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Chapter I Introduction To Soil Mechanics

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Chapter I Introduction To Soil Mechanics

Uploaded by

theads825
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1. What is SOIL MECHANICS?

It may be defined as the science which deals on the study of the properties and
behavior of soil as related to engineering problems.

2. Definition of SOIL.

The term soil, to the point of view of the engineer and as used in Soil Mechanics,
refers to all solid particles, with or without organic constituents, which are produced by
the disintegration of rock and found overlying the solid rock crust of the Earth, Sand,
Gravel and even the very soft materials found in swampy areas are considered as soil by
the engineer.

In general, soil is composed of soil, liquid and gaseous matter. The solid phase may
be mineral, organic or both. The mineral portion consists of particles of varying sizes,
shapes, and chemical composition. The organic fraction includes animal and plant
residues that may exist in various state of decomposition. The liquid phase is usually the
soil water that fills part of all of the open spaces between the solid particles. The gaseous
phase, usually air, occupies that part of the space between particles not filled with water.

3. Relation of Soil Mechanics to Engineering

All engineering structures are founded on soil. The first question that the engineer
will try to answer in connection with a proposed structure is: Can the soil carry the
structure ? A thorough study of soil conditions must be made before the plans are drawn,
or before the land is acquired, in case the proposed structure is heavy and costly.

Soil is commonly used construction material, like steel, cement, wood or concrete. It
is excavated, transported and fill and used in highway, airfield, railway, dam and other
important constructions. Effective handling or used of soil is not possible without a
knowledge of at least its physical properties.

Soil exerts the major loads on some structures, as retaining walls, pipes or culverts.
Such structures cannot be designed properly and economically if the characteristics and
action of soil are not known or understood.

In view of the significant relationships between soils and engineering, the engineer
should have some knowledge of soil mechanics for a successful practice of his
profession. With this knowledge. The practicing engineer will be able to recognize
problems associated with soils as they are encountered and to discriminate those which
are dangerous that may require the opinion of a soil specialist.

4. Nature of Soil
Engineering problems associated with soil are often difficult to resolve due to the
variable and erratic nature of soil. Soil samples taken a few meters apart, horizontally or
vertically, from a deposit which appears to be homogeneous may show different
properties. This erratic or variable character is typical in almost any soil deposit.

 Adding to the complexity of soil work is the fact that the engineering properties of soil are
relatively very complicated compared with other construction materials. For example, the soil
properties may vary with time. The variation may be due to a number of factors as, changes in
destiny and moisture content of the soil, change in lateral restrains, or rate and manner of
application of loads. Those factors will be only have negligible effect on other common
engineering materials, say steel or concrete.

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