Heaving soils are soils that are prone to significant volume changes with changes in moisture content. These soils include: • Clayey soils • Loams • Loess-like soils The main characteristic of heaving soils is their ability to expand when wet and frozen, and to contract when dried and thawed. This phenomenon is called soil heaving and can cause serious damage to the foundation and the entire building structure. Main problems when building on heaving soils 1. Foundation heave and deformation: Soil heave causes the foundation to heave and shift unevenly. 2. Cracks in walls and floors: Foundation deformations lead to cracks in walls, floors, and other building structures. 3. Reduced bearing capacity: When thawing, the soil can lose its strength, reducing the bearing capacity of the foundation. 4. Uneven Settlement: Heaving soils can settle unevenly, causing distortion and deformation of the building. Types of Foundations for Heaving Soils The following types ...