To what end does soil play a role?

In what ways does soil play a role in a building’s structure?

A standard house footing may be adequately supported by normal soils. Unfortunately, problems can arise when the soil quality around a property varies. The house above a footing in which the soil is softer than elsewhere may settle more quickly and deeply than the rest of the structure, requiring foundation crack repair.

Each footing’s soil condition right beneath it is of utmost importance. For the reason that the point at which the soil pressure is greatest is roughly equivalent to the width of the footing. For instance, if you have a standard 16-inch footing, that means the soil bearing pressure is greatest in the top 16 inches of soil. After the initial 16 inches, the bearing pressure of the soil drops by about half. Then, by almost two-thirds after the subsequent 16 inches of depth.

Obviously, builders give a lot of thought to whether or not the foundations they lay will be able to support the structure they intend to build on top of them. The foundation is important, but it’s not the only thing that needs to be solid. When building a house on a pier and footing or a step footing foundation, for instance, it is vital to evaluate the soil quality all the way across the footprint of the foundation. Major problems can arise for the homeowner if the builder does not investigate and adjust for the soil conditions beneath the footing foundation.

Major problems can arise for the homeowner if the builder does not investigate and adjust for the soil conditions beneath the footing foundation.

Why Soil Compaction Is Crucial
It’s easy to see how having soft or sandy soil below your foundation could affect the settlement of your building, even though the first 16 inches are the most crucial. That’s why it’s so important to compact the soil thoroughly before laying the foundation. When excavating on your property, if you come across clay, soft soil, or sandy soil, you should probably consult an engineer first.

Additional Considerations
The soil quality and density beneath your footings are one of the most important considerations when building a foundation, but it is not the only one.

Here are some additional details to think about:

The more surface area the footing covers, the more evenly the house’s weight is dispersed into the ground. Having wider footings will provide more stability.
-Footing placement: A wall may have trouble bearing weight if the footing is not centered. There will be extra stress placed on the building.
-The presence of water in the soil: If you discover water in the soil while excavating the foundation, this could be a major warning sign. Stones packed into the bottom of the mold and compacted into the mud will provide additional support.

Get in touch with us!
Are you a California resident? If this is the case, you should ask for help with the foundation from RLM Retrofit Foundation. We know what to look for in a sagging foundation and can offer advice on the best course of action for builders. Contact us at (800) 824-6699 if you need any help. Do not hesitate to give the local Foundation Inspection Bell and repair service a call right away.

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