Total Stress (σ) refers to:

Total stress in soil mechanics refers to the actual contact stress between soil particles. It represents the overall stress at a particular depth in the soil, combining the effects of the weight of the soil above that point and any additional loads applied to the surface, such as structures or equipment. It is a crucial concept because understanding total stress helps engineers design foundations and assess soil stability.

This concept is foundational as total stress accounts for the weight of soil and water above, which is relevant for analyses involving soil strength and behavior under load. It's important for geotechnical engineers to understand how total stress influences characteristics like consolidation and shear strength.

By focusing on the actual contact stress between particles, engineers can evaluate the stress conditions that soil is subjected to and predict how it will perform under various loading conditions. This is key for safe and effective design in civil engineering projects.