Causes of Foundation Settlement

Why do Foundations Settle?

The foundation is dependent upon the soil that surrounds it to hold it in place. In theory this relationship should stand the test of time. However, the one variable that cannot be controlled is that the soil beneath and around the foundation is constantly changing. This is due to a variety of reasons, and is common in the Dallas area. Foundation Repair is best achieved by using SecureLock Steel Piers. For foundation repairs in Dallas and surrounding areas, call us for a free assessment.

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WHY DO FOUNDATIONS SETTLE?

The primary reason for foundation settlement is the highly expansive nature of the clay soil on which the building rests. The clay expands or contracts as its moisture content changes with the weather. Depending on the area, the amount of contraction or shrinkage ranges from minimal to upwards of 65% of the total wet volume. The average amount of shrinkage that can be expected in this region is approximately 35%, with wide variation depending on the location. For example, a sample of water saturated clay will shrink up to an average of 35% when dried completely. This shrinkage accounts for the large cracks that form in the soil after an extended dry period. The more expansive the clay, the larger the cracks.

POOR DRAINAGE AT THE PERIMETER OF A FOUNDATION

Water standing or running alongside a foundation after rains may cause differential settlement of a foundation. If soil grading is such that water runs alongside a foundation during rains, the water will run under the edge of the foundation and carry away soil supporting the foundation. The effect is much more pronounced if the soil was very dry prior to the beginning of the rain. In addition, if water is allowed to stand alongside a foundation, it will flow below the foundation and dissolve the clay supporting the foundation, carrying it into the cracks that develop in the yard outside the foundation area during extended dry periods. This problem is more severe if the soil in the general area has been very dry, but is less severe if the soil has been maintained moist.

EFFECT OF PLANTS ON FOUNDATION PERFORMANCE

Because of the highly expansive nature of the soil, trees and other large plants can significantly contribute to differential settlement of a foundation. The roots of trees and large plants consume the moisture from the soil, causing the soil to shrink much faster than other soil areas exposed to the weather. The soil where the moisture is lost more rapidly will sink lower than the surrounding soil, causing evidence and consequences of differential settlement in building structures. Research studies indicate that a tree should be at least as far away from a building as the mature height of the tree to minimize the effect of drying caused by the tree.

EFFECT OF WET SPOTS AT THE SIDE OF A FOUNDATION

Wet spots caused by dripping faucets, leaking drains, air conditioning condensate drains, leaking water pipes, etc., can cause differential settlement at the location where the soil has been kept wet. The foundation may sink into the soil at a wet area while the soil dries and shrinks at other locations because the drying soil allows the foundation to move downward and overload the wet area.