The first publication of its kind to feature state-of-the-art research on economical and timely ways to evaluate a wide range of soil and rock characteristics.

20 comprehensive peer-reviewed papers are divided into the following key areas:

Nondestructive Testing Methods In The Laboratory -- Evaluation techniques including X-ray absorption, medical imaging, active and passive acoustic imaging and the environmental scanning electron microscope are explored in eight papers.

Nondestructive Testing in the Field -- Four papers discuss such methods as time-domain reflectometry, surface wave measurement and modeling in drilled rock shafts, and construction induced vibrations.

Automated Testing -- In addition to a survey of geotechnical laboratory automation practices and actual experience with automated geotechnical testing, such areas as direct shear testing, modeling pre-failure stress-strain properties, and the use of an automated triaxial apparatus are examined in eight papers.