Field monitoring of seasonal ground movements in expansive soils in Melbourne

Abstract

Shrink-swell behavior of expansive soils highly influences the performance of lightly loaded structures with shallow footings. Expansive soils often undergo heave and settlement due to soil moisture variation, which may cause differential movement in the structure. This phenomenon becomes critical when the changes in soil moisture are widespread due to climatic conditions. Indeed, there have been reports in the media regarding footing movements and cracks in new houses in Victoria particularly following the breaking of the last prolonged drought. As part of an ongoing research study on damage to residential structures caused by ground movements, a field site has been established on a vacant ..