Swellable Clay

Swellable clay is a type of clay that expands significantly when it absorbs water. Its tiny particles have a layered structure that allows water molecules to enter between them, causing the clay to swell and increase in volume. This property can affect construction, agriculture, and geology by causing foundation movement, soil instability, or changes in landforms. Swellable clays are commonly found in certain geographic regions and require special considerations in engineering and land use planning to manage their behavior and prevent damage or safety issues.