Part 1/6:
Understanding Soil Mechanics: Phase Relations
Soil mechanics is a critical branch of civil engineering that explores the behavior of soil under various conditions. This summary delves into the fundamental concepts of phase relations, a pivotal aspect of soil mechanics, and provides definitions and calculations essential for engineers.
The Basics of Soil Composition
At the core of soil mechanics is the understanding of soil composition, which includes solids, water, and air. When visualizing soil beneath a building, one can picture a solid matrix made up of rocks, gravel, clay, and other materials. The spaces or "voids" within this matrix are filled with either water or air, depending on the water table level.