Remediation Solutions for Buildings Affected by Shrinkage or Swelling of Unsaturated Clays

Potassium chemical injection stabilization has been effectively used to stop the volumetric change of unsaturated clays caused by the drying or wetting of expansive soils below existing buildings experiencing significant foundation settlement. This type of chemical injection is performed inside existing structures with equipment capable of treating 10–15 ft of expansive clays in low and elevated headroom conditions. This paper presents case studies of completed injection projects, including the post-injection laboratory soil swell test results on an existing historical railroad depot located in Temple, TX, a distribution center and a warehouse building both located in Irving, TX. This paper presents an overview of the potassium injection stabilization operations and performance requirements used for various projects, in addition to discussing the methodology used to properly treat the underlying clays while limiting further deterioration to the existing building’s structural stability and serviceability while being cost effective.