This paper reviews the contributions of the late Victor de Mello to foundation engineering and attempts to highlight the insights that he provided in a number of key areas, including foundation design principles, the bearing capacity of shallow foundations, the axial load capacity of deep foundations, and the behaviour of foundations incorporating settlement reducing piles. In each case, de Mello challenged some of the existing concepts and as a consequence, subsequent research has clarified the profession’s understanding and has led to the development and implementation of improved methods of design. Some examples of developments in the above areas, and their application to practice, are described.

Keywords: Bearing capacity, Design criteria, Foundations, Piles, Piled raft, Settlement,

Submitted on January 01, 2011.
Final Acceptance on January 01, 2011.
Discussion open until June 18, 2022.
DOI: 10.28927/SR.341003