Before any construction project begins, one of the biggest questions engineers must answer is simple: Can the ground support what’s being built? In regions like Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, the answer isn’t always yes. The soils that make up these landscapes are diverse, and in many areas, problematic. Without proper testing and stabilization, poor soil conditions can cause costly delays, design changes, and even long-term structural issues.

Understanding Problem Soils

Across the Southwest, soil issues in construction often come down to instability, moisture sensitivity, or poor load-bearing capacity. The most common culprits include:

• Expansive clay, which swells when wet and shrinks when dry, creates pressure that can crack foundations or pavements.

• Soft organic soils, which compress under weight and cause uneven settlement.

• Loose sands and silts, which shift easily and can’t provide consistent support.

• Poorly drained soils, which retain water and weaken over time, particularly during heavy rainfall or flooding events.

In Texas, expansive clay is the most widespread concern. Found throughout Central and North Texas, this soil type can expand up to 10% in volume with moisture changes,  exerting thousands of pounds of force against slabs and walls. The result? Foundation failures, pavement cracking, and costly post-construction repairs.

How Poor Soils Impact Development

When soils aren’t properly tested or treated, even the most well-designed projects can run into trouble. Some of the most common issues include:

• Delays during construction: When unexpected soil conditions are discovered after grading begins, projects may pause while engineers revise designs or call for stabilization.

• Design changes and cost overruns: Weak or expansive soils may require deeper foundations, structural reinforcement, or soil replacement, each adding time and cost.

• Settlement and cracking: Uneven soil behavior can cause slabs, driveways, or utilities to shift over time, leading to visible damage and warranty claims.

• Drainage failures: Poor soil permeability can cause water to pool around structures, further destabilizing foundations and subgrades.

In short, ignoring soil issues in the early stages of development nearly always leads to expensive corrections later.

Prevention Starts With Geotechnical Testing

The best way to avoid these risks is to identify them early. A geotechnical investigation involves soil borings, lab testing, and analysis that reveal a site’s exact conditions. Engineers evaluate soil strength, plasticity, and moisture behavior to design foundations and grading plans that align with the site’s limitations.

For example:

• In areas with expansive clay, a geotechnical engineer may recommend post-tensioned slabs or deep pier foundations.

• Where soft soils exist, they might suggest importing stronger fill or using compaction techniques to improve density.

• In drainage-prone sites, engineered grading and sub-surface drains are designed to control water movement and prevent long-term damage.

Engineering Solutions for Poor Soils

Once poor soil conditions are identified, there are proven methods to make sites buildable. Common solutions include:

• Lime or cement stabilization – chemically strengthens clay-rich soils and reduces expansion.

• Compaction and moisture conditioning – increases density and reduces settlement risk.

• Drainage improvements – reroutes water away from foundations and subgrades.

• Deep foundations – transfers structural loads through weak soil layers into stable ground below.

These solutions not only protect the structure but also reduce the likelihood of redesigns or schedule interruptions, keeping development timelines on track.

Strong Foundations Start With the Right Data

Across Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, poor soil conditions are more than a construction inconvenience; they’re a major risk factor. But with proper testing and planning, even challenging sites can be developed successfully.

The key is simple: address soil problems before construction begins, not after. A detailed soil analysis and foundation design plan are essential for long-term stability and compliance with state and local standards.

To discuss soil testing or stabilization options for your next project, visit our Geosciences page or contact us to connect with our engineering team.

FAQs

• What happens if the soil isn’t suitable for construction?
  Engineers may recommend soil stabilization, importing stronger fill, or designing deep foundations to bypass weak layers.

• Can soil be improved for building?
  Yes. Methods like lime stabilization, compaction, and drainage improvements can make poor soils viable for development.

• How early should soil testing be performed?
  Ideally, during the initial site planning phase, before design or grading begins, risks can be identified and time saved later.

• What’s the long-term benefit of soil stabilization?
  It strengthens the foundation support system, improves drainage, reduces maintenance costs, and increases the lifespan of the structure.