Building on fill
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is the UK's leading centre of expertise for construction, the built environment, energy, fire, security and many associated issues.
On 13 October 2015, BRE published Building on fill: geotechnical aspects 3rd edition 2015 (FB 75), written by Ken Watts and Andrew Charles.
The increasing demand for land for development and the political and commercial impetus to build on brownfield land means that a high proportion of new commercial, industrial and housing developments are now built on ‘fills’. That is, they are built on ground that has been deposited by human activity rather than by natural geological processes.
It is important therefore that there is a good understanding of the behaviour of fills and the ways they can be safely and economically rendered suitable for development.
This 336-page book, now in its third edition, encompasses BRE’s unique experience over a period of more than 40 years of research and consultancy, and brings the subject up to date since publication of the second edition 14 years earlier.
New material in the third edition includes:
- Recent research findings and industry experience.
- Ground improvement and treatment using proprietary and non-proprietary techniques.
- Case histories and updated cases from the second edition.
- Studies on the behaviour of fills over a longer time period and a wider range of fills.
Its contents include:
- Fills in context.
- Engineering behaviour of fills.
- Construction on fills.
- Performance of fills.
- Appendices.
- References and further reading.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Brownfield land.
- Contaminated land.
- Cover systems for land regeneration - thickness of cover systems for contaminated land (BR465).
- Fill.
- Ground conditions.
- Ground heave.
- Ground improvement techniques.
- Ground investigation.
- Hydraulically treated soils in residential construction (BR 513).
- Methane and other gasses from the ground.
- Pollution.
- Radon.
- Solid and liquid contaminants risk assessments.
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.