Guidelines for foundation design of low-rise buildings on expansive clay in northern Jordan
[edit] About the BRE Trust archive
BRE Trust is a charitable company supporting research and education that advance built environment knowledge, innovation and communication for public benefit. As the owner of the BRE Group of companies the Trust is not only engaged in funding the very latest research, but is also the custodian of nearly a century of built environment research and innovation. This extraordinary legacy provides a unique history of the development of almost every aspect of buildings and construction in the UK.
In 2010 BRE Trust set up a project to make a substantial part of this printed archive available online for the public good. These documents present a fascinating historical record and background to today’s industry, but are not intended to provide guidance on current built environment projects. Much of the information they contain has been superseded by more recent research and standards.
[edit] About this document
'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.
Click here to open the full report as a pdf.
Featured articles and news
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
ECA progress on Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter
Working hard to make progress on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.