Author Description

The five papers in this volume deal with foundations and excavations in the Piedmont Province of the USA. This is a region underlain by very old metamorphic rocks that are overlain by residual soils that have been derived, in place, as a result of long term weathering processes. Between the surface soils and unweathered bedrock are varying stages of decomposed rock. The nature of this subsurface profile is highly variable, both horizontally and vertically. Each of the papers addresses one or more aspects of the design and/or construction of foundations and structures in this environment. The papers deal with some of the primary foundation types used in the Piedmont, namely shallow foundations, caissons and pressure injected footings. The cost of excavation and contractual aspects of caisson construction are also discussed.