Construction Problems of Light Structures Founded on Expansive Soils in Sudan

Abstract

Expansive soils in Sudan have been contributing to light structures failures and subsequently causing increased annual repair expenditure. The study aims to investigate the foundations problems associated with expansive soils and provides practical and economical solutions for construction on expansive soils in Sudan. The research is mainly concerned with field performance of expansive soils with emphasis on design criteria and construction precautions for structures founded on expansive soils. Some cases of existing light buildings and roads in different regions in Sudan, suffered from severe distresses and damages due to expansive soils, were studied. The results obtained clearly indicated that generation of high swelling pressure, which leads to differential heave of structures, is the main cause of failures. Finally, based on the case study investigation and the previous experiences recommended by researchers, proposed construction guidelines to assist the civil engineers to deal with expansive soils at design and construction stages of foundations is outlined and described.