Journal Article

The science of soil mechanics, which is gradually being expounded through the investigations of Terzaghi and others, is now recognised as having a very important bearing upon engineering construction. Through its agency the properties and behaviour of various soils under definite conditions are being analysed and classified, and matters that have been dealt with by means of factors of safety and rule of thumb methods are now being stated exactly. In the series of articles here commenced the author sets forth some of the practical applications of the new science, and links the more academic theory with the everyday work of the designing and constructional engineer. In the first article, dealing with soil types and properties, he shows by means of examples how accurate knowledge of soil properties can assist the engineer in various works.