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What we are doing and why
We are supporting research by the University of South Australia, through a research grant awarded in 2024, to support the development of practical guidelines aimed at reducing structural damage to buildings caused by the swelling and shrinkage of expansive soil due to moisture fluctuations.
About 50 per cent of Victoria’s surface is made up of expansive soils.
Expansive soils swell when exposed to moisture and shrink as they dry, which can create stress on building footings, concrete slabs and plumbing systems and lead to potential fracturing over time.
Water leaks from compromised plumbing lines can amplify the expansiveness of the soil. This has the potential to impact the structural integrity of buildings, safety risks and costly repairs.
While current standards and guidelines offer guidance for constructing on expansive soil, this research aims to provide further insight that considers moisture changes prompted by seasonal shifts in Victoria’s diverse climates.
This research focuses on improving building structural integrity and safety in areas with expansive soils, by:
- Identifying the causes of plumbing line failure under homes that lead to potential water damage and structural issues that can exacerbate soil swelling and shrinkage.
- Creating a prediction tool and interactive map highlighting the areas of Victoria where building structural integrity is at greatest risk due to expansive soils, based on soil and climate data.
- Developing practical construction guidelines specific to Victoria’s expansive soil regions to help architects, building designers, builders and building surveyors make informed decisions about foundation design and site preparation, reducing risks to building structural integrity.
Dr Hoang Bao Khoi Nguyen, course coordinator and lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering at the University of South Australia STEM, is leading the research.
What we have achieved so far
The research commenced in March 2025 and is due for completion by mid-2026.