The failure of foundations leads to distortion of building superstructure and loss of structural integrity. If allowed to continue unchecked, the building may become unusable and may need to be demolished. The most successful and cost-effective solution is usually to underpin the structure to restore full or partial serviceability. Planning an underpinning scheme requires careful investigation of ground conditions and structural defects in order to determine the precise cause of movement. With the modern trend towards deep excavations (particularly in urban areas) there is now commonly a requirement for the design and installation of a retention system to complement the underpinning scheme. This new book provides a comprehensive insight into underpinning and retention, starting with simple methods of excavation and underpinning, and then discussing the various underpinning methods that specialist firms have developed to provide support to a wide range of civil engineering structures. The inclusion of a number of case studies provides an insight into typical difficulties encountered and the safe and practical solutions which have been employed.

The failure of foundations leads to distortion of building superstructures and a loss of structural integrity. If allowed to continue unchecked, this process will lead ultimately to non-serviceability and demolition. The chief and most successful remedial measure is to underpin the structure and restore full or partial structural integrity. Various underpinning methods exist, and choosing a particular method or selection of methods is the job of the engineer. Consistent with the underpinning procedure is the need to retain the affected structure plus the surrounding ground and/or buildings.

This volume presents the proceedings of the first major international conference for over twenty years on the state-of-the-art of ground anchorage technology. Leading researchers and practitioners from around the world came together to discuss all the aspects of design, construction and performance of ground anchorages for the use in stabilisation of structures, excavations and slopes. Practical issues relating to construction and installation of anchorages are considered in a series of examples of engineering projects from around the world.

This guide was commisioned by the Institution of Civil Engineers and the Building Research Establishment to provide practical guidance for home owners whose properties have been affected by subsidence, or heave, or who are concerned about the potential risk of damage. The first, best-selling, edition dealt specifically with the problems associated with properties founded on shrinkable clay soils, and was reprinted many times. The second edition has been expanded to include sections on other types of subsidence and causes of damage that are unrelated to foundation movement. It also looks at the potential problems that can arise when buying or selling a property that has previously been affected by subsidence.