ABSTRACT
Earth or soil fill is the cheapest and most widely used of all construction materials, yet so commonplace that it scarcely rates a mention in engineering textbooks. It is used for levelling construction sites; as a foundation for light buildings, roads and railways; and in embankment dams, canals and sea-walls. Its functions may be load-bearing, waterretaining (or water-excluding), providing lateral support, or simply as a sound and sight barrier. Sources of earthfill include the complete range of weak near-surface geological materials, from transported sediments to residual soils and weathered rock, plus waste materials.
