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Introduction To Soil Mechanics

1. Soil mechanics is the branch of science concerned with the properties and behavior of soil and how it affects civil engineering projects. It uses laws of mechanics and hydraulics to solve soil-related problems. 2. Some key geotechnical problems in civil engineering include slope stability, retaining structures, foundations, earth dams, and underground structures. Slope stability issues can cause landslides if drainage is inadequate or retaining walls are not used properly. 3. The historical development of soil mechanics began in the early 1700s but gained more recognition after 1927 due to the work of Karl Terzaghi, known as the "Father of Soil Mechanics".

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72 views34 pages

Introduction To Soil Mechanics

1. Soil mechanics is the branch of science concerned with the properties and behavior of soil and how it affects civil engineering projects. It uses laws of mechanics and hydraulics to solve soil-related problems. 2. Some key geotechnical problems in civil engineering include slope stability, retaining structures, foundations, earth dams, and underground structures. Slope stability issues can cause landslides if drainage is inadequate or retaining walls are not used properly. 3. The historical development of soil mechanics began in the early 1700s but gained more recognition after 1927 due to the work of Karl Terzaghi, known as the "Father of Soil Mechanics".

Uploaded by

Binita
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Soil Mechanics & its applications in civil

engineering
• The construction of tower began
in 1173 . The tilting had started
during construction of second
floor in 1178. Due to war and
battles, the construction was
stopped for some years and did
not begin until 1272. This
allowed time for the underlying
soil to settle. Otherwise, the
tower would almost certainly
have toppled.
Contents:
• Definition of soil mechanics
• Geotechnical problems in civil engineering projects
1. Slope Stability Problems
2. Retaining structures
3. Foundation
4. Earth Dam
5. Underground structures
Definition of soil mechanics:

• Soil mechanics is the branch of science concerned with the


properties and behaviour of soil as they affect its use in civil
engineering.

• It uses laws of mechanics and hydraulics to deal with soil-


related engineering problems.
Geotechnical problems in civil engineering projects

1. Slope Stability Problems


Hill Slope

Cross-section of a hill slope


Road

Hill Slope

Cross-section of a hill slope


β2 Road

Hill Slope

Cross-section of a hill slope


β1 = inclination of slope before cutting
β2 = inclination of slope above road after cutting
β2 > β1

β1

β2 Road

Hill Slope

Cross-section of a hill slope


β2 Road

Hill Slope

Cross-section of a hill slope


Groundwater table

Every slope has its own safe slope angle.

There will be a slope failure (landslide), if β2 > safe


β2 Road slope angle.

Hill Slope

Cross-section of a hill slope


Groundwater table

Every slope has its own safe slope angle.

Debris If β2 > safe slope angle, there will be slope failure


α (landslide)

Hill Slope

Cross-section of a hill slope


How can we stop the landslide?

By providing water drainage systems.


Groundwater table
Drainage pipes

Road

Hill Slope

Cross-section of a hill slope


How can we stop the landslide?

By providing water drainage systems.

Drainage pipes

Groundwater table
Road

Hill Slope

Cross-section of a hill slope


How can we stop the landslide?

Retaining wall

Road

Hill Slope

Cross-section of a hill slope


2. Retaining structures
Retaining wall

Road

Hill Slope
• Retaining structures are
3. Foundations
• Every civil engineering structure (building, bridge ,dam) is
founded on or below the surface of ground.

• Foundations are required to transmit the load of the structure


to soil safely.
1964 Nigata Earthquake, Japan
4. Earth Dams/Embankment Dams
Earth dam

Rock-fill dam

Kulekhani Reservoir/ Kulekhani dam,


Kulekhani river, Makwanpur
Cross-section of an earth dam
• Earth dams are huge structures in which soil is used
as a construction material.

• Earth dams are built for creating water reservoirs.

• Failure of an earth dam may cause huge catastrophe.

• Failure may be due to seepage or internal erosion or


else.
5. Underground structures
1.2 Historical development of soil mechanics

• 1700-1927
• Geotechnical Engineering after 1927, credit
goes to Karl Terzaghi, who gave modern
theories of soil mechanics.

Karl Terzaghi is known as Father of modern


Soil Mechanics.
• Leaning tower of Pisa, 1173 to around 1373
1.3 Soil Formation and Soil Types
How is soil formed?
By weathering (Physical disintegration and chemical
decomposition) of exposed bedrock.
In many cases, material obtained from weathering process are
transported far from the source (parent bedrock)
Transporting agent- river, gravity, wind, glacier
Transporting Agent Soil Name
Running water Alluvial soil
Gravity (landslides and slope Colluvial soil
wash)
Quiet lake Lacustrine soil
Wind Aeolin soil
Sea water Marine soil
Glacier Glacial soil
• Such soils are called transported soil.
• If the soil remains at the place of origin, it is known
as residual soil.

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