This manual for civil and structural engineers aims to simplify as much as possible a complex subject which is often treated too theoretically, by explaining in a practical way how to provide uncomplicated, buildable and economical foundations.

It explains simply, clearly and with numerous worked examples how economic foundation design is achieved. It deals with both straightforward and difficult sites, following the process through site investigation, foundation selection and, finally, design.

The book:

• includes chapters on many aspects of foundation engineering that most other books avoid including
• filled and contaminated sites
• mining and other man-made conditions
• features a step-by-step procedure for the design of lightweight and flexible rafts, to fill the gap in guidance in this much neglected, yet extremely economical foundation solution
• concentrates on foundations for building structures rather than the larger civil engineering foundations
• includes many innovative and economic solutions developed and used by the authors’ practice but not often covered in other publications
• provides an extensive series of appendices as a valuable reference source.

For the Second Edition the chapter on contaminated and derelict sites has been updated to take account of the latest guidelines on the subject, including BS 10175. Elsewhere, throughout the book, references have been updated to take account of the latest technical publications and relevant British Standards.

Curtins Consulting Engineers is a medium sized firm of structural engineers with 11 offices in the UK. They are well known for their work on foundations and have also authored another book with Blackwell, Structural Masonry Designers' Manual (0632056126).

W. G. Curtin, Curtins Consulting Engineers.

Gerry Shaw, Curtins Consulting Engineers.

Gary Parkinson, Curtins Consulting Engineers.

J. Golding, Curtins Consulting Engineers.

Norman Seward, Curtins Consulting Engineers; University of Wales, Newport.