Apartment Foundation Distress in Grand Prairie, Texas

Aperture, formerly Bryant, conducted a comprehensive investigation and analysis of the distress and foundation movement issues plaguing apartments in Grand Prairie, Texas. Our investigation encompassed several key aspects: Relative Elevation Surveys, Photographic Documentation, Geotechnical/Geophysical Subsurface Investigation including geotechnical borings and advanced geophysical techniques, including Direct Current Resistivity Method, Electrical Resistivity Tomography, and Geo-electrical Moisture Material Imaging Resistivity profiles.

Our findings yielded critical insights, including:

• The presence of high plasticity clays with significant shrink/swell potential in the geology and subsurface conditions at the site led to the expected heave and settlement of the foundation due to cyclical seasonal moisture variations.
• Large, mature trees adjacent to the building foundations contributed to soil shrinkage, settlement, and distress. The continual absorption of moisture by these trees exacerbated the problem over time.
• Lack of maintenance contributed to poor drainage and exacerbated foundation issues.

Our forensic analysis provided a comprehensive understanding of the issues at Windscape Apartments and offered clear recommendations for effective remediation.