Expansive Soil: Finding a Solution for Successful Construction
The construction industry faces many challenges, but one of the most challenging problems is dealing with expansive soils. Expansive soils are soil types that contain clay minerals as the predominant particle. Clay minerals are a type of material that has the ability to absorb water, expand, and cause distress to below and above-ground structures. Expansive soils are typically located in warm climates and can cause serious damage to structures over time.
When dealing with expansive soil, it’s important to understand the impact it can have on a construction project. During the construction process, the soil may cause issues with proper footing, foundation, and support of the structure. These problems can cause foundation problems, heaving, cracking of walls, and even displacement of the structure over time. When dealing with expansive soils, it’s important to find a permanent solution to prevent further problems.
One solution that can be used to mitigate the effects of expansive soils is to use footings deeper than the soil’s natural bearing capacity. This solution is beneficial for foundation members and other elements of the structure. By using deeper footings, the foundation is better supported against the natural expansion of the soil, mitigating the risk of displacement or cracking.
Grouting is another way that expansive soils can be addressed. This process involves using a mixture of water, sand, and cement to fill the soil around the foundation of the structure. This provides additional support against expansive soils, as well as preventing water from penetrating the foundation and potentially damaging it.
In addition to these methods, construction projects dealing with expansive soils can benefit from soil stabilization. Soil stabilization involves adding a binding agent to the soil that helps prevent it from expanding and contracting, as well as giving it more stability. This can be done before, during, and after construction to help ensure the foundation of the structure is not affected by expansive soils.
Although expansive soils pose a serious challenge to the construction industry, there are a variety of solutions to this problem. By using methods such as use of deeper footings, grouting, and soil stabilization, construction projects can be successful in mitigating the risk of expansive soils. With the right solutions, construction projects can be completed without the risk of distortion or damage due to expansive soils.
