Water and soil engineers manage and design irrigation, flood and erosion control, dams, foundations, earth-retaining structures and water conservation projects.

Different Types of Soil

Expansive Soils

Certain types of soils have a tendency to shrink and swell, depending on various conditions. The result of the ground placing pressure on the footings and walls can create serious and expensive damage to a house. Clay soils that have the ability to change in volume when the water content of the soil changes are considered expansive or highly plastic. Usually, the soil will shrink when water (or moisture) content is reduced and will swell when the water content increases.

Unstable Soils

Some types of soils will tend to settle or fail over time. This causes movement of the house foundation that can be catastrophic.

-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com