The book exhaustively deals with the fundamental principles of soil mechanics and aims to serve the needs of B.E., and B. Tech students of Civil Engineering. It covers the syllabi of almost all technical universities and institutes. The concepts have been developed systematically. A large number of graded numerical examples and solutions are included. References are made to the relevant Indian standard codes at appropriate places. New concepts like Critical-State Concept, Three-Dimensional Consolidition and Stress Path Method have also been included in the book. The book will be useful for degree & diploma students of Civil Engineering, practising engineers and students appearing in various competitive examinations including AMIE. The Book broadly deals with: Basic Terminology and Interrelations Index Properties of Soils Soil Classification Systems  Soil Water and Effectives Stress  Permeability Seepage Analysis Stress Distribution in Soil Mass Compaction Consolidation Shear Strength of Soils Lateral Earth Pressure and Earth Retaining Structures Stability of Slopes