Document Type
Honors Thesis
Abstract
Coupled with the expansive soil profile and climatic nature of Texas, trees repeatedly damage pavements and building foundations. The drying of tree roots places residential foundations at risk for soil desiccation and displacement. This research seeks to grasp a better understanding of the relationship between Texas expansive soils, tree root growth, and residential foundations in the North Texas area. This paper presents a case study of a residential house in Arlington, Texas, experiencing foundation cracking and settlement with two large trees on the property. Electrical Resistivity Imaging was done to monitor the relationship between the soil and the tree roots. Two imaging sessions in May and August were conducted, and the preliminary results indicate root volume is gravitating toward the slab during periods of drought due to moisture changes in the soil. The study revealed that the damage currently experienced can be attributed to the tree roots drying.
Publication Date
1-1-2022
Language
English
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
VegaMartinez, Rocio, "TREE ROOT INFLUENCE ON BUILDING FOUNDATIONS IN EXPANSIVE CLAY SOILS IN NORTH TEXAS" (2022). 2022 Fall Honors Capstone Projects. 6.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/honors_fall2022/6