| | Rating (1–10) | Comment | |------------|------------------|--------------| | Clarity of explanations | 9 | Exceptionally clear, step-by-step | | Depth of geotechnical coverage | 9 | Still unmatched in some areas (piles, settlement) | | Depth of structural concrete design | 6 | Outdated WSD/pre-LRFD | | Code currency (2025) | 2 | Use only with supplements | | Value for money (used) | 8 | Dense with information for <$60 | | Best for | Practitioners needing classical methods, PE exam (ASD states) | | Worst for | LRFD-only projects, seismic design, FEM modeling |
Use Bowles for geotechnical calculations (capacity, settlement, pressure) and service load checks. Then take the resulting foundation dimensions and re-design the structural reinforcement using current LRFD codes.
If you design a spread footing per Bowles, it will not satisfy current code check for factored loads (1.2D + 1.6L, etc.). The reinforcement ratios and thicknesses may differ significantly.
Foundation Analysis And Design Fifth Edition -
| | Rating (1–10) | Comment | |------------|------------------|--------------| | Clarity of explanations | 9 | Exceptionally clear, step-by-step | | Depth of geotechnical coverage | 9 | Still unmatched in some areas (piles, settlement) | | Depth of structural concrete design | 6 | Outdated WSD/pre-LRFD | | Code currency (2025) | 2 | Use only with supplements | | Value for money (used) | 8 | Dense with information for <$60 | | Best for | Practitioners needing classical methods, PE exam (ASD states) | | Worst for | LRFD-only projects, seismic design, FEM modeling |
Use Bowles for geotechnical calculations (capacity, settlement, pressure) and service load checks. Then take the resulting foundation dimensions and re-design the structural reinforcement using current LRFD codes. foundation analysis and design fifth edition
If you design a spread footing per Bowles, it will not satisfy current code check for factored loads (1.2D + 1.6L, etc.). The reinforcement ratios and thicknesses may differ significantly. foundation analysis and design fifth edition
