| Expansive Soils |
The first step we use to evaluate the performance of a
foundation is to identify whether the foundation is likely to be supported
by clay soils that are expansive. The great majority of our
foundation problems are caused by the behavior of expansive or active clay
soils. Most of the Greater Houston Area is covered with clay soils
that shrink when they dry and swell when they become wet up.
This section presents a simple explanation of of why these soils cause so
many problems. |
| Slab Foundations |
Slab foundations are shallow foundations that interact with
expansive soils in a predictable manner. This section explains how
expansive soils and slab foundations interact in a predictable
manner. |
| Slab Performance |
This section explains how the interaction between expansive
soils and slab foundations causes foundations to tilt and bend. It
is the bending of the foundation that results in foundation performance
issues. |
| Damage Evaluation |
The primary method of evaluating foundation performance is
based on evaluating the damage foundation bending has caused to the house. |
| Deflection Evaluation |
Evaluating the deflection of a foundation is arguably the
most difficult aspect of assessing the performance of a foundation.
We show how we do this using brick veneer cracks and floor elevation
measurements. |
| Slab Repair |
This section explains why some foundation repair is
necessary and some is optional. We also explain how we tell the
difference. |
| Other Approaches |
In this section I briefly explain the other major approaches
engineers use in evaluating the performance of a slab foundation on
expansive soils. I also compare my approach to the other
approaches. |
| Summary |
This section includes a comparison between my approach and
the other approaches |
