Garcia, Sidis Edison L.

BSAR 2A

Soil Preparation (Near mountainous area)

Because cold temperatures limit biological activities and soil genesis and evolution,
most mountain soils evolve slowly and are shallow. Mountain soils are often described
as skeletal, shallow, acidic, and somewhat undeveloped or infertile. They're also very
diverse and might vary a lot even within small areas. as a result of varying exposure
and steepness.

https://www.climate-policy-watcher.org/soil-temperature/construction-challenges-in-mountain-environments.html

• Site clearing
Soils in mountainous areas are rich in minerals which explains why plants and
various type of trees grow better in such environments, but if the client intends to
choose a site near one, site clearing is in order. Small trees, plants or boulders
must be removed as not to hinder the construction.

• Excavation
Soil conditions can change the excavation plan. Because of the varying exposure
and steepness of the underlying soils, such as clays, shales, or wet material,
excavators must excavate the material and then engineer up to achieve a firm
Garcia, Sidis Edison L.
BSAR 2A

base. This also vital to know the right materials and setting up the foundation for
the building construction.

https://www.conexpoconagg.com/news/moving-mountains-mass-excavating-and-when-to-use-a

• Rock Linings
Soil erosion near mountain sites is more active than any other sites. One way to
do this is “riprap”. Riprap is a simple way for reducing water velocity and
preventing erosion on slopes. It's easy to set up and maintain: an ideal set-up for
a mountainous site.

https://megamanual.geosyntec.com/npsmanual/riprap.aspx
Garcia, Sidis Edison L.
BSAR 2A

• Physical Barriers (termite resistant sand)

Sand particles vary in a variety of sizes, and not all of them obstruct a termite's
route. Termites that thrive in naturally occurring loose sand include a few
species. Pest management professionals may advocate combining a sand
barrier with soil termiticide application in places where these species are active
such as mountainous areas especially here in the Philippines.

https://www.buildinggreen.com/primer/sand-barrier-termite-control

References:

• Anonymous. (n.d) MOVING MOUNTAINS: MASS EXCAVATING AND WHEN

TO USE ALTERNATIVE METHODS.
https://www.conexpoconagg.com/news/moving-mountains-mass-excavating-and-
when-to-use-a
• Anonymous. (n.d) Riprap.
https://megamanual.geosyntec.com/npsmanual/riprap.aspx
• Anonymous (n.d) Sand Termite Barriers.
https://www.orkin.com/pests/termites/termite-control-methods/sand-termite-
barriers