Expansive and Collapsible Soil
Expansive and collapsible soils are some of the most widely distributed and costly of geologic hazards. These soils are subject to changes in volume and settlement in response to wetting and drying, often resulting in severe damage to structures.
Geology and climate play significant roles in the distribution of these problematic soils . Soils capable of expansion can occur in both tropical and arid climates; however, those located in arid and semi-arid regions are subject to more extreme cycles of expansion and contraction than those located in more consistently moist areas. Collapsible soils are most often encountered in arid climates, where wind and intermittent streams deposit loose sediment (Mulvey, 1992, Rollins et al., 1992).
The next sections provide details on expansive and collapsible soils, and what can be done to reduce potential damage due to these geologic hazards.
Expansive Soil and Rock
Expansive soil and rock are characterized by clayey material that shrinks and swells as it dries or becomes wet, respectively. In addition, trees and shrubs placed closely to a structure can lead to soil drying and subsequent shrinkage. The parent (source) rock most associated with expansive soils is shale, which can also be expansive. The volumetric changes associated with expansive soil comprises one of the most expensive of geologic hazards - resulting in approximately $300 million in damages to family homes annually. Structural damage due to expansive soils is most prominent in Texas and Colorado, but it is also common through much of the central and western United States.
Problems often associated with expansive soils include:
Foundation cracks;
Heaving and cracking of floor slabs and walls;
Jammed doors and windows;
Ruptured pipeliness; and
Heaving and cracking of sidewalks and roads
Geologists work with geotechnical engineers to evaluate soil and rock prone to shrinking and swelling. These areas are mapped and denoted for their expansion potential. Expansive soil and rock be removed and replaced with non-expansive materials to provide a suitable foundation for new structures. Expansive materials can also be chemically treated, preloaded, or prewetted to decrease swell potential.
Expansive and Collapsible Soil
Expansive and collapsible soils are some of the most widely distributed and costly of geologic hazards. These soils are subject to changes in volume and settlement in response to wetting and drying, often resulting in severe damage to structures.
Geology and climate play significant roles in the distribution of these problematic soils . Soils capable of expansion can occur in both tropical and arid climates; however, those located in arid and semi-arid regions are subject to more extreme cycles of expansion and contraction than those located in more consistently moist areas. Collapsible soils are most often encountered in arid climates, where wind and intermittent streams deposit loose sediment (Mulvey, 1992, Rollins et al., 1992).
The next sections provide details on expansive and collapsible soils, and what can be done to reduce potential damage due to these geologic hazards.
Expansive Soil and Rock
Expansive soil and rock are characterized by clayey material that shrinks and swells as it dries or becomes wet, respectively. In addition, trees and shrubs placed closely to a structure can lead to soil drying and subsequent shrinkage. The parent (source) rock most associated with expansive soils is shale, which can also be expansive. The volumetric changes associated with expansive soil comprises one of the most expensive of geologic hazards - resulting in approximately $300 million in damages to family homes annually. Structural damage due to expansive soils is most prominent in Texas and Colorado, but it is also common through much of the central and western United States.
Problems often associated with expansive soils include:
Foundation cracks;
Heaving and cracking of floor slabs and walls;
Jammed doors and windows;
Ruptured pipeliness; and
Heaving and cracking of sidewalks and roads
Geologists work with geotechnical engineers to evaluate soil and rock prone to shrinking and swelling. These areas are mapped and denoted for their expansion potential. Expansive soil and rock be removed and replaced with non-expansive materials to provide a suitable foundation for new structures. Expansive materials can also be chemically treated, preloaded, or prewetted to decrease swell potential.
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