Hence, high damage related to shrinking and swelling has been recorded. Since 1989, it is more than 5 000 communes for 75 departments, which were affected par the shrinking-swelling. This phenomenon is largely distributed. However, certain areas are more particularly affected in close relation with the geological nature of the ground. It is the case in particular of the plain of Flandres, the southern part of the Basin of Paris, the graben of Limagne, the area of Apt and especially of the whole of the molassic slopes of South-west, between Agen and Toulouse and many others to a somewhat lesser extent.
In the figure we could see a number of times that a commune was recognized in a ‘state of natural disaster’ (following the law of 13 July 1982) with respect to shrinking-swelling until August 15, 2006 (from http://www.argiles.fr/)
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.
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.
Margron P., Mouroux P. & Pinte J.C. 1988. La construction économique sur sols gonflants. BRGM-REXCOOP. BRGM Ed., Manuels et méthodes, 125 p.
Ministère de l’Environnement, 1993, Sécheresse et construction : guide de prévention. La Documentation Française, 51p.
Internet links :
http://www.prim.net/professionnel/documentation/dossiers_info/nat/low/mouvtTerr.pdf
http://www.argiles.fr/