Geotechnical Problem Solving

Devised with a focus on problem solving, Geotechnical Problem Solving bridges the gap between geotechnical and soil mechanics material covered in university Civil Engineering courses and the advanced topics required for practicing Civil, Structural and Geotechnical engineers. By giving newly qualified engineers the information needed to apply their extensive theoretical knowledge, and informing more established practitioners of the latest developments, this book enables readers to consider how to confidently approach problems having thought through the various options available. Where various competing solutions are proposed, the author systematically leads through each option, weighing up the benefits and drawbacks of each, to ensure the reader can approach and solve real-world problems in a similar manner The scope of material covered includes a range of geotechnical topics, such as soil classification, soil stresses and strength and soil self-weight settlement. Shallow and deep foundations are analyzed, including special articles on laterally loaded piles, retaining structures including MSE and Tieback walls, slope and trench stability for natural, cut and fill slopes, geotechnical uncertainty, and geotechnical LRFD (Load and Resistance Factor Design).

This book covers problems and their solution of a wide range of geotechnical topics. Every chapter starts with a summary of key concepts and theory, followed by worked-out examples, and ends with a short list of key references. It presents a unique collection of step by step solutions from basic to more complex problems in various topics of geotechnical engineering, including fundamental topics such as effective stress, permeability, elastic deformation, shear strength and critical state together with more applied topics such retaining structures and dams, excavation and tunnels, pavement infrastructure, unsaturated soil mechanics, marine works, ground monitoring. This book aims to provide students (undergraduates and postgraduates) and practitioners alike a reference guide on how to solve typical geotechnical problems. Features: Guide for solving typical geotechnical problems complementing geotechnical textbooks. Reference guide for practitioners to assist in determining solutions to complex geotechnical problems via simple methods.

Devised with a focus on problem solving, Geotechnical Problem Solving bridges the gap between geotechnical and soil mechanics material covered in university Civil Engineering courses and the advanced topics required for practicing Civil, Structural and Geotechnical engineers. By giving newly qualified engineers the information needed to apply their extensive theoretical knowledge, and informing more established practitioners of the latest developments, this book enables readers to consider how to confidently approach problems having thought through the various options available. Where various competing solutions are proposed, the author systematically leads through each option, weighing up the benefits and drawbacks of each, to ensure the reader can approach and solve real-world problems in a similar manner The scope of material covered includes a range of geotechnical topics, such as soil classification, soil stresses and strength and soil self-weight settlement. Shallow and deep foundations are analyzed, including special articles on laterally loaded piles, retaining structures including MSE and Tieback walls, slope and trench stability for natural, cut and fill slopes, geotechnical uncertainty, and geotechnical LRFD (Load and Resistance Factor Design).

Shallow Foundations: Discussions and Problem Solving is written for civil engineers and all civil engineering students taking courses in soil mechanics and geotechnical engineering. It covers the analysis, design and application of shallow foundations, with a primary focus on the interface between the structural elements and underlying soil. Topics such as site investigation, foundation contact pressure and settlement, vertical stresses in soils due to foundation loads, settlements, and bearing capacity are all fully covered, and a chapter is devoted to the structural design of different types of shallow foundations. It provides essential data for the design of shallow foundations under normal circumstances, considering both the American (ACI) and the European (EN) Standard Building Code Requirements, with each chapter being a concise discussion of critical and practical aspects. Applications are highlighted through solving a relatively large number of realistic problems. A total of 180 problems, all with full solutions, consolidate understanding of the fundamental principles and illustrate the design and application of shallow foundations.

Written for university students taking first-degree courses in civil engineering, environmental and agricultural engineering, Problem Solving in Soil Mechanics stimulates problem-solving learning as well as facilitating self-teaching. Generally assuming prior knowledge of subject, necessary basic information is included to make it accessible to readers new to the topic. Filled with worked examples, new and advanced topics and with a flexible structure that means it can be adapted for use in second, third and fourth year undergraduate courses in soil mechanics, this book is also a valuable resource for the practising professional engineer as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students. Primarily designed as a supplement to Soil Mechanics: Basic Concepts and Engineering Applications, this book can be used by students as an independent problem-solving text, since there are no specific references to any equations or figures in the main book.

Geotechnical Engineering: A Practical Problem Solving Approach covers all of the major geotechnical topics in the simplest possible way adopting a hands-on approach with a very strong practical bias. You will learn the material through worked examples that are representative of realistic field situations whereby geotechnical engineering principles are applied to solve real-life problems.

The currently available soil mechanics textbooks explain theory and show some practical applications through solving abstract geotechnical problems. Unfortunately, they do not engage students in the learning process as students do not "experience" what they study. This book employs a more engaging project-based approach to learning, which partially simulates what practitioners do in real life. It focuses on practical aspects of soil mechanics and makes the subject "come alive" through introducing real world geotechnical problems that the reader will be required to solve. This book appeals to the new generations of students who would like to have a better idea of what to expect in their employment future. This book covers all significant topics in soil mechanics and slope stability analysis. Each section is followed by several review questions that will reinforce the reader’s knowledge and make the learning process more engaging. A few typical problems are also discussed at the end of chapters to help the reader develop problem-solving skills. Once the reader has sufficient knowledge of soil properties and mechanics, they will be offered to undertake a project-based assignment to scaffold their learning. The assignment consists of real field and laboratory data including boreholes and test results so that the reader can experience what geotechnical engineering practice is like, identify with it personally, and integrate it into their own knowledge base. In addition, some problems include open-ended questions, which will encourage the reader to exercise their judgement and develop practical skills. To foster the learning process, solutions to all questions are provided to ensure timely feedback.