Determination of the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of ground materials is the key to successfully deliver such projects as slope stabilization, excavation and lateral support, foundation etc. A book containing both theory of geomaterial testing and up-to-date testing methods is much in demand for obtaining reliable and accurate test results. This book is intended primarily to serve this need and aims at the clear explanation, in adequate depth, of the fundamental principles, requirements and procedures of soil and rock tests.

It is intended that the book will serve as a useful source of reference for professionals in the field of geotechnical and geological engineering. It can work as a one-stop knowledge warehouse to build a basic cognition of material tests on which the readers are working. It helps college students bridge the gap between class education and engineering practice, and helps academic researchers guarantee reliable and accurate test results. It is also useful for training new technicians and providing a refresher for veterans. Engineers contemplating the ICE, IOM3 and other certification exams will find this book an essential test preparation aid. It is assumed that the reader has no prior knowledge of the subject but has a good understanding of basic mechanics.

Prof. Dr. Yanrong Li was born in 1978 in Shanxi Province, China. He received a BEng in Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology from Taiyuan University of Technology in 2000, a MSc in Geological Engineering from Chengdu University of Technology in 2003, and a PhD degree in Engineering Geology from The University of Hong Kong in 2009. He is now a full professor of Engineering Geology at the Taiyuan University of Technology. He is a funding Director of the Collaborative Innovation Center for Geohazard Process and Prevention at the university. He worked for ten years as a practising engineer and field geologist in Hong Kong, Australia and China before becoming a professor. He served as an Associate Editor of KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering from 2012 to 2014 and now serves as an Editorial Board Member of Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment. He is a Chartered Geologist (CGeol) of Geological Society of London, and a Professional Member (MIMMM) of The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. His research interests include loess geology and surface processes, engineering properties of soils and rocks, and geohazard investigation and mitigation. Prof. Li welcomes discussions on the contents of this book and diverse collaboration with experts of similar interests.