INTRODUCTION

In the world of construction, soil has always been considered as one of the most
important elements in order to build a safe and long lasting infrastructure. Generally,
soil is defined as the “upper layer of earth in which plants grow, a black or dark
brown material typically consisting of a mixture of organic remains, clay, and rock
particles”. In construction soil acts as the base and subsequently need to provide
support towards the building. Hence, it is really important for an engineer to make
choices on the type of soil that should be used in construction.

In order to ensure the characteristics of soil used in construction, the field

engineer need to make a soil investigation reports that briefly explain on the
characteristics of soil such as its strength, permeability and several other properties
that would directly or indirectly effects the soil when a construction happens. When a
soil is deem as not suitable for construction, an engineer must choose a different place
for construction. Looking at the bright side, engineer can also suggested several
approach that can be taken in order to improve the soil quality so it can be used for
building.

When a construction take place at the area which its soil is not suitable,
catastrophic failure could occur. As for an example it can lead to soil erosion, building
failure, cracked foundation and others. Thus, identifying the characteristic of soil used
in construction is a really important measure that should not be taken lightly. Several
characteristics of soil that need to be determined in construction are:

1) Neutral pH and balanced chemistry to avoid the foundation in the soil

corroded.

2) Stability through the cycle of drying and wetting to avoid expanding soil which
could lead to crack in building and foundation.
3) The soil bearing capacity to avoid it from sinking when subjected under high
pressure.

4) The soil permeability towards precipitation to allow runoff and avoid erosion.

THEORY

As soil has always been a fundamental elements in construction, engineers need

to find the suitable application that can be used to improve the condition of a
problematic soil. Through the task given, the students had agreed to discuss about the
characteristics of the loamy soil and how the properties of loamy soil can effect the
construction that takes place.

Loamy soil is define as mixture of soil that are usually used for planting purposes.
Loamy soil has an equal combination of clay, sand and silt. Each of the element of
loamy soil help to gives benefits with several other disadvantages that would be
discuss throughout the discussion. Other than agricultural purposes, loamy soil is also
used in construction as not only the ground floor but it is also used as a layer of wall
to enhance the humidity level inside the building.

Generally, loam soils are rich in nutrients, more moisture and humus in
comparison to sandy soils. Loamy soil has better infiltration of water and air air
compared to clay rich soils and are easier to till than clay soils. Due to this properties,
loamy soil have a well defined drainage which helps the water to flow easily inside
the soil. Different kind of loamy soil however can have different texture which
subsequently effects the condition of the soil.

Several problems that could occur due to the use of loamy soils in construction
are :
 1) Shifting of soil stucture

 As loamy soil are known for it rich in nutrient properties, loamy soil had largely
been used for plantation purpose. Thus when a construction takes place, loamy
soils would usually contain abundant amount of undecomposed vegetation.
Hence when the decomposition of vegetation occur it would cause shifting in the
soil’s structure which subsequently effects the stability of the building.

2) Erosion

 Loamy soil have high amount of fine sand and silt which have moderate to low
level of permeability. While the water inside the soil are retained easily, most of
water cannot easily enter the strata of the loamy soil. This is a huge disadvantage
as soil need water to increase its bulk and density. When the water cannot enter
the water, the soil would easily detach. Subsequently when rain or wind comes,
the detached particle of sand and silt would be carried away causing the soil to
erode.

After identifying all problems in loamy soil that could give direct and indirect
effects towards the building at the end of the project we would propose several
suitable approach that can help to improve the condition of loamy soil. Despite having
several problems, loamy soil has always considered as one of the best kind of soil that
can be used for construction. Hence a good approach can help to further improve the
soil condition thus ensuring the building to be more stable and safe to be used.
 References :

1) https://www.dictionary.com/

2) https://www.soils.org/files/sssa/iys/may-soils-overview.pdf

3) https://home.howstuffworks.com/what-is-loam-soil.htm

4) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loam

5) https://www.hunker.com/12415148/what-soils-best-support-structu
res-such-as-buildings

6) https://accucutconcretecuttingla.com/different-soils-affect-con
crete-building-foundations/

7) https://www.holganix.com/blog/4-key-soil-types-advantages-and-d
isadvantages

8) https://homeguides.sfgate.com/loam-soil-pros-cons-40979.html