Expansive Soils: The Effect Of Changing Soil Moisture Content On Residential and Light Commercial Structures

Abstract

The problems discussed in this paper are those that result from soil movement beneath residential and light commercial structures built upon expansive soils. The following areas of interest are discussed: 1. Business implication for forensic engineers, 2. Characteristics of expansive soils, 3. Common causes of changes in soil moisture content, 4. The effect that changing soil moisture content has on foundations and structures, 5. Common post-construction repair techniques. A case study of an investigation of a home damaged by expanding soils is also presented