GEOLOGIC HAZARDS

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Problem Soil and Rock Hazards

Hazards resulting from specific soil and/or rock properties, such as collapsible soil, expansive soil and rock, land subsidence and earth fissures, and radon gas are just a few of the effects of problem soil and rock. These hazards have caused extensive damage to buildings, utilities, and other infrastructure in Utah, resulting in high maintenance and replacement costs when not properly mitigated.

A building with dirt around it under construction.
A building with dirt around it under construction.
An open hole in the ground.
An open hole in the ground.
A rockface with darker orange rock on top of lighter orange rock with a rockhammer for scale.
A rockface with darker orange rock on top of lighter orange rock with a rockhammer for scale.
A scientist using an instrument on the ground.
A scientist using an instrument on the ground.
A landscape of an orange and brown slope.
A landscape of an orange and brown slope.
A building with dirt around it under construction.
A building with dirt around it under construction.
An open hole in the ground.
An open hole in the ground.
A rockface with darker orange rock on top of lighter orange rock with a rockhammer for scale.
A rockface with darker orange rock on top of lighter orange rock with a rockhammer for scale.
A landscape of an orange and brown slope.
A landscape of an orange and brown slope.
Map of geologic hazards in Utah symbolized in reds, oranges, and yellows.
Explore the Utah Geologic Hazards Portal
A red brick house with cracks along the brick boundaries.

Expansive soil and rock that was not adequately considered during construction has produced cracks in the walls of this house in Santa Clara.

Impacts of Problem Soils and Rocks

Problem soils, such as expansive, compressible, and/or collapsible soils, can cause extensive damage to structures and foundations. Problem soils may also damage pavements after construction, resulting in high maintenance and/or replacement costs, along with increased legal and financial liability from pavement separation and/or gaps causing tripping hazards. In addition, future maintenance may disrupt business activities, resulting in increased costs and/or lost revenue. Except for radon gas, no deaths have been reported in Utah from other problem soil and rock hazards; however, they have caused an undetermined, but very significant, amount of infrastructure damage and resulting economic impact.

Related Information:

Costs of Problem Soil and Rock Hazards

Geologic Hazards and Insurance – Are You Covered?

Public Interest Articles

Problem Soil and Rock Articles: 16