Addressing Challenging Soil Conditions
Soil conditions have been a growing topic in recent years due to the structural damage that challenging soil conditions can cause. At the start of a project or after a building has been constructed – soil can be problematic due to its composition. However, there are preventative steps that can be taken at the groundworks stage of a construction project and work that can be completed after a building has been constructed to prevent the risks associated with bad soil conditions. This article covers:
- The main types of challenging soil conditions and how these can affect the structural integrity of a building immediately after construction or after extended periods. Clay composition – eroded and sandy soils can all pose issues.
- Environmental changes such as extreme weather events and global warming pose a risk to previously unaffected soil types. Flooding can cause significant damage to many different soil types and risks from flooding need to be mitigated during construction and after construction is complete.
- Mitigation strategies can be taken to reduce the risk of challenging soil conditions. There are systems available such as chemical treatments, reinforced structural foundations and moisture management.
At Wilsons Groundworks, we are the leading prover of groundworks in Bristol and the surrounding areas. We will work with you to ensure that all of the processes are put in place to address challenging soil conditions and mitigate the risk of future issues caused by soil types. Get in touch with our team to arrange for your free quote.
The Main Types of Challenging Soil
Several types of challenging soil can cause issues during construction, immediately after construction is complete or after a building has been constructed. The main types of challenging soil are as follows:
Clay Soils – Can experience issues with draining that pose problems when heavy rain, flash flooding or other events occur. This can cause structural damage to the building over time.
Silt Soils – Can erode from wind erosion and can be washed away from heavy rain.
Extreme Weather Conditions & Protecting Buildings
Extreme weather is, unfortunately, becoming more and more common which causes many soil-related risks. Wind erosion from extreme storms combined with flooding and extreme rain is the perfect storm to erode the foundation of buildings and cause issues. If preventative measures are not put in place, this can cause a range of issues including:
- Extreme variations in temperature can cause foundations to crack as the soil expands and retracts. This can cause damage to the overall structural integrity of the building.
- Melting snow and ice can cause residual water to be absorbed by the soil. If there is soil present that doesn’t drain correctly – this can cause structural damage. This can also cause mould to grow around the building.
Mitigating the Risks of Challenging Soil
The systems that can be adopted and used are as follows:
- Engineered drainage systems
- Elevated/floating foundations
- Waterproofing techniques
- Soil stabilization (lime, cement, or chemical treatment)
- Deeper/reinforced foundations
- Moisture management (drainage, vapour barriers)
It’s highly important that soil is reviewed at the start of the project before construction commences. Our team is highly experienced with groundworks projects and we regularly assess soil conditions before construction takes place. We are experts in preventative systems that can be installed to prevent the issues of challenging soil.
At Wilsons Groundworks, we are the leading provider of groundworks in Bristol and the surrounding areas. We will work with you to ensure that all of the processes are put in place to address challenging soil conditions and mitigate the risk of future issues caused by soil types. Get in touch with our team to arrange for your free quote.