Guidelines for foundation design of low-rise buildings on expansive clay in northern Jordan

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'Guidelines for foundation design of low-rise buildings on expansive clay in northern Jordan' was written by T I Longworth, R Driscoll and lED Katkhuda and published by BRE in 1984. It is No.191 in a series of Overseas Buildings Notes providing information on housing and construction in tropical and sub-tropical countries.

[edit] Summary

Many low-rise buildings on expansive clay in the highland area of northern Jordan have been damaged by ground movement. A four-year investigation of the problem has proved that most damage results from vertical ground movements caused by local moisture content changes in the clay. Water infiltration from rainfall and domestic sources causes clay swelling, while moisture loss by evaporation and transpiration causes clay shrinkage. Moisture extraction by trees is the most common cause of damage. This note gives provisional recommendations for safe foundation design, taking account of the findings of the investigation and of present construction practice in Jordan. Types of foundation that isolate the building from the ground movement are considered to be the best design solution. Environmental control measures are suggested to prevent harmful moisture content changes near the foundations.

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