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,
- 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, which could lead to further compromised structural
integrity, or
- an inability to resist expected loads, which could lead
to
- excessive deformation or deflection of walls, or
- excessive deflection or vibration of floors.
This is to limit the probability of:
- the space being unsuitable for its intended use, or
- damage to the building.