FOUNDATION ON BLACK COTTON SOIL


Black cotton soil is mostly found in the central and western parts of kenya.  Black  cotton soil is favorable  for producing cotton plant.
It is also referred to as expansive soil because it tends to expand when wet  and shrinks during dry period. its good to understand that not all black soil expand and not soil that expand is black
Building a foundation on black cotton soil is too risky and caution should be taken before any work commences. Shrinking and swelling of the cotton soil is the main problem in the construction industry, when dry its very hard but it losses strength completely when wet. Swelling creates upward pressure on the structure and shrinkage creates downward pull. This movement causes development of cracks in foundation walls and roof.

Building in areas with cotton soil is much expensive compared to areas with red soil because red soil requires less excavation compared to black cotton soil. Much excavation is done in black cotton soil but before commencing excavation works you need to have a professional a quantity surveyor to be precise to determine the depth of the black cotton soil.

If the black cotton soil is between 1.5 m and 2 m below it would be economical to excavate it. The  entire top soil is removed using building machinery and if you are environmental  conscious you should ensure no cotton soil is dumped on the road because it leads to destruction of roads in which they become impassible.

If black cotton soil exceeds 2 m it is advisable to apply a suspended type of foundation which is more economical than excavating. With the foundation the only excavation that will be done will be the load bearing components of the house you are building which are the columns and the beams. They will entirely support the building structure above the cotton soil.

THANKS FOR READING.


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