soil mechanics

English

Noun

soil mechanics (uncountable)

1. The application of mechanics (especially fluid mechanics) to soils, especially as a basis for the design and construction of building foundations and earthworks.
   • 2023 June 14, Philip Haigh, “Landslips: NR strives to turn back the tide”, in RAIL, number 985, page 32:

     Children learn the importance of water in soil mechanics from an early age. They learn on the beach while making sandcastles. When they use dry sand, their castle flows into a heap even as they lift the bucket. The particles of sand have no cohesion and little friction between them.