Geotechnical Engineering Handbook, Volumes 1-3

Volume 1 covers the basics necessary for any construction activity in foundation engineering. This systematic introduction to the assessment of soil and rock properties provides an insight into the requirements of Eurocode 7, Parts 1 and 3. It also gives details of geotechnical laboratory and field tests and the associated equipment, concise treatments of relevant solutions provided by the theories of elasticity and plasticity and numerical methods applied to solve problems of geotechnical design. The problems of earthquakes are also explained with regard to Eurocode 8.

Volume 2 of the Handbook covers the geotechnical procedures used in manufacturing anchors and piles as well as for improving or underpinning foundations, securing existing constructions, controlling ground water, excavating rocks and earth works. It also treats such specialist areas as the use of geotextiles and seeding.

Volume 3 of this Handbook deals with foundations. It presents spread foundations starting with basic designs right up the necessary proofs. The section on pile foundations covers possible types of piles and their design, together with their load-bearing capacity, suitability, sample loads and testing. A further chapter explains the use, manufacture and calculation of caissons, illustrated by real-life examples. There is comprehensive coverage of the possibilities for stabilising excavations, together with the relevant area of application, while another section is devoted to the useful application of trench walls. Shore protection is treated in a special contribution covering sheet pile walls, while all types of slope protection and retainments are described in detail with excellent illustrations. Two further contributions are devoted to the special topics of machine foundations and foundations in subsidence regions. The entire book is an indispensable aid in the planning and execution of all types of foundations found in practice, whether for academics or practitioners.