Influence of Gravity on Granular Soil Mechanics

In his work on expansive soil Dr. R.K. Katti, extended Terzaghi’s definition of soil to take into account structure of solid particles, and electrical charges present on the internal and external surfaces and their interaction with dipolar nature of water whose state depends upon coulombian field generated from the charged surfaces and which results into manifestation of cohesion of different degree in soil water system indicating probable state of change of water from liquid water to solid water to explain the phenomenon of heave even under stress up to some limit. The entire work spanning over more than two and a half decades has been organised under suitable headings and topics for clarity and convenience in a following way, i. Stress oriented theme, ii. Deformation aspect. iii. Application to soil improvement problems. iv. Stress deformation properties of various size fractions. v. Approach to allowable bearing capacity problems, etc. In depth studies conducted on shear strength aspect of various size fractions, will help in correcting deformation equations for dilatancy and use in slope stability problem in case of rockfill dams and embankments. This book on ‘Influence of gravity on granular soil mechanics’ and the book entitled ‘Behaviour of saturated expansive soil and control methods’ focus the need for incorporation of Coulombian forces and influence of Newtonian earth gravitational field in the definition of soil and soil mechanics as put forward by Terzaghi in developing soil mechanics to contain entire spectrum of soil. Sphericity and roundness of earth exhibit self, equilibrating phenomenon with respect to impressed stress. This treatise provides guidelines for practising engineers, basis for analysis for consultants, a new direction for conducting research taking into account thermodynamic properties of matter for research workers and the sequentially arranged topics help graduate students to assimilate the subject on more scientific basis.