ASSESMENT OF DAMAGE OF STRUCTURES CONSTRUCTED ON EXPANSIVE SOIL: PRELIMINARY STUDY AREAS OF SECHA, ARBA MINCH

Abstract

Expansive soils are weak and unstable when subjected to moisture content fluctuations. Their presence in one of crucial factors that can significantly impact engineering costs for it may cause major deterioration and distresses on lightweight structures laid at a shallow depth. The problem associated with expansive soils is not yet properly solved. It is important to assess buildings constructed in expansive soil areas in order to know the cause of failure. This helps in providing solutions for newly constructed buildings and to get remedial measures for those already damaged. Therefore, in this study an attempt was made to assess the damage that occurred on structures that are constructed on expansive soil areas by considering two structures in ‘Secha’ area. The houses are located at the top of Romi Hotel from ‘Sikela’ and , around Lemlem Hotel. The project showed that a two story building were damaged before giving any service, some houses were slightly damaged and other boundary blocks were damaged and showed visible cracks. Analysis was made to understand the cause, extent and type of damage that was observed in the structures. The damages that are observed are mainly caused by the existence of expansive soils. Also non-controlled drainage, poor design and lack of maintenance during initiation of cracks are common problems in Arba Minch town.