Prevention and repairing of the damages due sinking process are in line with the techniques used to protect against the shrinking-swelling process.
Techniques of pre-consolidation of the soil by drainage and application of overload before the construction process are commonly applied.
Two types of repairing methods and prevention techniques are generally undertaken according to their efficiency and costs:
- “hard” methods (high expensive costs but generally efficient), consisting of the reinforcement of the building with piles and steeled girder, alternate piles, micro-stakes, chaining, etc;
- “light” methods (less expensive costs and often sufficient), consisting of positive actions in the surrounding of the building (control of the water discharge, control of the vegetation with root screens and the choice of adapted vegetation variety, isothermal protection of the foundations, artificial increase in soil humidity with micro-porous pumps etc…).
References:
Bekkouche N. et al., 1990. Foundation problems in Champlain clays during droughts: I – rainfall deficits in Montreal (1930-1988). Revue Canadienne de Géotechnique, vol. 27, n°3, pp. 285-293.
Bekkouche N. et al., 1992. Foundation problems in Champlain clays during droughts: II – Cases histories. Revue Canadienne de Géotechnique, vol. 29, n°2, pp. 169-187.
Biddle P.J. 1983. Pattern of soil drying and moisture deficit in the vicinity of trees on city soils. Géotechnique, vol. 33, n°2, pp.107-126.
Driscoll R. 1983. The influence of vegetation on the swelling and shrinking of clay soils in Britain. Géotechnique, vol. 33, n°2, pp.93-105.
Embleton, C., and Embleton C. (eds.) (1997), Geomorphological Hazards of Europe. Developments in Earth Surface Processes 5. Amsterdam : Elsevier, 524p.
Flageollet, J. C. (1988), Les mouvements de terrain et leur prévention, Paris : Masson, 224p.
Maquaire, O., 2005. Geomorphic hazards and natural risks, In: Koster, E., A. (ed.), The Physical Geography of Western Europe, Oxford Regional Environments, Oxford University Press, Chapter 18, 354-377.
Internet links:
http://www.prim.net/professionnel/documentation/dossiers_info/nat/low/mouvtTerr.pdf
http://www.argiles.fr/