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Clay is not a factor as long as it’s dry, compacted and has at least 4 inches of 3/4 inch crushed stone as a sub base for the slab.
i can assure you that doesn't amount to a hill of beans when you're talking about Texas gumbo- if in fact that's the actual reason for the cracking. And on a brand new slab- I kinda doubt it.
Without knowing or seeing the slab and the conditions when the concrete was placed, we can only guess what happened or know if it’s a serious problem.
Now that is absolutely true! Understanding the uniqueness of Texas gumbo can be rather daunting for the average consumer/homebuyer. But, as the old adage goes- "Buyer beware!" ...or at least, buyer be informed!
If you want a definitive, professional opinion that will carry significant weight with your builder and the permitting authority, have a civil engineer give you an opinion.
I'd reccomend reading some threads about the soil in the Austin area via the Austin forum. I feel like foundation concerns are an issue frequently for people in central and south Texas, but even more so the more east you go.
Now that is absolutely true! Understanding the uniqueness of Texas gumbo can be rather daunting for the average consumer/homebuyer. But, as the old adage goes- "Buyer beware!" ...or at least, buyer be informed!
Thanks for the link, a very interesting explanation of the soil that is perhaps associated with this particular slab issue, maybe?
Now that I’m familiar with the Black Gumbo, as it’s called, what do they do for the typical house footings, are they wider than normal, are helical piles used or other procedures used? A wall or column footing exerts a much greater square foot soil load compared to a slab.
Regarding the slab, it’s a large distributed load and I’m sure this soil would be capable of supporting the loads for residential use perhaps with using geotechnical fabrics, slab reinforcing or other techniques. Apparently the Black Gumbo consists of highly organic clays with fines, silt and sand that would make it very unstable once water is introduced. That being the case, I’m sure there are standards on how to build on this material and can’t imagine that builders or inspectors are clueless as to how to proceed to ensure that all structural elements are properly constructed.
That being the case, there are plenty of commercial buildings in NJ, specifically what’s called the “Meadowlands” that are literally built on swamp and are without major issues. Soil conditions so poor that all under slab piping has to be supported by being hung from the slab with clevis hangers and threaded rods.
Interesting construction techniques, however, obviously very costly.
If you want a definitive, professional opinion that will carry significant weight with your builder and the permitting authority, have a civil engineer give you an opinion.
I agree, if you're concerned hire an independent civil engineer to go out and take a look at it.
We are building a new house in Round Rock, TX. Our slab was poured about 3 weeks back and now are seeing cracks, with one running end to end and into the ground. Our construction manager said that these are Hydration cracks and should be ok.
Our concern is that they are visibile from the side as well and seem to be running into the ground as well.
Can you please suggest any inspection team. I cannot post pics on the forum yet.
I would recommend you contact a licensed Professional Engineer for a review. You can try the FPA for a list of those that work specifically with foundations Welcome to the Foundation Performance Association Web Site . If you look locally try to obtain the services of a PE that has experience in foundations and is either a Forensic Engineer, Civil Engineer or Structural Engineer with foundation experience.
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