Skempton

Skempton’s B value is a measure used in geotechnical engineering to assess how much pore water pressure builds up in saturated soils when they are suddeny loaded or disturbed, such as during construction. It indicates the soil's tendency to develop excess water pressure, which can temporarily weaken the soil. A higher B value means the soil is more likely to experience significant pore pressure increases under load, affecting its stability. This concept helps engineers predict how soils will behave under construction and design appropriate support to ensure safety and stability.