Introduction

This opening chapter sets out what the book is for and how to use it. It is a reference for practicing engineers, inspectors, and contractors who need to understand soil and rock behavior and the tests used to measure it, and it is organized so that you can go straight to the topic you need.

The chapter explains how the book is laid out, from classification and laboratory testing through field exploration, stresses, seepage, settlement, slope stability, earthwork, and dynamics. It also covers the terms and symbols used throughout, so the later chapters read clearly even if you jump in at the middle.

If you are new to geotechnical work, read this chapter first for the map of the subject. If you already know the field, it shows where each topic is covered and how the laboratory procedures, data forms, and reporting examples in the back of the book connect to the chapters.