The current primary standard for foundation design in the UK is BS 8004:2015+A1:2020, titled "Code of practice for foundations". This version represents a significant evolution from the classic 1986 edition, having been modernized to work seamlessly with Eurocode 7 (BS EN 1997). Overview of BS 8004:2015+A1:2020

Format: The document is typically distributed as a secured PDF (with Digital Rights Management) and is approximately 108 pages long. Key Updates in the Latest Version (A1:2020)

The new version of BS 8004 has introduced several changes and updates to reflect current best practices in foundation design and construction. Some of the key changes include:

Please be aware that British Standards are copyrighted documents. You cannot legally download a free PDF of the full standard unless your organization has a subscription (e.g., through the BSI Knowledge Centre) or you purchase it from the BSI shop. Using unauthorized copies violates intellectual property laws.

However, in 2015, BSI (British Standards Institution) published a new, updated version: BS 8004:2015. This is currently the "new" standard as of 2025. It has not been replaced since.

The text was updated to reflect nearly 30 years of technological advances in foundation construction. BSI Knowledge Core Areas Covered

My recommendation: For foundation design, use the current Eurocode 7 (BS EN 1997-1) with UK National Annex. If you specifically need BS 8004 for historical reference, purchase the official 2015 withdrawn version from BSI.