Forensic Engineering Investigation Of Pyrites Expansive Forces And Impact On Long-Term Building Failure

Abstract

There Is A Dearth Of Information Available In The Literature And Published Engineering Texts Addressing The Impacts Of Pyrite Expansion In Buildings (Mitchell And Soga 2005). The Texts Have Largely Been Silent, And The Intersection Of Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering And Foundation Design Has Been Lacking, With The Exception Of Limited Investigations Related To Highway Engineering. Typically Pyrite Has Been Associated With Shale Materials When Used As Fill. Granite, As Well As Other Rocks And Soil Can Also Contain Sufficient Pyrite To Initiate The Destructive Forces Associated With Pyrite Oxidation. In This Case Study Paper, The Insidious And Destructive Forces Of Pyrite Expansion Are Presented. The Long-Term Implications And Strategies For Remediation Are Considered.