Subject: Ground improvement Techniques Class: IV-1

(Two mark Questions)

UNIT -8 Expansive soils

4. What are factors on which selection of foundation type for expansive soils
depend on?

A. The performance and selection of a technically viable foundation type for a certain
structure founded on expansive soil will depend on:

 The swelling characteristics of the encountered soils, i.e., the swelling potential of
the expansive clay layer(s), depth and layering sequence of the encountered
deposits within the influence range of the foundation system
 The environmental conditions; these include the moisture content of the swelling soil
layers, depth of water table, rainfall intensity, temperature and vegetation cover.
These factors affect and control the depth of the active clay zone. The utilization of
water in certain buildings (e.g. factories) is detrimental and affects future
performance of foundations.
 The type of the structure, its shape, rigidity/flexibility and tolerance to movements
 Constructional considerations such as availability of certain construction tools (e.g.
piling rigs) and the experience of local contractors and home owners.

5. What are the problems with Expansive soils

 The problem is more in case of light structures, those cannot counteract the upward thrust
posed by expansive soils.
 The damage will be apparent, usually, several years after construction. The soil below will
exert swelling pressure both upwards and laterally.
 As a result, the floor slab is lifted up, leading to cracking of floor.
 Cracking is normally evident at the corners of window and door openings. These usually
assume in the form of diagonal cracks-a consequence of differential settlement in the wall.
 Often, utilities buried in soil as the water pipelines and sewage lines, get damaged due to
displacement in the soil in which they are buried.