Introduction

Increasing environmental and demographic pressures are forcing many new building developments in the UK into areas where the ground was historically considered to be marginal and best avoided. Soft, natural ground, such as alluvial clays and peat deposits, is one of these areas. Improved technology now allows economic building on this ground but its soft nature presents greater challenges than most other ground types. With proper planning and the employment of appropriate professionals who offer expertise in building on soft ground, good results can be achieved.