Why is a strong foundation especially important in southeastern Wisconsin?
The soils in southeastern Wisconsin vary greatly throughout the region. Free draining soil found in western Waukesha County is rated at 45 pounds per cubic foot (PCF). This is the number used in the calculation for the poured concrete foundation wall per code. Partially composed of clay, the soils in eastern Waukesha, northwestern Racine, and western Milwaukee County is rated at 60 PCF. This soil is somewhat compressive and will place a 33% greater load on the foundation wall than a 45 PCF soil. The heavy clay soils found in parts of Walworth, Dodge, Washington, eastern Milwaukee, and eastern Kenosha counties are mostly compressive and will exhibit a 75% greater load on the foundation than the 45 PCF soils. Without the use of vertical steel reinforcement, foundations built in areas with soils exceeding 45 PCF will most likely fail over time.
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