Foundation Perimeter Cover in Clay Soil (West: organic, install, best)

[PottsBarn]

I had an outbuilding built on some land. 50x20, post-tension slab, metal building. The soil unfortunately is expansive clay soil.


The South (long side) and West (short side) are fully exposed to the sun. I can't do any large planting to shade the area because it needs to be open to allow for access to water well truck if/when that becomes necessary.


After it was finished last summer and the bare ground was left exposed the dirt pulled away from the foundation about 2".


It is graded properly but I'm going to install catch basins with solid drain lines for the downspouts so heavy rainfalls will be dispersed away from the building.



I am planning on installing a buried drip system to water the hot sides of the building foundation during the summer.


QUESTION IS:



On this type of clay soil and on the hot sides of the building - what is the best material to use as a cover around the perimeter of the foundation to keep that soil from so dramatically drying out?


I was thinking of: Weed barrier 2' from foundation, then drip irrigation lines, then 2" of decomposed granite. Will plant some level of low-growing shrubbery but not planning anything significant.



Is this a good plan for this situation to maintain moisture levels? Is organic material better as a perimeter cover?

[Rakin]

Drip irrigation is a very poor way to water your soil and foundation IMO. It's very spotty and leaves a lot of dry spots.