An Introduction to the Mechanics of Soils and Foundations


Book Description

Covering the undergraduate course in geotechnical engineering for civil engineers, this work sets out the basic theories of soil mechanics in a clear, simple way, combining both classical and critical state theories. By using short, focused chapters, the author ensures an accessible text while maintaining a continuous thread running through the book as theory develops into application. The treatment of soil mechanics is essentially theoretical but it is not highly mathematical and soil behaviour is represented by relatively simple equations with clearly defined parameters. The theory is supported by worked examples and simple experimental demonstrations.




An Introduction to Soil Mechanics and Foundations


Book Description

This book is mainly intended to meet the needs of undergraduate students of Civil Engineering. In preparing the first edition of this book, I had two principal aims: firstly to provide the student with a description of soil behavior-and of the effects of the clay minerals and the soil water on such behavior-which was rather more detailed than is usual in an elementary text, and secondly to encourage him to look critically at the traditional methods of analysis and design. The latter point is important, since all such methods require certain simplifying assumptions without which no solution is generally possible. Serious errors in design are seldom the result of failure to understand the methods as such. They more usually arise from a failure to study and understand the geology of the site, or from attempts to apply analytical methods to problems for which the implicit assumptions make them unsuitable. In the design of foundations and earth structures, more than in most branches of engineering, the engineer must be continually exercising his judgment in making decisions. The analytical methods cannot relieve him of this responsibility but properly used, they should ensure that his judgment is based on sound knowledge and not on blind intuition. I hope that the book will prove to be of use to students when their courses are over, and help to bridge the awkward gap between theory and practice.




The Mechanics of Soils and Foundations


Book Description

Ideal for undergraduates of geotechnical engineering for civil engineers, this established textbook sets out the basic theories of soil mechanics in a clear and straightforward way; combining both classical and critical state theories and giving students a good grounding in the subject which will last right through into a career as a geotechnical engineer. The subject is broken down into discrete topics which are presented in a series of short, focused chapters with clear and accessible text that develops from the purely theoretical to discussing practical applications. Soil behaviour is described by relatively simple equations with clear parameters while a number of worked examples and simple experimental demonstrations are included to illustrate the principles involved and aid reader understanding.




Soil Mechanics and Foundations


Book Description

Discover the principles that support the practice! With its simplicity in presentation, this text makes the difficult concepts of soil mechanics and foundations much easier to understand. The author explains basic concepts and fundamental principles in the context of basic mechanics, physics, and mathematics. From Practical Situations and Essential Points to Practical Examples, this text is packed with helpful hints and examples that make the material crystal clear.




An Introduction to Soil Mechanics


Book Description

This textbook offers a superb introduction to theoretical and practical soil mechanics. Special attention is given to the risks of failure in civil engineering, and themes covered include stresses in soils, groundwater flow, consolidation, testing of soils, and stability of slopes. Readers will learn the major principles and methods of soil mechanics, and the most important methods of determining soil parameters both in the laboratory and in situ. The basic principles of applied mechanics, that are frequently used, are offered in the appendices. The author’s considerable experience of teaching soil mechanics is evident in the many features of the book: it is packed with supportive color illustrations, helpful examples and references. Exercises with answers enable students to self-test their understanding and encourage them to explore further through additional online material. Numerous simple computer programs are provided online as Electronic Supplementary Material. As a soil mechanics textbook, this volume is ideally suited to supporting undergraduate civil engineering students. “I am really delighted that your book is now published. When I “discovered” your course a few years ago, I was elated to have finally found a book that immediately resonated with me. Your approach to teaching soil mechanics is precise, rigorous, clear, concise, or in other words “crisp." My colleagues who share the teaching of Soil Mechanics 1 and 2 (each course is taught every semester) at the UMN have also adopted your book.” Emmanuel Detournay Professor at Dept. of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, USA




Soils and Foundations for Architects and Engineers


Book Description

Soils and Foundations for Architects and Engineers, Second Edition is a practical guide to the technology of soil mechanics and foundations, and the application of that technology to the design and construction process. This text provides an up-to-date overview of the classification of soils, the design of foundations, and the behavior of soils under load. Particular emphasis has been given to the subject of piles, piers, and caissons, and to the design and details of construction of basement and retaining walls. New to this edition: Expanded coverage of shear strength of soils, settlement analysis, and expansive soil. Design requirements for prestressed tiebacks, tiedowns, and rock anchors. Expansion of information on pile driving techniques including the use of the Engineering News Formula. A table of British-metric conversions. Many new solved problems and illustrations. In addition to the numerous new improvements, the author also includes: effects of high water tables on architectural and engineering considerations, design of shear keys used in the transfer of lateral earth pressure from a wall to the supporting element, various drainage alternatives to the structural treatment of adjacent footings, and much more. Soils and Foundations for Architects and Engineers, Second Edition can be used in advanced undergraduate and graduate level courses offered in architectural engineering and civil engineering, as well as be used as a reference book by practicing architects, insurance adjusters and attorneys who litigate or adjudicate claims involving soils and foundations.




Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering: Fundamentals and Applications


Book Description

Learn the basics of soil mechanics and foundation engineering This hands-on guide shows, step by step, how soil mechanics principles can be applied to solve geotechnical and foundation engineering problems. Presented in a straightforward, engaging style by an experienced PE, Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering: Fundamentals and Applications starts with the basics, assuming no prior knowledge, and gradually proceeds to more advanced topics. You will get rich illustrations, worked-out examples, and real-world case studies that help you absorb the critical points in a short time. Coverage includes: Phase relations Soil classification Compaction Effective stresses Permeability and seepage Vertical stresses under loaded areas Consolidation Shear strength Lateral earth pressures Site investigation Shallow and deep foundations Earth retaining structures Slope stability Reliability-based design




Foundations and Slopes


Book Description




Soil Mechanics of Earthworks, Foundations and Highway Engineering


Book Description

This is the third volume of a handbook which covers the whole field of soil mechanics, discussing deterministic and stochastic theories and methods, and showing how they can be used in conjunction with one another. The first volume discusses soil physics, while the second deals with the determination of physical characteristics of the soil. Australian Mining wrote of the Handbook ``a valuable addition to the extensive literature on the topic and will be found to be more useful than most.''The main objective of the third volume is to present solutions to the problems of engineering practice. It deals with the most important theoretical and practical problems of soil mechanics, discussing the following in detail: stability of earthworks, load-bearing capacity and settlement of shallow foundations, design of pile foundations, soil mechanics in road construction, improving the physical properties of soils, the characteristics of soil dynamics, foundations for machines and soil behaviour as affected by earthquakes. The book not only presents up-to-date deterministic methods, but also discusses solutions of probability theory in the fields of design and safety.The book is divided into six chapters covering the stability of slopes, landslides, load-bearing capacity and settlement of shallow foundations and pile foundations, soil mechanics in road construction, and the improvement of the physical characteristics of soil with special emphasis on machine foundations and earthquakes, giving detailed treatment of each subject. For example, the first chapter deals not only with the stability of slopes, but also discusses the natural and artificial effects, slope protection, filter design, stresses in embankments, and the time factor. In this way, the book gives a clear and comprehensive picture of the special fields of soil mechanics and its subjects. It is therefore emminently suitable for postgraduate engineers, and engineers working in the fields of geotechnics, earthworks, foundations, road construction, engineering geology and statistics, and the design of structures.




Soil Mechanics Fundamentals


Book Description

While many introductory texts on soil mechanics are available, most are either lacking in their explanations of soil behavior or provide far too much information without cogent organization. More significantly, few of those texts go beyond memorization of equations and numbers to provide a practical understanding of why and how soil mechanics work.