Analysis of Behavior of Expansive Soil Foundations.
Abstract
The differential heave of foundation soil from moisture imbibition often causes major damage to overlying structures. Many methods have been proposed for estimating expansive soil heave, but there are no proven guidelines for evaluating the behavior of foundations on swelling soils. Foundations built on expansive soils are often designed without considering the swelling properties of the soil, resulting in unsightly cracking or structural damage to the completed building. A practical method for evaluating the behavior of foundations on undisturbed expansive soil involves a site study, laboratory tests on typical samples, prediction of the total and differential heave of the foundation soil beneath various types of foundations, and choice of a suitable and economical foundation design. The site study will help define the relative vulnerability of the foundation soils to heave, indicate the soil strata that have the most likely potential for swell, and provide samples for laboratory tests. The type of foundation is usually controlled by the structural and architectural requirements and site and subsurface soil characteristics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA028724
Entities
People
- Lawrence D. Johnson
- William R. Stroman