ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book is an introduction to critical state models that enable the calculation of the deformation of a soil element for a given state of stress. As construction or foundation materials, soils are very important for Civil Engineers. The book deals with the origin and formation of soils, index properties, At-terberg limits and grain size analysis. It discusses the origin and formation of soils, Typical soil profiles, and the Unified Soil Classification System Soil Classification System. Soils that remain at the site of their formation are called residual, those that suffer the action of transporting agent are called transported or sedimentary, the latter is applied to water-transported soils. Some soil properties that can be determined through simple soil tests are specially useful for soil characterization.
