This work presents techniques for characterizing, quantifying, and modeling geomaterial variability, and describes methods for quantifying the influence of this variability on the performance of geotechnical structures. It includes refereed journal papers by leading international researchers along with written and informal discussions on a selection of key submissions that were presented at a May 2005 symposium held at the Institute of Civil Engineers. There is also an additional paper that was published in the journal Géotechnique in August 2005. The papers consist of both theoretical and practical guidance, and include case histories and discussion of applications in foundations, retaining structures, slopes, and soil-structure interaction. Hicks is head of geotechnical engineering at the University of Manchester. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)