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The Dangers Of Expansive Soils Or Bentonite

Posted on December 11, 2007 - Filed Under Uncategorized

Bentonite soil or an expansive soil is just as it sounds; the soil expands and retracts depending on just how much moisture enters the ground soil. Because of this, it can and does cause damage to structures and land above ground, as well as below ground. The pressure that expansive soil causes can vary in poundage from mild to extreme pressure. The greatest recorded per square foot was fifteen thousand pounds. In addition, landowners find this type of soil in Nevada and Colorado this soil contains clay called montmorillonite.

When building in Wyoming, be advise that you have the soil tested by a professional. Because of expansive soil is volatile, where and how you choose to build or change your landscaping needs, the land owner needs to have the knowledge of the soils conditions by law. Builders and contractors can give ways to help minimize the damage done by this soil with barriers that protect the foundation installed horizontally and vertically around the structures. Landscaping should be on the outside of the area as well as sprinklers and watering methods, up to five feet.

Engineers also use two evasive methods to control swells but both cause severe hardships for homeowners wanting to garden or landscape their land. The first one is an engineered fill that compact the soil on top, then cover with the average of four feet of non-expansive dirt. However, landowners now have the watering problems, as this type of soil does not absorb the water. Leaving the foundations open to damage. Contractors use a second method in commercial buildings and roads using salt, lime and concrete called a Chemical soil treatment. Landowners find it hard to grow things in this soil due to the fact it is extremely sodic or saline.

 

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  1. Bookmarks Tagged Expansive on January 2nd, 2008 1:01 pm

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