Abstract: The application of the effective stress principle in engineering projects starting in the early 1950’s carried out by Professor Huang Wen-xi and his fellow engineers is concisely described. Their achievements in exploring mechanical properties of soils with the help of effective stress principle are also introduced. These examples are by no means the only modes of application of this principle, but show that the constant use of the principle in practice is the important way to recognize its powerfulness. Therefore, doing much in engineering practice and using the effective stress principle more frequently may result in fruitful effects.