Soil mechanics is a discipline that applies the principles of engineering mechanics, e.g., kinematics, dynamics, fluid mechanics and mechanics of material, to predict the mechanical behaviour of soils. Together with rock mechanics, it is the basis for solving many engineering problems in civil engineering (geotechnical engineering), geophysical engineering and engineering geology. Some of the basic theories of soil mechanics are related to the basic description and classification of soil, effective stress, shear strength, consolidation, lateral earth pressure, bearing capacity, slope stability and permeability. Foundations, embankments, retaining walls, earthworks and underground openings are all designed in part with theories from soil mechanics.
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