F.H. Chen's seminal work, Foundations on Expansive Soils , is a comprehensive guide for practicing engineers that bridges the gap between theoretical soil mechanics and practical construction solutions for swelling soils. Originally published in 1975 and updated in later editions, the text addresses the significant structural damage caused by soils that swell with moisture and shrink upon drying. The book is structured into two primary parts: Part I: Theory and Practice
Expansive soils are a common problem in many parts of the world, particularly in regions with high plasticity soils. These soils can cause significant damage to structures, including foundations, pavements, and buildings. The damage can range from minor cracks to complete collapse of the structure. The main cause of the damage is the volume change of the soil in response to changes in moisture content. foundations on expansive soils chen pdf