Studying and testing the soil foundation is one of the first steps taken in a construction project. There are several types of soil, and each one is composed of different materials that react differently to various conditions. In this blog, we will go over the various characteristics of different soils encountered in construction and see some of the solutions CNC Foundations can offer when issues arise on your job site.
Clay Soil
Large clay particles provide the foundation for clay soil. Expanding and contracting based on seasonal weather conditions, building on clay is risky because cracking in the foundation can occur when the soil shifts.
Is Clay Soil Good for Building?
Clay soil dries out in the summer and has a high water-holding capacity when it rains, potentially exposing your structure to cracks or other foundation damage. Susceptibility to heat and water makes clay a less than ideal foundation to build.
Sand Soil
Sand soil is composed of large particles and tends to maintain a consistent volume and density. A foundation of sandy soil offers a high bearing capacity and is less likely to shift and settle than clay.
Is Sand Soil Good for Building?
Overall, sand is a solid soil for building. Sand soil does not retain water, reducing the chance of the foundation shifting. However, sand particles can lose their friction over time and wash away. Gaps are created beneath a foundation when sand soil washes away, and that puts your structure at risk.
Rock Soil
Rock soil can come in a variety of substances, including bedrock, limestone, and sandstone. All types of rock soil feature high bearing capacities, which makes for a very stable foundation.
Is Rock Soil Good for Building?
Rock soil is an excellent option for building. Rock doesn’t absorb water and provides consistent stability and depth.
Loam Soil
Loam soil is a combination of the best qualities of silt, sand, and clay soil. Loam soil provides soft soil around the foundation of your structure and does not shift or expand with weather conditions.
Is Loam Soil Good for Building
Loam soil is the ideal foundation soil for building. With the ability to hold water at a more balanced rate than other soils, loam soil provides better protection against drought. The stability of loam soil remains constant regardless of moisture temperature.
What To Do When Foundation Soil Is Contaminated
Soil is an uncontaminated substance as an organic matter. However, sometimes harmful chemicals seep into the soil, causing damage. Soil contamination is most likely to occur in urban areas and industrial sites. Removing and replacing the soil, also known as over-excavation, is a solution offered by CNC Foundations.
Over-Excavation Solutions Offered by CNC Foundations
Over-Excavating Soil Disposal
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has strict disposal regulations that you must follow when excavating contaminated soil that threatens the surrounding environment and people. CNC Foundations offers a disposal solution that abides by all EPA standards and accounts for every ounce of contaminated soil.
Over-Excavating Deep Soil Depth
Over-excavating soil depths of less than three feet can be handled by overfilling the dirt, but working with a depth of greater than three feet can pose some additional challenges. Shoring, laybacking, and extra soil filling are all required when working with deep soil depths. CNC Foundations can help you complete your deep soil over-excavating project. Our geotechnical engineers can finish the process in a few days, saving you time and money. Our process keeps you from hauling, buying new, or recompacting old soil.
Why You Should Consider CNC Foundations
CNC Foundations has provided high-quality technical and construction support for over three decades. Our certified geotechnical engineers are experts in ground improvement solutions, and our turnkey company structure means you only deal with us when designing a project. Contact CNC Foundations today and see how we can help you with your next soil excavation project.