Proper foundation filling with correctly compacted soil materials creates a solid base for building stable, crack-free structures. A robust foundation is crucial for any new construction, whether it’s a residential building, commercial high-rise, or civil infrastructure project. While structural elements like reinforced footings, piles, and foundation walls provide the backbone, the gap filling or backfilling…
Skyscrapers towering hundreds of stories high. Bridges spanning miles across bodies of water. Highways traversing unstable terrain. What do these impressive feats of engineering have in common? Their stability and shear capacity rely on deep foundation systems securing them firmly in place below ground. When substantial structures can’t depend merely on traditional, shallow footings to…
Have you noticed cracks in your home’s walls or floors? Do doors or windows stick for no apparent reason? If so, your foundation may be settling. Foundation settlement is a common issue that occurs when the ground underneath a building’s foundation compacts over time. This settling can lead to cosmetic damage like cracks and sticking…
Pier and beam foundation is commonly used in areas with expansive or unstable soil conditions. Unlike a traditional concrete slab foundation which sits flat on the ground, a pier and beam system utilizes beams that are supported by piers embedded deep into the ground. The main advantage of choosing a pier and beam foundation over…
To build a new retaining wall or refacing an existing one, keystone concrete wall systems provide an attractive, affordable, and durable solution. Known for their recognizable wedge shape that interlocks blocks together like an arch, have been a popular choice among homeowners and landscapers for decades. First patented in the 1970s, it utilizes precast concrete…
Permeability quantifies the ability of liquid water flows through saturated porous construction media like soil, pavement bases, or concretes by connecting flow rates with pressure gradients. Standardized soil permeability tests help assess site drainage capacities and seepage losses for various geotechnical applications. This overview covers common soil permeability test methods, result interpretations, and key engineering…