A Primer on Theoretical Soil Mechanics

An in-depth, comprehensible approach to theoretical soil mechanics and an introduction to the new theory of barodesy.

Dimitrios Kolymbas (Author)

9781009210331, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 4 August 2022

196 pages
26 x 18.3 x 1.3 cm, 0.57 kg

'This work by Kolymba is simply fantastic: as a primer on 'continuum mechanics adapted to soil, a granular material' (p. ix) it is surprisingly - even incredibly - readable and readily understandable, against all possibly preemptive expectations held by prospective readers … a very attractive textbook choice for any student of geology, engineering, or soil science … Highly recommended.' M. S. Field, Choice

A Primer to Theoretical Soil Mechanics is about adapting continuum mechanics to granular materials. The field of continuum mechanics offers many fruitful concepts and methods, however there is declining interest in the field due to its complex and fragmented nature. This book's purpose is therefore to facilitate the understanding of the theoretical principles of soil mechanics, as well as introducing the new theory of barodesy. This title argues for barodesy as a simple alternative to the plasticity theory used currently and provides a systematic insight into this new constitutive model for granular materials. This book therefore introduces a complex field from a fresh and innovative perspective using simple concepts, succinct equations and explanatory sketches. Intended for advanced undergraduates, graduates and PhD students, this title is also apt for researchers seeking advanced training on fundamental topics.

Preface. 1. Granular materials as soft solids
2. Mechanical behaviour of soil – experimental results
3. Mechanical behaviour of soil – intuitively
4. Vectors and tensors
5. Fields
6. Deformation
7. Stress
8. Conservation laws (balance equations)
9. Internal friction and shear strength
10. Collapse
11. Constitutive equations
12. Elasticity
13. Elastic waves
14. Plasticity theory
15. Hypoplasticity
16. Barodesy
17. Uniqueness
18. Symmetry
19. Interaction with water
20. Computing in soil mechanics
21. Outlook. References. Index.

Subject Areas: Soil & rock mechanics [TNCC], Mechanics of solids [TGMD], Soil science, sedimentology [RBGB], Condensed matter physics [liquid state & solid state physics PHFC], Mining industry [KNAT]