Soil Testing Manual: Procedures, Classification Data, and Sampling Practices

Appendix A: Glossary

Introduction

The following is a list of commonly used geotechnical engineering and engineering geology terms and definitions. The glossary has been divided into five main categories:

  1. Field Testing Terminology

  2. Laboratory Testing Terminology

  3. Terminology for Engineering Analysis and Computations

  4. Compaction and Grading Terminology

  5. Percolation Tests and Related Terminology

References

References used for the Glossary include:

  • Glossary of Selected Geologic Terms with Special Reference to Their Use in Engineering (1955)

  • Soil Mechanics in Engineering Practice (1967)

  • Soil Mechanics (1969)

  • Essentials of Soil Mechanics and Foundations (1977)

  • An Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering (1981)

  • NAVFAC DM-7.1(1982), NAVFAC DM-7.2(1982), and NAVFAC DM-7.3(1983)

  • Thickness Design Asphalt Pavements for Highways and Streets(1984)

  • Orange County Grading and Excavation Code (1993)

  • Foundation Design, Principles and Practice (1994)

  • Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges (1996)

  • Caterpillar Performance Manual (1997)

  • Uniform Building Code (1997)

  • American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM D 653-97 and ASTM D 4439-99, 2000)

  • Sewage Disposal for Individual Homes, Small Industries and Institutions (undated)

Basic terms

Civil engineer
A professional engineer who is registered to practice in the field of civil works.
Civil engineering
The application of the knowledge of the forces of nature, principles of mechanics, and properties of materials for the evaluation, design, and construction of civil works for the beneficial uses of humankind.
Engineering geologist
A geologist who is experienced and knowledgeable in the field of engineering geology.
Engineering geology
The application of geologic knowledge and principles in the investigation and evaluation of naturally occurring rock and soil for use in the design of civil works.

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