ABSTRACT
In this chapter it is intended to consider the investigations that need to be undertaken before selecting a site to build upon. Part of these investigations will consider the ground on which the building is to be constructed. The characteristics of the main types of ground commonly found in excavations on housing sites will therefore be examined and how these characteristics affect the behaviour of the ground, particularly when it is loaded by a building, will be considered. Because it is necessary to test the soil in order to determine its nature and likely characteristics, a small section of this chapter will be devoted to soil sampling and testing techniques.
