<P></P><P>This book aims to introduce the principle and design of various foundations, covering shallow foundations, mat foundations, earth retaining structures, excavations, pile foundations, and slope stability. Since the analysis and design of a foundation are based on the soil properties under short-term (undrained) or long-term (drained) conditions, the assessment of soil properties from the geotechnical site investigation and the concept of drained or undrained soil properties are discussed in the first two chapters. Foundation elements transfer various load combinations from the superstructure to the underlying soils or rocks. The load transfer mechanisms, vertical stress or earth pressure distributions, and failure modes of each foundation type are clearly explained in this book. After understanding the soil responses subjected to the loadings from the foundation, the design methods, required factors of safety, and improvement measures for each foundation type are elaborated. <