| Summary: | This paper describes a set of tests and related information regarding local foundation soils. The tests were made to determine not only local problems, but also to collect and record data that will be helpful in the solution of additional research in soil mechanics at A. & M. College, College Station, Texas. The treatise, in the main, deals with the following topics: 1) the determination of the moisture content of foundation soils at College Station; 2) investigation of the volume change in foundation soil at College Station; 3) an investigation of the effect of precipitation and evaporation on the moisture content of foundation soils; and 4) general discussions: "Expansive-Soils", depth of foundation footings at College Station, damage caused by surface water, and dependability of reference-rod. The precipitation and evaporation for this experiment are nearly equal to the mean precipitation and evaporation for the past 41 years. We may assume, therefore, that the conclusions of this research are average. 1. Seasonal changes in climate at College Station affect the moisture content and volume of the soil mass to a depth of 5 feet. These changes are slow and decrease with greater depth. 2. The seasonal changes in climate have little effect on the moisture content at 5 feet and deeper but the moisture content varies for each site location. 3. The volume changes at 4 feet and deeper are small. 4. The foundation soil at College Station is one of the "expansive" soils, and has properties of expansion as shown by the table on page 37. 5. Footings for College Station buildings should be placed in the ground at a minimum depth of 5 feet. 6. Footings for a residence should be placed in the ground at a minimum depth of 5 feet. 7. The bench mark used in this research is satisfactory for determining settlement values on large structures, as the Chemistry Building.
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