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An overview of the key foundations of soil mechanics Geotechnical engineering is the subfield of civil engineering which specifically deals with the behavior of earth materials, such as soil and rocks. Soil mechanics is an essential component of geotechnical engineering, and one which incorporates geology, hydrogeology, and other connected subjects in an interdisciplinary engineering approach. Since geotechnical engineering remains a vital component of civil engineering, the need for good introductory materials on soil mechanics continues to be urgent.
Essentials of Soil Mechanics meets this need with a concise, readable introduction to soil behavior and the engineering properties of soil. Written by a practicing engineer with a passion for teaching, it emphasizes content that is used on a regular basis and equips engineers to find additional information they may need. It is an essential reference and supplement for anyone needing additional guidance on this crucial subject.
Essentials of Soil Mechanics readers will also find:
- A friendly, engaging, accessible tone throughout
- Detailed discussion of topics including effective stress, seepage, consolidation, shear strength, and more
- Recaps at the end of each chapter to emphasize key concepts
Essentials of Soil Mechanics is ideal for students studying soil mechanics, geotechnical engineering, civil engineering, and related subjects.
List of contents
Symbols ix
Acknowledgments xiii
About the Companion Website xv
Introduction xvii
1 Soil Composition 1 1.1 Phase Diagrams 1
1.2 Application of Phase Diagrams: Compaction 3
1.3 Coarse- and Fine-Grained Soils 6
1.3.1 Coarse-Grained Soils 6
1.3.2 Fine-Grained Soils 8
1.4 Unified Soil Classification System 11
1.5 Chapter Recap 12
Problems 12
Solutions 13
2 Stresses in the Ground 15 2.1 Vertical Total Stress 15
2.2 Pore Water Pressure 17
2.3 Vertical Effective Stress 18
2.4 Horizontal Effective Stress 19
2.5 Horizontal Total Stress 19
2.6 Mohr Circles 20
2.6.1 Flat Ground Example 23
2.6.2 Sloping Ground Example 26
2.7 Stresses in the Ground due to Surface Loads 28
2.8 Chapter Recap 31
Problems 32
Solutions 33
3 Seepage37 3.1 What Causes Seepage 38
3.2 Seepage-Related Pore Water Pressures 41
3.3 Hydraulic Gradient at Points of Interest 42
3.4 Flow Rate 43
3.5 Chapter Recap 47
Problems 47
Solutions 48
4 Consolidation 51 4.1 What Happens During Consolidation 51
4.2 Magnitude of Consolidation 53
4.2.1 Case A: Normally Consolidated Clay 54
4.2.2 Case B: Overconsolidated Clay 58
4.3 Changes in Stress State During Consolidation Loading and Unloading 60
4.4 Time-Rate of Consolidation 62
4.5 Chapter Recap 67
Problems 67
Solutions 68
5 Shear Strength 69 5.1 The Mohr-Coulomb Failure Line 69
5.2 Drained and Undrained Loading Conditions 71
5.3 Example Stability Problem with a Sand Foundation 75
5.4 Example Stability Problem with a Clay Foundation 78
5.5 Undrained Shear Strength for Partially Saturated Soils 84
5.6 Shear Strength for Changes in Groundwater Level 85
5.7 Chapter Recap 86
Problems 87
Solutions 88
6 Active and Passive Pressures 91 6.1 Active Pressures 91
6.2 Passive Pressures 94
6.3 Summary of Rankine's Theory 97
6.4 Movements Required for Active and Passive Pressures 97
6.5 Chapter Recap 99
Problems 100
Solutions 100
7 Site Investigations 103 7.1 A General Approach to Site Investigations 103
7.1.1 Understand What Is Planned for the Site 103
7.1.2 Look for Existing Information About the Site 104
7.1.3 Visit the Site 104
7.1.4 Develop a Model and Identify Data Gaps 104
7.1.5 Develop a Subsurface Exploration Program 105
7.2 An Example Site Investigation 107
7.2.1 Understand What Is Planned for the Site 107
7.2.2 Look for Existing Information About the Site 108
7.2.3 Visit the Site 108
7.2.4 Develop a Model and Identify Data Gaps 108
7.2.5 Develop a Subsurface Exploration Program 109
7.3 Chapter Recap 117
References 119
Index 121
About the author
Jeremy Britton, PhD, is a Registered Professional Engineer with decades of practical and teaching experience. He has spent two decades as a geotechnical engineer at the US Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, Civil Works, where he currently serves as senior geotechnical engineer and project technical lead. He has extensive teaching experience at multiple educational levels and has taught soil mechanics at Portland State University.
