The significance of learning soil mechanics

Importance of the soil mechanics for the Civil Engineers 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.

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.

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.

Embankments: 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.

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.

There are various techniques to be used to improve the soil properties, which can help
with the economy of the construction works dealing with the soil. Factors affecting
stability of slope (Geotechnical Engg.) Hi,  Stability of Slopes A slope is an inclined
boundary surface between air and the body of the earthwork e.g. high ways cut or fill,
railway cu or fill, earth dams, levees and river training works. Stability of slopes can
be affected by various reasons. Some of them may result in the increased stress and
some may cause reduction in the strength.