Cavity expansion theory is a simple theory that has found many applications in geotechnical engineering. In particular, it has been used widely to analyse problems relating to deep foundations, in-situ testing, underground excavation and tunnelling, and wellbore instability. Although much research has been carried out in this field, all the major findings are reported in the form of reports and articles published in technical journals and conference proceedings. To facilitate applications and further development of cavity expansion theory, there is a need for the geotechnical community to have a single volume presentation of cavity expansion theory and its applications in solid and rock mechanics. This book is the first attempt to summarize and present, in one volume, the major developments achieved to date in the field of cavity expansion theory and its applications in geomechanics.
Audience: Although it is intended primarily as a reference book for civil, mining, and petroleum engineers who are interested in cavity expansion methods, the solutions presented in the book will also be of interest to students and researchers in the fields of applied mechanics and mechanical engineering.

`...presents a rigorous up-to-date summary of mechanical analyses of cavity closure as well as expansion mechanics in soil and in rock. Material .... is assembled and integrated in a concise clear text. [...] One of the great strengths of the book is the exceptionally well presentented solution schemes for the more complicated solutions given. [...] A great value also are the excellent summaries at the end of each chapter. They provide a concise overview of the material that has been presented. [...] The greatest strength of the book is its emphasis on rigorous solutions, i.e. solutions that meet all mechanical and mathematical requirements. [...] In sum, an outstanding contribution to the geomechanics literature. The author integrates eclectic source materials into comprehensive logically developed and rationally based analyses methods for several groups of important geotechnical applications.'
Mathematical Geology, 34:4 (2002)