9.4.4.3.(1)

Intent 1:

For coarser soil types near the footings' bearing surface (for which free water between soil particles can reduce bearing capacity), to limit the probability of excessive soil subsidence, which could lead to the cracking of foundations or building superstructures.

This is to limit the probability of compromised structural integrity, which could lead to:

• structural failure, or
• for environmental separators or elements supporting environmental separators, the displacement or failure of required environmental separation elements, which could lead to the deterioration of building elements.

This is to limit the probability of harm to persons.