4. Sanier Waterproofing Studio – Soil Testing on Your Property
September 5, 2022
Green Roofs
October 3, 2022
Mistakes in Analyzing Soil Test Results
Hydrostop brand expert Marek Mularczyk discusses common errors in analyzing soil test results.
A fundamental mistake in soil analysis is failing to recognize how soil composition can affect capillary action of water in the soil. Even if you have sandy soil around your home, remember that loamy sand can draw water up to 200 cm. Another recurring error is not thoroughly checking how the layers of impermeable soils are distributed. Sometimes, a bowl-like formation of clay soils under our homes can fill with meltwater, especially during the summer, and flood our inadequately insulated building.
Soil Test Results Analysis
This illustration represents the results of a soil analysis from one of the construction projects we participated in. It highlights how easy it is to make mistakes when designing waterproofing. The designated building foundation level is in the green zone, where the soils are permeable, sandy, and neither groundwater nor any aggressive environmental threats were detected. However, take a closer look at the illustration.
Surrounding the green zone, we have layers of soil marked in red, brown, and yellow, indicating clay and loam soils—impermeable layers. You can now see that a soil basin has formed, which will fill with water during the spring thaw. The water level will rise and may eventually reach our foundations. Why didn't the drillings detect any water? Because they were conducted during a dry summer. This minor oversight and small error could end up costing us significantly in the long run.
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