What is the minimum swelling pressure of expansive soil?

The minimum swelling pressure of expansive soil is typically recognized to be around 5,000 psi. This is an important measurement in geotechnical engineering as swelling soil can cause significant issues for structures built upon it. Expansive soils, also known as shrink-swell soils, undergo volume changes when moisture content changes, which can exert considerable pressure on foundations and various structures.

Understanding that 5,000 psi is considered the minimum threshold provides a crucial baseline for engineers when evaluating soil conditions and designing foundations. This knowledge allows for appropriate selection of construction methods and materials, as well as implementing measures to mitigate damage caused by soil expansion.

The higher values noted in the other choices reflect increasing levels of swelling pressure that may be associated with more severely expansive soil types or specific conditions, but they do not represent the minimum standard more commonly observed in the field. Therefore, recognizing 5,000 psi as the acceptable minimum ensures that engineers are adequately prepared to address potential soil-related issues in construction projects.