Terzaghi, Karl

Karl Terzaghi was an influential engineer known as the "father of soil mechanics." He developed foundational principles to understand how soils behave under loads, such as buildings or dams. His work explained how water pressure within soil affects its stability and strength, which is critical for safe construction. By quantifying soil properties and how they respond to stress, Terzaghi's theories help engineers design foundations and underground structures that are safe, efficient, and durable. His contributions have become essential in civil engineering, shaping modern practices for constructing on or with soil.