Book excerpt: For courses in Soil Mechanics and Foundations. Essentials of Soil Mechanics and Foundations: Basic Geotechnics, Seventh Edition, provides a clear, detailed presentation of soil mechanics: the background and basics, the engineering properties and behavior of soil deposits, and the application of soil mechanics theories. Appropriate for soil mechanics courses in engineering, architectural and construction-related programs, this new edition features a separate chapter on earthquakes, a more logical organization, and new material relating to pile foundations design and construction and soil permeability. It's rich applications, well-illustrated examples, end-of-chapter problems and detailed explanations make it an excellent reference for students, practicing engineers, architects, geologists, environmental specialists and more.