Cracks in the Foundation: Unmasking the Failure of a Houston Police Station

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Building Failure 

My Geotechnical Firm performed a Geoforensic investigation of a recently built Police Station in the Houston area.

They noticed floor cracks and wall damage throughout.














The original design required the footers to be constructed 6’6” below the finish floor elevation.




During their pit investigations, they found that the footers were only constructed to a depth of 40” instead of the designed depth of 55”.

They also found that there were no void boxes under the grade beams as shown in the design. Void boxes are used in areas of expansive soil to allow the soil to swell into the voids instead of lifting the foundation.

They also found that the soil under the slab was highly expansive with a PI of 33 to 44.

Through their soil investigation, they determined that the PVR was 1.9”. This is the total movement under wetting conditions of the foundation.

In their estimation, spread footers were an inadequate design.  



Negative drainage was found around the building with landscape above the brick line. Landscape should be sloped 5% away from the building and be below the brick line.

Gravel drainage bed against the building, bringing water under the foundation.


Improper drainage

Trees are installed too close to the building, which can cause foundation and soil movement.

 

Summary:

1)     Inadequate design—shallow footers are not adequate for soil conditions.

2)    Poor construction – Footers were constructed at a depth of 40” instead of 55”.

3)    Poor quality material-- Insufficient select structural fill was constructed under the foundation. (PI 33-40)

4)    Poor foundation maintenance—negative drainage around the building, and trees installed too close to the building.

 

To eliminate these failures on your next building project, ensure that your Construction Manager or General Contractor has a QC (Quality Control) program and that they adhere to it.

Ensure that the Geotechnical firm is on-site performing the necessary tests for a successful, well-built building. 

Shettig Construction Management provides Professional Construction Management services from the inception of your project through completion.

 

 

 

 

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