Soil Mechanics Training

Many foundation designs require the application of soil mechanics.

Soil mechanics is an engineering field that involves mechanics and hydraulics as they relate to soils and the study of the use and physical properties of soils.

Significance

Foundations of structures and roads often rest on soil. The application of soil mechanics is often required as part of civil engineering designs for structures, roads and other projects. Soil mechanics is a critical area of expertise for projects involving earth-filled structures.

Content

Basic soil mechanics training typically covers classification of soils; soil properties; and soil grading, excavation and compaction. These basic courses are also likely to cover the field and laboratory measurements needed to characterize soil and discuss how soil is handled in foundations and retaining walls. Soil mechanics training may also include a wide variety of courses about specialized characterizations, such as wetland delineation, or specialized applications, such as ecological restoration.

Accessibility

Soil mechanics is a civil or geotechnical engineering course offered at numerous colleges and universities. Government agencies and industry associations also offer a variety of learning opportunities through training services, seminars and conferences on soil mechanics topics.

References

• USGS: Lanslide Hazards Program Glossary
• NRCS: Soil Mechanics Training Series
• University of Wisconsin: 330 Soil Mechanics

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• NRCS: Alphabetical Course Listing
• ASCE: Geotechnical Seminars
• MIT: Advanced Soil Mechanics Lecture Notes