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steel, and Insufficient attention to surface and underground water. Miscalculating the severity of the problem for a particular clay soil can result in damage although some mitigating measures were taken. Construction problems related to swell ing soi Is Include lack of reinforcing steel, Insufficient or Improperly placed reinforcing steel, mushroom-topped drilled piers, and Inadequate void space between salls and grade beams. Allowing clays to dry excessively before pouring concrete and permitting the ponding of water near a foundation during and after construction also are contributing factors in swell ing-sol I related construction problems. aui Iding without allowance for basement or ground floor movement in known swelling soils areas is a very common source of property damage. Improper landscaping problems include inadequate management of surface drainage and planting vegetation next to the foundation 50 irrigation water enters the soil. Mitigation Methods for building In and on swelling soils are well developed and some of them are highly sophisticated. Although more costly Initially, there is usually no reason to avoid construction provided the appropriate mitiqation measures are taken. Correct i va measures to prevent or at least mln~ze damage and recurring problems Include: I dent i fy i ng so I I prob I ems Testing of sol Is to determine their physical characteristics Designing structures to with- stand the l'worst possible" changing sol I conditions as indicated by testing. Constructing the properly engineered design In a workmanlike fashion Educat i ng bu i I ding owners/ occupants about the sol I situation and its potential significance, especially relative to the roie of water. Swe I II ng so II s damaged th I s basement slab so severe I y that the concrete was removed. The photo shows the basement floor before it was hauled away. 39