Soil Movements

Severe damage can occur from soil movement, among those would include cracking and “heaving” of slabs and hardscape, and stucco and drywall separation.  Causes of soil movement could be caused by a major event such as a landslide, or by “slow creep” which is a very slow process, expansive soils or from excessive settlement.  Before construction begins, most developments are graded where soil can either be removed or added at that time.  Correct compaction of the soil during this process is vital to minimizing soil movement.  Construction defects that we regularly see are:

Improper grading
Inadequate compaction
Inadequate site drainage
Inadequate area and retaining wall drains
Inadequate setback or depth of pilasters
Inadequate foundation design for highly expansive soils