Multistory apartment building on poznan clay - Case history

So called "poznan clay" is probably the most potentially expansive clay that is found in Poland. It is present In many parts of the country. However significant damage to many buildings have been encountered in the Wielkopolska Region. This paper presents a case study of a multistory apartment building founded on "poulan clay". The building has been damaged several times in a period of 30 years: The first major damage was caused by a cracked sewer pipe, and resulted in extensive heaving of clay under basement floors and foundations. After approximately ten years damage was once again initiated by a nearby group of trees. Tree roots have penetrated soil under foundations and dried out the soil causing its shrinkage and settlements of building foundations.