This book, written by one of the acknowledged greats of geotechnical engineering, presents a background to conventional foundation analysis and design. The text concentrates on the static design for stationary foundation conditions, and intends to present most of the basic material needed for a practicing engineer involved in routine geotechnical design. It emphasises two main aspects of geotechnical analysis, the use of effective stress analysis and the understanding that the vertical distribution of pore pressures in the field is fundamental to the relevance of any foundation design. Additionally the text covers cone peneration testing, settlement of foundations, vertical drains, earth stress, bearing capacity of shallow foundations, static analysis of pile load transfer and analysis of the static load test, pile dyanmics, and piling terminology. Also included are worked examples and specifications and dispute avoidance.