Geotechnical engineering focuses on the engineering behavior of earth materials. Gillesania’s approach categorizes these behaviors into distinct, sequential topics that build upon one another. Soil Composition and Phase Relationships
Soil mechanics is the study of the behavior of soils under various loads and stress conditions. Some of the fundamental concepts in soil mechanics include:
Geotechnical engineering is a foundational branch of civil engineering. It focuses on the behavior of earth materials and their interaction with human-made structures. In the Philippines and across various global engineering curricula, the works of Engr. Diego Inocencio T. Gillesania are highly regarded. His textbooks serve as essential references for students preparing for board examinations and practicing engineers seeking a refresher on core concepts. Some of the fundamental concepts in soil mechanics
in the Philippines, it also serves as a fundamental guide for undergraduate civil engineering students. The book is well-regarded for its clear presentation of geotechnical principles and its extensive use of illustrative problems with step-by-step solutions to ensure clarity for learners. Core Technical Content The text is typically divided into 10 major chapters
Water flow through soil pores is governed by Darcy’s Law . Understanding permeability is vital for designing dams and drainage systems. Engineers must calculate the seepage velocity and pressure to prevent "piping" or internal erosion that could lead to structural failure. Diego Inocencio T
between AASHTO and USCS soil classification systems.
Active pressure pushes walls away; passive pressure resists wall movement. Foundation Engineering Foundations transfer structural loads safely to the ground. Lateral Earth Pressure and Retaining Walls
: Detailed discussions on stresses in soil, including effective stress concepts and vertical stress distribution due to various loading types. Mechanical Behavior : Focuses on compressibility , consolidation settlement, and the shear strength of soil. Engineering Applications : Provides principles for calculating lateral earth pressure , bearing capacity of soils, and the stability of slopes. Foundation Elements
Most geotechnical textbooks (like Braja Das or Holtz & Kovacs) are encyclopedic. They are excellent references but terrible for last-minute review. Gillesania’s approach is different:
The book explains the difference between CD, CU, and UU tests without the jargon. The exclusive version often contains a "Summary of Drained vs. Undrained" poster-style page that is invaluable for reviewing.
When surface soils are weak or highly compressible, loads must be transferred to deeper, more competent strata using driven piles or drilled shafts. Gillesania covers the calculation of point resistance and skin friction along the pile shaft. Lateral Earth Pressure and Retaining Walls
