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SOILS

Soils types are classified by their stability, and assigned a ‘soil class’. There are 6(7) soil classes, varying on moisture and movement in the soil:

A – Acceptable

S – Satisfactory

M – Moderate

H1 & H2 – Highly reactive

E - Extreme

P – Problem

 

It is essential to have a geotechnical engineer undertake a survey, and produce a report in order to accurately identify and classify the condition of the soil on site. This will then allow the structural engineer to recommend of a suitable footing system. Below is a table of common soil types, classification, and condition.

 

Type of Soil

Soil Class

Soil Condition

Rock

       A

Rock sites have no ground movement

Sand

       A

Sand has little or no movement

Clay, slightly reactive

       S

Slight ground movements due to moisture changes

Clay, moderately reactive

       M

Moderate ground movements due to moisture changes

Clay, highly reactive

       H

High ground movements due to moisture

changes

Clay, extremely reactive

       E

Extreme ground movements due to moisture changes

Problem

       P

Sites which include soft soils, loose sands, landslip, mine subsidence, collapsing soils, erosion, fill and abnormal moisture conditions

 

The type of soil can have implications of the footing/pier systems required to be used. A specialised engineering solution may increase the cost of construction.  

 

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The information contained in the article and website are general in nature and are the opinions of the author, through his professional experience and study. Click here for more details of our content.     

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