Neil Trenter authored the first edition but has now passed away. Paul Nowak, Atkins, has agreed to update the text for a second edition with support from colleagues, including David French. Paul Nowak is a chartered engineer and geologist; a member of the ICE and Institution of Mining and Metallurgy and a Validated Fellow of the Geological Society. Currently Chief Engineer in Atkins Geotechnical Engineering Division, Paul has worked on many projects in highways, rail; oil and gas, airport, coastal and dock, building, environmental, tunnelling, water and marine projects over the last 32 years.