pressure in the tire then there would have to be 10psi of reaction (ground pressure). This would be all well and good if your tires were perfectly flexible like a balloon, but they are not.
In a semi rigid structure like a tire, the tire structure will transfer load internally. That means at the center contact point of the tire it will be more than 10 psi and at the periphery it will be less than 10 psi.
The bottom line is that the total contact area will AVERAGE 10psi, but you may actually get 15psi of compaction.
I guess it has been a while ?
If you hurry you MIGHT be able to re-take Fizzzix 101 in summer skool (-:
{deliberate spelingz}