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Chapter 4.2
Building near trees
This chapter gives guidance on meeting the Technical
Requirements and recommendations for building near
trees, particularly in shrinkable soils.
APPENDIX 4.2-A
SCOPE Statutory references 17
This Chapter gives guidance on meeting the Technical
Requirements and recommendations when building APPENDIX 4.2-B
near trees, hedgerows and shrubs, particularly in Water demand and mature height of trees 18
shrinkable soils.
APPENDIX 4.2-C
NHBC Standards do not cover aspects of health and
Foundation depth charts 19
safety relating to building operations and to the
handling and use of certain building materials. Such
APPENDIX 4.2-D
matters are covered by statutory requirements.
Foundation depth tables 23
INDEX 37
FOUNDATIONS (shrinkable soils) Alternatively the Plasticity Index may be used without
modification. For pure clays and other soils with
4.2 - D5 The design shall make allowance for 100% of particles less than 425pm the result will be
the effect of trees and hedgerows the same. However, for mixed soils such as glacial
on shrinkable soils tills, use of the modified Plasticity Index may result in
a more economic design.
Items to be taken.into account include:
For further information about the modified Plasticity
(a) shrinkage and heave Index refer to BRE Digest 240.
Shrinkable soils are subject to changes in volume as
their moisture content is altered. Soil moisture The volume change potential should be established
contents vary seasonally and are influenced by a from Site investigation and reliable local knowledge
number of factors including the action of tree roots. of the geology.
The resulting shrinkage or swelling of the soil can
Sufficient samples should be taken to provide
cause subsidence or heave damage to foundations, confidence that the test results are representative of
the structures they support and services. Heave
the soil volume change potential for the site. If in
precautions are described in Clause D8.
doubt use the higher value of volume change
Shrinkable soils are widely distributed throughout the potential.
UK. Local geological survey maps may give relevant If the volume change potential is unknown, high
information.
volume change potential should be assumed.
(b) soil classification (c) water demand of trees
For the purposes of this Chapter, shrinkable soils are Water demand varies according to tree species and size.
those containing more than 35% fine particles and
having a modified Plasticity Index of 10% or greater. Appendix 4.2-B gives the water demand categories
of common tree species.
Fine particles are defined as those having a nominal
diameter less than 6Opm, ie. clay and silt particles. Where the species of a tree has not been identified,
high water demand should be assumed.
The Plasticity Index (Ip) of a soil is a measure of its
volume change potential and is determined by Where the species of a tree has been identified but is
Atterberg Limits tests. These tests are carried out on not listed, the following assumptions may be made
the fine particles and any medium and fine sand for broad leafed trees.
particles. Soil particles with a nominal diameter
• high water demand - all Elms, Eucalyptus,
greater than 425pm are removed by sieving
beforehand. The percentage of particles smaller than Hawthorn, Oaks, Poplars and Willows
425pm is routinely reported for Atterberg Limits tests. • moderate water demand - all others.
This is a requirement of BS 1 377, which specifies the
test procedure. Where trees are not listed in Appendix 4.2-B,
information may be obtained from suitable
The Modified Plasticity Index (l'p) is defined as the alternative authoritative sources (see Appendix 4.2-G).
Plasticity Index (Ip) of the soil multiplied by the
percentage of particles less than 425pm. Tree identification can be assisted by reference to a
tree recognition book (see Appendix 4.2-0).
i.e. l'p = Ipx % less than 425rtm
100% For the purposes of this Chapter, the zone (i.e. lateral
extent) of influence of trees is shown in Table 2.
Modified Plasticity Index is related to volume change
potential as shown in Table 1. Table 2 Zone of tree influence
Table 1 Volume change potential Water demand Zone of influence
Modified Plasticity Index Volume change potential High 1.2S x mature height
40% and greater High Moderate 0.75 x mature height
20% to less than 40% Medium Low 0.S x mature height
10% to less than 20% Low
(e) climate
FOUNDATIONS (shrinkable soils) High rainfall reduces moisture deficits caused by trees
4.2 - D5 (continued) and hedgerows, and cool damp weather reduces the
(d) tree heights rate of water loss from the tree, thus reducing the
Mature heights of common tree species are listed in risk of soil movement. As the driest and hottest
Appendix 4.2-B. For the purposes of this Chapter, conditions in the UK usually prevail in southeast
these are the average mature heights to which England, the greater risk occurs in that area and
diminishes with distance north and west.
healthy trees of the species may be expected to grow
in favourable ground and environmental conditions. For the purposes of this Chapter, the UK has been
These may be used even when the actual heights are divided into zones at 50 mile intervals from London.
greater. After the foundation depth has been derived from
The mature heights given in Appendix 4.2-B should Appendix 4.2-C or 4.2-D a reduction of 0.05m
be used for trees that are to remain or are scheduled (50mm) may be made for every 50 miles distance
to be planted and where ground levels are unaltered. north and west of London (see Appendix 4.2-E).
Where ground levels are increased see also Figure 1
and Sitework clause S3(c). 4.2 - D6 Foundations shall be capable of
accommodating the effects of trees
Where there are different species within hedgerows, and hedgerows on shrinkable soils
the mature height of the species likely to have the without excessive movement
greatest effect should be used.
Items to be taken into account include:
For trees which have been or are to be removed,
allowance should be made for the fact that the water (a) foundations
demand of a tree varies with its size and rate of Foundations to all permanent structures (including
growth (see Figure t). The water demand of a semi- garages, porches and conservatories) should take
rriature tree may be as great as that for a mature tree account of the effects of soil desiccation caused
of the same species whereas the water demand for a by previous or existing trees and trees which are
sapling or young tree will be significantly less. scheduled to be planted.
Figure 1 Tree height H to be used for particular The following foundations will be acceptable in
design cases shrinkable soils, provided that they are capable of
supporting the applied loads without undue
mature he,ght
settlement, heave precautions are taken as in Clause
D8 and their design takes account of Clause 07:
in this range use
H = mature height . strip
as listed in
. trench fill
Appendix 4.2-8
(b) method of assessment of foundation depths (d) foundation depths related to proposed
One of the following methods may be used: tree planting
Foundation depths relating to proposed tree planting
• design in accordance with this Chapter to should be based on one of the following:
a depth derived from Appendix 4.2-C or 4.2-0
taking account of: • foundation depths derived in accordance with
Appendix 4.2-C or 4.2-0, or
- the site investigation
• foundation depths shown in Table 3 with
- the soil volume change potential limits agreed in the planting schedules
- the water demand of the tree to exclude trees within the distances from
foundations shown in Table 4, or
- the appropriate tree height
• foundation depths shown in Table 5 with limits
- the distance of the tree(s) from the foundations agreed in the planting schedules to exclude trees
within the zone of influence shown in Table 2.
- the geographical location of the site north and
west of London
Table 3 Minimum foundations depths
- appropriate heave precautions. allowing for restricted new planting
Note: the most onerous conditions should be Volume change potential Minimum depth [ml
assumed in the absence of any of the above
information. High 1.5
• design by an Engineer in accordance with Technical Medium 1.25
Requirement R5, taking account of: Low 1.0
- the recommendations of this Chapter
- results of the site investigation Table 4 No tree planting zone for minimum
- advice, when necessary, from a Registered depth foundations
Arboriculturalist or other competent person Water demand No tree planting zone
whose qualifications are acceptable to NHBC.
High 1.0 x mature height
Note: when this method is used and it results in
foundation depths or other details less onerous than Moderate 0.5 x mature height
those derived from this Chapter, the design should be Low 0.2 x mature height
submitted to NHBC for approval prior to work
commencing on site.
(c) distance between tree and foundation Table 5 Minimum foundations depths outside
zone of influence
The distance D between the centre of the trunk and the
nearest face of the foundation should be used to derive Volume change potential Minimum depth [ml
the foundation depths from Appendix 4.2-C or 4.2-D.
High 1.0
For trees which have been or are to be removed from
within 2m of the face of the proposed foundation Medium 0.9
and where the height on removal is less than 50% of Low 0.75
the mature height given in Appendix 4.2-B, it may be
assumed that D = 2m.
Planting schedules should be agreed with the
Note: This is to avoid the anomalous situation where, local planning authority before work commences
for example, a "sapling" removed from the on site.
foundation line would otherwise require an
unnecessarily deep foundation since the 0/H value The landscape and foundation designs should
would always be zero regardless of the height H of be compatible.
the tree.
(e) foundation depths related to new
shrub planting
Shrubs have considerable potential to cause changes
in soil moisture content.
4.2 - D7 Foundations in shrinkable soils shall (c) pier and beam foundations
be designed to transmit loads to the Pier and beam foundations should be designed by an
ground safely and without excessive Engineer (see Technical Requirement R5) and
movement constructed in accordance with the recommendations
of this Chapter and Chapter 4 5 'Raft, pile, pier and
Items to be taken into account include: beam foundations'.
(a) strip foundations Note pier depths up to 2.5m may be derived from
Strip foundations up to 1 .5m deep should be Clause D6. Pier depths greater than 2.5m require
constructed in accordance with the recommendations site specific assessment.
of this Chapter and Chapter 4.4 'Strip and trench fill
foundations'. Depths should be determined in Reference should be made to Clause D8 to establish
accordance with Clause D6 the precautions necessary to cater for potential heave.
• NHBC is satisfied that the raft is sufficiently stiff Where root growth is noted within shrinkable soil
to resist differential movements. and where records are not available, an Engineer
(see Technical Requirement R5) should be consulted
Figure 3 Requirements for raft foundations on to assess whether heave is likely.
shrinkable soils
(b) heave precautions for trench fill foundations
raft foundation Trench fill foundations should be designed in
accordance with Clause D7. Any foundations deeper
than 2.5m should be designed by an Engineer
0.5 m fully
infil,)\I
level formation
0.5 m
(see Technical Requirement R5).
Heave precautions should be used:
• where the foundation is within the zone
of influence of trees (see Table 2), and
compacted • where the foundation depth determined in
in fill material
accordance with Clause D6 is greater than 1 Sm
based on the appropriate tree height (see Figure 1).
Heave precautions for trench fill foundations
up to 2.5m should be in accordance with Sitework
clause 54(a)
(c) heave precautions for pier and beam (e) suspended ground floors
foundations Suspended ground floors should be used in all
Pier and beam foundations should be designed in situations where heave can occur within the area
accordance with Clause 07. bounded by the foundations. This includes:
Heave precautions for piers should be used: • where the foundation depth derived in accordance
with Clause D6 is greater than 1 Sm based
• where the foundation is within the zone of
on the appropriate tree height (see Figure 1),
influence of trees (see Table 2), and unless NHBC is satisfied the soil is nor dessicated
• where the foundation depth derived in accordance • where ground floor construction is undertaken
with Clause D6 is greater than 1 Sm based on the when surface soils are seasonally desiccated
appropriate tree height (see Figure 1). (i.e.during summer and autumn) unless NHBC
Heave precautions for pier and beam foundations is satisfied the soil is not desiccated
should be in accordance with Sitework The following types of suspended floor will be
clause S4(b). acceptable where there is potential for heave.
(d) heave precautions for pile and
beam foundations PRECAST CONCRETE
Pile and beam foundations should be designed in A minimum void depth should be provided between
accordance with Clause D7. underside of beam and ground level as shown in
Table 10 (see Sitework clause S4(d)).
Heave precautions should be used for piles and
ground beams in accordance with Sitework clause
54(c). In addition the following should be taken into TIMBER
account in the selection and design of piles: A minimum void depth should be provided between
underside of joist and ground level as shown in Table
• piles should be designed with an adequate factor 10 (see Sitework clause S4(d)). All sleeper walls
of safety to resist uplift forces on the shaft due to should have foundations with depths derived in
heave by providing sufficient anchorage below the accordance with Clause D6.
depth of desiccated soil. Slip liners may be used to
reduce the uplift but the amount of reduction is
small, as friction between materials cannot be IN-SITU CONCRETE
eliminated A minimum void depth should be provided between
the ground and the underside of slab as shown in
• piles should be reinforced for the length of the Table 9 (see Sitework clause S4(d)). Where proprietary
pile governed by the heave design materials are used, they should be in accordance with
• bored, cast-in-place piles are well suited to this Materials clause M2 and the design should take into
account the upward force transmitted through the
application. Most types have a straight-sided shaft
but some construction techniques produce a compressible material or void former prior to collapse
contoured shaft, similar to a screw profile, to (refer to manufacturer's data).
increase load capacity. The design should allow for
the enhanced tensile forces in such piles
(f) heave precautions for raft foundations
Raft foundations constructed in accordance with
• driven piles are less well suited to this application Clause 07 should provide adequate protection
and are difficult to install in stiff desiccated clay from heave.
without excessive noise and vibration. Most types
are jointed and, if these are to be used, the joint (g) other foundations
design should be capable of transmitting tensile All foundations not covered in the above clauses, but
heave forces specifically designed for heave, should be designed
• piles and ground beams should be designed taking by an Engineer (see Technical Requirement R5) taking
into account the upward force on the underside of account of the recommendations of this Chapter and
the ground beams transmitted through the submitted to NHBC for approval prior to work
compressible material or void former prior to commencing on site.
collapse (refer to manufacturer's data).
MATERIALS STANDARDS
4.2 - Ml All materials shall:
(a) meet the Technical Requirements
(b) take account of the design
Materials that comply with the design and the
guidance below will be acceptable for building
near trees.
Materials used when building near trees should
comply with all relevant standards, including those
listed below. Where no standard exists, Technical
Requirement R3 applies (see Chapter 1.1
introduction to the Standards and Technical
Requirements').
References to British Standards and Codes of Practice
include those made under the Construction Products
Directive (Bg/1D6/EEC) and, in particular, appropriate
European Technical Specifications approved by a
European Committee for Standardisation (CEN).
PROPRIETARY HEAVE
MATERIALS
4.2 - M2 Proprietary heave materials shall be
assessed in accordance with Technical
Requirement R3
Where foundations and substructure could be
subjected to heave, they should be protected by
voids, void formers or compressible materials in
accordance with the design.
Void formers consist of material that collapses to
form a void into which the clay can swell reducing
the build up of load on the foundation.
Compressible material, such as low density
polystyrene, compacts as the clay expands reducing
the build up of load on the foundation.
Each material should be used in accordance with the
requirements of the relevant independent assessment
and the manufacturer's recommendations.
FOUNDATION DEPTHS
4.2 - 52 Foundation depths shall be in
accordance with the design
A site plan should show the trees and hedgerows
that affect the site together with the type, depth and
dimensions of the foundations that are within the
influence of those trees and hedgerows. Where trees
or hedgerows are either not shown or are in different
positions and there is shrinkable soil, it may be
necessary to adjust the foundation depths on site.
Foundation depths should be determined in
accordance with Design clause D6 or the foundation EXCAVATION FOR
depth calculator. If in doubt about any of the
information either assume the worst conditions FOUNDATIONS
or consult a suitably qualified Engineer 4.2 - 53 Excavation for foundations shall take
An Engineer should be consulted where foundation account of the design and be suitable
depths esceed 2.5m (see Technical Requirements R5). to receive concrete
Items to be taken into account include:
(a) measurement of foundation depths
Foundation depths should be measured on the centre
line of the excavation.
Where ground levels are to remain unaltered
foundation depths should be measured from original
ground level
Where ground levels are reduced or increased (either in
the recent past or during construction) foundation
depths should be measured as shown in Figures 5 to 7.
Figure 5 Levels from which foundation depths Figure 7 Levels from which foundation depths
are measured where trees or are measured where trees or hedgerows
hedgerows are to remain are proposed
tree to
rema,n
—•
_,ireto ——
mature height
Figure 6 Levels from which foundation depths
are measured where trees or
hedgerows are removed
tree to be
removed
tree to be removed
High 1.0
Medium 0.9
Low 0.75
ground level
r:::::::soback;n
(c) trench bottoms
It is essential thar:
Where trench bottoms become excessively
• compressible material is provided to the entire area shown,
dried or softened due to rain or ground water, the
and
excavation should be re-bottomed prior to concreting.
• the foundation excavation has a vertical face. Where the
Some root activity may be expected below the excavation is battered or if there is overbreak or concrete
overspill it may be necessary to consult an Engineer.
depths determined in accordance with Design
clause D6. However, if significant quantities of roots
are unexpectedly encountered in the base of the Trench fill foundations deeper than 2.5m will only
trench, the excavation should be deepened or be acceptable where they are designed by an
consult an Engineer. Engineer (see Technical Requirement R5).
Note:
Measurement from underside of beam to ground level
(includes 75mm ventilation allowance)
DRAINAGE
4.2 - S5 Drainage shall be in accordance
with the design and allow for
ground movement
Drainage construction should be in accordance with the
design and the relevant recommendations of Chapter
5.3 'Drainage below ground' should be followed.
Additional items to take into account include:
• falls should be sufficient to cater for possible
ground movement or alternative means should be
used to reduce the extent of potential movement,
for example by taking the excavation deeper and
laying the pipework on granular bedding of
suitable thickness
• a drainage system capable of accommodating the
likely movement should be used
• pipes passing through substructure walls or trench
fill foundations should have sufficient clearance to
take account of the potential ground movement
indicated in Table 11.
Statutory references
The following table lists references to building legislation and associated documents applicable at April 2003.
Statute
Building 2 Building
Building 1 Standards Regulations Isle of Man
Clause Subject Regulations (Scotland) (N Ireland) Regulations
Approved documents to the Building Regulations 2000 for England and Wales and all published amendments.
Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990 and all published amendments.
Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 and all published amendments
Building Regulations 2000 for Isle of Man and all published amendments
1 050 025 017 013 010 008 007 008 046 005 005 004 004 004 003
2 150 050 033 025 020 017 014 013 011 010 009 008 008 007 007
3 075 050 038 030 025 021 019 017 015 014 013 012 011 010
4 193 067 050 040 033 029 025 022 020 018 017 015 014 013
5 083 063 050 042 036 031 028 025 023 021 019 018 017
6 193 075 008 050 033 038 033 030 027 025 023 021 020
7 117 0.88 070 058 0.50 0.44 039 035 032 029 027 025 023
8 146 080 0.67 057 050 044 040 036 033 031 029 027
9 113 093 075 064 0.56 050 045 041 038 035 032 030
10 1.50 0.83 071 063 056 050 0,45 0.42 038 036 033
11 1.10 092 079 069 061 0.55 050 046 042 039 0.37
12 120 109 086 075 067 056 0.55 050 046 043 040
13 108 093 081 0.72 065 059 054 0.50 046 043
14 1.17 150 088 078 0.70 0.64 058 054 050 047
15 1.07 0.94 083 075 068 063 0.58 054 050
16 114 108 089 080 0.73 067 062 057 053
17 121 109 094 085 077 0.71 0.65 067 057
18 113 1.C0 093 082 075 069 0,64 080
19 119 109 0.95 0.86 0.79 073 068 063
20 111 103 091 083 077 0.71 067
21 117 105 0.95 088 0.81 075 070
22 1.10 1.08 0.92 085 079 0.73
23 115 105 096 088 082 077
24 120 109 193 092 086 080
25 114 104 096 089 083
26 118 108 150 093 087
27 1.13 104 0.96 093
28 117 108 103 093
29 Where no value is given in the table, 121 112 104 097
30 minimum foundation depths apply 115 107 1.31
31
(i.e 1 Urn, 0gm and 0.75m for high,
1.19 111 1 03
medium and low volume change
32 1.14 107
potential soils respectively).
33 118 1,10
34 121 113
35 117
36 120
D/H
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2
0
0.5
E
Vt — Minimumdepthl.Om -
-c
a- 1.0
0)
-o - - - -I - - -/ --- ------ I -
C --—-----Tv------
-----
-
--—j-,
0
--i--- ,----- ----
-o
0
C
:3
U-
1.5
l5IlIll
----/ lIlIlI
IlI I
2.0
- ---I --
p
2.5
Tree water demands
Broad leafed trees Coniferous trees
High — — — High
Moderate — — — Moderate
Low
Chart 2 Soils with MEDIUM volume change potential: Modified Plasticity Index between
20% and less than 40%
(see Design clause D5(b))
D/H
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2
0
0.5
E
Minimum depth 0.9m
Vt
0 1.0 —
---.1- a:
—
-c
C
0
(13
-o 1.5
C —
0
U-
—
2.0
. ,
2.5
Tree water demands
Broad leafed trees Coniferous trees
High — — — High
Moderate — — — Moderate
Low
D/H
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2
0
0.5
E
Ill
-c
0
ci,
1.0
-o
C
0
(3
C 1.5
0
U-
2.0
2.5
Tree water demands
Broad leafed trees Coniferous trees
High — — — High
Moderate — — — Moderate
Low
3 1.70 1.85 t.95 2,002052 tO 2 152.15 2.20220 220225 1 00 1.20 1,40 1.55 t.65 1,75 1.80 t 85 1 901.95 2.00 200
4 1.50 t 65 1 80 1.90 1,952.002052.10 2 102 15 2.15 2.15 1 00 110 1.30 140 1 55 1.60 1 70 1.75 1.80 1.85 t.90
5 1.25 1.50 1 65 1.75 1.85 1.90 1.95 2.00 205205 2 102.10 1 00 1 00 115 1,30 1.40 1 50 1.601 65 1 70 1,75
6 1.00 1.30 1.50 1,60 1,70 1 80 1 85 1 90 1.95 2.00 2.00205 t 00 1 10 1 20 1 35 1401.50 1,55 1.60
9 1 00 1 10 1 15 1.20 1,25 1 30 1 35
30 0.90 1.10 1 20 1 35
31 090100 1 15 1.30
32 090085 1 10125
33 090105115
34 0.90 1.00 1,10
35 0.90 1.05
0.9m minimum foundation depth
36 0.90 1.00
37 0.90 0.95
38 090
2
iffo 1,40 1,45 1 45 1.45 1.45 1 45 145 1.45 1 50 1 50
120 1.30 1.30 1351 351.40 1.40 1.40 1.40 145 145 1.45
3 1.05 1 15 1.20 1 25 1 30 1.30 1.35 1 35 1.35 1.40 1.40 1.40
4 0.90 1.05 1 10 1.20 1. 20 1.25 1 30 1.30 1.30 1 35 1.35 1,35
5 0.90 1 00 110 1 15 1.20 1.20 1 25 1 25 1 30 1.30 1,30
6 0.90 1 00 1 05 1.10 1 15 1 20 1 20 1 25 1 25 1.30
7 0901 00105 1.10 115 115 1.20 1 20 1.25
8 0.90 1.00 1,05 1 10 110 1.15 1 20 1,20
9 090 1.00 105 1.05 1,10 115 1.15
10 090 095 100 105 110 1.10
11 090 095 1.00 1.05 1,10
12 0.90 0.95 1.00 1.05
0.9m minimum foundation depth
13 0.90 095 100
14 090 095
15 090
34 2 75 2 80 3.95
35 2 75 3 90
36 3,75 O 85
37 0 75m minimum foundation depth 2 75 0 80
38 0 75
—
NHBC Standards - Chapter 4.2 Page 27 of 37
April 2003 edition Effective; July 2003
APPENDIX 4.2-D
Building near trees
Climate zones
Figure 13 Reductions in foundation depth due to climate variations
The foundation depth may be reduced by the amounts shown on the map for each climatic zone (see
Design clause D5(e)). Where it is unclear which zone applies, the lower reduction value should be used.
Note:
1. It should be emphasised that this table relates to distances from centre of tree to protective fencing.Other
considerations, particularly the need to provide adequate space around the tree including allowances for
future growth and working space will usually indicate that the structures should be further away.
2. With appropriate precautions, temporary site works can occur within the protected area, e.g. for access
or scaffolding.
3. If it is deemed acceptable for construction works to occur closer than the minimum distance, the distance
can be reduced by up to one third on one side only. If distances are reduced in this way, a corresponding
increase in distances should be made in other directions.
As an alternative, the fencing may be erected below the outermost limit of the branch spread, or at a
distance equal to half the height of the tree, as illustrated below. The distance by this method will usually be
significantly greater than the distances in the table above.
.4 1
eranch spread Hait height
use whichever is greater
If it proves essential for a service trench to be taken closer to a tree than the minimum distance in the above
table, root damage can be minimised by either:
• thrust boring a hole for the service, or
• radial trenching and tunnelling as illustrated below.
Trench
Sieeve
tern ice
Minimum distance (m) between centre of tree and structure to allow for future tree growth
*These distances assume that some movement and minor damage might occur Guidance on distances which
will generally avoid all damage is given in brackets.
Publications
BS 1377 Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes
BS 5837 •Guide for trees in relation to construction'
BS 5930 'Code of practice for site investigations'
BRE Digests 240, 241 and 242 'Low rise buildings on shrinkable clay soils', parts 1, 2 and 3
BRE Digest 298 'The influence of trees on house foundations in clay soils'
BRE Digest 412 'Desiccation in clay soils'
Organisations
Arboricultural Association
Ampfield House, Ampfield, nr. Romsey, Hants 5051 9PA
Tel: 01794 368717; www.trees.org.uk
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
NHBC gratefully acknowledges the help given by authoritative organisations and individuals in the preparation of
this Chapter, particularly:
Building Research Establishment
Dr P G Biddle Arboricultural Consultant
Worked example
How to determine foundation depths from the Charts in Appendix 4.2-C or the Tables in Appendix 4.2-0.
1 Determine the volume 05(b) Site at Oxford, building near a Lombardy Poplar (to be retained) and a
change potential of the Sycamore (to be removed)
soil. Ensure the site
investigation includes From laboratory tests,
representative sampling
and testing Plasticity Index. p = 36%.
Test results also report that 100% of particles are smaller than
425pm. Therefore,
modified Plasticity Index. 'p = 36 x 100 = 36%.
100
From Table 1, Volume change potential = Medium
(in the absence of tests assume high volume change potential)
This example is typical of Oxford Clay. More than 35% of the
particles are smaller than 612pm and therefore the soil is
shrinkable. 100% of the particles are smaller than 425pm and
therefore the l'p is the same as the Ip.
A typical Boulder Clay also has more than 35% of particles
smaller than 6Opm and is therefore also shrinkable. Howevet it
may have only 80% of its particles smaller than 425pm in which
case the l'p is 80% of the Ip.
A typical clayey sand may have less than 30% of its particles
smaller than 6Opm in which case the soil would be non
shrinkable.
zone of influence
of Sycamore
O.75x22 = 16.5m
of foundation (Step
D=10=0.4 I P = =0.36
divided by the appropriate
H 25 I H 22
I
tree height H (Step 4)
Alternatively D/H can be
obtained from Table 13 in
Appendix 4 2-C.
6C Determine foundation
(b) depth using the Charts in Lombardy Poplar Sycamore
Appendix 4.2-C as follows: In this example the volume In this example the volume
change potential is change potential is Medium,
Medium, then from Chart 2 then from Chart 2 for
for broadleafed high water broadleafed high water
Volume Chart demand trees at D = 0.4, demand trees at 0 = 0.36,
change number H H
potential Foundation depth = 2.33m Foundation depth = 1.50m
High 1
The Lombardy Poplar is the tree requiring the greater
Medium 2
depth (2.33m)
Low 3
7 Adjust the depth according to the 05(e) Oxford is between 50 and 100 miles NW of
climatic zone. A reduction may be London. From Appendix 4 2-E, a reduction of
made for distance north and west of 0.05m is permitted
London but the final depth should not Final foundation depth = 2.33 - 0.05 = 2.28m
be less than the minimum given in each
Chart and Table.
Note:
The above process may be repeated to allow the foundation to be stepped as its distance from the trees increases.
LIST OF CHAPTERS
PART 1 GENERAL INFORMATION PART 6 SUPERSTRUCTURE (excluding roofs)
1 .1 Introduction to the Standards and Technical 6.1 External masonry walls
Requirements 6.2 External timber framed walls
1.2 Not allocated 6.3 Internal walls
1.3 Not allocated 6.4 Timber and concrete upper floors
1.4 Cold weather working 6.5 Steelwork support to upper floom and
partitions
PART 2 MATERIALS 6.6 Staircases
2.1 Concrete and its reinforcement 67 Doors, windows and glazing
2.2 Not allocated 6.8 Fireplaces, chimneys and flues
2.3 Timber preservation (natural solid timber)
PART 7 ROOFS
PART 3 NOT ALLOCATED 7.1 Flat roofs and balconies
72 Pitched roofs
PART 4 FOUNDATIONS
41 Land quality - managing ground conditions PART 8 SERVICES AND INTERNAL FINISHING
4.2 Building near trees 81 Internal services
4.3 Not allocated 8.2 Wall and ceiling finishes
4.4 Strip and trench fill foundations 8.3 Floor finishes
45 Raft, pile, pier and beam foundations 8.4 Finishings and fitments
4.6 Vibratory ground improvement techniques 8.5 Painting and decorating
PART 5 SUBSTRUCTURE AND GROUND PART 9 EXTERNAL WORKS
FLOORS g.i Garages
5.1 Substructure and ground bearing floors g.2 Drives, paths and landscaping
5.2 Suspended ground floom
5.3 Drainage below ground PART 10 NOT ALLOCATED
INDEX
B
Broad leafed trees 18,23,24,25 Plasticity Index 3, ig
C Protection of trees 2, t, 34,35
Climate 4, 2 R
Compressible materials 11, 14, 15 Raft foundations 4,8, g, 16
Coniferous trees 18, 23,24,25 S
D Shrinkable soils 3, 6,21,26
Damage to trees 3D, 31 Shrubs 5, 6
Depth charts lg-22 Sloping ground 6, 21
Depth Tables 23-28 Soil classification 3
Drainage 1D, 16,21,34,35 Stepped foundations 6, 14,21
E Strip foundations 4, 6, 7
Excavation 12 Suspended ground floors g
F T
Foundation depths 5, 12, ig, 21,26,32 Tree heights 4, 13, 18, 2D, 22,35
Foundation types 4, 21 Tree species 18
H Trench bottoms 2, 4, 21
Heave 3,8, g, 14 Trench fill foundations 4,7,8, 14
Heave precautions g,g, 1D, 11, 14,21 V
M Void formem 11, 14, 15
Modified Plasticity Index 3, 1 Volume change potential 3, 1
N w
New planting 5,6,21 Water demand 3, 18,23,24,25
P z
Pier and beam foundations 4, 7, g, 14, 15 Zone of influence 3,8,34
Pile and beam foundations 4,7, g, 14, 15
NHBC
NATIONAL HOUSE-BUILDING COUNCIL