Soil mechanics. Basic concepts and engineering applications / Механика грунтов. Основные понятия и инженерное применение

Soil Mechanics: Basic Concepts and Engineering Applications is primarily designed as a main text for university students taking first degree courses in civil engineering as well as environmental and agricultural engineering. Emphasis is placed on presenting fundamental behaviour before more advanced topics are introduced. The special structure of the book, embodied in each chapter, makes it possible to be used in two, three and four year undergraduate courses in soil mechanics. However, as new and advanced topics that extend beyond standard undergraduate courses are included, the book will also be a valuable resource for the practicing professional engineer. A problem solving approach is adopted through all chapters and 152 worked examples demonstrate the engineering applications, simulate problem solving learning and facilitate self-teaching. There are 113 unsolved problems with answers set for solution by students.

The use of S.I. units throughout, and frequent references to current international codes of practice and refereed research papers, make the contents universally applicable. The main feature of the book in comparison to a traditional soil mechanics text is the inclusion of the soil reinforcement in retaining walls and slopes and tunnel stability problems.

This book is written for readers that have no prior knowledge in soil mechanics, however a reasonable background in engineering mechanics is essential.

1 am most grateful for publishers, individuals and engineering organizations that have permitted the use of their materials in this book. It must be noted that all of the refereed figures are reconstructed and no copy has been carried out.

The author is grateful to the colleagues in the Faculty of Engineering and Surveying in USQ for their continuous encouragements. Special thanks are due to Dr A. Kilpatrick of La Trobe University, Australia for his help and time in proofreading of the material.

1 am in debt to my family and my sincere thanks go to my wife Pari for her patience during this project.