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A measure of the ability of soil to allow fluids to pass through its pores; affects drainage and settlement.

The process of altering soil properties to improve strength and durability, which might involve the addition of materials like cement or the compaction of the soil.

Refers to the condition of inclined soil or rock slopes to withstand or undergo movement; important for the safety and design of slopes and embankments.

A common laboratory test to determine the mechanical properties of soil, including cohesion and angle of internal friction, under controlled stress conditions.

The pressure exerted by water within the soil pores; can affect soil strength and stability.

The component of shear strength of soil due to the attraction between soil particles, instrumental in the analysis of cohesive soils.

The maximum load per unit area which the soil or rock can carry without yielding or displacement. It is critical for the design of foundations.

A conceptual relationship representing the soil stiffness, used to estimate the response of soil under a load, such as in pavement or foundation design.

A simple shear test to determine the shear strength of soil, which is the maximum shear stress soil can resist before failure.

The process of gradual settlement of saturated soils under long term static loads, due to the expulsion of water from the pores.

A laboratory or field test to determine the optimal moisture content at which the maximum soil density can be achieved through compaction.

A method to determine the maximum density soil can be compacted to, using a controlled amount of force and moisture content, typically used in the construction of embankments and road subgrades.

The stress transmitted through the soil skeleton, calculated by subtracting the pore water pressure from the total stress; key to understanding soil behavior under load.

The maximum stress that a soil can withstand before failure in shear, crucial for slope stability and foundation design.

Systematic categorization of soil based on particle size distribution and plasticity properties; used to predict soil behavior.

A basic measure of the critical water contents of fine-grained soil, used to distinguish between the solid, plastic, and liquid phases.

A test to measure soil's compressibility and rate of consolidation under a load over time, often represented by the coefficient of consolidation.

An instrument used to measure the pore water pressure within the soil, essential for evaluating the stability and safety of earth-filled structures and slopes.

The gradual sinking of the ground's surface due to changes underground, such as the removal of water or mining activities; affects buildings and infrastructure.

A coefficient representing the ease with which water can move through pore spaces or fractures in the soil or rock.

Models that predict the lateral pressure exerted by soil onto retaining structures, such as Rankine's or Coulomb's earth pressure theory.

A theoretical framework designed to describe the behavior of soil under load, including concepts of soil shearing resistance and porosity.

The proportion of different sized particles within a soil, typically determined using sieve analysis or hydrometer tests.

A phenomenon where saturated soil loses strength and stiffness in response to an applied stress, often during an earthquake, causing it to behave like a liquid.

The process of increasing soil density and removing air voids, typically through the application of mechanical forces.

The potential for soil to lose strength and stiffness and behave as a fluid, typically assessed as a risk for seismic activities.

The phenomenon where soil expands and uplifts due to the freezing of water within its pores; can damage foundations and pavements.

The steepest angle at which a pile of unconsolidated grains remains stable, and is related to the frictional contact between the particles.

A structure designed to resist the lateral pressure of soil, especially in areas with changes in elevation; critical for maintaining slope stability.

The tendency of soil to draw in and retain water, a function of the moisture content and the type of soil particles.

Techniques used to enhance the physical properties of soil, to increase its bearing capacity and reduce settlement, such as grouting or soil mixing.

A material property that describes the ratio of lateral strain to axial strain in a body subjected to axial stress.

The flow of water through soil, which can affect the stability of earth structures and lead to erosion.

The property of being directionally dependent, which is often exhibited by soils in terms of their strength, permeability or other mechanical properties.

Shear strength of soil measured under conditions where pore pressures are not allowed to dissipate, such as in rapid loading scenarios.

The ratio of the volume of voids to the volume of solid particles in a soil sample, affecting its permeability and compressibility.

The ratio of the maximum past effective stress to the current effective stress in soil, influencing its deformation characteristics.

The angle at which a soil is able to sustain shear stress without undergoing continuous deformation, crucial in the design of slopes and retaining walls.