Description
The currently available soil mechanics textbooks explain theory and show some practical applications through solving abstract geotechnical problems. Unfortunately, they do not engage students in the learning process as students do not "experience" what they study. This book employs a more engaging project-based approach to learning, which partially simulates what practitioners do in real life. It focuses on practical aspects of soil mechanics and makes the subject "come alive" through introducing real world geotechnical problems that the reader will be required to solve. This book appeals to the new generations of students who would like to have a better idea of what to expect in their employment future.
This book covers all significant topics in soil mechanics and slope stability analysis. Each section is followed by several review questions that will reinforce the reader’s knowledge and make the learning process more engaging. A few typical problems are also discussed at the end of chapters to help the reader develop problem-solving skills. Once the reader has sufficient knowledge of soil properties and mechanics, they will be offered to undertake a project-based assignment to scaffold their learning. The assignment consists of real field and laboratory data including boreholes and test results so that the reader can experience what geotechnical engineering practice is like, identify with it personally, and integrate it into their own knowledge base. In addition, some problems include open-ended questions, which will encourage the reader to exercise their judgement and develop practical skills. To foster the learning process, solutions to all questions are provided to ensure timely feedback.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Project description
1.2 Field data
1.3 Laboratory data
2 Soil formation and exploration
2.1 Rock weathering and soil formation
2.2 Residual and transported soils
2.3 Soil mineralogy
2.4 Soil exploration
2.5 Project analysis: field and laboratory data
2.6 Review quiz
3 Soil constituents
3.1 Three phases in soil
3.2 Volumetric ratios
3.3 Mass ratios
3.4 More about soil constituents
3.5 Project analysis: soil constituents
3.6 Problems for practice
3.7 Review quiz
4 Soil classification
4.1 Size of soil fractions
4.2 Laboratory work: sieve test and analysis
4.3 Soil gradation
4.4 Clay fraction, clay minerals and clay properties
4.5 Soil classification
4.6 Clay activity and liquidity index
4.7 Project analysis: soil classification
4.8 Problems for practice
4.9 Review quiz
5 Soil compaction
5.1 Compaction process
5.2 Laboratory work: compaction tests and analysis
5.3 Compaction in the field
5.4 Project analysis: soil compaction
5.5 Problems for practice
5.6 Review quiz
6 Stresses in soils
6.1 Stresses in soil mass
6.2 Effective stress and pore water pressure
6.3 Excess pore water pressures
6.4 Project analysis: stresses and upward seepage
6.5 Problems for practice
6.6 Review quiz
7 Principles of water flow in soil
7.1 Soil permeability
7.2 Rate of water flow and velocity
7.3 Laboratory tests to determine the coefficient of permeability
7.4 Horizontal and vertical water flow in layered soil mass
7.5 Elevation, pressure and total heads
7.6 Principles of flow nets
7.7 Project analysis: flow net
7.8 Problems for practice
7.9 Review quiz
8 Mohr circle and stresses
8.1 Theoretical considerations
8.2 Mohr circle of stress
8.3 Determining stresses acting on plane
8.4 Pole method
8.5 Project analysis: Mohr circle and stresses in soil mass
8.6 Problems for practice
9 Principles of soil deformation
9.1 Soil deformation in practice
9.2 Laboratory tests to study soil strength
9.3 Stress-strain characteristics of soil
9.4 Project analysis: deformation of soft clay after load application
9.5 Problems for practice
9.6 Review quiz
10 Consolidation of soft soil
10.1 Process of consolidation
10.2 Types of settlements during consolidation
10.3 Soil consolidation in practice
10.4 One-dimensional consolidation
10.5 Project analysis: soil consolidation
10.6 Terzaghi’s theory of consolidation and its practical application
10.7 Overconsolidation ratio
10.8 Problems for practice
10.9 Review quiz 133
11 Shear strength of soil
11.1 Shear strength of soil in practice
11.2 Shear strength of soil in the laboratory
11.3 Triaxial compression tests
11.4 Stress path concept
11.5 Project analysis: shear strength
11.6 Problems for practice
11.7 Slope stability analysis
11.8 Project analysis: slope stability analysis
11.9 Review quiz
