Book Description

Buried pipes are a highly efficient method of transport. In fact, only open channels are less costly to construct. However, the structural mechanics of buried pipes can be complicated, and imprecisions in the properties of the soil envelope are usually too great to justify lengthy, complicated analyses. Designers and engineers need principles and methods that simplify analysis and maximize their knowledge of the pipe's performance and performance limits.Structural Mechanics of Buried Pipes minimizes complicated theories, breaks through the imprecisions in the properties of soil, and presents principles that simplify analysis and lead to designs of higher performance and safety. With knowledge built on experience, experimentation, and sound principles, the authors guide readers through the design and analysis processes. They use examples based on actual buried structures and analyze a variety of pipe-soil interaction problems. Sound principles, plentiful examples, and a straightforward presentation provide an outstanding framework for hands-on application and an ideal self-study guide. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An excellent guide to the basic principles of soil science
Now in a newly updated and expanded fourth edition with additional topical material and the results of current research and trends, Soil Science Simplified is an excellent guide to the basic principles of soil science. From soil physical properties, chemical equations, water, and fertility to soil conservation, surveys, and engineering, Soil Science Simplified is densely packed with so much information that it is eminently suitable as a high school or undergraduate soil science textbook. Black-and-white sketches and diagrams illustrate the scholarly, methodical, highly instructional text. Soil Science Simplified is strongly recommended for students and professionals in seeking to understand soil science principles -- especially engineers, environmentalists, landscape architects, as well as anyone with an interest or career in agriculture.

cool
I think it will be good for me. however, there is others which is the best.. ... Read more

Book Description

This practical single-source reference discusses the proper sampling, handling, and preparation of soils for analysis and details the simplest and most frequently used procedures for analyzing soils and plant material. ... Read more

Book Description

Most of the earth's terrestrial species live in the soil. These organisms, which include many thousands of species of fungi and nematodes, shape aboveground plant and animal life as well as our climate and atmosphere. Indeed, all terrestrial ecosystems consist of interdependent aboveground and belowground compartments. Despite this, aboveground and belowground ecology have been conducted largely in isolation. This book represents the first major synthesis to focus explicitly on the connections between aboveground and belowground subsystems--and their importance for community structure and ecosystem functioning.

David Wardle integrates a vast body of literature from numerous fields--including population ecology, ecosystem ecology, ecophysiology, ecological theory, soil science, and global-change biology--to explain the key conceptual issues relating to how aboveground and belowground communities affect one another and the processes that each component carries out. He then applies these concepts to a host of critical questions, including the regulation and function of biodiversity as well as the consequences of human-induced global change in the form of biological invasions, extinctions, atmospheric carbon-dioxide enrichment, nitrogen deposition, land-use change, and global warming.

Through ambitious theoretical synthesis and a tremendous range of examples, Wardle shows that the key biotic drivers of community and ecosystem properties involve linkages between aboveground and belowground food webs, biotic interaction, the spatial and temporal dynamics of component organisms, and, ultimately, the ecophysiological traits of those organisms that emerge as ecological drivers. His conclusions will propel theoretical and empirical work throughout ecology. ... Read more

Book Description

This fully revised and expanded edition of Fundamentals of Soil Ecology continues its holistic approach to soil biology and ecosystem function.Students and ecosystem researchers will gain a greater understanding of the central roles that soils play in ecosystem development and function.The authors emphasize the increasing importance of soils as the organizing center for all terrestrial ecosystems and provide an overview of theory and practice of soil ecology, both from an ecosystem and evolutionary biology point of view.This volume contains updated and greatly expanded coverage of all belowground biota (roots, microbes and fauna) and methods to identify and determine its distribution and abundance.New chapters are provided on soil biodiversity and its relationship to ecosystem processes, suggested laboratory and field methods to measure biota and their activities in ecosystems..

* Contains over 60% new material and 150 more pages
* Includes new chapters on soil biodiversity and its relationship to ecosystem function
* Outlines suggested laboratory and field methods
* Incorporates new pedagogical features
* Combines theoretical and practical approaches ... Read more

Book Description

Slope stability is a critical and fundamental element of geotechnical engineering involving the assessment of existing natural slopes and the intelligent design of man-made slopes, and the factors that may cause them to survive for many years or to crumble in a land slide.Virtually every civil engineering project, and especially highway development -- currently the hottest single area in all of civil engineering in the U.S.-- involves some element of slope stabilty and stabilization methods. This is a new edition, with some 35ew material, of one of the best available guides to stability and stabilization methods. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Valuable Reference
This book is a valuable reference for slope stability. The second edition is an improvement from the first edition, but dosen't make the first obsolete. Some great information, including example problems, on probabilistic analysis has been added and there is a little more on 3D and finite element analysis. Probably not enough changes from the first edition to make you need this one, unless you have some specific questions about one of the new chapters (see the table of contents). Numerous references are provided to allow further research of a particular topic.

This book together with Landslides : Investigation and Mitigation (Special Report (National Research Council (U.S.). Transportation Research Board), 247) make up a great reference set for slope stability.

Decent Introductory Text .
An good overview of basic soil mechanics and slope stability methods/concepts... a good introductory book. A large majority of chapters deal with more traditional geology and soil mechanics knowledge (ie. groundwater conditions, geologic site exploration and lab testing) and really only two good chapters on stability methods (6&7)... it would have been nicer to have more discussion of the chart solutions and more detailed case studies as examples for each method(the examples are generally simple and kept short)... it should be mentioned that the two chapters do include a fair amount of material ...but i found myself going to some of the references listed in the back of each chapther for more information...

A Great Into into Slope Stability
This book is great for engineers trying to learn Slope Stability Analysis on their own, or for instruction in the classroom. The book talks about field invesigation techniques, anylitical analysis, and new computer methods including X-Stable. This book is a must for any Geotechnical Engineer. ... Read more

Book Description

This book addresses the seismic design and retrofit of bridges. It provides detailed information on the seismic considerations in the design of a wide range of substructures including beam and slab, box girder, arch, cable, stayed, and suspension bridges. Topics include damage and design philosophy, geotechnical considerations, design, modeling and analysis, seismic assessment and retrofit of existing bridges. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent book for seismic design of bridges
Professor Priestley is No. 1 in the world when it comes to seismic design and retrofit of bridges. This book is a result of his extensive research conducted for Caltrans with Prof. Seible on bridge retrofit and their seismic behavior. The book is excellent reference for researchers and design engineers. The chapter about base isolations is very informative. Although I know that this is not his area, I wish he would elaborate more in chapter 3: seismicity and geotechnical considerations

It is supposed to be known as the Gray Bible for bridges
This book offers a comprehensive reference on seismic bridge design, condensing the results of three decades of experimental and theoretical research conducted in the United States, especially at University of California, San Diego. The book covers the topic of design of new structures as well as the assessment and retrofitting of already existent bridges, offering easy to use analytical and design methodologies. ... Read more

Book Description

In many cases, the application of in situ technologies evolved as a necessity from a cost perspective. However, the basic understanding of the mechanisms and theory behind these technologies was treated as a "black box." Although we have seen some tremendous successes in the application of remediation technologies over the past several years, we have also seen many cases in which a technology has been incorrectly or inappropriately applied. In most cases, this misapplication has been the result of a poor understanding of the basic concepts and mechanisms behind the technologies. Without proper understanding, the potential for misapplication of technologies remains a serious economic and technical threat. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

the effect of waste water onsoil under&around foundation
it hasto contain full information about the title up andcompleat investigation about soil pollutions,s.classifecation,s.geological &waste water resource,components,analysis tables,grafic diagrams....

Remediation Engineering: Design Concepts
"Remediation Engineering: Design Concepts" is one of the few design manuals available to environmental engineers with relation to groundwater and subsurface remediation. The book is limited to proven technologies and has limited guidance on insitu technologies such as water/surfactant/alcohol flooding and oxidant flushing. The overall approach to design of the technologies reviewed is very throughall, and is a good reference to aid any aspiring designer in the remediation engineering field. ... Read more

Book Description

Using an engineer's perspective, it offers a concrete account of the basic facts and experiences regarding the behavior of different rock types in engineering construction. Details geological exploration techniques, stressing drilling and logging core samples. Features a chapter on active faults in engineering projects including legal arguments about project sites. Illustrative case studies, ranging from the Auburn Dam controversy to international examples of single collapse problems, aid in students' awareness of rock mass propensities and structures. ... Read more

Book Description

Fungi have come into demand as sources of biological control agents and of particular physiological active substances. Recent studies indicate that fungi can be the prime cause of sinusitis, asthma, and allergenic troubles. Some fungi can be useful however, and can be used to improve the overall quality of human life. With very few books available on the subject of soil and seed fungi, Tsuneo Watanabe's book remains the only work that details information on techniques for isolating, culturing, and identifying soil and seed fungi. This new edition of Pictorial Atlas of Soil and Seed Fungi describes more than 350 fungal species, including:-46 Mastigomycetous species-33 Zygomycetous species-36 Ascomycetous species -9 Basidiomycetous species-240 Deuteromycetous speciesIn this atlas, Watanabe presents the results of his soil-borne plant disease studies including pathological and mycological aspects. The Pictorial Atlas of Soil and Seed Fungi, Second Edition includes 45 new fungal species illustrated in brilliant detail using original photomicrographs and line drawings. ... Read more

Book Description

This book opens readers' eyes to the fascinating and important world of soils, and the principles that can be used to minimize the degradation and destruction of one of our most important natural resources. KEY TOPICS Concentrating on essentials, this edition is a more concise version of its parent book, The Nature and Properties of Soils, maintaining its high standards of rigor and readability, and its priority of explaining this science in a manner relevant to many fields of study. It provides a fundamental knowledge that is a prerequisite to meeting the many natural-resource challenges awaiting humanity in the 21st century.For individuals who study the science of soil, and those who make a profession of it. ... Read more

Book Description

Comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of the basics of soil chemistry
Although only a meter in depth over the earth's surface, soil is key to sustaining life-affecting air and water quality, the growth of plants and crops, and the health of the entire planet. The complex interplay among organic and inorganic solids, air, water, microorganisms, and plant roots in soil is the subject of Soil Chemistry, a reference pivotal to understanding soil processes and problems.
Thoroughly reorganized for ease of use, this updated Third Edition of Soil Chemistry summarizes the important research and fundamental knowledge in the field in a single, readily usable text, including:
* Soil-ion interactions
* Biogeological cycles and pollution
* Water and soil solutions
* Oxidation and reduction
* Inorganic solid phase and organic matter in soil
* Weathering and soil development
* Cation retention (exchange)
* Anion and molecular retention
* Acid and salt-affected soils
New to the Third Edition is an enhanced emphasis on soil solution chemistry and expanded coverage of phosphate chemistry and the chemical principles of the aqueous phase. At the same time, the book has retained the clear examination of the fundamentals of the science of soil that has distinguished earlier editions. Complete with SI units and end-of-chapter study questions, Soil Chemistry is an excellent introductory resource for students studying this crucial topic. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Life changing reading
Secrets of the soil changed the way that I approach life. The book details the wonders of how everything is connected in the cosmos, and we are but a tiny but powerful influance on our home.This book led me to discover the life saving benifits of minerals. it is simply a good good read.there are NO chemicals used in our garden or home thanks to secrets of the soil. it's a shame this book is out of print. it should be required reading in all of the school systems in the world, it's that informative. Best book I have read to date. Rev.Bruce Curtis

I believe this book acheives it 's purpose!
Entertainment... while not knowing entirely what to make of it swallowing my preconceptions gave way to bewilderment and wonder.. There remain many phenomina that sceintific knowledge will never explain. the natural world, the moon, emtions, and sound have many unexamined effects on plants and us. this book explores them all! Purhaps that is what makes the human quest ever scoping new horizons most exiting and meaningful... I went on to read all the biobliograghical citations of interest I could find in libraries. I realized my veiw into this books studies was a drop in the pool.. Many of the reference were old but classic nonetheless. The only reason modern sceince has not delved deeper into the works of these men is there has been of yet no practical way to make money off it! I wholeheartedly recomend this book

Another round of applause for Tompkins & Bird!
BACK IN PRINT!

This is a thoroughly researched book that will astonish you in more ways than one. It is HIGHLY educational, but you won't find any of this valuable information in a standard textbook on soil science, gardening, or whatever.

Some of it might seem a little far-fetched or at least put a little pressure on preconceived beliefs, but the nice thing is, Tomkins & Bird have found a way to present some rather amazing concepts in a take-it-leave it sort of way, because the most assured thing about this book is that you will be inspired with the DESIRE to do SOMETHING no matter how "small" the beneficial act!

While the factual information about mankind's stupidity and carelessness over the last few decades will break your heart all over again, this book offers many different ways for each of us as individuals to help heal the soil - the very foundation of life under our own two feet - and to help heal OURSELVES in the process.

Even if your custodial duties only incude managing your own lawn, a few trees, some flower beds or HEY a little compost pile with kitchen scraps and pulled weeds -- this book will inspire and empower you to begin helping to restore (or at least convince you to stop trying to kill) the vast UNIVERSE of microorganisms which live literally in your own back yard! Given half a chance, these little "buggers" will work hard to produce all the natural chemicals you will ever need to enjoy soft green healthy grass in your lawn, lovely fragrant flowers, nice sturdy and shady trees, and if you're into growing foodstuffs, wonderfully healthy food containing life-giving protoplasm and perfectly cheltated minerals... WOW... and all these things absolutely free of charge!

This book will re-acquaint you with the "lowly" earthworm which is far from being a worthless creature! Ancient peoples who were far more "in tune" with the inner workings of nature and who demonstrated far better common sense than their modern counterparts (us) revered this gentle organism. You will quickly learn the reasons why!

What is all the fuss about "hierloom seed" varieties? It's not just a bunch of sentimental folks who are trying to preserve their grandad's favorite tomato and great grandma's favorite pretty flowers, or who just like collecting a different sort of "antique".

Do you get all upset with WEEDS? Think again. The neat information in this book puts the "we" back into weeds again. It's entirely possible to "make peace with these weeds" and end the bloody war with the use of our backyard chemical weapons. Weeds are visible indicators that our soil needs certain nutrients or minor assistance. If we pay attention, we can learn from them, and they will quietly become less bothersome. Think I'm kidding? No way. And there's much much more!

This book will really change the way you think about the earth as a whole, about the "dirt" under our feet, and about Life in general. And the title is apt, the things you learn are real "secrets" that should no longer be kept secret.

Your Soul will thank you for this read.

A MUST for every sincere agricultural professional/gardener
This is the most wonderfull and comprehensive book about the only solution to our agricultural crisis. I highly recommend this book to anyone with the slightest intelligence, concerend with the wellbeing of our planet and sustainable farming methods.

Thank you very much to the author, Mr. Tompkins, et al!

Correction - author's name
The authors of Secrets of the Soil are Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird. ... Read more

Book Description

Modeling forms an implicit part of all engineering design, but many geotechnical engineers are insufficiently aware of the assumptions they make, or the nature and consequences of those assumptions. This book will enable practicing engineers to make informed decisions concerning soil model, boundary conditions and the choice of elements in Finite Element models. ... Read more

Book Description

Unsaturated Soil Mechanics is the first book to provide a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles of unsaturated soil mechanics.
* Offers extensive sample problems with an accompanying solutions manual.
* Brings together the rapid advances in research in unsaturated soil mechanics in one focused volume.
* Covers advances in effective stress and suction and hydraulic conductivity measurement. ... Read more