Each year, billions of dollars in damage to building foundations and structures is caused by shrinking and swelling behavior caused by clay soil.
In fact, expansive clay soil is the most predominant geologic hazard across the U.S. Several geotechnical solutions can alleviate these problems. On new construction, the options are: removal and replacement, capping or burying the expansive material, and treatment with hydrated lime. Structural solutions in new construction include upgraded structural slabs (post-tension, waffle, mat) or elevated slabs supported on deep foundations.
For an existing structure, a forensic geotechnical study is needed to identify and quantify damages, assign causation, and make appropriate recommendations for remediation. Moisture control may be a suitable option for remediation and it is a design requirement for new construction.
In extreme cases, helical anchors and slab (mud) jacking or removal and reworking of soil below an existing structure is necessary. For paved surfaces, expansive clay soils can be remediated with thicker sections of asphalt, reinforced concrete pavements, and lime treatment.
Related Stories
| Dec 4, 2014
Rock Hill, S.C., puts moratorium on multifamily construction
City officials say the flurry of apartment construction over the past year has strained resources, including public services and infrastructure.
| Dec 4, 2014
Ontario contractors renew push for prompt payment legislation
A new coalition of Ontario contractors, construction associations, suppliers and trade unions will push for a revival of prompt payment legislation late this year.
| Dec 4, 2014
Roofing material manufacturers extend research project on sustainable roofing
A coalition of trade groups is sponsoring continued analysis of a reroofing project at the Onondaga County Correctional Facility in Jamesville, New York.
| Nov 26, 2014
Colorado must fix construction defects law, Denver Post says
Colorado's “vexing construction defects law” has hampered the building of new condominiums in the state, according to an editorial in the Denver Post.
| Nov 26, 2014
Cheyenne, Wyoming City Council kills downtown design standards proposal
The Cheyenne, Wyoming City Council voted down a measure that would have implemented design standards for new construction and building additions downtown.
| Nov 26, 2014
ASTM International develops first product category rules for asphalt roofing industry
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) and ASTM International have developed Product Category Rules (PCR) for asphalt roofing in North America.
| Nov 26, 2014
International Green Construction Code will include option for outcome-based approach
The outcome-based approach requires the building owner to provide the building’s utility bills for a 12-month period within three years.
| Nov 20, 2014
Pentagon is reviewing hospital construction standards
An independent review panel of military specialists met with healthcare leaders Nov. 12 to consider whether construction standards for medical centers should be strengthened to align with industry best practices.
| Nov 20, 2014
ConsensusDocs releases first standard agreement for commissioning contracting
The new standard contract provides a contractual vehicle for owners to save significant money from operation and maintenance costs regarding energy performance.
| Nov 20, 2014
Revamped zoning is transforming several New Jersey downtowns
The zoning policy shift could produce the biggest transformation of North New Jersey’s downtowns since the arrival of malls pulled shoppers away from town centers in the 1960s and 1970s.