Fundamental Principles of Unsaturated Soil Mechanics

This free online course will introduce you to the key mechanical properties of unsaturated soils and their importance in unsaturated soil mechanics. This course starts by describing the unsaturated soil mechanics and the steps in predicting various phenomena in unsaturated soils. Then, you will be introduced to the effect of the air and water density of unsaturated soils and also how the phase changes from water relates to unsaturated soils.

Next, you will be introduced to the concept of surface tension and how capillary occurs in a tube. You will then be presented with the Laplace equation for curved surfaces and exposed to how capillary action occurs in unsaturated soils. Lastly, detail on the application of the Young-Laplace equation in understanding soil behaviour will be discussed.

The principles of unsaturated soil mechanics creates a key path to understanding the role of unsaturated soils and soil mechanics in the building of structures. If you are interested in looking to start your career in geotechnical engineering or any other related field in building structures on soils, this course will benefit you. Start this course today and get the basics you need to become an unsaturated soil mechanics expert.