08-19-2026, 06:31 AM
For foundations in Black Cotton (BC) soil, the key issue is not simply low bearing capacity—it is the shrink–swell behaviour of expansive clay. Will discuss here a case with BC soil extending to 10 m depth, and compares stabilized soil/macadams with under-reamed piles.
Why Black Cotton Soil is problematic
BC soil:
Why Black Cotton Soil is problematic
BC soil:
- Swells when it absorbs moisture
- Shrinks and cracks when it dries
- Can produce differential movement below foundations.
- Light structures can actually be particularly vulnerable to heave; the reference notes this observation for single-storey buildings.

