The Importance of Soil Compaction

In this inspection, I am at a new build (home). As I was walking around the perimeter of the property, I am sinking into the ground from a lack of proper soil compaction. I am going to be recommending the soil is properly compacted by the builder before my client moves in. During this period of constant rain in the southeast Texas area, it has really helped to expose the soil compaction problem.
Why is Soil compaction important?
1. It increases the load-bearing capacity.
2. Prevents soil settlement and frost damage.
3. Provides stability
4. Reduces water seepage, swelling, and contraction.
What happens when soil is not properly compacted?
1. Settlement-including buckling driveways and sidewalks
2. Cracks in Foundations and Structural walls
3. Ponding and flooding
4. Overall poor drainage on the land and in worst-case scenarios poorly compacted soils can even cause structural failures.