Soil movement claimsgenerally fall into one of two categories: soil subsidence or soil expansion. Soil subsidence occurs when a home orbuilding is constructed on top of fill soil. Fill soil is soil that is imported to the building site, in order toconstruct a level building pad.  Anexample would be if a canyon was filled in with imported soil, and then homesor buildings were constructed on top of the “fill” soil.  Subsidence, or settling,  of fill soils can occur for a number ofreasons, but the general principal is that the imported fill soil begins toconsolidate, or contract, and as the soil settles, the buildings constructed ontop of this soil move also.  Soilsettlement can occur slowly over a number of years, and the damage associated withsoil settlement can get progressively worse over time.

     Soil expansion describes a condition wherethe dirt underlying a structure can actually rise and contract over time.  Expansive soil is typically soil thatcontains a significant percentage of clay. Clay soils are difficult to drain, and retain water.  As expansive soil gets wet, it expands.  As it dries out, it contracts.  This cycle of expansion and contraction canresult in building movement, sometimes significant and damaging buildingmovement.  Like soil settlement problems,expansive soil problems, if not properly addressed, can cause damage to astructure for many years.  If not abated,the cycle of expansion and contraction will continue to cause damage to anystructure erected on top of it.

      Who is responsible for soil movementdamages?  Many parties are potentially responsible,including the developer, grader, soil engineer, and general contractor.

     Soil movement problems are potentiallydevastating to a structure, and can be very expensive to correct.  Soil subsidence problems may require that thestructure by anchored to the natural bedrock at the bottom of the fillsoil.  Expansive soil problems mayrequire the installation of a very large, thick , and heavy slab to resist thecycle of movement.

    If you suspect your home or building has aproblem related to soil movement, you need to have an expert conduct anevaluation.  Feel free to contact us fora free consultation.  We can oftenprovide an initial evaluation of your property at little or no cost.  Call us a 866-870-2020, or email us atBsnyder@sdtrialattorney.com.