Engineered fill - should I be worried?

[Shane1975]

Just found out that the new home we purchased (walk out basement) will require an engineered fill due to clay soil conditions. Is this something I should be worried about? Could this cause any future problems in terms of grading / moisture?

[DrXenon]

As you probably know, the clayey soil won't allow water to drain very well, so they're going to put some better-draining soil under and around your house. The question is whether they're using enough soil - if it were me, I'd commission my own engineer to specify the amount. Also, I'd insist on that dimpled plastic sheathing on the exterior basement walls. I'd also insist on a direct connection from the downpipes to the storm sewer if your municipality permits this. Weeping tile around the perimeter, too.

[Shane1975]

THe basement will be wrapped with a damp proof membrane to provide that extra layer of protection against water. I think weeping tile is also code.
I will ask about the downspouts being connected but I doubt they will do
this. I'm just hoping they are using some good material for the fill because
if they don't then soil around the perimiter may start to settle and water good start pooling.

Thanks for your reply.

[Genblue]

Hello,
I'm a local land developer and engineering fill is typical in new home building. Soil compaction is highly regulated by the towns/cities and lots with engineered fill typically require wider/deeper footings.

Assuming that the concrete used is Ok and the forming/footings are done properly, you shouldn't have any issues with an engineered fill lot.

I hope that this helps.

[Shane1975]

Hello,
I'm a local land developer and engineering fill is typical in new home building. Soil compaction is highly regulated by the towns/cities and lots with engineered fill typically require wider/deeper footings.

Assuming that the concrete used is Ok and the forming/footings are done properly, you shouldn't have any issues with an engineered fill lot.

I hope that this helps.

Thats reassuring. Thank you.

[Pete_Coach]

Hello,
I'm a local land developer and engineering fill is typical in new home building. Soil compaction is highly regulated by the towns/cities and lots with engineered fill typically require wider/deeper footings.

Assuming that the concrete used is Ok and the forming/footings are done properly, you shouldn't have any issues with an engineered fill lot.

I hope that this helps.
Good to know. I have a question about this though. Engineered soil is sort of blended with concrete to stabilize the substrate and soil before footings, a foundation and slab are put there but, what is engineered fill? Is it aggregate and dirt infilled after the foundation is built?
Just throwing dirt or fill onto clay does no good at all, as so many DIY interlock installers have found out.

[jamzbe]

THe basement will be wrapped with a damp proof membrane to provide that extra layer of protection against water. I think weeping tile is also code.
I will ask about the downspouts being connected but I doubt they will do
this. I'm just hoping they are using some good material for the fill because
if they don't then soil around the perimiter may start to settle and water good start pooling.

Thanks for your reply.


You said "damp proof" which is different than "water proof". From my understanding "damp proof" is just tar paper and water proof is the dimpled membrane used for water proofing foundations.

I don't know what engineered fill is but when I got part of my foundation excavated they filled it back up with crushed stone - which I think is pretty cheap. It makes sense that the crushed stone offers good drainage. The only problem I see is that dirt will eventually make it's way between the stones.