GEOLQGICAL .SURVEY CffiCULAR 75 .

SELECTED ABSTRACTS ON ENGINEERING

GEOLOGY AND RELATED SUBJECTS

Severine:J I. Britt
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Oscar L. Chapm.an, Secretary ·
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
W. E. W\l"~ther, Director

Washington, D. C. .
 SELECTED ABSTRACTS ON ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
AND RELATED SllBJECTS
Dy Severine H. Dritt

CONTENTS
Page
Constru-ction materials ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 1
Construction works ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 5
Drilling and exploration methods ••••••• •••••••••• ••••• •••••••••••• ••• •• •• •• ••• ...... 11
General engineering geology ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ••••• 13
Landslides and subsidences •••••••• ••••••• ••• ••• ••••• •••••••• •••• •••• •• •••••••••. ••• • 15
!\lapping techniques ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••·• 18
Permafrost •••••••••••• ••••••••••••• •• •••••• ••• ••• ••• •• •••• •• ••• ••• •••••••••• ••• ••• •• ••• •••• 18
Physical properties of rocks ..................................................... ..... 20
Soils and soil mechanics ..... ~......................................................... 20

INTRODUCTION

The following 84 abstracts are a selection from a much larger number of

abstracts recently prepared for use within the Geological Survey. The selection
is meant to represent material that is not generally brought to the attention of
geologists directly and, for the most part, may not find its way into English·
language abstracts normally consulted by American geologists. All but four
of the abstracts deal with subjects outside the United States;' 35 are originals,
26 are based on translations of abstracts in foreign languages, and 19 are adapted
from English-language abstracts of foreign material. A few of the abstracts bear
a notation that complete translations have been prepared. Abstracts followed
by the initials D. J, V. and H. V., respectively, are by David j. Varnes and
Helen Varnes; all others, except authors' abstracts, are by the writer. Where
dates of publication are not shown, they are unknown to this writer.

The coverage, of necessity, is far from complete, but the writer hopes that
the abstracts will indicate the wide range of work going on abroad and will
further stimulate the interest of American geologists. It is expected that, in the
future, similar selections will be published as the need may arise •.
 ., CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
Ariana, R. I material.i .stradali [Road materials] , Milano, Editions Garlic h.
This book deale· in a very up-to-~ate manner. with three main subjects:
soils, aggregates, and binding materials. (1) The study of soils include classical
tests and investigation, foundation, and stabilization methods. (2) The aggre-
gates are treated so as to enhance the value of procedures that facilitate their
classification according to their qualities as road materials. (3) The subject
of hydraulic hinders is largely developed. Two particularly informative chapters
refer to emulsions· and asphalts. The question of asphalts has been thoroughly
studied in Italy, and original solutions have been found that have proved suc-
cessful.--Translated and adapted from a review in Genie civil, tome 76, no. 9,
May 1949. Date of publication and number of pages not given.·

Buisson, Maurice. Les pierr_es. Etude de leurs proprietes liees la presence a

et a la circulation de l'eau dans les pores [Study of stone properties in
connection with the prensence and movement of pore water] : Centre Sci.
Tech. du Batiment Cahier C7, 16 pp., fig., Paris, July 1948.
This is a study of the proper,ties of stones with regard to the presence
of water in the pores. Included are generalities based on the law of capillarity;
manifestation of capillary pressure in stones; compression of stones by capillary
pressure; direct determination of capillary pressure; indirect method for the
determination of capillary movement; test proposed by the project of norm and
its discussion; study of the experimental verification of the independence of
capillarity and the hygrometric state and influence of evaporation on the measure•
ments; capillarity of some building materials; influence of quarry water or p·artial
absorption on the capillarity value; swelling pressure; and conclusion as to the
methods of capillarity tests.-Based on a translation of abstract 89·21, Docu•
mentation technique des Annales de 1'lnstitut Technique du Batiment et des
Travaux Publics, ~aria, Jan. 1949.

Oenissov, N. J. Process of gravitational consolidation of argillaceous rocks

as affected by their cohesiveness: Acad. sci. U.R.S.S. Comptes rendus
[ Doklady] , vol. 55, no. 5, pp. 429-432, 194 7.
It has been shown that recent deposits of argillaceous sediments constantly
under water have a. low density, in the neighborhood of 1.3 grams per cubic
centimeter. It is also observed that if these fluid sediments are subsequently
covered by coarse-grained materials the boundaries between the clay and gravel
are generally sharp, indicating that the particles of overlying material did not
sink into the muds. From this it must be concluded that cohesion and structure
are characteristic to a .certain extent of argillaceous sediments extracted from
under water results from destruction of cohesion between particles by the sam-
pling process.

It is characteristic of the. initial state of formation of argillaceous rocks

that those formed in water are less compact and more compressible than those
formed subaerially.

1
 The optimal conditions of consolidation for water deposits occur when
the particles are enveloped by colloidal films reducing friction, when co-
hesion is low and during high rates of sediment accumulation. Pessimal con-
ditions of consolidation will be determined by the: maximum effect of electro-
lytes that increase friction and cohesion bet~een particles, by the slow rise of
compacting pressure, due to low rates of sediment accumulation, and by inter-
ruptions in sediment accumulation.

For subaerial deposits the optimal conditions of consolidation will he

determined by the constant influence of moisture and the absence of cohesion;
the pessimal, by compacting in the dry state.--D.j.V.

Duriez, ..•..••. Les gravillons routiers. Resistance a

1 attrition et la frag- a
mentation par choc [Road gravel. Resistance to attrition and to fracture
under impact] : Rev. gen. des routes, no. 198, pp. 13-16, July 1948.
This paper consists of_ generalities on road tests; discussion of abrasion
and impact tests of. crushed gravel for road material; general study of the co-
efficient of resistance to abrasion (Deval), of the coefficient of fracture under
impact (Am~de'e Mannheim} for crushed gravel, and of the relation between these
two coefficients; statistic study of the resistance to abrasion and to impact of
road gravel of the same mineralogic nature; considerations regarding the selection
or elimin~tion of crushed gravel for road material; special study of rolled gravel
from dredging; conclusions.

Frye, J. C., Plummer, Norman, Russel, T., Runnels, .•.••.•• , and Hladik, William.
Ceramic utilization of northern Kansas Pleistocene loesses and fossil
soils. Kansas Geol. Survey Bull. 82, pt. 3, 124 pp., 3 pls., 10 figs., 7
tables, bibl., 1949.
Late Pleistocene loesses, classed as Loveland, Peoria, and Bignell silt
members of the Sanborn formation, and their contained fossil soils (Loveland
and Brady} constitute the most widespread ceramic raw material in Kansas. The
silt deposits were made ~y the action of winds on stream-horne sediments during
intervals of northern and mountain glaciation. The silts were modified by weath-
ering processes that produced deep soils on former upper surfaces now buried
by younger deposits. These silts and soils were sampled at 46 locations extend-
ing from the Missouri River on the east to the Colorado State-line. Ceramic tests
on 318 samples and chemical analyses of 52 samples are reported. Spectrographic
analyses supplement the ceramic and chemical data. The data show a high degree
of uniformity from east to west, hut the greater effect of weathering in the eastern
part of the state has increased the clay content and plastic .properties. The Love-
land is especially· suitable for manufacture of brick, tile, and light-weight ceramic
aggregates. The Peoria silt (exclusive of the Brady soil} is suitable for manu-
fracture of dense "ceramic slag." At many localities the entire ·thickness of the
Sanborn formation, including the fossil soils, may be utilized as raw material for
brick, tile, and both light and heavy ceramic aggregates.-Authors' abstract.·

2
Hager"man, T. H. Om svens'ka · bergarter och deras provning for konstruk-
tionsandamal ·(On Swedish rock types and tests for structural purposes] :
S~atens Provningsanstalts Meddelande 85, 181, pp., 73 figs., 12 tables,
b1hl., Stockholm, 1945. Price,. Kr. 5. ,
Conununication 85 of the State Testing Laboratory. (S~atens Provningsanstalt)
has the following contents: Forward •. '(1) Classificati()n of kinds of rock {erup•
tive, sedimentary, metamorphic). (2) Properties of rock {chemical composition,
mineral composition, specific gravity, color, structure, density and pore ratio,
homogeneity, other properties). {3) Quarrying and working. {4) Different uses
of rock and desirable properties for different purposes; foundation stone, stone
for load bearing' facing stone, stone for bridges and harbor works, etc.; stone
for air-raid shelters; .stone for outdoor flights of steps, paving, and curbs; thin
stone slabs for fa~ing and roof covering; stone for stairs and flooring; stQne
for internal walls and seats indoors; stone for sculpture, monuments, etc.; stone
sets and stone Jor paving; crushed stone. {5) Determining the technical .prop•
erties of unworked stone {open-pore ratio, capillarity, permeability to water and
air, water absorption); weathering, durability of surface appearance and color;
insulation and transmissivity in respect to heat, electricity, and sound; behavior
·of stone at .h~sh temperatures; elasticity and strength; static loading tests;
dynamic loading tests; hardne•s .and abrasion resistance; taking rock specimens.
{6) Determining the technicalproperties of worked stone (tests of crushed stone,
tests of natural stone slabs, tests of stone sets). (7) Summary of some results
of tests. Concluding remarks.~Adapted from Building Science Abstracts, new
ser., vol. 20, no. 8, Aug;l947 (abstract 994).

Kerr, P •. F., and Kulp, J. L •. Reference clay localities, United States; Am. Petro·
le·um Inst. Project 49, Preliminary Rept. 2, Clay. Mineral .Standards, 101
pp., New York, Columbia University, Feb. 1949.
This is a 'list of clay localities in the United States. The clay minerals
included are chiefly those of the kaolin, montmorill6nite, and hydromica groups,
Location, geological data, samples colle~ted, and references are given for each
item, The text is illustrated by 38 maps and 29 photographs,

Patton, J. B. Crushed stone in Indiana: Dept. Cons., Geolpgy Div., Progress

Rept. '3, 4 7 pp., Bloomington, Apr. 1949 •
.The author describes and locates limestone formations quarried in southern
and: northern Indiana. .A list of 92 crushed-stone quarries is given with their
location, date of field examination., geologic formation, and. products. A table
shows the results of analyses of limestones quarried in Indiana, and ·the text
is accompanied by a bibliography and a map showing the quarries producing
crushed stone.

Phemister, J ., Guppy, E. _M.,_ Marwick, A. H. D., and Shergold·, F. A., _Roadstone;

Geological aspects and physical tests·: Dept. Sci. Ind. Research (Great
Britain] Road Research Bull. 3, 42 pp., 1946.

3
 This report is the result of collaboration between the Geological Survey of
'Great Britain and the Road Research Laboratory. It was ·made in an attempt to
bring together the geologic~! a~d the engineering aspects of roadstones. It gives
a description of the geology of ~oadstones and the .characteristics of the con-
stituent minerals and discusses the influe~ce of both these factors on the phys-
ical properties of the rock. The sections prepared ·by the Road Research Lab·
oratory describe the accepted mechanical tests for roadstones, summarize the
results of a large number of such tests carried out on British stones over a period
of 30 years, and discuss the significance of the results in relation to engineering
practice. ·

Plummer, Norman, and Hladik, W. B. The manufacture of ce.ramic railroad ballast

and constructional aggregates from Kansas clays and silts: Kansas Geol.
Survey Bull. 76, pt. 4, 212 pp.; 8 pls., 1 map, 6 tables, bibl., 1~48.
The State of Kansas chiefly is dependent on crushed limestone for such
uses as railroad ballast, ~oncrete aggregate, and road metal. Relatively hard
limestone is plentiful in the eastern half of the State, but only soft limestone
occurs in abundance in the western half.

Under conditions of severe use limestone is regarded as inadequate for

railroad ballast due to its softness, dustiness, and tendency to form a wa~er­
retaining mud. · Concrete made with some limestone aggregates tends to dis•
integrate under conditions such as those to which concrete highway slabs and
bridges are subjected. The needs of the railroads for a durable ballast are par•
ticularly acute in this vast central area of the United States where sources of
naturally occuring hard rock are inadequate.

A series of tests conducted in the ceramics laboratory of the State Geo·

logical Survey has demonstrated that a dll;l'able material suitable for use as rail·
road ballast; concrete aggregate~ and allied uses can be manufactured with stand·
ard industr.ial equipment from the cheap and abundant clay and silt resources· of
Kansas. The method of manufacture involves the vitrification or pyroplas,ic
agglomeration of the raw materials in a rotary kiln, or possibly some other type
of firing equipment. In this report the product is termed •ceramic slag" to avoid
the use of more accurately descriptive but awkward terms such as •ceramic ag•
glomerate," •ceramic aggregate, • or •vitrified clay.•

Laboratory production of ceramic slag chiefly was conducted in a high-

temperature el~ctric kiln. Check runs were~ made on a number of representative
samples in a batch-type gas-fired rotary kiln. Pilot-plant tests on one type of
material, a Pleistocene clay, have been made by the Mineral Products Co. in
a 'SO-foot continuous rotary kiln.

Materials tested included silt, clay, and shale samples of Pleistocene,

Cretaceous, Permian, and Pennsylvanian age collected over a wide geographical
range. In general, Pleistocene silts and clays, particularly those from loess
dep~its, have proved to be the most satisfactory materials.

It is estimated that the cost of producing ceramic slag will range from S 1.15
to S2.25per ton if the processing is carried out on a large scale in a rotary kiln.-
Authors' abstract.

4
Portevin, M., La pierre [Stone] : Construction moderne, no. 7, pp. 246-255.
15 figs., July 1949.

The topics discussed by the author include terminology referring to stone

cutting; crushing strength, hardness, and oresistanc!3 to wearing by friction;
approximate relation between breaking. stress and density; difficulty of cutting
deduced from theoretical hardness; Brinnel hardness; •specific value of stone
cutting• (Rondelet); ·classification and coefficients of stone cutting; standard
scale of typical hardnesses; comparison of cutting difficulties (test principle,
selection of workmen and tools, tests, applications of results); and determination
of susceptability to frost action (standard method, Buisson's method, microscopic
examination advocated by M. Bourcart).-Translated and adapted from abstract
46-29, Documentation technique des Annales de l'Institut Technique du Batiment
et des Travaux Publics, Paris.

Smith, W. H. Sand and gravel ~esources in northern Ohio: Ohio Geol. Survey Inv.
Rept. 6, 24 pp., 1 map, Columbus, 1939.
This is the report of a study made in an ·area of northern Ohio, which,
owing to the increase in building activity during the past several years, expe·
rienced a serious shortage of sand and gravel for construction purposes. General
information was collected regarding the geological structures in the critical
regions that have not been prospected for sand and gravel largely because of
lack of knowledge regarding their location and possibilities for commercial
production, After data on production, transportation, processing of sand and
gravel, and specifications and grading of aggregates, the geology and distribution
of the deposits are given, followed by a discussion of deposita .by counties. The
text is accompanied by bibliographic references and a glacial map of Ohio showing
the location of producers,

CONSTRUCTION WORKS
Andrae, Charles. Les grands souterrains transalpins [The large Transalpine
tunnels], 200 pp.,, 69 figs., Zurich, S. A•. Leeman Freres & Cie., 1948.
Price, F. :22 (Swiss) •
. This is the second revised edition, in French, of a volume published in
German in 1926 but now out of print. In it the author, who at that time was a
professor at the Federal Polytechnic School of Zurich, included the subject
matter of a course he gave in order to initiate the students in the practical
experiences and scientific results obtained from the construction of the large
Alpine tunnels (Mont_ Blanc, Grand St. Bernard, and others), to which he per·
sonally contributed.

The author deals successively with the main problems, technical and
practical as well as scientific, that arose from the construction of long tunnels
at great depths. The more deeply a tunnel is driven, the more important is the
question of pressures due· to the load of the roof, and the question of temperatures
becomes the cardinal problem. The latter is treated with particular care, taking
into account the observations made at the Simplon and the methods that were

5
 suggested in order to avoid as far as possible any incident in the future. Although
this hook was originally intended for students, it will also be valuable to the
practician. The following subjects are treated: mechanical drilling; remo'\fal
of materials; geological problems (general observations, earth pressures, tem-
peratures, and groundwater); ventilation and cooling; tunneling methods; lini~g;
sanitary measures; work organization; costs; bibliography. !

Bendel, Ludwig. Das Sprengen in F els [Rock blasting 1 , 60 pp., 17 figs.,

Lucerne, Eugen Haag, 1942.
This booklet deals with the main uses of explosives in quarries and in the
construction of galleries and twmels. The use of these materials for destruc-
tive purposes is not considered.

The main terms used in blasting technics are first explained, and ·some
theories concerning the different kinds of explosives and blasting methods are
mentioned. The composition and combination of the various explosives used
in quarries and their methods of appUcation are given in detail, as is infor-
mation on drilling in rocks. The formulas for the determination of the probable
explosive requirement constitute the essential part of the work; the Bendel
formula takes into account the influences of geologic and petrographic factors
on the quantity of explosives required. The discussion of the composition and
combination of explosives contains information acquired through experience and,
where it can be turned to account, information from other publications on the
subject. A few computations regarding the construction of tunnels, quarrying,
and ice blasting show practical application of the results of research on blasting.
The last part of the book deals with possible effects of explosives (air displace-
ment, vibrations, etc.) and indicates preventive measures •

• .•••••• , Untersuchungen i.iber die physikalischen und dynamischen Eigenschaften

des Untergrundes von Strassen, FlugpHitzen und Trambahnen [Investi-
gations concerning the physical and ·dynamic properties of foundation
ground for roads, airfields, and tramways]: Strasse und Verkehr, 28 pp.,
36 figs., Jan. 19, Feb. 13, and Mar. 12, 1948. ·

On the basis of concrete cases, the author, an expert in geotechnical

problems, studies the physical and dynamic properties of foundation grounds
for roads, tramways, and airfields. He gives interesting and useful infor-
mation on the most recent methods of soil investigation.--Translated and
adapted from Bull. tech. de la Suisse Romande, Jan. 1, 1949.

British Intelligence Objectives Sub-Committee. German underground installations,

Part 1, Unique de sign and construction methods: Final rept. 1, 63 pp.,
Sept. 1945.
In an effort to minimize the effectiveness of allied bombing the ·German
military and civilian elements resorted to underground installations. There
are three reports by the British Joint Intelligence Objectives Agency on the
actual physical structures and their utilitarian and protective features. The
first discusses the unique design and construction methods used by Germany
in building large underground factories, only nine of whi.ch have been described
at length.

6
 The most unique COJlstructiQn was that of th~ four semi-underground
Messerschmitt factories near Munich. These factories were unusual in construc-
tion because (1) the roof. Waf!' a 10-foOt•thick reinforced concrete arch With a
span of 280 feet; (2) ~he roof arc:P. was ppured on 163,000 cubic yards of gravel
fill that had to be excavated EJ,fter :the. arch concrete had set; (3} the 5- and 8-
story buildings constructed undem~ath the"se roof arches were made entirely of
precast columns, beams, and floor slabs; and (4) the heating and ventilating
designs were larger and more elaborate than those for any other underground
factory.

The oil-distillation factory and the tank-part factory at Ebensee were

also outstanding because (1) they incorporated all the latest design features
o-f German underground factories and (2) the tunnels were concrete-lined in a
rapid, efficient manner by using precast concrete arch ribs to.support the precast
wall-liner plates. The salient features of many other underground factories are
also described-Adapted from India Central Board of Irrigation abstract 52,
Feb. 1949.

British Intelligence Objectives Sub-Committee. German underground installations,

Part 2, Adaptations of existing facilities: Final rept. 2, 35 pp., Sept. 1945.
For the most part the Germans simply remodeled existing mineEI, caves,
beer cetlars, railroad tunnels, etc., for the purpose of accommodating factory
installations previously housed above ground. This type of· installation is here
considered, and though nothing new from an engineering viewpoint is introduced,
the report is important in portraying what may be accomplished through minor
revisions to existing under.ground structures.-Adapted from India Central Board
of Irrigation abstract 82, Feb, 1949•

... ~..... German underground installations, Part 3, Various installations of general

interest·: Final rept. 3, 'Sept. 1945.
This report considers a miscellaneous group of installations of general
interest, some -of which are introduced principally because of their ,usage--for
example, Hitler's retreat at Berchtesgaden and S. S. headquarters at Munich.
There are eight sections: (1) headquarters and residences; (2) power plants;
(3) shelters; (4) munition plants; (5) oil depots; (6) tunnels; (7) communication
centers and (8) fortifications.-Adapted from India Central Board of Irrigation
abstract 82, Feb. 1949.

Disney, C. P., and Legget, R. F. Modern railroad structures, 213 pp., 151 ills.,
London, McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.,. Ltd., 1949. Price, 30s •.
This .is a profusely illustrated record of advanced ideas used econ.omically
and successfully in the design and construction of railway structures in the
United States, Canada, and Great Britain. A whole chapter of the book, with
many references in other chapters, is devote.d to the importance of site inves•
tiga:tions before any form of design is undertaken for new or the replacement of
old structures. The structures surveyed include earth structures, substructures
and superstructUres of -bridges, turn~bles a~d turntable pits, and engb1e sheds.-
Adapted froma review in Civ, ,Eng. and Pub, Works Rev,, ~ondon, Jan, 1950,

7
Eckel, E •. B< Engineering geology in Germany: Joint Intelligence Objectives
Agency, Rept. 18, 1949.
This is a teport on the following: (1) undergr~und factories in anhydrite
and gypsum near Nordhausen; (2) a sulfur-cement plant at Niedersachswerfen;
(3) interrogation of the geologic consultant on underground factories; (4) source .
data for investigations of German· and French underground factories, including
a descriptive list of underground factories and $torage depots with locations,
sizes, uses, etc.--Adapted from JIOA subject index of scientific and technical
reports, vol. 1, Aug. 1949.;

Feger, •••••••• Les usines souterraines allemandes [German underground fac·

tories] : Rev. genie militair.e, tome 82, pp. 165-199, fig., Mar. - Apr.
1949.
German attempts to place the country's war industry under shelter .are
described. Included in the report are a geologic and geographic study of the
sites of underground factories and discussions of various types of underground
factories (one or more stories), excavation methods, linings, inside equipment
(heating, ventilation, electric supply, etc.), and organization of production.-
Translated and adapted from abstract 485-28, Documentation technique des
Annales de l'lnstitut Technique du B&timent et des Travaux Publics.

••• •••.•• Les usines souterraines suedoises [Swedish underground factories] :

Rev.· genie militaire, tome 82, pp. 229-253, 8 figs ...,. May • June 1949.
The installation of underground factories itt Sweden . is discussed with
sections on excavation methods, underground constructions (lining, floors),
inside equipment (ventilation, lighting, motive power, water supply~ protection·-
against fire, social equipment), and outside features.-Translated and adapted
from abstract 265-29, Documentation technique des Annales de l'lnstitut Tech·
nique du B~timent et des Travaux Publics. · ·

Kollbrunner, C. F. Fun dation und ·Konsolidation [ Foundati~n and consolidation] ,

vol. 1, ·4 76 pp. '· 216 figs.'· Zurich, Schweizer Kruckund· Verlagshaus, 1948.
This .is a detailed review of the present state of knowledge concerning
types of foundation ground and its application to foundation technics. Included
are· useful data on ground water (flowing, pumping, etc.), a critical analysis
and synthesis of testing methods presently applied in the laboratory and in the
field to determine the character of foundation ground, and a detailed study of
the distribution of stresses beneath constructions and the computation of settle-
ment. There are numerous charts.-Adapted from a review in Bull. tech. de Ia
Suisse Romande, no. 15, July 17, 1948. ·

Maclean, D. J •. The effect of the soil foundation on the road surface· and outline
of .existing knowledge: Dept •. Sci. Ind. Research [Great Britain] Road
Re.search Tech. Paper 11, 29 pp.,:1948.
In the last decade a great deal has b~en leamed of the properties of soil
as an engineering material and of the part played by the subsoil in the behavior

8
 of road pavements. This paper is a progress report attempting in a brief compass
to bring the various phases of knowledge together. It deals with the effect of
the subgrade on the road surface; factors affecting soil strength; the measurement
of soil strength; the regression of subgrades due to traffic, frost, or moisture,
pavement design; and the effect of the road surface on soil layers below the snh-
grade.··Adapted from India Central Board of Irrigation abstract 139, Feb. :949.

McCutchen, W. R. Similitude in the study of military geology: Military Engineer,

vol. 41, no. 279, pp. 7-9, 1949. ·
The problem of creating dimensionally valid models to use in simulating
large-scale explosion tests is explained. Using the fundamental ratios of
length, mass, and time, the model ratios for values of density, velocity, accel-
eration, pressure, strain, and work are derived. The amount- and kind of explo-
sive to be used in a 1:200 model to simulate an atomic bomb is determined. A
brief discussion by Col. S. B. Smith is included.--D.J. V.

Muller, W. Erdbau [Earthwork] , 287 pp., 121 figs., Berlin, Wilhem Ernst & Sohn,
1948.
This is the study of the earthwork required for the construction of rail·
roads and roads. The conditions to be fulfilled in order to provide economical
construction and operation are stated, and the design of railroads and highways
is discussed with particular reference to the crossing of other lines of commu·
nication (la~d or water ways), The last three chapters deal with the soil as
foundation ground; earth movement; and material used for excavations and fills
and the construction and protection of dams, fills, and cutting~.

Nipkow, ••••••••. Construction of an intake tunnel for Moerel power plant through
a zone of high pressure: Schweizerische Bauzeitung, vol. 65, pp. 522·523,
12 figs., Sept. 20, 194 7.
The irruption of water loaded with dolomitic muds and disintegrated
phyllitic clay in a zone of contact between the Triassic and the Jurassic is
described. Considerable pressure was noticed on the framework of the tunnel,
which caused a partial crushing of the timbering. These followed the setting
of a reinforced concrete sole, 0.6 meter thick, constituting a segment of the
intended tunnel. The use of quick-setting alumina cement and the reinforcement
of frames and timberings are discussed.--Adapted and translated from Documen-
tation technique de l'Institut Te.chnique du B~timent et des Travaux Publics,
tome 4, Dec. 1947.

Ott, J. C. La construction du barrage de Bou-Hanifia~ Algerie [Construction o.f

the Bou·Hanifia dam, Algeria] , 30 pp., 17 bibl. ref., .special edition pub-
lished by the Societe du Bulletin Technique de la Suisse Romande, 1946,
taken from Bull. tech. de la Suisse Romande, Feb. 5, and 19, 1944.

9
 This is a general description of the rr.ajor structures at the Bou-Hanifia
irrigation project. The river regimen and the geologic and topographic conditions
inherent in the site presented an unusual number of difficult construction prob-
lems. This project is an outstanding example of the solution of these problems
through the skillful use of modern engineering knowledge.-H. V. Complete
translation prepared.

H~essinger, R. Irrigations et houille blanche en Algerie [Irrigation and water

power in Algeria] : Bull. de la Societe Neuchtteloise de Geographi~,
tome 52, fasc. 1, no. 4, pp. 1-7, Neuchatel, Switzerland, 1946. ·
This paper deals with the construction of irrigation dams in Algeria,
studying the regimen of Algerian streams, the subsurface material (as compared
to dams in Switzerland), and one typical dam of each group built: the rock-fill
dam of the Ghrib, multiple-arch dam of Beni-Bahdel, and gravity dam of Oued
Fodda. Subsurface water stops and elaborate drainage systems that involve
unusual elaborations in rbck-fill practice are described. Photographs and
drawings are attached.--Complete translation prepared.

Seaton, T. H. Coast erosion and sea defense, with special reference to prob-
lems on the east coast of England associated with the London and North
Eastern Railway: lnst. Civ. Eng. [Great Britain] Railway Paper 29,
pp. 3-20, May 1948.
In this paper the author treats the subject on broad lines, suggesting the
direction in which investigation might be made. He analyzes the causes of
coast erosion and describes the movement of beach material, the silting up of
harbors and river mouths, erosion due to wave action, and' such measures to
counteract current and wave action as the setting up of ·groins and sea walls--
Adapted from. India Central Board of Irrigation abstract 152, Feb. 1949.

Stokstad, 0. L. German airfields design and construction methods: Joint Intelli-

gence Objectives Agency Rept. 48, 129 pp., 1949.
This report is a compilation of evaluation reports on the design and con-
struction methods of German airfields. It does not represent a complete cov•
erage of all enemy airfields, hut is a representation of selected fields with
regard to general geological and dominant soil areas into which Germany is
divided. Map, plans, diagrams, and photographs are included'.-From JIOA sub-
ject index of scientific and technical reports, vol. 1, Aug. 1949.

Tchekotillo, A. M. Underground caches in the layers of permafrost [in Russian] :

Priroda [SSSR], no. 11, pp. 27-32, 5 figs., bibl., 1946.
Th~ permafrost area in Siberia extends south to the Kiev parallel. Its
depth ranges between 40 to 50 meters in the south and 600 meters at lakoustsk.
The natives have for a long time used this frozen ground for the construction
of underground caches for the purpose of conserving their provisions. Lately
the State has started making tests with a view to large-scale application of

10
 such caches, the advantages of. which can briefly be summarized as follows:
very simple construction, constant temperature and humidity, possibility of
maintaining the temperature up to 8 to 10° C. (by ventilation), very simple
exploitation,. use for . scientific research, safety with regard to fire.-Trans-
lated and adapted from Bull. anal. du Centre National de Ia Recherche Sc.i-
entifique, 1949 (10-16816). 1

UtUdjian, E. Urbanisme Souterrain Oere section). ~apport

general [Underground
town planning (1st section). General report] : · Monde sout~rrain, no. 49,
pp. :126-128, 5 figs., Oct. 1948.
This report was presented at the second world cl»ngress, at Rotterdam, on
underground technics and town planning. It conce ns methodical underground
arrangement and embodies the program of the congr ss, divide.d into two parts,
The first section deals with the general .problems of town planning and doc-
trinary order. The second part discusses more p rticularly the problems of
geology, soil mechanics, hnilding methods, mono aphs of works, and under-
ground equipment.-Translated and adapted from ah~tract 46-23, Documentation
technique de l'Institut Technique du Batiment et de$ Travaux Publics, no. 23,
Paris, Mar.-Apr. 1949.

Van Welter, L.,. and de Clerq,. J., Le barrage-res~rvoir de la Vesdre, a E up en

(The Vesdre storage dam at Eupen): Ann~les des Travaux Publics de
Belgique, tome 49, pp. 19-48, 21 figs., 4 plst, Feb •. 1948 •.
This is a description of the main structures ~f a storage dam (capacity,
25,000,000 cubic meters) on the Vesdre River upstr~.· am from Eupen in Belgium.
The regimen of the Vesdre and its tributaries, ge~logic and· topographic con·
ditions, the selection of a gravity dam, and projecte1d power stations are among
other topics discussed.··Translated and adapted from abstract 473-21, Docu·
mentation technique des Annales de 1'Institut Technique du Batiment et des
Travaux Publics, Paris, Jan. 1949. ·

Wiedgman, K. Guide for the construction of tunnels in unstable rock (Germ·an

"Kunz method" for excavating tunnels): Joint Intelligence Objectives
Agency Rept. 42, 47 pp., 1949.
The Kunz plan was to discard the old schemes of tunneling, which uti-
lized large quantities of timbers for shoring purposes and required large crews
of skilled carpenters for their installation, and to substitute a steel shell that
would not only carry the rock load hut also he available as form work for the
concrete work.-Adapted from JIOA subject index of scientific and technical
reports, vol. 1, Aug. 1949.

DRILLING AND EXPLORATION METHODS

Anoriymou~ •. Le fonctge d'un puits en sables boulants par le procede Honigmann
[ ~h?.ft sinking in quicksand by me~ns of the Honigmi:mn process] : Genie
c1vll, tome 124, no. 18, p. 363, Par1s, Sept. :15, 194 7. ·

11
 The lignite basin of Cologne, one end of which is actually being oper-
ated by the open-cut method, subsided in its central section, where there is a
lignite layer· 40 meters thick; its roof and wall, of clay, are good. Intention~
are to mine this, underground layer by slices, )>ecause it contains a reserve
of 30 billion tons, hut in order to· reach it, 300 m~ters of quicksand must be
penetrated. In such circumstances the shaft is usually sunk by the artificial-
freezing process; here, however, ·two shafts were sunk, 300 meters apart, one
by artificial freezing and the other by Honigmann's process, which proved
satisfactory.

By the Honigmann process, described in detail by Pinsard in the Revue

de l'industrie minerale of April 1947, the bore hole is first filled with a dense
suspension of clay in water, the level of which is maintained higher than the
water-bearing stratum; under high pressure, the suspension penetrates the
level of saturation and yields its clay to form an impervious wall. A succession
of drillings of increasing diameter is made until the final diameter is reached,
and the metallic tubing for the bottom of the shaft is put down, after being
hermetically closed at the bottom by a cement plug; the tubing floats in the
suspension; it is lowered by filling it with water. When the upper ring is
flush with the surface, the following ring is jointed, and so on. After the casing
is completed, the annular space between the tubing and the ground is filled
with cement.

It is estimated that, up to a diameter of 4.50 meters, the Honigmann

process is more advantageous than artificial freezing; beyond 5 meters, artificial
freezing would be preferable.··Complete translation prepared.

Lemaire, E. Use of sulphide liquor to reduce the resistance of quartzose rocks

in drilling: Genie civil, tome 121, pp. 33·34, 1 fig., Feb. 15, 1944 •.
Identification of a large number of materials can he made by measuring
their hardness. However, hardness is not a constant characteristic of materials
and varies according to the medium in which the test is carried on. This vari-
ation, although generally slight, is large enough to justify the adoption of new
methods of drilling. Tests were carried out on quartz by using different solutions
that showed the variation in hardness. The practical conditions for using the
aqueous solutions of lignin-solphonic acid and its salts, which were found to
reduce the hardness of quartzose rocks, were determined by means of an appa•
ratus similar in operation to the crown of a rotary drilling machine. A descrip·
tion of the apparatus and test is given.--Complete translation prepared.

Poldini, E. La prospection electrique du sous-sol [Electrical prospecting

of the subsoil] , 1 vol., 114 pp., 22 figs., Lausanne, Switzerland, F.
Rouge & Cie., 1947.
The new edition of this work includes new developments in geophysics
and improvements in its methods. Only . a few pages deal with theory; the
author, professor at the University of Geneva, pays particular attention to the
services that may he rendered by geophysics, showing the results, good and

12
 had, oh~in~~ :in ~~.e Ji~ld during many years of experience. The main chapter
headings ·follow:····Heterogeneity of soils in relation to electricity and technics
used in electrical prospecting;, Measurement of apparent resistivity (boring,
electric. h~ri~g, . ~p o,f, resi~tivitit!.s, telluric currents); Tracing of equipoten-
tial em-Yes~_:· ·E~hfng; Anisotrophy. of soils·. Natlu-al electric currents; Elec-
tri~~l ,explor~tion ()f borehole~; Possibilities .of .elec1rical prospecting: tectonic
studie.s, ore"s,: ~~?l~~· ~a~~rr civil engineering.

: ·.. Th~, 'p~~~~~aiion. of ·numerous practical fesults attained by different geo-

physical Qiis.sio~~. ~~s authorized .by the Soci~te de Prospection Electrique and
the Compa~ie G~neral~ de Geoph'ysique.

GENERAL' ENGINEERING GEOLOGY

Bendel, L_udwig. ~n:ge,nieur-Geologie, vol. 2, 832, 20 pp., 620 ills.,: 252 tables,
Vienna, Sp:riJ~ger Ve'rlag, 1948. Price, L 7 17s.
Besides ._ consid~rahle amount of personal research and theoretical work
by the author, this hook eontains a compilation of more than' 6,000 observational
results, collected from· books, magazines, papers and lectures all over the
world. More than 1,000 specialized theories are explained.

The first volume, which is out of print at present, contains as main chap•
ters:, Geology and petrography for· the civil engineer; Properties of the soil
(physics, chemistry., and biology); Statics and dynamics of the soil (including
earth pressure, settlement, hearing capacity, permissible loads, pore-water
movement, and ground•water movement), and an extraordinarily valuable chap•
ter on mathematical. statistics .for engineering geologists.

The second volume deals in detail with site investigations, including

borings, liotmdinga, geophysical surveys, hydrological investigations, local
hearing tests, ·chemical· investigations of water and· soil, meteorological inves•
tigations in the field and recording of settlements; soil tests in the laboratory
(for dams, piles, tunnels, etc.); model tests, including similarity laws; and
dynamics (vibration and earthquakes). A chapter on snow, avalanches, and
glaciel:S by the Zurich expert, Dr. Haefeli, ·is of particular interest because
of the close association of snow and soil.· Also included is a chapter on soil
surveys in connection with town and country planning.

The 'main value of this work lies in its accurate description of methods and
of field and laboratory apparatus and other equipment used in the more important
countries all over the world, .as well as references to the original publications
where more detailed information can he gained.

A third .vol'Ume ··containing the newest developments in engineering geology

is to he published in 1949.-Adapted from a review in Civ. Eng. and Pub. Works
Rev.,_ vol. 44, no. 515, London, May 1949.

13
 Bray, Arthur. Geology applied- to building and engineering, 196 pp., 53 figs.,
London, Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons, Ltd., 1948.
This book deals with certain raw materials that are extensively used .in
the building industry and in civil engineering. A short introductory chapter
on the general principles of geology is given, which makes the rest of the
work readily understood. Other chapters deal with quarrying and mining methods,
surface deposits and sites, sands and gravels, sandstone for masonry and other
purposes, limestone for building stone, brick clays and fire clays, slates and
other roofing materials, igneous rocks, water supply, materials used in paints
and pigments, etc. This book should be of great help to students, as well as
to practicing builders, architects, and civil engineers.-Adapted from the book's
announcement.

Desio, Ardito. Geologia applicata all'ingegneria. L'esplorazione delPsottosuolo.

ldrogeologia . applicata. Geomorfologia applic_ata. Geologia delle con-
struzzioni. Geologia mineraria [Engineering geology. Ground investi-
gation. Applied hydrology. Applied geomorphology. Geology of building
materials. Mining geology], 850 pp., 305 figs., Milan, Ulrico Hoepli,
1949.

This volume treats of geologic investigation of the ground, rocks, miner-

als, their mode of occurrence, dislocations of the earth crust, geologic mapping,
geophysics, methods of deep exploratory drilling, and applied geomorphology.
The chapters on applied hydrology include studies of surface water and of
ground water; the second part, which is treated at great length, analyzes method-
ically the problems of finding water. The chapters on the geology of building
materials will be useful to engineers and architects seeking· the geologist's
viewpoint regarding the carrying out of large construction works; foundations,
dikes, airports, etc. In connection with mining geology, the metalliferous
deposits and the methods of prospecting for liquid and solid fuels are thor-
oughly studied.

Fox, C. S•. The geology of water supply, 220 pp.,_ 49 figs., Kingston Hill, Surrey,
England, the Technical Press, Ltd., 1949, Price, 25s.
The author discusses the circulation of water in nature; rain (formation,
distribution, influence of soil, temperature, etc.); geologic and geographic
considerations (influence of soil relief, hills of volcanic origi:n' moist winds,
glaciers, torrents, etc.; regimen of streams;· stability of slopes; distribution
of surface water); circulation of ground water (influence on flow of streams;
artesian wells); dams, aqueducts, and other structures; and q~ality of water.

Froment, G. Procedes generaux de construction [General construction methods] ,

· 2 vols., 490 and 314 pp., 285 and 277 figs., Paris, Eyrolles, 1949. Price,
F. 2300 (vol. 1) and F. 1600 (vol. 2).:

14
 Included here is the subject matter ·of a course given by the author to
students of public-works engineering. The first volume deals with soil inves-
tigation, drilling, earthworks, drainage, underground works, blasting methods,
transport of excavated material, etc·. The second volume mainly treats of soil
mechanics and foundations: determination of the foundation layer, prep~tory
work for the foundations, use of piles and sheeting ·piles, pile driving, and
various types of foundations and their protection.

Kaisin, Felix, Jr. Geologie du genie civil [Engineering geology], Louvain,

Belgium, Dewallens, 1947 (?).
This volume deals with the contribution of geology to engineering work,
in conjunction with the knowledge recently acquired on soil mechanics, an.d
discusses geologic formations and rock characteristics, stratigraphy, age of
formations, tectonics, landslides, erosion and recent sedimentation, glaciers,
seashore erosion, wind action, hydrography, and surface and ground water.
Examples of the ·application of geology to engineering work are given, as are
examples of failures in construction that were due to lack of geological infor-
mation. Numerous pictures and drawings show the application of geology in
specific instances.-From a reference in Genie civil, no. 1, 1947. Date of
publication and number of pages not given.

Trefethen, J. M. Geology for civil engineers: Maine Univ ., Maine Technology

Exper. Sta., Paper 56, 3 pp., June 1949.
The use of geology as a tool of engineering has become an integral part
of modem engineering practice. The civil engineer meets a .variety of prob-
lems in which geological training is of service. Therefore his engineering
course should include. the basic principles of geology. The author gives several
specific aims. of a properly organized course in geology for .engineers, which
course of study should enable the engineer himsel~ to make use of geology as
a tool and also to use the geological investigations· of others in the course of
his professional practice.

LANDSLIDES AND SUBSIDENCES

Agard, M. Les glissement$, e~ eboulements des quartiers Saint-Raphael et
Telemly a Alger et les travaux envisages en vue de la st~bilisation des
terrains [The landslides and rock falls of the Saint~Raphael and Telemly
districts in Algiers and stabilization methods· contemplated]: Ann ales
des ponts et chaussees,. no. 4, pp. 465-480, 10 figs., July-Aug. 1948.
The causes of the landslides and rock falls are here studied, including
the breaking away of large blocks of molasse through disintegration and the
perforation of the underlying marl layer, which expands under the effect. of
infiltration accelerated by the glauconite present in the upper layers. The
stabilization measures consist of drainage, construction of a dam for control-
ling the slide, and support of a cliff by means of underpinning.-Translated and
adapted from abstract 41-23, Documentation technique de 1'Institut Technique
du B.ti"ment et des Travaux Publics, no. 23, Paris, Mar. 1949.

15
Cailleux, A.,, and Tricart, J. Urt type de solifluction, les coul~es-.boueuses [A
type of solifluction, mud slides]: Rev. _geomorphologie dynamique, -vol. 1,
no. 1, pp. 4-46, 15 figs., 2 tables, bibl., 1950. ·
. Topics discussed are characteristic external forms of mud slides, including
various types in valleys and on steep smooth slopes; mechanism of sliding; orig-
inal causes of mud slides as determined by the factors of lithology, perme-
ability, fracturing, water content, slope, and several types of climate; and
preventive and curative measures. A condensation in English ·is provided.-
D. J. V. .

Denissov, N. J. On the theory of the processes of landslides·: Aka d. Nauk

SSSR, Doklady, vol. 54, no. 8, pp. 717-719, 1946.
The sliding property of clay soils in the fluviatile valleys and along sea
coasts depends ·upon the type of clay. This is a study of various factors that
have to do with the sliding process: pressure,. cohesion, friction, etc.-Trans-
lated and adapted from Bull. anal. du Centre National de Ia Recherche Sci-
entifique (10-16316), 1949.

Dervieux, F. Etude geotechnique des glissements de terrains des coteaux d 'El-

Biar, Alger [Geotechnical study of the landslides on the hillsides of E 1
Biar, Algiers] : Terres, eaux, no. 1, pp. 48·57, 1 fig.,_ Jan.-Feb •. 1948.
This is a geotechnical study of the ·ground upstream ·and downstream from
the cliffs of El Biar for the purpose of finding out the causes of the disturb-
ances that have occurred for many years in this region.-Translated and adapted
from abstract 45-23, Documentation technique de 1'Institut Technique du BQtiment
et des Travaux Publics, no. 23, Paris, Mar.-Apr. 1949.

Kit~l, Erwin. Derrumbamientos, deslizamientos y torrentes en caminos de montana

de Ia Republica. Argentina [Rock falls, landslides and torrents . alo!lg
mountain roads in the Argentine Republic]·: Universidad de Buenos Aires,
Publicaciones de la Faculdad de ciencias exactas, fisicas y naturales,
ser. B., no. 16, 91 pp., 41 figs. and photographs, 1939.

This volume deals with certain superficial movemen~ of the earth crust
and in particular with those soil movements that affect roads and. railroads. A
study of these phenomena may help in avoiding or repairing the damages they
cause. Before discussing and describing specific phenomena that have occurred
along mountain roads in Argentina, the author first gives general data on
(1) classification of mass movements; (2) causes of movements; (3) slides of
loose masses; (4) slips of rock over inclined surfaces; (5) falls of rock of ·differ-
ent types (granitic, volcanic, gneiss, mica-schist, slate, quartzite, etc.); (6) ero-
sion and deposition of alluvium by torrents. This is followed by a description
and a .special study of seven instances of landslides of various types in Argen-
tina. ·

16
Mackin, J. H. Engineering geology in West Seattle: Trend in Engineering, vol. 1,
no. 3, pp. 24-26, Seattle, University of Washington, July 1949.
Following a conference of representatives of the City Engineer's office, a
committee of West Seattle residents concerned with. the Alki Avenue slide prob-
lem, and members of the University of Washington faculty, the work of mapping
foundation materials in the Seattle area was started in West Seattle. A dia-
grammatic cross section of the West Seattle hill illustrates the general geologic
relations of the larger sedimentary units that make up the hill.--Adapted from
PRA's abstract.

Messines, J. Les eboulements ?ans les gypses. Inefficacite des travaux de

reboisement [Landslides 1n gypsum. Ineffectiveness of reforestation] :
Paris Acad. Sci., Comptes rendus, tome 226, no. 16, pp. 295-296, Apr.
1948.
On January 30, 1948, a landslide occurred at Breuil, commune of Puget-
Theniers, in the Maritime Alps, France, on a steep slope consisting of gypsum
and clayey ·marl and crowned by a terrace of old alluvium. A lake of about
10 hectares was formed behind a dam due to the accumulation of fallen mate-
rials, and communications. were interrupted for several weeks.. The author
studied the causes of the slide. They are multiple and result from morphologic,
geologic, and exceptional meteorologic conditions. Owing to- heavy rain that
fell for 8 days before the catastrophe, a sudden flood of the· Var and the afflux
of seepage water from Gourdan Mountain filled the system of caves and under-
ground galleries of .the Breuil terrace. Under the pressure of water, a collapse
was produced by the rupture of one or several underground cavities, The
pressure of captive water, ·with a strong horizontal component, combined with
gravity, projected materials ·horizontally and completely dammed the valley
across a width of more than 80 meters. This slide is similar to that of Roque-
billiere in 1926. No direct intervention seems possible to avoid the reoc-
currence of such a phenomenon in formations where the presence of extravasated
gypsuin is found, and reforestation, in partic~lar, would be without ef~ect.­
Complete translation prepart:d•

Wedler, D. B., and Leutkens, Vd. Bauten im Bergsenkungsgebiet [Constructions

in mining districts subject to subsidences] , 1 vol., 100 pp.,numerous
figs., Berlin, Max I.ipfert, 1948.
The author deals with the effects, on surface structures, of settlements
and subsidences ·resulting from mining. Theoretical and practical study of some
practical solutions, with diagrams and plans, is included.-Translated and
adapted from abstract 68-29, Documentation technique des Annales de'l Institut
Technique du B&timent et des Travaux Publics, Paris, 1949.

17
 MAPPING TECHNIQUES

Hagen, Toni. . The use of ground photogrammetry for large-scale geological

mapping: Eidgenossische Tech. Hochschule, Geod. Inst •• Mitt., no. 2,
23 pp., 11 figs., Zurich, 1948.
This communication is addressed to geologists, mining engineers, surveyors,
and civil engineers. It describes the making of a photo-geological map from
start to finish. The main chapters are: (l) The process ·of photo•geological
mapping {principle of ground photogrammetry, selection of map scales,· instru-
ments employed, station position, geodetic field work, plotting of the map,
expenses of photo-geological method); {2) The plotted survey photographs;
(3) Plotting of front elevation in the Wild stereo-mapping machine A6. Tpe text
is ·supplemented by 3 plates: geological map of Mont Dolin, Valais, Switzer-
land; 5 geological front elevations of Mont Dolin; and 12 geological sections of
Mont Dolin.

Linton, D. T. The ideal geological map: Advance Sci. [Great Britain], no. 5,
pp. 141-149, July 1948.
This is a review of the geological maps existing in the various countries
with an appreciation of. the methods followed in each one t~ solve the problems
involved: indications that must be given, colors used, characteristics of the
topographic background, etc, Deduction is made therefrom as to what should
be the ideal geological map.··Translated from Bull, anal, du Centre National
de la Recherche Scientifique, 1949 (10-16897),

PERMAFROST

Berezantsev, V. G. : On the strength of permanently frozen soil under the footings

of structures: Myorzlotovedenie, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 48-54, 194 7.
The first question of importance ·is to which class the soil belongs; that is,
whether its load-bearing. capacity depends on internal friction, on shear strength,
or on both. A compression diagram for clay at a temperature of -10.4° C. and
for ~andy soil at - 3.1o C. shows. a fundamental distinction in the behav~or
of these soils after the proportionality limit is reached. Slightly frozen soil
behaves like a hard, plastic body, but soil at lower temperatures acts like
a hard, brittle body. It appears that the load-bearing capacity of frozen soils,
with the exception of dry sandy soil, depends essentially on the shear strength.
This conclusion is confirmed by a theoretical deduction based on Prandtl's
theory and his formula for the ultimate bearing capacity. ·In that formula the
intemal friction is relatively unimportant and may be neglected, especially, in
the present case, with a shear strength of 2 kilograms per square centimeter or
more and an angle of internal friction 20° or less, Values are given 'for the
compressive strength of various soils at temperatures from 0.5° c. to - 2.00 c.
A discussion of the phenomena in soil under strip footings follows, A formula
is obtained for the initial plastic deformation at a given point. Experiments
showed that with an increase in the extent of deformation in frozen ground a
consolidated ela·stic body js formed, as in the' case of. rammed unfrozen soil.
For frozen soil the shape of the consolidated body can likewise be assumed to
be a prism of triangular cross section, The application of Prandtl's differential

18
 equation to frozen soil is considered. It is found that the load at which failure
occurs can be calculated for soil at not very low, though freezing, temperatures
and that the results are sufficiently in agreement with the experimental values •.
The formulas for initial plastic deformation and that for the load causing failure
may . be used even for soil at rather low temperatures. The extremely high
pressures that would be required in such cases make tests difficult.-Adapted
from Building Science Abstracts, no. 502, Apr. 1948.

Dementyev, A. I. On the classification of permanently frozen soil from the engi-

neering point of view: Myorzlotovedenie, vol. 2, no: 1, pp. 55-57, 1947 •.
In the classification of permanently frozen soils that is in common use in
the U. S. S. R. the following are distinguished: horizontal extension (three
soil types); vertical extension (two soil types); dependence on &easonal changes
(two cases); physical condition of the soil, whether it is frozen soil in the nor-
mal state (that ~. cemented by ice to a solid monolithic body), dry ground, or
plastic, permanently frozen ground. Russian Standard Specifications OST
90032-39 state two principles for the design of buildings on permanently frozen
ground, one to be applied when the soil condition is to be regarded as constant,
the other when changes in the condition of the soil are to be expected. This
connection between the condition of the soil and the principle of the structural
design is of paramount importance. Suggestions have been made by experts
for the classification of permanently frozen soil, some of which are' quoted;
including the regulations for the design and construction of railways on frozen
soil. A. precise definition of what is meant by a constant and a variable con-
dition in frozen soil is needed, and also a numerical scale of conditions. It
has been suggested that the temperature gradient--not only .the temperatures
themselves, but also their vertical distribution-could be used. The development
of such a numerical scale is of urgent importance for the design of structures in
permanently frozen soil.-Adapted from Building Science Abstracts, no. 501,
Apr. 1948.

Kudryavtsev, V. A•. On the determination of the lower limit of permanent freezin_g·:

Myorzlotovedenie, vol. 2, no. 1, pp •. 44-4 7, 194 7 •.
The lower limit of a frozen soil stratum is determined by test borings in
the soil, which has been thawed with a warm salt solution. A diagram .is given
of the temperature gradient in a 500-meter· ·deep test pit during the gradual res-
toration of normal soil temperatures. These curves have a sharp break, .in this
particular case at a depth of 200 meters; the conclusion reached, which was
confirmed by theory, is that the break marks the lower . limit of the zone of
permanent frost. The same conclusion applies t~ dry soil, but the break in the
curve is less abrupt. Results can thus be obtained within a few hours which
otherwise would necessitate waiting for months until the soil had frozen. again.
--Adapted from Building Science Abstracts, no. 500, Apr. 1948.

19
 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ROCKS
Denissov, N. J. On the relation of the properties of clayey rocks to climatic
conditions [in Ru~sian] : Akad. Nauk SSSR, lzv., Ser. Geog. i Geofiz.,
vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 283-288, bibl., 1948.
Climatic conditions influence the various stages in the formation of clayey
rocks. The author describes particularly the relation between these conditions
and the de;J&ity of clay of subaerial origin and assumes that the increase of
moisture in clay formations with loess structure observed in southern Russia
would be connected with the process of condensation of aqueous vapor.-Trans-
lated from Bull. anal. du Centre National de Ia Recherche Scientifique, 1949
(10-66077).

McCutchen, W. R. The behavior of rocks and rock masses in relation to military

geology: Colorado Scha.ol of Mines Quart., vol. 44, no. 1, 74 pp., Golden,
Colo., Jan. 1949.
After a brief introduction giving a general classification of rocks in the
earth's crust that are of interest to the military geologist, the effect of various
factors on the physical properties of rocks is summarized.

The properties of elasticity and plasticity in rocks are then treated. Some
other characteristic phenomena of importance in the study of rock strengths,
such as creep, fatigue, and endurance, are also mentioned.

Failure of rock specimens under stress is given a detailed study. First,

the accepted classical theories of failure are stated briefly; then the Mohr stress
diagram .. is developed for a number of types of loadings, ending with a general
state of stress. Using the Mohr stress diagram, a carefully controlled laboratory
experiment on rock specimens is analyzed to deduce the manner of failure of rocks
and the form of the envelope of rupture.

Finally, several examples of static and dynamic loadings on rock masses,

including stresa diatribution around a tunnel opening, propagation of elastic
strain, and crater blaating, and the principles of similitude as they may be used
in the study of military geology are diacuased. A specific example involving
the detonation of an atomic bomb above an underground tunnel is presented as
an illustration of the application of these similari~y principles.-Author's abstract.

SOILS AND SOIL MECHANICS

Ariano, R. Sulla coesione e sull'attrito interno delle terre [Cohesion and internal
friction of soils] : Strade, no. 6, pp. 135-14't, 9 figs., June 1948.
The knowledge of the coefficients of intemal friction and cohesion or" soils
is of great importance in road construction. Generally one refers for these
questions to Coulomb formulas, but experience shows that owing to the com-
plexity of the method, they are not adequate. There is not always complete
agreement on the definition of the parameters of these formulas. The author
gives the reason for these divergences and stresses the influence of the moisture
content on these parameters. Several apparatus for the determination of soil
strength are described, a.nd diagrams and numerical tables show the reaults that

20
 have been ottained.-Translated and adapted from abstract 58-21, Documentation
technique des Annales de I 'Jnstitut Technique du Batiment et des Travaux Pub-
lics, Paris, Jan. 1949.

Baudart, •••••. •• He flexions sur les pressions de terrains [Earth pressures] :

Rev. univ. mines, vol. 60, no. 7, pp. 268-273, 3 figs., Liege, 1947.
Topics discussed are the validity of the hypothesis concerning the plas-
ticity of rocks; advantages derived from it in the representation or concept of the
pressure phenomena that occur at great depth; danger of applying to earth
pressures the conclusions drawn from the mathematical study of stresses in
pulverulent media (coherent or elastic), as it is presently established; advis-
ability of first determining by experiment the laws that govern earth pressures
at diverse depths, laws that are still unkl}own; to attain this goal, the necessity
of measuring stresses and earth movements; difficulty and actual importance of
the scientific measurement of stresses.--Translated and adapted from Documenta-
tion technique des Annales de l'Jnstitut Technique du BAtiment et des Travaux
Publics, Paris, tome 5, Oct. 1947.

Bautechnik·Archiv [Archives of public-works technics], Bd. 3, 74, pp., numer-

ous figs., Berlin, Wilhelm .Ernst & Sohn, 1949. Price, RM 7.20.
This volume deals with the technics of foundations and contains inter·
eating theoretical and practical contributions by several German specialists in
this field: MUHS, Foreword; History of the Degebo (German society for the
study of soil mechanics); VOLK, Twentieth anniversary of the founding of the
Degebo: AGATZ and LACKNER, Unsolved problems in fo~ndation technics
(earth ·pressure, underpressure, sheet piling, pile piers, massive foundations);·
MUHS, Activity of the Degebo from 1938 to 1948, exploratory drilling for the
determination of the bearing capacity of foundation ground, loading tests, settle-
ments of large structures, geotechnical map of Berli~, compaction of soils, pile
driving, determination of earth pressures, vibration, and other studies; LORENZ,
Application of the seismic method of soil investigation to the construction of a
dam; BRENNECKE and ANSORGE, Metrology principles applicable to the deter-
mination of settlements of large structures; FORTSCH and MUHS, research Ol! 'an
inadequate foundation of compressorsi RAMSPECK and SCHULZE, effect of
vibration on walls. and simple structures; and HERTWJG, Technical experimen-
tation in geomechanics.-Translated and adapted from Travaux, P• 352, Aug. 1949.

Bonnenfant, •••••••• , Les sols stabilises au b~ton d•argile (Clay-soil stabilization):

Rev. g~n. des routes, no. 197, pp. 36-47, 5 figs., June 1948.
This is a review of four general problems of soil mechanics: variation of
the physical properties of soil as a function of the moisture content; variation
of the strength of water; variation of the physical and chemical properties as a
function of its previous state and of the treatments to which it may previously
have been subject. Also included are research on the best "clay concretes"
and a study of typical diagrams of the binder; incorporation of gravel; granulo-
metric formulas and California test.-Translated and adaf.ted from abstract 146-
21. Documentation technique de l'Institut Technique du Batiment et .des Travaux
Publics, Paris, Jan. 1949.

21
Capper, P., ~ ..... an~: C~s.s~e, W•. F. The mechanics of engineering soils, 279 pp.,
122 .ill.~.;,. 25: t,l>;Ie.s, London, E. & F. N. Spon, Ltd., 1949 •.·Price, -21s.
All the usual topics on soil mechanics are included, and a bibliography ot
50 referenc~.s to· important papers is appended. The chapter on the classification
of soils includes three classification systems; those- of the Building Research
Station, A. Casagrande, and the U. S. Public Roads Administration, as well as
several particle-siz~ classification systems, are illustrated. Apart from refer-
ences to other w()rk~, very little descriptive matter is added to these tables of
systems. Also treated are the methods of constructing flow nets and practical
problems concerned with the settlement of foundations, piling, roads, and run-
ways. · T4e final chapter covers site exploration in a fashion similar to that
of the draft Britis~ standard code of practice for site investigations.-Adapted
from a review in Civ. Eng. and Pub. Works Rev., London, Jan. ~950.

Casagrande, L. Structures produced in, clays by electric potentials and their

relation to natural structures·: Nature, no. 160 (4066), pp. 470-471, 1947.
Experiments calTied out on London clay and Wyoming bentonite revealed
that the prolonged electro-osmotic transport of pore water towards the cathode
results in the formation of cracks in the soil around and between the elec-
trodes, the pattern of the cracks following the equipotential lines. The strl;lC•
ture persists even when the clay or bentonite is completely dry; when the sample
is broken up, laminations following equipotential surfaces are seen. These
laminations and a random-fissured structure exhibited by the sample are very
similar in appearance. to the observed natural structure of the older sedimentary
clays, for example, Oxford clay, Weald clay, and London clay.-Adapted from
Building Science Abstracts, no. 495, Apr. 1948.

Chisholm, Alan. Settlement of. st~uctures on clay foundations: Engineering

[Great Britain], vol •. 168, no. ·4367, pp. 375-378, 20 figs., bibl., Oct. 7,
1949.
The properties of clay are first described. The author then states that
the settlement of structures on clay foundations depends largely on the process
of consolidatiop. and partly on elastic changes. The theory of consolidation
assumes that voids of clay are completely filled with water; water and solids
are completely incompressible; the coefficient of permeability is · constant;
and the time lag of consolidation is due entirely to low permeability of clay.
The process can he demonstrated by means of a mechanical device, which con-
sists of a cylindrical vessel that co~tains a series of pistons separated by
springs. The mathematical representation of the process of consolidation,
causes of settlement of structures, methods and instr~ent used to measure the
settlement, and information to he supplied by a soil ~urvey in connection with
settlement observations also are given. ·

Caquot, A., and Kerisel, J. L •. Trait~ de micanique des sols · [Treatise on soil
mechanics] , 1 vol., 385 pp., Paris, Librairie Gauthier-Villars, 1949.
Price, F .• 1800.

22
 This book .treats of the equilibrium of masses with internal friction, sta-
bility of pulverulent .. or cohesive soils, determination of pressures exerted by
or against earth masses,- and estimation of strains to be expected in rocky
grounds or sedimentary materials resulting from the disintegration Qf rocks
with or without organic matter. Reviewing the ori~inal works of Boussinesq,
the authors give a direct and rapid method of computation for the forecast of
settlements. They also propose an: explanation of the laws of variation of
internal friction, a theory of silo foundations, and various other syntheses of
experimental results presented at the second international conference on soil
mechanics.

Debecq, A. La consolidation des terrains par la silicat~sation [Soil conso-

lidation through silicification] ·: Chimie et .·industrie, vol. 61, no. 2, pp.
144-145, Paris, Feb. 1949 •.
This process of consolidation consists of introducing into the soil a water-
glass solution, which is stable only in the presence of an excess of soda and
which solidifies through the preCipitation of silica or an insoluble silicate. ·The
author gives the principle underlying three European methods that have been
used (Joosten, Gayard, and ·Francois). They differ only in the nature of the
liquid ·introduced in the second place and in the way of proceeding to the two
injections •. After consolidation the compression strength of the soil depends
upon the nature of the soil and upon the process applied: for fine sand it varies
from 10 kilograms per square centimeter to 40; for gravel, from 40 to 100 kilo-
grams, and for quicksand, from 100 to 190 kilograms. The process may be
applied to foundations,. to the underpinning of foundation grounds, and to coffer-
dams, dams, anchorages, an.d tunneli~ through soft groun~.-Complete trans-
lation prepared.

F orschungsgesellschaft fiir das Strassenwesen. Abhandlungen iiber Bodenmechanik

und Grundbau 1939·1948 [Transactions .concerning soil mechanics and
foundations 1939-1948] , 215 pp., Berlin; Bielefeld, Detmold, Erich Schmidt
Verlag, 1948.
lntroduction.--Edgar SCHULTZE discusses the development of soil me·
chanics in Germany since the end of 1~39. Topics discussed in subsequent
sections, with their authors, are: ·

Section 1 (theoretical investigations).-SCHIEL, Friedrich, Theoretical

approach to settlements; JELINEK, Richard, The soil as a transverse isotropic
medium, stress distribution in a generalized state of uniform tension for trans-
verse isotropic masses, stress . distribution in semi-infinite space for trans-
verse isotropic masses; SCHULTZE, Edgar, Construction and analysis of fail-
ure lines; SCHIEL, ·Friedrich, Earth press\U"e on retaining walls, bearing capac-
ity of foundations of any soil profile; SCHULTZE, Edgar. Earth pressures and
soil failure.

Section 2 (laboratory investigations ).-DUCKER, Alfred, Suggestion for

the denomination of grain sizes; SCHIEL, Friedrich, Determination of grain sizes.

23
 Section 3 (building-site 'investigations)....SIEDEK, Peter, Apparatus for the
recovery of undisturbed sand samples; MUllS, Heinz, A new sampler for the
recovery of undisturbed soil samples; LEUSSINK, Hans, Research on shear
strain of large undisturbed bodies of soil; LORENZ, Hans, Present state of the
dynamic method of soil investigation and its future outlook; SIEDEK, Peter,
Loading test by means of a caisson; MUHS, Heinz, Performance and results
of a large load test; EBERT, Philipp, Measming the pressure distribution in
foundation ground by ~e~ns of pressure cushions; SIEMONSEN, Friedrich,
Bearing capacity of foundation ground and its effect on the tensile stresses of
a foundation.

Section 4 (not given).

Section 5 (earth and water pressures on consiructtons).-SCHUL'rZE,

Edgar, Water pressures on levees, cofferdams, and dams.

Section 6 (pressure and settlement determination for constructions).-

AGATZ, Arnold, and LACKNER, Erich, Foundation design and settlement study
for a large construction in the region of the lower Weser.

Section 7 (pile foundations).--HOFFMANN, Rudolf, Contribution to the

question of the static and dynamic bearing capacity of piles; AHRENS, report
on a SOo-ton loading test of a Franki pile.

Section 8 (application of soil mechanics to road construction). LEUSSINK,

Hans, Brief summary. of the present state of soil stabilization and dirt-road con•
struction in Germany; REINHOLD, Friedrich, Some important . properties of "soil
concrete•; DUCKER, Alfred, State of experimental frost research in relation to
road construction; ERLENBACH, Lutz, Observations on fi.ost damage in buildings
and roads; LEUSSINK, Hans, New research on the vibration method; LOOS,
Wilhelm, and AHRENS, ........ , Soil compaction. by the Franki·pile process for
the foundation of a monumental structure; ERLENBACH, Lutz, Present status
of the German methods of blasting in peat. ·

Appendix.-GOENER, •••••••• , Instructions and standards in the sphere o.f

soil· mechanics and foundations; existing German laboratories working in the
sphere of soil mechanics, bibliography of soil mechanics in Germany for the
years 1939-47 (compiled by Edgar SCHULTZE and Peter SIEDEK).

India Central Board of Irrigation. Standards for t~sting soils: Central Board of
Irrigation Pub. 42, iii, 195 pp., 79 figs.,. Aug. 1948.
Methods are given for testing soils as required for different engineering
works to be carried out in India: (1) roads and airfield subgrades; (2) .low-cost
roads; (3) earth dams; (4) embankments; and (5) foundations for bridges, buildings
and dams. The tests recommended under these various headings, both for·routine
con~truction purposes and for research work, have been outlined separately. Some
of the methods are. based on American practice; some were evolved in India.

24
Jennings, J. E. Foundation bearing tests and ~heir interpretation: Nat. Building
Research Inst. (South African Council Sci. Ind. Research), pub. 1, pp.
23-25, 1 pl., 7 figs., Pretoria, 1948 •
.This is· a theoretical and experimental repo11 on the bearing capacity of
soils. Topics discussed are general considerations on the settlement of struc-
tures; the relation between shear tests and bearing tests; slight settlements;
and rules governing the performance of the tests, which must be carried out
with great care.-Translated and adapted from abstract 59-28, Documentation
technique des Annales de l'Institut Technique du BStiment et des Travaux
Publics, 1949.

Kersten, J. S~ Thermal properties of soils: Minnesota Univ. Inst. Technology,

Eng. Exper. Sta., Bull. 28,225 pp., 142 figs., June i, 1949.
Thermal. conductivity tests have been conducted on 19 soils at a number
of different density and moisture-content conditions. The tests have shown that
the coefficient of thermal conductivity varies in the following ways:

1. Above freezing it increases with an increase in mean temperature.

2. Below freezing, for soils at low moisture contents, it shows very little
change; for greater moisture contents, it shows an increase for a decrease in
temperature.

3. For a change from unfrozen to frozen soil, it changes variably according

to the moisture· content. For dry soils it does not cha~ge; for soils of low
moisture content, it decreases; and for soils of high moisture content, it in·
creases.

4. At a constant moisture content, it incr,ases with an increase in dry

density. The rate of increase is fairly constant and is independent of the mois•
ture content.

5. At a constant dry density, it increases with an increase in moisture

content.

6. At a given density and moisture content, it· varies in general with the
texture of the soil, being high for gravels and sands, lower for the sandy loams,
and lowest for the silt and clay soils.

7. It differs appreciably for different soil minerals.

The specific heats of a variety of soils are all approximately the same. The
values decrease with a decrease in temperature. The specific heat of soil-water
mixtures may be calculated by proportion ~ccording to the percentage of weight
of soil and water and the respective specific heats. The thermal conduct~vity
of light-weight concrete slabs varies with the density.

25
 Prediction of therm~l properties.--On the basis of the thermal conductivity
tests, four charts are presented to aid in the prediction of conductivity values
for any other soil. Separate charts are given for sands or sandy soils and fot:
silt or clay soils; two of the charts are for frozen material and two for unfrozen.
Since the specific heat values were found to be quite similar for all soils tested,
it appears to be reasonable to assum~ the same value tor other .. soils. The diftu-
sivity of a soil may be computed if its' coefficient of thermal conductivity, spe-
cific heat, and density are known. Thus, the determinations of this research also
serve as a basis for estimating diffusivity.--Author's summary.

Knight,. B. H. Soil mechanics for civil engineers, 264 pp., 114 ills., 34 tables,
London, Edward Arnold & Co., 1949. Price, 21s.
This is a basic and concise book of reference on the theories of soil me-
chanics. The most complicated mathematical proofs have been omitted, ·but
sufficient mathematics is included to explain the theories involved. For those
specialists who wish to investigate more thoroughly certain parts of the text a
full set of references is provided that will enable them to pursue their studies.
A particularly interesting chapter deals with the mineralogical and other prop-
erties of clay minerals, classifying them according to their structure and indi-
cating the direction in which future research is desirable. The author has
stressed the application of soil mechanics to road engineering problems. The
stabilization of soils is treated with particular reference to road surfacings. A
chapter on cuts, fills, retaining walls, and trenches will be found most useful to
civil engineers. A most concise precis of the application of soil mechanics
principles is surveyed in the last chapter. This volume, which is well illus•
trated and indexed, forms a notable addition to soil mechanics literature.-
Adapted from a review in Civ. Eng. and Pub, Works Rev., vol, 44, n,o, 515, ·
Lmdon, May 1949.

Kovda, V. A.'· and Lobanova, T. A. Soil stabilization by calcination and. heating

[in Russian] : Pedology [USSR], no. 5, · pp. 293-303, 2 figs., 6 tables,
bibl., English summary •. Date not kno~n.
Alkaline and clay soils become more stable and mechanically more re-
sistant after calcination at 250° to 300°; acid clays require 300° to 400°; the
light, dustlike, a~d acid clays and the neutral soils with high moisture content,
400° to 500°; loess, sandy clay, and •solonchaks" (saline, white alkali soils,
according to G. W. Robinson) remain unchanged after calcination at 150° to
500°. Calcination produces a stable crust 2 to 3 centimeters thick. A high
moisture content (15 to 20 percent) reduces the effect of calcination.--Translated
and adapted from Bull. anal. du Centre National de Ia Recherche Scientifique
(1()..66152), 1949.

Piaskovsky, ·B •. V. . Loess stabilization by a solution of silicate and salt [in

Russian] : Pedology· [USSR] , no. 11, pp. 675-685, 5 figs., 5 tables, bibl. ,:
English summary, 1946.
Th.is paper is an elaboration of a method for stabilizing loess by means
·olNa 2"0. Sin;+NaCJ in solution, The improvement of some properties is obtained:

26
 stability in regard to water, increase of solidity, reduction of permeability, change
in filtering properties. The method used is a physico-chemical process producing
a pellicle of gel of silicic acid at the contact of the solution with the soil rich,
in salts.-Translated and adapted from s-un. anal. du Centre National de la
Recherche Scientifique, 1949 (10-16814).

a
Remenieras, G. Application de 1'electroosmose 1'execution de certains travaux
en terrains aquiferes [The application of electro-osmosis to certain types
of construction on water-be.aring soils] : La Houille blanche, special no.
A/1949, pp. 393-404, 12 figs., bibl., 1949.
The author 'provides/ a general view ,of some recent applications of electro-
osmosis to· the acceleration of the drainage of very fine grained soils (particles
under 1/50 millimeter) such as silt, loess, etc. The essential aspects of electro•
osmosis and of two closely connected phenomenr\ electro-phoresis and the
electromotive fofce of filtration, are briefly recalled. This is followed by an
analysis of the remarkable work done by M. M. Schaad and Haefeli, of the Ecole
Polytechnique, Zurich, who made experimental studies on the electro-osmotic
actions produced by passing a direct current through fine-grained soils situated
below the water table. The great values of the •electro-osmotic charge," which
were measured in certain soils by the Zurich research workers, would come as a
surprise to many engineers; they show that the actiQn of a relatively low-power
electric .current can cause the natural filtration speed in very fine grained soils
to increase 10 or even 100 .times. Electro-osmotic drainage, the success of which
is thus accounted for, is used to •lower the water table • with a view to the
construction of railway cuttings, foundations for large permanent structures, etc.,
on such fine-grained soils that classical drainage wells are ~seless. The ex-
amples of large-scale application given by the author after a note by
M. Casagrande, the originator of this method, are particularly striking. Finally,
the author indicates the tests he is carrying out with a view to the application
of electrophoresis to the desilting of water ~ontaining particles that are too fine
to allow the rapid clarification of the water by means of the conventional gravity-
type desilting device or decanter.-Translated from La Houille blanche.

Reynolds, H. R., and ProtQpapadakis, P. Site exploration, laboratory procedure

and the preparation of a soil mechanics investigation report: Civ. Eng.
and Pub. Works Rev. [Gr.eat Britain], vol. 44, nos. 513 and· 514, pp. 140-
144 and 198-201, 8 figs., Mar. and.Apr. 1949.
The work involved in a comprehensive soil mechanics investigation may
be divided as follows: (1) site exploration and soil sampling, (2) soil testing,
(3) analysis of results obtained, (4) preparation of report. Information relevant
to the first, second, and fourth stages is given in this paper: objects of the
site investigation; feature'S to which consideration should be given; metho<Js of
investigation; penetration test with boring rods; text pits; post-hole auger borings;
boring tackles with winch borings; soil sampling; type of equipment and apparatus
needed for a soil mechanics laboratory to perform classification and consolidation
tests and to determine the structural characteristics ·of soils; basic requirement
and details for a soil mechanics report of informatio' obtained both on the site
and in the laboratory.

27
St,.tens Geotekniska lnstitut. . Kortfattat Kompendium i Geoteknik ·[ Pre~is of
geotechnics] , no. 1, 58 pp., bibl., StQckholm, 1946.
The following chapters are included: (1) Soil properties; (2) Soil hives~
tigations; (3) Earth pressure; (4) Problems of stability and settlement; (5) Ero-
sion; (6) Consolidation; (7) Admissible foundation loads on the different types
of soils.-·Translated and adapted from abstract 49-21, Documentation technique
des Annales de l'Institut Technique du a:timent et des Travaux Publics, Paris,
1949.
••
Tiedemann, B. Uber Bodenuntersuchungen bei Entwurf und Ausfiihrung von
lngenieurbauten [Soil investigation in planning and building engineering
st~uctures], 2d ed., 40 pp., 29 figs., Berlin, W. Ernst & Sohn, 1942.

The author deals with the following subjects; shaft· and investigation
borings; recovery of undisturbed samples; sample analysis; field investigations;
necessary equipment; pumping and sinking.-Translated and adapted from abstract
52-21, Documentation technique des Annales de 1'Jnstitut Te~hnique du BAtiment
et des Travaux Publics, Paris, Jan. 1949.

Tsytovich, N. A •. Soil mechanics [in Russian], 2d ed., 388 pp., Moscow, Gosizdat,
1940.
This treatise is written primarily for civil engineers, but certain sections
of the book are also of interest to geophysicists-fa~ example, the chapter on
kinds of soil and their physical characteristics, granular composition, porosity,•
permeability, density, and fluidity. A separate chapter deals with permanently
frozen ground and observable phenomena in connection with its thawing and
freezing. The last chapter deals with different methods of soil investigation
for engineering purposes, procedure of sampling, laboratory testing, interpretation
of the results obtained, and application of data obtained to field work,-S, T, V,
(abstract 1~152 of U. S. Geol. Survey Geophysical·abstracts 137),

Van Der Burot,. J H.'· and Van Bendegom, •••.•.•••• The use of vegetation to gta-
bilize sand dunes, London, lnst •. Civ. Eng.,. adv. copy, Sept •. 21, 22~ and 23,
1948.
The origin of Dutch sand dunes is given, together with the influences that
govern their formation and transformation. There is usually some kind of veg-
etation in these dunes; this article describes the ways in which the people in
Holland interfere with Nature in furthering the stabilization of these dunes.
The main purposes of the stabilization are: (1) to check the burying of culti-
vated land and (2) the maintenance of the retaining walls. . The artificial for-
mation of new dunes has also . been considered.-Adapted from India Central
Board of Irrigation abstract 209, Feb. 1949.

Verde yen, Jacques. Mec ani que du sol et fondations [Soil mechanics and foun·
dations] , 1 vol., 568 pp~, 321 figs., Desoer, Liege, and Eyrolles, Paris,
1947. Price, F. 1,200.

28
 Soil mechanics, a scienc·e relatively young and in full evolution, let to a
complete revision of all concepts, often empiric, that were at the basis of the
study of foundations and of ground equilibrium, Currently, it enables one to
explain and to avoid the numerous accidents that were due to errors of concept
and interpretation.

The present hook is a synthesis of knowledge acquired during the last few
years, taking into consideration results of recent research hitherto unpublished.

In the first part of the hook, the author explains the main theories and
experimental methods actually used in soil mechanics. The second part deals
with the main principles to he applied to the rational execution of the different
types of foundations and gives numerous applications and examples of structures
realized, which may assist the technician in the study of new problems that he
has to solve.-Translated from Ge'nie civil, tome 124, no. 12, p. 244, 1947.

Von Moos, Armin, and De Quervain, Francis. Technische Gesteinkunde [Tech-

nical mineralogy] , 220 pp., Basel, Birkhauser, 1948. Price, F. 33 (Swiss).
This hook gives valuable information on both Lockergesteine (Swiss term
for unconsolidated sedimentary deposits) and Festgesteine (rocks), the first au·
thor dealing with the former and the second dealing with the latter. It fills a
useful place between the textbooks on geology and those .on soil mechanics,
It is· a valuable reference book, covering a wide and unusual field.

The following chapter headings give an idea of the scope of the book:
(1) Review of the most important rock minerals; (2) JmportaJ;lt technical prop•
erties of rocks and taeir determination; (3) The major rocks and their behavior
(Lockergesteine' and Festgesteine); (4). The behavior of rocks and soils in I

foundation, etc. (foundations on rocks and soils, roads and runways, com•
paction, dams, slips, adits, tunnels and shafts).; (5) Special requirements of
rocks according to use; (6) Quarrying stone; (7) Working stone; (8) Weathering
of building stone.

Some <Jf the sections are quite short and only outline the subject. The
hook is well illustrated by fhotographs and diagrams. There is an adequate
index and bibliography, which, although it contains some foreign works; consist
mostly of Swiss references (in German).

29
Interior~Duplioating Section, Washington, D. o. P~ 511