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Black cotton soil is unsuitable for foundations because its
  • a)
    particles are cohesive
  • b)
    permeability is uncertain
  • c)
    property to undergo volumetric change
  • d)
    bearing capacity is low
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Black cotton soil is unsuitable for foundations because itsa)particles...
Why Black Cotton Soil is Unsuitable for Foundations

Black cotton soil is a type of expansive soil that is composed of clay minerals and is known to undergo volumetric changes due to changes in moisture content. It is unsuitable for foundations due to the following reasons:

1. Volumetric Changes

Black cotton soil has a high capacity to absorb moisture, which causes it to swell and expand. Conversely, when it loses moisture, it shrinks and contracts. These volumetric changes can cause significant damage to foundations, leading to cracks and settlement.

2. Low Bearing Capacity

Black cotton soil has a low bearing capacity, which means it cannot support heavy loads. This is because it is composed of small particles that are cohesive and have poor drainage properties. When a foundation is built on such soil, it can easily sink and become unstable, leading to structural damage.

3. Permeability

Black cotton soil has uncertain permeability, which means it can retain moisture for a long time. This can lead to the weakening of the soil structure, making it unsuitable for foundations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, black cotton soil is unsuitable for foundations due to its property to undergo volumetric changes, low bearing capacity, and uncertain permeability. It is important to carry out a soil investigation before building any foundation to determine the suitability of the soil for the intended purpose.
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Community Answer
Black cotton soil is unsuitable for foundations because itsa)particles...
Black cotton soil:
  • Black cotton soils show swelling and shrinkage behavior on wetting and drying.
  • Black Cotton Soil also consists of the excess of Montmorillonite mineral.
  • These show volumetric changes with the change of atmospheric conditions.
  • Black cotton soil shows swelling when moisture content increases and shrinkage behavior when moisture content decreases. 
  • Under reamed piles are used for these types of soils.
Important Points
  • As black cotton soils are expansive soils i.e having swelling and shrinkage behavior and due to this Lightly loaded structures are more susceptible to damage as a result of volume changes in the soil. Therefore these soils need to be stabilized first before loading.
  • Investigation says that lime is a good stabilizing agent for the construction of a road in black cotton soil.
  • Lime forms the bonding between the soil particles which is missing in black cotton soil and hence stabilizes.
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Black cotton soil is unsuitable for foundations because itsa)particles are cohesiveb)permeability is uncertainc)property to undergo volumetric changed)bearing capacity is lowCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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