The high initial cost for a deep foundation system with a structurallysuspended floor slab for light commercial and retail buildings on expansive clayswould make many, if not most, projects economically prohibitive. Reality is thatsuch structures are commonly supported on a hybrid foundation system whereexterior walls and interior columns are supported on a relatively deep foundationsystem, and the floor slab bears on a pad of fill on expansive clays in the active zone.Most foundation systems of this design experience tolerable movements, but someexperience significant distress resulting in damaging the building. This paperpresents case studies on common design and construction defects (some wouldappear minor) that can contribute significantly to distress, and offers suggestions toaddress these issues.
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