© Foundation Systems Hawaii, LLC 2022 Hawaii Contractor’s License Number CT-35276
GEOTECHNICAL DISTRESS FACTORS
Water
The soil that your foundation rests on can be exposed to water in many different ways. The
physical characteristics of each soil determine the ability to withstand water. Water can erode the
soil out from under your house causing it to settle. Water also affects the bearing capacity of the
soil that the foundation rests on. Your first line of defense against foundation movement is proper
drainage.
Soil Conditions
The most common and undesirable soil condition, here in Hawaii, is expansive clay soil. The
expansive properties allow the soil to shrink and swell with the changing moisture content. This
soil type has the ability to shift your structure, creating cracks in the concrete slabs, walls, etc...
When a structure is supported by various soil conditions, the house may move differentially. The
amount of movement can vary from one half to the other. If the foundation system is not properly
designed, the differential movement may cause damage to the foundation and structure.
Slope Creep
Slope creep is the action of soil moving down a hillside. Slope creep can be caused by different
reasons, such as weathering or poor preparation of fill soil. The soil movement is typically very
slow, but overtime the results can be severe and damaging.
Other Factors
Improper fill and/or compaction, tree root decay, poor drainage, under slab plumbing, inferior
construction.
Recognizing Geotechnical Distress
Cracks in concrete, interior walls, brick and hollow tile, sticking windows and doors, roof leaks,
separations at joints, sunken and uneven floors, cracked tile/flooring, walls that are buckled or
bowed.
COMMITTED TO
SUPERIOR SERVICE,
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
AND UTMOST QUALITY
GEOSTRUCTURAL
CONSTRUCTION
CALL (808) 833-7173 / RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL
HAWAII CONTRACTORS LICENSE NO. CT-35276