1.1 General This Standard addresses the geotechnical engineering aspects of (a) gravity-base structures; (b) fill structures; (c) fill-retention structures; and (d) pile-supported structures.

Specific considerations include site investigations, general design principles, the influences of soil and natural processes on the foundation components, and the geotechnical factors that affect the construction, installation, operation, and decommissioning of such structures.

Note: This Standard does not deal with ice as a resistive structural element (e.g., ice pads, rubble fields, and spray ice islands).

1.2 Qualifications Each investigation, analysis, design activity, construction activity, inspection, and monitoring activity described in this Standard is to be performed by or under the supervision of one or more competent persons who have demonstrated experience relevant to the activity and are professionally licensed in Canada as engineers, geologists, or geophysicists.

1.3 Mandatory language In CSA Standards, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard; and "can" is used to express possibility or capability.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Legends to equations and figures are considered requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.