Soil mechanics in engineering practice Third edition

by Karl Terzaghi (Author), Ralph B. Peck (Author), Gholamreza Mesri (Author)

In 1948 Karl Terzaghi, in the preface to the First Edition, wrote:
Unfortunately, the research activities in soil mechanics .. . diverted the attention of many investigators and teachers from the manifold limitations imposed by nature on the application of mathematics to problems in earthwork engineering.

As a consequence, more and more emphasis has been placed on refinements in sampling and testing and on those very few problems that can be solved with accuracy.

Yet, accurate solutions can be obtained only if the soil strata are practically homogeneous and continuous in horizontal directions.

Furthermore, since the investigations leading to accurate solutions involve highly specialized methods of sampling and testing, they are justified only in exceptional cases.

On the overwhelming majority of jobs, no more than an approximate forecast is needed, and if such a forecast cannot be made by simple means it cannot be made at all.

If it is not possible to make an approximate forecast, the behavior of the soil must be observed during construction, and the design may subsequently have to be modified in accordance with the findings.

These facts cannot be ignored without defying the purpose of soil mechanics.

They govern the treatment of the subject in Soil mechanics in engineering practice.

Soil mechanics in engineering practice is one of the best-known and most respected books in geotechnical engineering. In its third edition, it presents both theoretical and practical knowledge of soil mechanics in engineering.

Soil mechanics in engineering practice features expanded coverage of vibration problems, mechanics of drainage, passive earth pressure, and consolidation.