The bonds between these layers are weak van der Waals forces, allowing water molecules to easily infiltrate the inter-lamellar spaces.
: A stable, non-expanding mineral with strong hydrogen bonds that resist water intrusion. The Active Zone
: Quantifies the exact swelling pressure and free swell percentage under controlled laboratory conditions. Foundation Design Strategies
Expansive soils, often containing minerals like , undergo significant volume changes with varying moisture levels. These soils swell when wet and shrink when dry, exerting massive "uplift pressure" that can easily exceed the dead load of light structures.