A Survey of Geotechnical Practice for Expansive Soils in Texas

This study describes geotechnical practice for expansive soils in Texas based on a controlled research survey of Texas geotechnical engineers conducted in April–May 2002. Expansive soils are Texas' defining geotechnical issue; however, the findings of this research show a remarkable amount of uncertainty in the geotechnical community as regards expansive soil movement prediction, analysis and design. The findings address the demographics of Texas geotechnical engineering practice, education in the expansive soil area, the frequency of use for several methods of expansive soil identification and characterization, the validity and procedures for expansive soil laboratory tests, the validity and frequency of use for several expansive soil movement prediction methods, and common practices for expansive soil analysis, reporting, and design. Despite the focus on Texas, the expansive soil practice issues described herein go beyond state boundaries and are of national and international interest with respect to the public health, safety and welfare.