FORE WORD

The past thirty years have witnessed explosion ofliterature in th field of Geotechnical Engineering. A host
of new ideas, concepts and theories have been born as a result of intensive geotechnical activities the world
over. The hiatus between the scientific temper and the operating temper however continues. This is because
the recent developments have failed to convince the practising foundation engineer who is often faced with
the dilemma of selecting between the best solution according to the current state-of-the art and the engineering
solution feasible within the ambit of his know-how, time and resource. What is more, conflicting answers to
a given problem provided by application on different theories create confusion much the same as when
discrepancies are seen between in situ and laboratory test results or between theoretical prediction and actual
performance.
Design Aids and Manuals play an important role in clearing the confusion created by new theories. They
expose the engineer to the scientific methodolOgy of tackling a prOblem. Dr. Nayak’s Foundation Design
Manual possesses the above characteristics in-a good measure. It should therefore serve as a source book of
facts, formulas and design methods otherwise scattered in the maze of literature. It should also serve as a
reference book and guide to the practising geotechnical engineers. Clarity of presentation and comprehensive
coverage of the subject have combined to produce this Manual which should fulfil the needs of the student
community as well. '
The text ofthe Manual covers subsurface exploration; shallow and deep foundations; foundations subjected
to dynamic loading; earth pressure; and stability of slopes which when coupled with attendent information
furnished in annexures to the Manual produce a total picture short of ‘engineeringjudgement’ . And that should
never have a substitute, for without it geotechnical engineering will be lifeless and the geotechnical engineer
will lose his individuality or even identity.

Dinesh Mohan
ROORKEE Director
15 March; 197 9 Central Building Research Institute and
¢ Vice President
{Asia}, lSSMFE