An accessible, clear, concise, and contemporary course in geotechnical engineering, this key text:strikes a balance between theory and practical applications for an introductory course in soil mechanicskeeps mechanics to a minimum for the students to appreciate the background, assumptions and limitations of the theoriesdiscusses implications of the key ideas to provide students with an understanding of the context for their applicationgives a modern explanation of soil behaviour is presented particularly in soil settlement and soil strengthoffers substantial on-line resources to support teaching and learning