Core Concepts of Geotechnical Engineering

Contents About the author ix
About the editors xi
Preface xiii
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Geotechnical engineering 1
1.2 Soils 2
1.3 Rocks 9
1.4 Foundations 16
1.5 The role of engineers and concepts of geotechnical design 21
Chapter summary 23
Questions for practice 23
References 24
Further reading 25
2 Site Investigation 27
2.1 Introduction 27
2.2 Methods and phases of site investigation 28
2.3 Test pits, trenches and boreholes 30
2.4 Sampling and laboratory tests 32
2.5 Test for in situ total unit weight and in situ water content 38
2.6 Standard penetration test 40
2.7 Static cone penetration test 44
2.8 Dynamic cone penetration test 45
2.9 Plate load test 45
2.10 Field vane shear test 48
2.11 Site investigation report 49
Chapter summary 50
Questions for practice 51
References 51
Further reading 53
3 Ground-improvement techniques 55
3.1 Introduction 55
3.2 Surface compaction 56
3.3 Preloading 59
3.4 Dewatering and electro-osmosis 64
3.5 Dynamic compaction 66
3.6 Explosion 68
3.7 Vibro-compaction and vibro-replacement 69
3.8 Heating and freezing 71
3.9 Improvement with admixtures 72
3.10 Grouting 74
3.11 Soil-replacement technique 76
3.12 Selection and evaluation of ground-improvement technique 76
Chapter summary 77
Questions for practice 77
References 77
Further reading 78
4 Shallow foundations 79
4.1 Introduction 79
4.2 Failure modes of foundation soil 80
4.3 Bearing capacity equation 83
4.4 Settlement of the foundation 95
4.5 Contact stress and settlement profiles 105
Chapter summary 108
Questions for practice 109
References 110
Further reading 111
5 Deep foundations 113
5.1 Introduction 113
5.2 Piles and their types 113
5.3 Ultimate load-carrying capacity of pile foundations 114
5.4 Groups of piles 126
5.5 Negative skin friction 129
5.6 Pile load test 130
5.7 Settlement analysis for pile foundations 131
5.8 Allowable load-carrying capacity of pile foundations 134
5.9 Well foundations 135
Chapter summary 138
Questions for practice 139
References 141
Further reading 142
6 Retaining structures 143
6.1 Introduction 143
6.2 Types of retaining structure 143
6.3 Lateral earth pressures 144
6.4 Sheet pile walls 160
6.5 Design of retaining structures 163
Chapter summary 165
Questions for practice 166
References 167
Further reading 167
7 Slopes, embankments and earth dams 169
7.1 Introduction 169
7.2 Slope failure 169
7.3 Factor of safety 172
7.4 Stability of infinite slopes 173
7.5 Stability of finite slopes 182
7.6 Embankments 193
7.7 Earth dams 193
Chapter summary 196
Questions for practice 196
References 197
Further reading 198
8 Machine 199
8.1 Introduction 200
8.2 Soil dynamics and terminology 200
8.3 Types of machine foundations 200
8.4 Dynamic analysis of machine foundations 203
8.5 General design requirements and design approach for machine
foundations 214
Chapter summary 219
Questions for practice 219
References 220
Further reading 220
9 Geotechnical structures with reinforcement and confinement 221
9.1 Introduction 221
9.2 Basic description of geosynthetics 222
9.3 Geotechnical structures with geosynthetic reinforcement 227
9.4 Geotechnical structures with anchoring, bolting and nailing 234
9.5 Geotechnical structures with confinement 235
Chapter summary 237
Questions for practice 237
References 238
Further reading 239
Index 241