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Foundation Failure: Causes, Prevention and Types of Soil Failure

The foundation failure of the building structure has occurred in case the base structure of that building has started to deteriorate. The failure of the foundation of the building structure will compromise its safety and stability. The foundation of the building used to support all the roofs, walls, and floors of that building.

In case of any instability in the building's foundation, the whole structure of the building can be affected. The foundation failure of the building structure has been represented as the uneven floors or doors and cracks in the building walls. If these problems regarding the foundation failure are not addressed properly, these issues can be more worsen which leads to damage to the building structure. Thus, the building becomes uninhabitable in extreme cases.

Different Causes of Foundation Failure

Poor drainage system

The poor drainage condition around the foundation structure of the building leads to the oversaturation of the soil. This soil oversaturation leads to foundation instability.

Poor weather condition

In case of hot and dry weather, the ground around the building structure can be shrunk and pulled away from the foundation structure which leads to the appearance of cracks in the building's foundation. There is a gap near the foundation structure due to the shrinking of the soil which leads to the foundation sinking or settling into the soil.

Poor ground condition

The poor organic components in the ground, poor debris or poor soil conditions lead to the expansion of the soil which results in the foundation failure of the building.

Poor preparation of the building site

In the case that the soil has been removed from the building site, there is a need for the proper stabilization of the soil before the construction of the foundation structure. If this is not done, the unexpected movement of the soil beneath the foundation structure can be occurred.

Plumbing leakage issue

Water comes from the leaky plumbing also leads to the occurrence of the foundation problems. In the case of water that has been added into the soil due to the plumbing leakage, the foundation structure and the soil near the foundation structure will move which results in the settlement of the foundation.

Transpiration

The tree routes can also dehydrate the soil beneath the house which leads to the shrinkage of the soil and settlement of the building foundation.

What are the warnings about the failure of the foundation structure?

Several warning signs have been seen while the foundation structure of the building may be failing which are as follows:

Cracks

In the case of the foundation failure, cracks have been noticed in the floors, walls, and ceilings which are larger, diagonal or horizontal ones.

Uneven Floors

There are dips or sagging in the floor which indicates the uneven settling of the building foundation.

Bowed Walls

The walls of the building become curved or wrapped specifically in the basement which also indicates the uneven settling of the building foundation.

Sticking Doors and Windows

There is difficulty in opening or closing windows and doors which indicates the frame has been shifted due to the issues in the building foundation.

Gaps

There are also gaps between the walls, floors or ceiling which become larger over time.

Leaning Chimney

In the case of the chimney leans or having cracks, this indicates the instability in the building foundation.

Musty Odors

In the basement or crawl spaces, musty smells have been observed which indicates moisture has been linked to the failure of the foundation structure.

Pulling away the steps

The porches or steps have been separated from the house which also signals that there is a shifting in the building's foundation structure.

Damage to the Wallpaper

In the case of the wallpaper loosened or wrinkled, this indicates the uneven walls due to the issue in the foundation structure.

Repairing Process of Foundation Failure

There are several repairing methods for foundation failure which are as follows:

Piering Method

In this repairing method, the steel push or helical piers have been installed deep into the ground which helps to provide additional supports as well as stability to the foundation structure. The utilization of the steel piers helps to distribute the structural weight of the building more evenly which helps to reduce the risks of the soil movement and thus helps to ensure the long-term integrity of the building foundation. The foundation structure of the building can also be more elevated and secured by driving the steel piers into the soil thus can address the settlement issues more effectively. This repairing method is effective during the construction of buildings on unstable or expansive soils.

Slab Jacking Method

In this repairing method, polyurethane foam has been injected beneath the sinking concrete slab which helps to create an upward pressure. This pressure helps to lift and stabilize the slab. After curing and hardening the concrete slab, a solid foundation has been provided which helps to support the slab and prevents the incidents of sinking. The issues related to the uneven surfaces have been addressed by this repairing method which helps to ensure the structural integrity as well as improving the foundation safety.

Crawl Space Jacks

The crawl space jacks help to provide additional support to the building foundation which helps to transfer the load to the soil beneath directly. The crawl space jacks stabilize and reinforce the sagging beams and floors. This process helps to prevent the incidents of sinking or settlement. During the installation of the crawl space jacks, adjustable steel jacks have been placed at the strategic points in the crawl space which helps to allow for fine-tuning thus ensuring the proper support and alignment of the building foundation.