What is the aim of the review?
Possible changes in the water table levels and soil moisture conditions are expected as a result of environmental change. Flooding, where surface water exists above the ground surface, can be one circumstance that can lead to wetting and ground water table rise within the soil. In the first stage of flooding, the building structure is subject to the destructive impacts of water streams. In the aftermath of flooding, when water levels subside, the subsoil remains saturated with water. A further effect of flooding is that of soil erosion and scour which can do significant damage to foundations.

Consideration has been given by researchers and strategists to the impacts of climate change on the UK built environment and what might be needed for adaption. A consensus is that potential problems to foundations could be addressed through higher specification of foundations, including greater depths for foundations, as well as by new construction methods. It is also possible that higher [increasing] minimum temperatures and fewer cold days could reduce problems associated with frost heave. It may be that an increase in the number of properties suffering damage could result in changes in the perception of the severity of damage and householders may become willing to accept minor levels of damage.

Who's in the review team?

• Dr David Toll, School of Engineering and Computing Sciences, Durham University, UK
• Prof. Zainul Abedin, Bangladesh Agricultural University (and Visiting Research Fellow, Durham University)
• Dr Jelle Buma, Deltares, The Netherlands
• Prof. Yu-jun Cui, Ecole des Ponts Paris Tech, France
• Dr Ashraf Osman, Durham University
• Prof. K.K. Phoon, National University of Singapore
  

At what stage is the review?
This review is currently at the draft review stage. Please visit our "draft reviews" page to find out more about providing feedback on this document

Comments?
If you would like to comment on any aspect of this review, please email us. Your feedback is appreciated.