The Role of Soil Composition in Concrete Settling and Leveling

The ground beneath our feet plays a crucial role in the longevity and stability of concrete structures. From the expansive clay soils that can shift dramatically with moisture changes to the sandy loams that offer better drainage, each soil type impacts how concrete reacts over time. Experts who understand the soil compositions and its effects of St. Louis are crucial for ensuring the durability of our buildings, roads, and foundations. Whether you’re dealing with the silty soils near the Mississippi River, old abandoned clay mines in the City or the rocky terrain in the western suburbs, knowing how to work with the local geology can make all the difference in preventing concrete settling issues. Let’s explore the various soil types found in the St. Louis area and take a closer look into how each affects concrete structures, providing you with the knowledge to build on solid ground.

Types of Soil and Their Properties

Each soil type has its own distinct qualities that provide unique challenges to the properties built upon it. By understanding the characteristics of soil types in St. Louis, you can make educated decisions about the maintenance of your home. Here are three common soil types in Missouri, as well as special considerations you should take if you have a property on them.  

Clay Soil

Clay is perhaps the most common soil type in St. Louis. This soil type is composed of tiny, flat particles that pack tightly together, creating a dense material with poor drainage characteristics. 

It’s known for having expansive properties, which can make this soil type problematic for homeowners.  

When moisture seeps into clay soil, the soil can swell significantly, exerting tremendous pressure on concrete structures next to and above it. As the soil swells, it can exert lateral pressure on foundation walls and lift concrete slabs, causing them to crack or become uneven.

Conversely, when clay soil dries out and shrinks, it can leave voids beneath the concrete. These newfound gaps could potentially lead to settlement and structural damage. 

In St. Louis, where clay soils are common, builders must be especially vigilant in implementing proper drainage systems and soil preparation techniques to mitigate these effects on concrete structures.

Sandy Soil

In contrast to clay, sandy soil is composed of larger, coarser particles. Therefore, sandy soil offers excellent drainage properties. 

Water moves quickly through this type of soil, which can be both a blessing and a curse for concrete structures. Good drainage helps prevent the accumulation of water that can lead to frost heave in colder months. This characteristic is a significant advantage for concrete durability.

However, the same properties that make sandy soil well-draining also make it prone to erosion. This can be particularly challenging for concrete foundations or slabs.

Erosion can create voids beneath the structure, leading to settlement over time. In areas of St. Louis with sandier soils, (often found closer to rivers) contractors often need to implement erosion control measures and ensure proper compaction to provide a stable base for concrete structures.

Loamy Soil

Loamy soil is often considered the Goldilocks of soil types—not too dense, not too loose, but just right for many construction applications. This soil is a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay particles, offering a combination of good drainage and water retention properties. For concrete structures, loamy soil provides a relatively stable foundation that is less prone to the extreme behaviors of clay or sandy soils.

The stability characteristics of loamy soil make it advantageous for construction projects. It tends to maintain its structure well under load, reducing the risk of significant settlement issues for concrete slabs and foundations.

Additionally, loamy soil’s balanced composition allows for easier compaction, which is crucial for creating a solid base for concrete structures. In St. Louis areas blessed with loamy soil, builders often find it easier to achieve optimal soil conditions for long-lasting concrete installations!

What Impacts Soil Behavior In St. Louis?

St. Louis’s diverse soil composition presents unique challenges for construction projects, with soil behavior playing a crucial role in the stability of structures. Understanding the factors that influence soil behavior is essential for ensuring the longevity and safety of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure in the area. Two key elements that significantly impact soil behavior in St. Louis are moisture content and soil density. Let’s take a closer look at both!

Moisture Content

Moisture content has a profound influence on soil stability in St. Louis, particularly due to the prevalence of clay soils in the region. Clay soil is notorious for its dramatic expansion when wet and shrinkage when dry. These drastic changes can exert tremendous pressure on concrete structures or create voids beneath them. 

The optimal moisture level varies depending on the soil type:

• Clay soils: 60-80%
• Loamy soils: 70-88%
• Sandy soils: 80-90%

Maintaining appropriate moisture levels is crucial, as excessive moisture can lead to soil instability and erosion, while insufficient moisture may cause soil to become overly compact and resistant to plant growth.

Soil Density

Optimal soil density is achieved through proper compaction. Proper compaction increases soil stability, reduces settlement issues, and improves the soil’s ability to support structures. 

In areas with loamy soil, achieving optimal compaction is relatively easier due to its balanced composition of sand, silt, and clay particles. However, poorly compacted soil can have severe consequences, including increased susceptibility to erosion, reduced load-bearing capacity, and potential for significant settlement over time. 

This is particularly critical in urban development areas of St. Louis, where most of the upland soils are used for construction purposes. Ensuring proper soil density through appropriate compaction techniques is essential for creating a solid foundation for concrete structures and minimizing long-term structural issues.

St. Louis Concrete Leveling Specialists 

When it comes to concrete leveling in St. Louis, you need a team that understands the unique challenges posed by our local soil conditions. That’s where Stratum Structural Systems comes in. 

Our experts have extensive knowledge of the diverse soil compositions found throughout the St. Louis area, from the expansive clays to the well-draining sandy loams. This local expertise allows us to provide tailored solutions that address the specific soil-related issues affecting your concrete structures.

Don’t let uneven concrete compromise the safety and value of your property. Trust Stratum Structural Systems to bring your concrete back to level. 

Whether you’re dealing with a sunken driveway, an uneven patio, or a tilted sidewalk, we have the skills and experience to restore your concrete surfaces to their original, safe condition. 

Contact Stratum Structural Systems today and take the first step toward stable, level concrete that will stand the test of time in our challenging St. Louis soil environment.