This talk is aimed at commercial basements in the UK and is based on TCCs 'Concrete Basements' publication. The whole lecture usually takes well over 90 mins. So we have split it into two sections. It is necessary to understand the background (this webinar) before kicking on with the structural design ( Part 2). So the first webinar will concentrate on references, Grades and Types of basements, waterproofing strategy, site-specific issues, ground movement, methods of construction and materials. While aimed at commercial concrete basements, the principles are applicable to domestic basements, water retaining structures, tunnels, etc.