[4] He attended Parktown Boys' High School and then received a First Class Honours BSc degree in civil engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1959, followed by an MSc.

[6][7] Burland's findings showed that the conventional approach of using effective stress to predict soil behaviour required adjustment for partly saturated conditions.

[31][32][33][34] Burland and his team faced numerous challenges, including understanding the complex soil mechanics and historical construction techniques of the tower.

Burland concluded that any attempt to disturb or strengthen the ground on the south side, such as through underpinning or grouting, would be extremely hazardous due to the tower's precarious condition and the high stress on its masonry, risking collapse.

[35] In line with international conservation standards for valuable historic monuments, any interventions needed to minimally impact its integrity, preserving its history, and craftsmanship, with little to no visible changes.

Initially, temporary stabilisation was achieved by applying 900 tonnes of lead weights on the north side of the foundations, using a post-tensioned concrete ring.

This strategic extraction allowed for a controlled and gradual reduction of the tower's lean, reducing stress on the masonry and enhancing the structure's stability.

[38][39] Burland's analysis revealed that thin partings of silt and sand within the structure of the London Clay at New Palace Yard were problematic, giving rise to the possibility of flow through the soil.

[40] Finite-element analysis was conducted to understand the behaviour of the structure and surrounding ground, using soil parameters derived from full-scale measurements in the London area.

Burland and his team supervised a comprehensive monitoring programme, observing the movement of nearby buildings, displacement of retaining walls, base heave, and the verticality of the Big Ben Clock Tower.

[13][50][51] In addition to university teaching work and research, Burland has made several media appearances to explain soil mechanics to a broad audience.

[54][55] His contribution to soil mechanics has been acknowledged internationally, and he was invited to deliver the 30th Rankine Lecture of the British Geotechnical Association titled On the compressibility and shear strength of natural clays.