An Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering

Customer Reviews:

Essential Concepts for Geotechs.......2006-06-22

I hope the reviewer who rated the book one star doesn't consider himself a geotechnical engineer. To state that book is not good because it was not useful on the PE exam is laughable. This text presents essential concepts and methodolgies that are needed in the field of geotechnical engineering. The chapters on the shear strength of cohesionless and cohesive soils as well as stress paths is worth the money alone. The three most important things in geotechnical engineering are shear strength, shear strength, shear strength. A geotechnical engineer needs to have complete understanding of the shear strength soils. If all you want to accomplish is to pass the PE exam, then like the reviewer said, look elsewhere. If you to be a competent geotechnical engineer, purchase this classic text.

Good Reference.......2003-01-28

It is a good book, used as the requred text for the graduate soil mechanics class at UC Berkeley. I learned a lot from it. There are also other good references there, e.g. Soil Mechanics and Foundations by Muni Budhu.

If there were 6 stars to give...I would.......2002-10-03

As a Geotechnical engineer in a graduate program I can honestly say that this is my most frequently consulted reference.
More accessible and practical than Mitchell, or Taylor, (though not as theoretical or fundamental).

Holtz & Kovacs is a clear step above Das, Coduto, or Huang in scholarship.

This is a book that you keep for your engineering career.

Instead of this try McCarthy's book.......2001-12-13

Essentials of Soil Mechanics and Foundations: Basic Geotechnics
by David F. McCarthy

McCarthy's book is worth it's weight in gold, and most importantly, it is far more better than Holtz book.

Holtz book is a "Bad ratio between price and information"

Excellent Text on Soil Mechanics.......2001-09-19

This book is an outstanding text for learning soil mechanics. I have used it extensively in post-graduate work, and wish I had it when I was an undergrad. Clear and concise, it makes understanding some of the more esoteric concepts a lot easier.

Average customer rating:

Franklin A. Moore (Geotechnical-earthquake engineer)
The best introduction to geotechnical earthquake engineering
the best available
good references
NOT A WELL WRITTEN TEXTBOOK!

Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering
Steven L. Kramer
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0133749436

Book Description

This is the first book on the market focusing specifically on the topic of geotechnical earthquake engineering. The book draws from the fields of seismology and structural engineering to present a broad, interdiciplinary view of the fundamental concepts in seismology, geotechnical engineering, and structural engineering.

Customer Reviews:

Franklin A. Moore (Geotechnical-earthquake engineer).......2007-07-23

To my knowledge this is one of the best (if not the best) book on the specific subject of Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering. The author manages to present in a concise and clear manner an overview of the latest on earthquake engineering, and then proceeded to the geotechnical engineering field covering all the main topics, including examples and problems of applications that complements and clarifies the subject. As a geotechnical and earthquake engineer I find this book to be an invaluable reference for a student or a practicing civil engineer.

The best introduction to geotechnical earthquake engineering.......2004-03-01

Yes, this is an excellent overall introduction to the geotechnical aspects of earthquake engineering. We use it regularly in practice. The sections on seismic hazard analysis and seismic slope stability are particularly strong.

the best available.......2003-04-03

Topics in geotechnical earthquake engineering is one of the
most active fields and always in rapid changing. Only with
several years off, the book by Professor Kramer is going to
be out-of-dated. Yet it is the BEST book available so far on
this topic.
I found the information in this book is useful for learning and
understanding, yet for the most excellent descriptions, we
have to refer directly to the scattered publications of
Berkeley School (i.e. Prof. H.Seed, R. Seed and J. Bray et al).

good references.......2002-06-17

This book is good for graduate level. It contains lots of principles and applications in this field. References listed in the book are very useful as a starting point in geotech research.

NOT A WELL WRITTEN TEXTBOOK!.......2002-04-09

I am a graduate student studying geotechnical engineering and have used this book in my class. The problems at the end of each chapter are extremely difficult to do given the information in the textbook. I found myself constantly going to the library to attempt to get extra information which was almost always impossible to find. In fact, after spending hours on one problem, I talked to my professor about it and she spoke to the author of the book and he realized that the problem was not even possible to solve! I completely wasted hours of my time trying to solve it and it couldn't even be solved! Also, when a symbol for a constant is mentioned in the book, it is very difficult to go back and scan the pages to find out what the symbol stands for and what the correct equation is. Maybe the author can include a summary of symbols and what they stand for at the beginning of each chapter.

Book Description

Intended as an introductory text in soil mechanics, the sixth edition of Das, Principles of Geotechnical Engineering, offers an overview of soil properties and mechanics, together with coverage of field practices and basic engineering procedure. With more figures and worked out problems than any other text on the market, this text also provides the background information needed to support study in later design-oriented courses or in professional practice.

Customer Reviews:

great condition, a little damage due to shipping.......2005-09-23

looks great, feels great, smells great. minor damage on the binder from shipping.

This is a great intro book on Soil Mechanics........2004-01-10

I just finished taking a intro Soil Mechanics class using this book. We completed all 16 chapters which is quite a feat for any engineering class.

I thought the book was very good at laying out the conceptual aspects of soil mechanics and it was very easy to read through, espcially for an engineering book. The book has lots of illustrations and pictures (B&W). The books chapter layout was a little bass ackwards (Ch 11-14). The book has a fair amount of sample problems, at least one for every concept. However Engineering students regarding solved problems are like crack addicts on the streets, you can never have enough of what you desire.

I would actually rate this book a 4.5/5.0......but I had to round up.

Much to be desired........2000-08-09

I first bought this book as a required text for a couple of my modules in school. This book is very effective when it comes to presenting the mathematical formula, examples and graphs. However, the discussions of tests and soil behaviour left much to be desired.

Book Description

Geotechnical topics make up about 20% of the morning exam and appear in all civil PE exam depth modules, so this book will serve you extremely well. Topics covered include subsurface exploration and sampling, engineering properties of soils, soil mechanics analysis, shallow foundations, deep foundations, earth-retaining structures, and seismic engineering.

Geotechnical Engineering Handbook, Procedures (Geotechnical Engineering Handbook)

Average customer rating:

Geotechnical Engineering Handbook, Procedures (Geotechnical Engineering Handbook)

Manufacturer: Wiley-VCH
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 3433014507

Book Description

Volume 2 of the Handbook covers the geotechnical procedures used in manufacturing anchors and piles as well as for improving or underpinning foundations, securing existing constructions, controlling ground water, excavating rocks and earth works. It also treats such specialist areas as the use of geotextiles and seeding.

Average customer rating:

Its Alright.
so-so
Excellent Working Reference
CLASSICAL TEXTBOOK for GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERS
A fundamental reference

Foundation Analysis and Design
Joseph E. Bowles
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0079122477

Book Description

The revision of this best-selling text for a junior/senior course in Foundation Analysis and Design now includes an IBM computer disk containing 16 compiled programs together with the data sets used to produce the output sheets, as well as new material on sloping ground, pile and pile group analysis, and procedures for an improved anlysis of lateral piles. Bearing capacity analysis has been substantially revised for footings with horizontal as well as vertical loads. Footing design for overturning now incorporates the use of the same uniform linear pressure concept used in ascertaining the bearing capacity. Increased emphasis is placed on geotextiles for retaining walls and soil nailing.

Customer Reviews:

Its Alright........2007-08-30

Its a very good source, and considered a bible by some, but is strictly in metric and also relies on software instead of thorough calculations at certain points. I dont have a hatred of metric, but I wasnt raised on trained in the system so it'll make you feel quite left out if youre not an SI guy/girl. As to the software comment, its very true and sometimes examples skip steps at which point the author jumps from A to D to M to Z with little or no explanation.

so-so.......2007-01-16

I regret this purchase. If you want to know how to do these calculations...do not buy this book. If you would like to blindly use a diskette to solve problems...well by all means purchase now.

Excellent Working Reference.......2007-01-03

This book is an excellent working reference for any civil/geotechnical engineer. The example problems are very well written. The charts and graphs are easily read and very clearly printed. Excellent section on the design and analysis of segmental retaining walls. Beware of some other sites selling versions of this book printed overseas and sold here.

CLASSICAL TEXTBOOK for GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERS .......2006-03-01

I'm a civil engineer involved in the design of large hydraulic structures.

We still use Bowles in our firm for designing many structures including retaining walls of different kinds, cellular cofferdams, buildings foundations, etc.

It includes many examples, easy to understand, and many charts and tables very useful for the designer.

A fundamental reference.......2003-07-09

If you have only a few geotechnical engineering books, this should be one of them. As a practicing geotechnical engineer I use this book 2 to 3 times per week. It includes the theory and essential reference material.

Geotechnical Engineering: Soil Mechanics

Average customer rating:

A lucid presentation
Generally, a decent soil mechanics text.

Geotechnical Engineering: Soil Mechanics
John N. Cernica
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471308846

Book Description

A comprehensive presentation reflecting the author's experience as a consultant on hundreds of projects, the book provides a perfect balance between theory and practical application. The study of the physical properties of soils is highlighted, focusing on the relevance of these properties and their effect upon soil strength, compressibility, stability and drainage. Incorporates new topics not found in current books such as geoenvironmental, geosynthetics and legal aspects. Includes scores of photographs, example problems and several case studies.

Customer Reviews:

A lucid presentation.......1999-10-20

Geotechnical engineering can be a difficult subject. With Cernica's book, the subject becomes a bit easier to learn. What I like about the book is the author's down-to-earth practical approach. The book is curently being used at Virginia Tech as a required text. Students seem to like it.

Generally, a decent soil mechanics text........1998-07-15

This book covers all basic aspects of soils engineering. It is fairly easy to understand and the book itself is a decent reference.

Slope Stability and Stabilization Methods

Average customer rating:

Valuable Reference
Decent Introductory Text .
A Great Into into Slope Stability

Slope Stability and Stabilization Methods
Lee W. Abramson , Thomas S. Lee , Sunil Sharma , and Glenn M. Boyce
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471384933

Book Description

A major revision of the comprehensive text/reference

Written by world-leading geotechnical engineers who share almost 100 years of combined experience, Slope Stability and Stabilization, Second Edition assembles the background information, theory, analytical methods, design and construction approaches, and practical examples necessary to carry out a complete slope stability project.

Retaining the best features of the previous edition, this new book has been completely updated to address the latest trends and methodology in the field. Features include:

All-new chapters on shallow failures and stability of landfill slopes
New material on probabilistic stability analysis, cost analysis of stabilization alternatives, and state-of-the-art techniques in time-domain reflectometry to help engineers plan and model new designs
Tested and FHA-approved procedures for the geotechnical stage of highway, tunnel, and bridge projects
Sound guidance for geotechnical stage design and planning for virtually all types of construction projects

Slope Stability and Stabilization, Second Edition is filled with current and comprehensive information, making it one of the best resources available on the subject-and an essential reference for today's and tomorrow's professionals in geology, geotechnical engineering, soil science, and landscape architecture.

Customer Reviews:

Valuable Reference.......2002-04-30

This book is a valuable reference for slope stability. The second edition is an improvement from the first edition, but dosen't make the first obsolete. Some great information, including example problems, on probabilistic analysis has been added and there is a little more on 3D and finite element analysis. Probably not enough changes from the first edition to make you need this one, unless you have some specific questions about one of the new chapters (see the table of contents). Numerous references are provided to allow further research of a particular topic.

This book together with Landslides : Investigation and Mitigation (Special Report (National Research Council (U.S.). Transportation Research Board), 247) make up a great reference set for slope stability.

Decent Introductory Text ........2001-06-01

An good overview of basic soil mechanics and slope stability methods/concepts... a good introductory book. A large majority of chapters deal with more traditional geology and soil mechanics knowledge (ie. groundwater conditions, geologic site exploration and lab testing) and really only two good chapters on stability methods (6&7)... it would have been nicer to have more discussion of the chart solutions and more detailed case studies as examples for each method(the examples are generally simple and kept short)... it should be mentioned that the two chapters do include a fair amount of material ...but i found myself going to some of the references listed in the back of each chapther for more information...

A Great Into into Slope Stability.......2000-07-22

This book is great for engineers trying to learn Slope Stability Analysis on their own, or for instruction in the classroom. The book talks about field invesigation techniques, anylitical analysis, and new computer methods including X-Stable. This book is a must for any Geotechnical Engineer.

Applied Soil Mechanics with ABAQUS Applications

Average customer rating:

Applied Soil Mechanics with ABAQUS Applications
Sam Helwany
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471791075

Book Description

A simplified approach to applying the Finite Element Method to geotechnical problems

Predicting soil behavior by constitutive equations that are based on experimental findings and embodied in numerical methods, such as the finite element method, is a significant aspect of soil mechanics. Engineers are able to solve a wide range of geotechnical engineering problems, especially inherently complex ones that resist traditional analysis. Applied Soil Mechanics with ABAQUS® Applications provides civil engineering students and practitioners with a simple, basic introduction to applying the finite element method to soil mechanics problems.

Accessible to someone with little background in soil mechanics and finite element analysis, Applied Soil Mechanics with ABAQUS® Applications explains the basic concepts of soil mechanics and then prepares the reader for solving geotechnical engineering problems using both traditional engineering solutions and the more versatile, finite element solutions. Topics covered include:

Properties of Soil
Elasticity and Plasticity
Stresses in Soil
Consolidation
Shear Strength of Soil
Shallow Foundations
Lateral Earth Pressure and Retaining Walls
Piles and Pile Groups
Seepage

Book Description

This is a concise, systematic and complete treatment of the design and construction of pile foundations. Discusses pile behavior under various loadings and types of piles and their installation, including consideration of soil parameters. It provides step-by-step design procedures for piles subject to vertical loading and pullout, lateral, inclined and eccentric loads, or dynamic loads, and for piles in permafrost. Also describes load test procedures and their interpretation and buckling of long, slender piles with and without supported length. The closing chapter presents case histories of prediction and performance of piles and pile groups. Includes numerous solved problems.

Customer Reviews:

The best foundation piles design.......2006-10-23

It is an excellent book, mostly about the subject of horizontal loads and effects p-Y.
Other cap. of great interest is the one of dynamic loads. The best!!!

One of the best tiltles.......2000-11-01

I've used this book since being a student. One of the easiest books to follow. It comes with illustrative examples. The orgqanization of the book is great.

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