Soil mechanics is a branch of civil engineering that deals with the study of the behavior and properties of soil. There are several synonyms for soil mechanics, including geotechnical engineering, geomechanics, and soil engineering. These disciplines also focus on the behavior and properties of soil, but may have different perspectives on the subject. Geotechnical engineering, for example, emphasizes the application of engineering principles to the design of structures built on or in soil, while soil engineering specifically focuses on the use of soil as a construction material. Regardless of the terminology used, understanding the behavior of soil is essential for the safe and effective design of infrastructure projects.