New Developments in Soil Characterization and Soil Stability


Book Description

This book presents new studies dealing with the attempts made by the scientists and practitioners to address contemporary issues in geotechnical engineering such as characterization of soil, geomaterials, soil stability and some other geomechanics issues that are becoming quite relevant in today's world. Papers were selected from the 5th GeoChina International Conference on Civil Infrastructures Confronting Severe Weathers and Climate Changes: From Failure to Sustainability, held on July 23-25, 2018 in HangZhou, China.




Dynamics of Soil Organic Matter in Tropical Ecosystems


Book Description

Constituents of organic matter in temperate and tropical soils. Soil organic matter as a source and a sink of plant nUtrients. Interactions of soil organic matter and variable-charge clays. Biological processes regulating organic matter dynamics in tropical soils.




Plant-induced soil changes: Processes and feedbacks


Book Description

This book by soil scientists and ecologists reviews how and why plants influence soils. Topics include effects on mineral weathering, soil structure, and soil organic matter and nutrient dynamics, case studies of soil-plant interactions in specific biomes and of secondary chemicals influencing nutrient cycling, the rhizosphere, and potential evolutionary consequences of plant-induced soil changes. This is the first volume that specifically highlights the effects of plants on soils and their feedbacks to plants. By contrast, other texts on soil-plant relationships emphasize effects of soil fertility on plants, following the strongly agronomic character of most research in this area. The aspects discussed in this volume are crucial for understanding terrestrial ecosystems, biogeochemistry and soil genesis. The book is directed to terrestrial ecologists, foresters, soil scientists, environmental scientists and biogeochemists, and to students following specialist courses in these fields.




Recent Developments of Soil Mechanics and Geotechnics in Theory and Practice


Book Description

This book provides essential insights into recent developments in fundamental geotechnical engineering research. Special emphasis is given to a new family of constitutive soil description methods, which take into account the recent loading history and the dilatancy effects. Particular attention is also paid to the numerical implementation of multi-phase material under dynamic loads, and to geotechnical installation processes. In turn, the book addresses implementation problems concerning large deformations in soils during piling operations or densification processes, and discusses the limitations of the respective methods. Numerical simulations of dynamic consolidation processes are presented in slope stability analysis under seismic excitation. Lastly, achieving the energy transition from conventional to renewable sources will call for geotechnical expertise. Consequently, the book explores and analyzes a selection of interesting problems involving the stability and serviceability of supporting structures, and provides new solutions approaches for practitioners and scientists in geotechnical engineering. The content reflects the outcomes of the Colloquium on Geotechnical Engineering 2019 (Geotechnik Kolloquium), held in Karlsruhe, Germany in September 2019.




Soil Strength and Slope Stability


Book Description

The definitive guide to the critical issue of slope stability and safety Soil Strength and Slope Stability, Second Edition presents the latest thinking and techniques in the assessment of natural and man-made slopes, and the factors that cause them to survive or crumble. Using clear, concise language and practical examples, the book explains the practical aspects of geotechnical engineering as applied to slopes and embankments. The new second edition includes a thorough discussion on the use of analysis software, providing the background to understand what the software is doing, along with several methods of manual analysis that allow readers to verify software results. The book also includes a new case study about Hurricane Katrina failures at 17th Street and London Avenue Canal, plus additional case studies that frame the principles and techniques described. Slope stability is a critical element of geotechnical engineering, involved in virtually every civil engineering project, especially highway development. Soil Strength and Slope Stability fills the gap in industry literature by providing practical information on the subject without including extraneous theory that may distract from the application. This balanced approach provides clear guidance for professionals in the field, while remaining comprehensive enough for use as a graduate-level text. Topics include: Mechanics of soil and limit equilibrium procedures Analyzing slope stability, rapid drawdown, and partial consolidation Safety, reliability, and stability analyses Reinforced slopes, stabilization, and repair The book also describes examples and causes of slope failure and stability conditions for analysis, and includes an appendix of slope stability charts. Given how vital slope stability is to public safety, a comprehensive resource for analysis and practical action is a valuable tool. Soil Strength and Slope Stability is the definitive guide to the subject, proving useful both in the classroom and in the field.




Soil Testing, Soil Stability and Ground Improvement


Book Description

Earthwork projects are critical components in civil construction and often require detailed management techniques and unique solution methods to address failures. Being earth bound, earthwork is influenced by geomaterial properties at the onset of a project. Hence, an understanding of the in-situ soil properties is essential. Slope stability is a common problem facing earthwork construction, such as excavations and shored structures. Analytical methods for slope stability remain critical for researchers due to the mechanical complexity of the system. Striving for better earthwork project managements, the geotechnical engineering community continues to find improved testing techniques for determining sensitive properties of soil and rock, including stress-wave based, non-destructive testing methods. To minimize failure during earthwork construction, past case studies and data may reveal useful lessons and information to improve project management and minimize economic losses. This volume is part of the proceedings of the 1st GeoMEast International Congress and Exhibition on Sustainable Civil Infrastructures, Egypt 2017.




Proximal Soil Sensing


Book Description

This book reports on developments in Proximal Soil Sensing (PSS) and high resolution digital soil mapping. PSS has become a multidisciplinary area of study that aims to develop field-based techniques for collecting information on the soil from close by, or within, the soil. Amongst others, PSS involves the use of optical, geophysical, electrochemical, mathematical and statistical methods. This volume, suitable for undergraduate course material and postgraduate research, brings together ideas and examples from those developing and using proximal sensors and high resolution digital soil maps for applications such as precision agriculture, soil contamination, archaeology, peri-urban design and high land-value applications, where there is a particular need for high spatial resolution information. The book in particular covers soil sensor sampling, proximal soil sensor development and use, sensor calibrations, prediction methods for large data sets, applications of proximal soil sensing, and high-resolution digital soil mapping. Key themes: soil sensor sampling – soil sensor calibrations – spatial prediction methods – reflectance spectroscopy – electromagnetic induction and electrical resistivity – radar and gamma radiometrics – multi-sensor platforms – high resolution digital soil mapping - applications Raphael A. Viscarra Rossel is a scientist at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) of Australia. Alex McBratney is Pro-Dean and Professor of Soil Science in the Faculty of Agriculture Food & Natural Resources at the University of Sydney in Australia. Budiman Minasny is a Senior Research Fellow in the Faculty of Agriculture Food & Natural Resources at the University of Sydney in Australia.




Soils


Book Description

Soils: Genesis and Geomorphology is a comprehensive and accessible textbook on all aspects of soils. The book's introductory chapters on soil morphology, physics, mineralogy and organisms prepare the reader for the more advanced and thorough treatment that follows. Theory and processes of soil genesis and geomorphology form the backbone of the book, rather than the emphasis on soil classification that permeates other less imaginative soils textbooks. This refreshingly readable text takes a truly global perspective, with many examples from around the world sprinkled throughout. Replete with hundreds of high quality figures and a large glossary, this book will be invaluable for anyone studying soils, landforms and landscape change. Soils: Genesis and Geomorphology is an ideal textbook for mid- to upper-level undergraduate and graduate level courses in soils, pedology and geomorphology. It will also be an invaluable reference text for researchers.




The Nature and Properties of Soils


Book Description

For Introduction to Soils or Fundamentals of Soil Science courses. Also for courses in Soil Fertility, Forest Soils, Soil Management, Land Resources, Earth Science, and Soil Geography. Developed for Introduction to Soils or Soil Science courses, The Nature and Properties of Soils, 14e can be used in courses such as Soil Fertility, Land Resources, Earth Science and Soil Geography. Now in its 14th edition, this text is designed to help make students study of soils a fascinating and intellectually satisfying experience. Written for both majors and non-majors, this text highlights the many interactions between the soil and other components of forest, range, agricultural, wetland and constructed ecosystems.




Limit Analysis and Soil Plasticity


Book Description

Developments in Geotechnical Engineering, Volume 7: Limit Analysis and Soil Plasticity covers the theory and applications of limit analysis as applied to soil mechanics. Organized into 12 chapters, the book presents an introduction to the modern development of theory of soil plasticity and includes rock-like material. The first four chapters of the book describe the technique of limit analysis, beginning with the historical review of the subject and the assumptions on which it is based, and then covering various aspects of available techniques of limit analysis. The subsequent chapters deal with the applications of limit analysis to what may be termed "classical soil mechanics problems that include bearing capacity of footings, lateral earth pressure problems, and stability of slopes. In many cases, comparisons of limit analysis solution and conventional limit equilibrium and slip-like solutions are also presented. Other chapters deal with the advances in bearing-capacity problem of concrete blocks or rock and present theoretical and experimental results of various concrete bearing problems. The concluding chapter examines elastic-plastic soil and elastic-plastic-fracture models for concrete materials. This book is an ideal resource text to geotechnical engineers and soil mechanics researchers.