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Fractal Soil Mechanics

  • Book

  • July 2026
  • Elsevier Science and Technology
  • ID: 6251566
Fractal Soil Mechanics, Second Edition presents a detailed approach to understanding soil behavior by applying fractal geometry to characterize soil structure and mechanics. Drawing on over 30 years of research, the author develops original fractal models that link the micro-scale complexity of soil pores and particle fragmentation to macro-scale mechanical properties. The book systematically explores fractal dimensions of soil surfaces and particles, methods for their determination, and their application in modeling unsaturated soil mechanics, effective stress principles, swelling behavior of expansive soils, and shear strength criteria.

Through comprehensive theoretical development, experimental data analysis, and numerical simulations, the book offers fresh insights into soil-water interactions, scaling laws, and critical state behavior, providing a robust framework for researchers and engineers to predict soil performance with greater accuracy. The book equips researchers, postgraduate students, and practicing engineers with innovative tools and perspectives to tackle complex soil mechanics problems, bridging the gap between empirical soil mechanics and microstructural analysis.

Table of Contents

  1. Fractal model for soil structure
  2. Fractal dimension of soil particle fragmentation
  3. Fractal dimension of soil pores
  4. Soil-water characteristics
  5. Effective stress of unsaturated soil
  6. Swell, compression, and shrinkage
  7. Generalized effective stress of expansive soil
  8. Clay erosion
  9. Scaling law of soil particle fragmentation
  10. Shear strength of granular materials
  11. Volume change and critical state line of granular materials
  12. Simulation of particle fragmentation

Authors

Yongfu Xu Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. Dr. Xu is a distinguished expert in soil mechanics, specializing in fractal soil mechanics and unsaturated soil mechanics, with extensive academic and research experience at leading institutions in China and Japan. With a strong focus on geological disaster control and soil stability, Dr. Xu has contributed to major national research projects addressing critical challenges such as bentonite erosion in deep geological repositories and the stability of expansive soil slopes affected by seasonal climate. Their work has resulted in over 90 published papers in English and 10 books in Chinese, reflecting a commitment to advancing knowledge in earth sciences. Recognized among the global top 2% of scientists, Dr. Xu has received multiple prestigious awards for natural science and technological progress. Their expertise and research insights provide valuable perspectives that enhance the development of authoritative and impactful academic publications for advanced students, researchers, and professionals in earth and environmental sciences.