ABSTRACT
From a microscopic point of view, all soil bodies are composed of discrete particles that are connected to each other by forces of mutual attraction and repulsion. Given an initial state of equilibrium, if an additional force system is applied, deformations may occur; particle arrangements may be altered; and changes in the distribution of the resultant forces may take place. Although the intensity of the generated forces may be high at points of contact, their range of influence is very short. Generally, effects extend only over a distance of molecular size or
in the very near vicinity
of the particles. The internal forces generated at these points by the induced loadings are called
stresses.
