Soil mechanics is a scientific discipline that studies the stability, strength and stress-strain state of soil massifs. Soil mechanics also studies the general compressibility of soil layers, their structural-phase deformations, and contact resistance to shear. The applied value of this scientific discipline is to use its results in the design and construction of various buildings.
In the construction of industrial, hydraulic and underground structures, as well as in sea, river, housing, urban, road and airfield construction, data and research results provided by soil mechanics are used. The foundations and foundations designed and built taking into account all the recommendations of this scientific discipline are distinguished by their strength, reliability and durability. Also, the primary tasks of soil mechanics are the study and solution of the problems of deformation and stability of earth technical structures, slopes, supporting walls and other things.
Soil mechanics is a necessary theoretical basis for the correct calculation of the foundations and foundations of structures. The correct design and construction of foundations largely depends on the proper assessment of physical and mechanical properties, as well as the features of occurrence of soil massifs, on a rational choice of the type of foundations and the dimensions of the foundation.
From the point of view of this scientific discipline, all types of soils that are used as the basis of the foundation of various construction projects are divided into natural and artificial. Soil massifs of natural occurrence are called the natural base, and those that were previously strengthened in various ways (silicate, cementation, resinization, bitumenization, etc.) - artificial base.
By their origin, soils are classified as follows:
- Igneous. Created by the geological activity of the planet (eruption and cooling of lava).
- Metamorphic. Formed as a result of physicochemical transformative processes from igneous or sedimentary rocks under the influence of factors such as temperature and pressure.
- Sedimentary soils. Formed by sedimentation.
- Artificial. They are the result of industrial and human activities.
The structure of soil massifs, which is also studied by soil mechanics, is reflected in its texture and structural parameters. The structure of the soil refers to the aggregate characteristics of the dimensions of its constituent elements, their shape, surface character, as well as the quantitative ratio of the components and their relationships. The main types of soil structures are lumpy, walnut, tiled, clumpy, scaly, dusty, micro-aggressive and others. The main structural bonds are the water-colloidal type and crystallization. The choice of the type of foundation and the suitability of the soil mass for the construction of a structure of this type depend on these parameters.