Architecture is a field of constant evolution and innovation in design, height, facades, and finishes, and what most people don't know is that soil selection is one of the fundamentals for ensuring a building remains stable on the ground for long periods of time, based on studying the nature of the soil and its compliance with the four basic conditions (strength – equilibrium – stability – stability). This study is conducted after taking soil samples and testing them in specialized laboratories; based on the results, the amount of excavation and the depth of the foundations are determined. The building’s height and the required concrete structures are also determined based on this study
Types of Soil Suitable for Construction
Sandy-gravelly soil
Soil composed of sand and gravel is considered one of the best types of soil used for construction, as it supports the foundations due to its hardness, as well as its uneven particles that allow moisture to pass through the soil, in addition to a low water retention rate, making this soil more suitable for compacting the sand to make it stronger and more ideal for construction.
Rocky Soil
Rocky soil is considered one of the ideal soil types for construction, although it requires heavy machinery for excavation and leveling the surface for building, most structures built on rocky soil are highly durable, as rocky soil has a load-bearing capacity sufficient to support a skyscraper.
Clay Soil
The most commonly used type of soil for construction in many regions, and clay particles allow for water retention; therefore, when building on clay soil, we must remove the upper layers until we reach a depth with a stable moisture level to pour the concrete foundation, in order to avoid problems that occur during rainfall.
Silt Soil
Silt consists of small, fine particles that retain water, leading to a high degree of particle swelling, which affects the building’s foundations and consequently weakens the structure. This soil is used for building dams and agricultural drainage systems.
All sciences start with the foundation, but structural engineering begins before the foundation—with the soil.
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