Expansive Soils

 

Expansive soils are the second leading cause of property damage in the United States
(second only to dry rot).  The supporting posts for the deck at left have moved downhill
because of seasonal soil expansion and contraction.  The foundation post at right has
been wracked by seasonal heave of foundation soils.

-Online Lecture pertaining to Expansive Soils (7 Parts)

-Damage to Foundations from Expansive Soils

-Input for IBC Design PT Slabs on Expansive Soils

-Various Aspects of Expansive Soils

Highway cut on Pleasant Hill Road in Martinez, CA in 1954, shortly after completion (at left).
Right view shows the same cut 32 years later, in 1986.  Expansive soils are subject to cyclic
creep due to seasonal absorption of moisture.


Questions or comments on this page?
E-mail Dr. J David Rogers at rogersda@mst.edu.