What are the most common subsidence problems and how should they be addressed?
I suspect that the problem that for most it is establishing is at what stage does a property become damaged to an extent that superstructure repairs, on their own, are not adequate to continue the serviceability of a property. Various guidelines have been prepared over the years that refer to crack damage and how this type of defect can be quantified. In addition, domestic residential properties often suffer from associated building fabric distortions which, if allowed to develop over a considerable period of time, will also seriously affect the serviceability of individual properties. The most publicised cause of subsidence problems is associated with the effects of trees on shrinkable clay subsoils and how this, in turn, can affect the stability of conventional shallow foundations. However, on granular type subsoils, defective drains can also cause considerable structural distress, resulting in major remedial works being required. Ultimately the only guaranteed long term solution to
