Geotechnical Engineering

This accessible, clear and concise textbook strikes a balancebetween theory and practical applications for an introductorycourse in soil mechanics for undergraduates in civil engineering,construction, mining and geological engineering. Soil Mechanics Fundamentals lays a solid foundationon key principles of soil mechanics for application in laterengineering courses as well as in engineering practice. Withthis textbook, students will learn how to conduct a siteinvestigation, acquire an understanding of the physical andmechanical properties of soils and methods of determining them, andapply the knowledge gained to analyse and design earthworks, simplefoundations, retaining walls and slopes. The author discusses and demonstrates contemporary ideasand methods of interpreting the physical and mechanical propertiesof soils for both fundamental knowledge and for practicalapplications. The chapter presentation and content is informed by moderntheories of how students learn: * Learning objectives inform students what knowledge andskills they are expected to gain from the chapter. * Definitions of Key Terms are given which students maynot have encountered previously, or may have been understood in adifferent context. * Key Point summaries throughout emphasize the mostimportant points in the material just read.Practical Examples give students an opportunity to see howthe prior and current principles are integrated to solve'real world' problems.