Book excerpt: In Situ Testing Methods in Geotechnical Engineering covers the field of applied geotechnical engineering related to the use of in situ testing of soils to determine soil properties and parameters for geotechnical design. It provides an overview of the practical aspects of the most routine and common test methods, as well as test methods that engineers may wish to include on specific projects. It is suited for a graduate-level course on field testing of soils and will also aid practicing engineers. Test procedures for determining in situ lateral stress, strength, and stiffness properties of soils are examined, as is the determination of stress history and rate of consolidation. Readers will be introduced to various approaches to geotechnical design of shallow and deep foundations using in situ tests. Importantly, the text discusses the potential advantages and disadvantages of using in situ tests.