An elastic analysis and design of a residential foundation on expansive soil

This research is intended to provide an explanation and a possible solution to a common problem, the cracking of superstructures built on a slab-on-grade foundation which aggravates home owners across Texas. Slab-on-grade foundations are the most common type of residential home foundations and are constructed with little or no knowledge of the soil properties. When this type of foundation is constructed on expansive soil, home owners have problems shutting doors and closing windows due to the soil heave which affects the serviceability of the structure. Elastic beam theories are used to analyze and design a residential slab-on-grade foundation on expansive soil. The presented material is intended to break down the complex matter of analyzing a residential foundation on expansive soil and providing a basis of design.