Soil Layers

The foundation of your construction project depends greatly on what lies beneath. It’s a common misconception for homeowners to assume that the ground alone can adequately support their building. However, this assumption can lead to costly mistakes. The truth is, if the underlying soil has problems, it won’t provide the proper support for your structure.

Soil layers play a crucial role in establishing a strong foundation. It’s essential to understand the specific type of soil present and whether it’s suitable for your intended construction. In this article, we will discuss different types of soil layers and their characteristics in relation to construction work. In this article, we will discuss different types of soil layers and their characteristics relevant to construction work. Let’s start by understanding the definition of soil layers.

What Are Soil Layers?

The foundation of your home is supported by various soil layers, each with its own characteristics and thickness. These layers have developed over time through natural processes like wind, water, glaciers, and even human activities such as construction. As the layers form and accumulate, they gain strength and capacity. Beneath these layers, you’ll find bedrocks that provide additional stability and strength to the soil foundation. It’s crucial to comprehend the different soil layers to ensure proper construction and stability for your structure.

Different Types of Soil Layers

Fill Soil

Fill soil is a mixture of rocks, clay, and sand, which provides a more stable material for construction. It is commonly used in large construction projects and landscaping. Its primary purposes are to level the ground around the foundation area and address water drainage issues.

Furthermore, fill soil plays a crucial role in securing the ground and retaining walls, ensuring stability and structural integrity.

Bedrock or Rock 

Bedrock, also known as rock soil, consists of various types of rocks such as limestone and sandstone. It is a layer of solid rock located beneath the surface of other soil layers. Bedrock soil is highly desirable for construction due to its excellent bearing capacity, making it ideal for supporting large buildings.

In comparison to clay soil, which can expand and shrink with changes in weather conditions, bedrock is more stable and resistant to such weather-related changes. Structures built on or above bedrock are less likely to develop cracks or experience shifting. However, it is necessary for builders to level the soil before commencing construction work to ensure a solid and stable foundation.

Glacial Deposits

 Glacial deposits play a significant role as soil layers in construction. These deposits are formed when glacial masses invade an area, carrying minute clay particles and large boulders. Referred to as drift, these deposits are comprised of crushed rock fragments that were picked up along the path of the moving ice. As the glacier reaches its final stages and begins to stagnate and decay, the sediments are deposited on the land surface. Some deposits are carried by running water and later settled as lake deposits.

Glacial deposits consist of various materials such as sand, gravel, clay, and more. They exhibit a range of particle sizes, including coarse particles. It is essential to identify the specific type of soil resulting from glacial deposits before commencing any construction work. This knowledge helps ensure appropriate construction practices and proper foundation preparation.

Erosion Soil

Soil erosion, caused by the continuous action of flowing water, ice, and wind, disrupts soil profiles and leads to degradation. This erosion process removes the topsoil, resulting in the loss of valuable nutrients, particles, and organisms that contribute to the cohesion of soil layers.

The consequences of soil erosion can be highly damaging, particularly when it weakens the foundation of structures. In some cases, erosion occurs so gradually that its effects go unnoticed.

The remaining ground after significant soil erosion is unsuitable for construction purposes. It lacks the essential nutrients and organisms that provide soil strength and cohesion. Similarly, soil deposited in a new location after erosion is also unfit for construction as it is weak and unable to support structures.

However, builders have various methods to prevent soil erosion from compromising foundations and interfering with construction work. These include implementing slope stabilization techniques and employing proper landscaping practices.

Other Types of Soil Layers 

There are other types of soil layers that builders should consider before beginning any construction. Among these, the topsoil layer stands out as it plays a crucial role in providing structural support. It is characterized by its high concentration of organic matter, making it an ideal soil layer for construction.

The topsoil layer itself comprises different sub-layers. The first sub-layer consists of organic matter derived from leaves and decomposing materials, which gradually break down to form organic matter. The surface soil sub-layer is composed of decomposed organic material. Additionally, there is the subsoil sub-layer, which consists of consolidating soils like clay. Lastly, the parent rock sub-layer is typically deeper than the others and possesses the strength necessary to support building foundations.

Builders must carefully consider all these soil layers before commencing construction. Neglecting the soil beneath the foundation can lead to structural issues that are best avoided. It is important to recognize that nature doesn’t always cooperate, and events like soil erosion are potential risks. Therefore, exercising due diligence is of utmost importance.

Relevant Resources

• Yard and Soil Grading
• Clay Soil
• Everything You Need to Know About Expansive Soils
• Understanding Bedrock and Load-Bearing Strata
• Is Damp Clay Soil Something to Worry About?
• Washout Soil
• Soil Health and Your Foundation
• Shrink Swell Soil Issues

Permanently Repairing and Stabilizing Your Foundation

If a home is not built on suitable soil, it may exhibit signs of failure such as cracks and settlement, highlighting the significance of proper soil assessment and selection for construction projects.

For help with permanently repairing and stabilizing your foundation, contact the experts at JES Foundation Repair for a free foundation inspection and repair quote.