Transcriber’s Note:
The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.
EARTHWORK SLIPS AND SUBSIDENCES UPON PUBLIC WORKS:
Their Causes, Prevention, and Reparation.
ESPECIALLY WRITTEN TO ASSIST THOSE ENGAGED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OR MAINTENANCE
OF
RAILWAYS, DOCKS, CANALS, ROADS, WATERWORKS, RIVER-BANKS, RECLAMATION EMBANKMENTS, DRAINAGE WORKS, &c.
PREFACE.
The absence of any but fragmentary information on EARTH-SLIPSAND SUBSIDENCES UPON PUBLIC WORKS, one ofthe most annoying and expensive occurrences in engineeringconstruction, has prompted the author to write this book asa vade-mecum for those in charge of such undertakingsas Railways, Docks, Canals, Roads, Waterworks, River-banks,Reclamation embankments, Drainage works, &c., and also to fill,however imperfectly, somewhat of an hiatus in engineeringliterature.
The theory of the lateral pressure of earthwork is notexamined, as it is well understood; the intention beingto concisely describe the chief causes of slips and subsidencesin different earths and many points requiringattention, to call to remembrance some soils especiallytreacherous and unstable, and to name various preventivemeasures and effectual remedies.
A reference to the table of contents and the index willdemonstrate the comprehensiveness of the subject, for itinvolves in the various practical applications the science ofgeology, physical geography, meteorology, the laws of pressureof earth, some chemical and botanical, and other scientificknowledge.
viIt is scarcely necessary to observe that no exhaustivetreatise is herein attempted, for that would indeed be anHerculean task; but in this volume the endeavour has beenmade to present reliable information, the result of experience,research, considerable labour, and lengthened observation.