A case history of a foundation problem on soft chalk

The Paper describes some problems encountered with the foundations of a building in Salisbury, England. Excavation for a basement within a coffer-dam led to a piping failure of the chalk in the base which was found to be much softer than expected. This gave rise to fears for the adequacy of the foundations. Large-scale loading tests were carried out to assess the load-settlement characteristics of the foundations. The settlement of the building was observed during and subsequent to construction.