This updated book provides a descriptive, elementary introduction to geotechnical engineering--with applications to civil engineering practice. Focuses on the engineering classification, behavior, and properties of soils necessary for the design and construction of foundations and earth structures. Includes chapters on Geology, Landforms, and the Origin of Geomaterials. The Shear Strength Chapter is divided into basic and advanced topics. Updated to include many new useful engineering property correlations, as well as units on both SI and customary engineering. Covers an introduction to vibratory and dynamic compaction, the method of fragments, the Schmertmann procedure for determining field compressibility, secondary compresson, liquefaction, and an extensive use of the stress path method. Provides civil engineers with a descriptive introduction to geotechnical engineering.