When wet, the soil volume can increase by 10% or more, creating massive upward pressure.
Chen is a pragmatist. He does not advocate one solution but matches the foundation to the degree of expansion. His PDF covers four main approaches:
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes placed 2–3 feet below grade can isolate the foundation from moisture changes. Chen’s era used clay caps; we now use engineered liners.
On Expansive Soils Chen Pdf — Foundations
When wet, the soil volume can increase by 10% or more, creating massive upward pressure.
Chen is a pragmatist. He does not advocate one solution but matches the foundation to the degree of expansion. His PDF covers four main approaches: foundations on expansive soils chen pdf
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes placed 2–3 feet below grade can isolate the foundation from moisture changes. Chen’s era used clay caps; we now use engineered liners. When wet, the soil volume can increase by