How do you reduce swelling in soil?

Chemical admixtures have been used to alter the characteristics of clay mineral and reduce its potential for swelling. Lime is perhaps the most effective of all the chemicals used to stabilize the expansive soils.

What is soil shrink-swell?

Shrink/swell potential is the relative change in volume to be expected with changes in moisture content, that is, the extent to which the soil shrinks as it dries out or swells when it gets wet. Extent of shrinking and swelling is influenced by the amount and kind of clay in the soil.

How can you help avoid foundation issues due to shrink swell soil?

One of the easiest ways to protect your foundation from shrink swell soil is to make sure that your drainage system is in good working order.

1. Clear your gutters.
2. Point the downspouts away from your home.
3. Extend downspouts – if possible – at least 5 feet away from your home.

How do you stop expansive soil?

How to Avoid the Effects of Expansive Soil on Buildings?

1. Drilled Piers.
2. Replace Expansive Soil.
3. Keep Moisture at a Constant Level.
4. Stabilize Expansive Soil with Chemicals.
5. Use Degradable Void Forms Under Grade Beam, Slab, and Piers.

Does clay shrink or swell when exposed to excessive moisture?

All clays are susceptible to some shrinkage and swelling due to changes in moisture content. Those with a higher proportion of expansive clay minerals, such as smectite, are even more prone. The depth of shrinkage and swelling is contained by the zone where moisture changes are most likely to occur.

What causes soils to swell?

Swelling (Expansive) Soils Swelling soils, also known as expansive soils, are ones that swell in volume when subjected to moisture. When water is introduced to expansive soils, the water molecules are pulled into gaps between the soil plates.

How do you stabilize clay soil?

Clay soil can be stabilized by the addition of small percentages, by weight, of lime, thereby enhancing many of the engineering properties of the soil and producing an improved construction material.

What are 4 ways to counter expansive soil?

Several measures like construction of deep piers, soil replacement, keeping moisture at a constant level, chemical soil stabilization, use of void forms can be adopted to avoid detrimental effects of expansive soil on structures and their foundations.

Why is shrink swell important?

One of these properties, shrink/swell potential, is of great importance in the construction industry. Shrink/swell potential is the relative change in volume to be expected with changes in moisture content, that is, the extent to which the soil shrinks as it dries out or swells when it gets wet.

Which type of soil has the highest shrink-swell capacity?

smectite clay minerals
Soils with smectite clay minerals, including montmorillonite and bentonite, have the most dramatic shrink-swell capacity. The mineral make-up of this type of soil is responsible for the moisture retaining capabilities.

What is shrink swell soil and how does it affect my foundation?

The expanded soil can press against your foundation, creating cracks and waterproofing problems. Then, as the soil dries, it shrinks, giving your foundation room to move around, removing support, causing cracks, settling and other foundation damage. How Do I Prevent Damage from Shrink Swell Soil?

What is shrink/swell potential in construction?

One of these properties, shrink/swell potential, is of great importance in the construction industry. Shrink/swell potential is the relative change in volume to be expected with changes in moisture content, that is, the extent to which the soil shrinks as it dries out or swells when it gets wet.

What does shrink potential mean in soil properties?

Soil Properties: Shrink/Swell Potential. Shrinking and swelling of soils causes much damage to building foundations, roads and other structures. A high shrink/swell potential indicates a hazard to maintenance of structures built in, on, or with material having this rating. Moderate and low ratings lessen the hazard accordingly.

What is the shrink-swell capacity of clay soil?

Clay soil has a high shrink-swell capacity. As the particles shrink they separate and cause cracks, from whisper thin to an inch or more. The more cracks and wider the cracks, the greater the shrink-swell capacity of the soil, which translates to a higher clay content.