GEOTECHNICAL

ENGINEERING I
(SOIL MECHANICS)
Why is it important to study soil mechanics?

In soil mechanics we study about the various properties of the soil to

be used for various engineering construction works. There are various
reasons that as a civil Engineer one must study this new branch of the
Engineering science.
 Why is it important to study soil mechanics?

Foundations
All the civil Engineering structures, ultimately rest on the soil. They transfer their
whole load to the soil, so we have to construct the foundations to retain these
structures. In case of the hard soil/ having sufficient strength we can provide the
shallow foundations.

If we know the strength of the soil then we can decide which type of foundation is to
be used. If the soil is weak in strength then we have to provide the deep foundations
like pile foundation, well foundation etc. It is important to know the method to
calculate the method to know the strength of the soil.
 Why is it important to study soil mechanics?

Earthen Dams
There are so many earthen dams constructed to retain the water. The soil to be used for
the construction of these earthen dams must be suitable enough to use it in its
construction. Various properties of the soil, like it permeability, strength, and density
are checked on regular basis to know if the soil compacted to required density or not.

The earthen dams are costly structure and also they have a high risk of getting failed,
so they must be constructed with great care, so it is very important to study the
properties of the soil.
 Why is it important to study soil mechanics?

Embankment
There are embankments constructed to raise the levels of the highways on the plains
because there are chances of the floods etc, and also it is required to keep the
foundation of the pavement above the water table. The embankments are generally
constructed of the soil, which is tested for its various properties. There is need to
design a economical embankment which is only possible by studying the various soil
properties
 Why is it important to study soil mechanics?

Canals or other retaining and under ground structures: 

The canals also are formed by the soil which are to be constructed to be impermeable
and of enough strength. The retaining structure like the retaining walls, are constructed
to retain the earth. The earth properties are important to know about. The properties like
the earth pressure, shear strength etc gives us the idea to design the retaining structure.
The soil strata is constantly investigated by the geologist to give the idea of the type of
construction to be carried further in case of the tunneling