Collapsing Soils

Dr Peter Mitchell

Collapsing soil is defined in AS2870 as a weakly cemented soil subject to large settlements under load as a result of degradation by water on the cementing action. These soils are frequently encountered in South Australia and present challenges for geotechnical engineers and footing designers. Dr Mitchell described some experiences with collapsing soils, presented several case histories and gave an outline of techniques used to minimise the effects of collapsing soils.

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