Recognizing the importance of soil in the construction industry is often understated. Frequently, engineers and construction companies overlook the fundamental role soil plays in building stability. The truth is, the types of soil used in construction - man-moved, backfill, and native layers - significantly influence the longevity and reliability of building projects. In this article, we will investigate these soil types' different properties and how they are suitable for various construction work.
Man-Moved Soil
As the name implies, man-moved soil is any soil that has been moved from its original location by human activity. This type of soil usually comes into play during the excision of a construction site, where dirt from one area is moved to another. Man-moved soil can also include imported soils, such as topsoil brought in for landscaping or rubble and aggregate used for foundational support.
Man-moved soil is typically loose and prone to settling. These properties make it less ideal for structural foundations, as it may not provide the necessary stability. However, it is worth noting that properly compacted man-moved soil can act as a suitable base for non-structural elements such as driveways, car parks, and other paved areas.
Backfill Soil
In the construction world, backfill refers to the soil compacted into an excavation site after the completion of the underground work (such as sewer lines, basements, or foundations). Backfill soil is purposely placed and compacted to add stability to the site and protect the underground work from extreme pressure or movement in the soil surrounding it.
Backfill soil must be carefully chosen and managed to increase the construction project's lifespan and avoid structural issues. The soil should have a low water absorption rate, as this could lead to expansion and contraction of the soil, causing foundational instability. Ideally, granular or gravely soil is used as backfill material for its excellent compaction and drainage qualities.
Native Layers
In contrast to man-moved and backfill soil, native layers refer to the undisturbed soil found in the location where a construction project will take place. This type of soil has not been shifted or manipulated, and various layers exist, each with its own set of properties.
Native soil is the most reliable base for construction because it has been exposed and adapted to the area's typical environmental conditions, and it has settled over a long period. It's critical that geotechnical engineers comprehensively study the native soil's properties, ensuring its suitability regarding load-bearing capacities, expansion rates, and permeability.
Moreover, native soil layers at a construction site often vary in type and properties, which influence the construction project's design and execution. Understanding these varieties can help developers maintain the natural ecosystem around the building site, thereby reducing potential environmental impacts.
In conclusion, recognizing the distinct properties of various soil types - man-moved, backfill, and native layers - can have substantial implications on building projects. The selection of the right soil type at the right time and place guarantees structural integrity, promotes environmental sustainability, and can mitigate possible construction problems in the future. As they say, a great building starts from the ground up - and in construction, soil is your ground.
