Terzaghi (Karl Terzaghi)

Karl Terzaghi was an Austrian-born engineer often called the "father of soil mechanics." He developed key principles for understanding how soils behave under load, crucial for constructing foundations, dams, and tunnels. Terzaghi's work explained how soil responds to pressure, how it consolidates over time, and how to design structures that safely rest on or cut through soil. His theories help engineers predict and manage soil stability, reducing the risk of landslides or structural failure. Overall, his contributions laid the foundation for modern geotechnical engineering, making construction safer and more reliable.