Displacements of Object Founded on Expansive Soils—A Case Study of Light Construction

Abstract

The paper presents results of observations of a light structure damaged by irregular vertical and horizontal deformations on Neogene expansive clays, typical for area in Central Poland. The sensitivity to environmental changes of humidity in such subsoils can activate volume changes, which causes the destruction of many objects susceptible to deformation. Detailed geotechnical investigations, including seasonal fluctuations of natural moisture content, were carried out for over a year, describing the dynamism of conditions of clays in the foundation zone. Parallel geodetic measurements of vertical and horizontal displacements were carried out, using classical precision leveling and the coordinate method of the Leica TDRA 6000 laser station. The network of measurement points has been specially designed and implemented to follow the spatial displacements of the structure. The network points were placed at the bottom of pillars and on the flooring of the structure located in the upper part. In the paper, the results of the vertical and horizontal periodical measurement of displacements of an investigated construction over the year were discussed to identify the main factors influencing the mechanism of damage of the observed structure.

Planning and Implementation of Construction Investments - The Basic Stage of Works

“…the ground conditions are simple, the object was classified into the 1st geotechnical category. It should be emphasized that all decisions related to the investment process should be carefully considered, especially in the case of preparing plans related to spatial development [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] and undertaking geotechnical works [16][17][18][19][20][21][22], including geodetic works [23,24] and construction works [25][26][27][28][29][30] which is confirmed by numerous scientific and research works [31].…”

Numerical simulation of replacement method to improve unsaturated expansive soil

“…The fluctuation of seasonal humidity in the studied area and the depth of wetting in the soil layer are of particular importance in estimating the value of soil heave, because the expansive soil movement is primarily related to changes in soil moisture content, and the estimation of soil heave is dependent on the aggregation of swelling deformations caused by changes in soil moisture [6,7]. On the other hand, if there is a mat on the soil, for example, the depth of wetting will remain somewhat isolated and will not be controlled by external climate changes.…”