Abstract
The paper presents results of observations of a light structure damaged by irregular vertical and horizontal deformations on Neogene expansive clays, typical for area in Central Poland. The sensitivity to environmental changes of humidity in such subsoils can activate volume changes, which causes the destruction of many objects susceptible to deformation. Detailed geotechnical investigations, including seasonal fluctuations of natural moisture content, were carried out for over a year, describing the dynamism of conditions of clays in the foundation zone. Parallel geodetic measurements of vertical and horizontal displacements were carried out, using classical precision leveling and the coordinate method of the Leica TDRA 6000 laser station. The network of measurement points has been specially designed and implemented to follow the spatial displacements of the structure. The network points were placed at the bottom of pillars and on the flooring of the structure located in the upper part. In the paper, the results of the vertical and horizontal periodical measurement of displacements of an investigated construction over the year were discussed to identify the main factors influencing the mechanism of damage of the observed structure.
Highlights
Geodetic monitoring of displacements of damaged buildings is often the most effective method of investigating the causes of their cracks and failures [1,2,3]
Expansive soils experience significant volume change associated with changes in water content
The distribution of water content corresponds to the depth and values of the plastic limit in the tested profile
Summary
Geodetic monitoring of displacements of damaged buildings is often the most effective method of investigating the causes of their cracks and failures [1,2,3]. This approach can give satisfactory results in the case of damage having a geotechnical background. Expansive soils experience significant volume change associated with changes in water content. These volume changes can either be in the form of swell or in the form of shrinkage. The swelling pressures and the swell ratio are considered to be the primary parameters defining the swelling in clays when subjected to moisture changes [7,8]
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