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Expansive clay soils are inevitable that there will be damage to Arizona foundations. Basements and crawl spaces get buried by expansive clay soils. The combination of this soil with constant water results in foundation damage, water seepage and structural movement over time. More about expansive clay soil.
The most common problem associated with Arizona foundations is subsidence. As you can imagine, when groundwater supplies become imbalanced, land subversion occurs. When groundwater levels drop below the acceptable level, land will naturally move downhill and eventually erode away from the slope. Groundwater management companies in Arizona are responsible for addressing any underground conditions that may contribute to foundation problems, which include issues with clay soil. Don’t believe what salesmen are selling you.
Expansive Clay Soil is NOT why Interior Floor Slabs Uplift and Crack.
Watch These Videos from James Belville Concrete Foundation Expert.
When groundwater pressure is present, a “sag” develops. As the groundwater level increases above the surrounding area, the soil will expand downward. This movement can create cracks and crevices in the foundation. The movement can also result in water migration into crawl spaces or basements. In wet seasons, the expanding clay soil can cause water to pool around the exterior of the house and the concrete slab foundation.
A properly maintained and managed impervious base will prevent the occurrence of these complications. If your home is built on a slab, you have a number of options for addressing moisture problems. You can either install a slab covering that is impervious to moisture or a basement waterproofing system. A properly maintained and monitored moisture control and drainage system will prevent many of the complications associated with clay soil and a slab.
Basements require the most maintenance. Improperly installed and managed basement floor drain connections and poor drainage create heave pockets that are conducive to the formation of expansive soil layers. A basement waterproofing system should be inspected and maintained on a regular basis. If the heave pockets become too extensive, your foundation may need to be dug up and relocated. A superior quality basement waterproofing system will minimize the occurrence of heave pockets and other complications associated with expansive clay soils.
Improper soil management, especially with an excessive amount of water, can lead to significant problems. The soil will compact and settle, causing the growth of voids and heave channels. These gaps can become a problem after long periods of inactivity. An experienced Arizona land surveyor can help you identify problem areas and suggest the best solutions. More about foundation repair.
Stabilizing soil moisture is the goal for most farmers, ranchers and land owners. With the increasing population in Arizona, more people are requiring more land for cultivation, ranching and farming. The problem with most soils is that they are either too acidic or too alkaline. Slab uplift allows you to restore the soils to the optimum conditions so you can grow plants and livestock in them. This process is extremely beneficial to your bio-system and the environment.
Stabilizing soil moisture involves both mechanical and chemical processes. One of the easiest ways to correct your soil’s pH and nutrient content is to elevate the soil to a higher level. You accomplish this by using a soil staining device, such as a sloping wallboard, a soil auger or a chalk line. A slab heave machine is also an option that will pump the soil upwards to the right or left at a particular angle to increase its nutrient value.
Slab uplift uses the force of gravity to move the soil beneath the ground. When this is combined with mechanical means, such as a line or blade being raised above the area, the heave is created. There is a further process of compaction or compacting that occurs when the slab is heaved. A high vertical profile of the soil beneath the surface of the ground acts as a compressive force on clay soils, making them more compact and absorbing moisture from the atmosphere, as well as aiding in water runoff control. You may see that the benefits of Stabilizing soil moisture do not end there.