The effect of pyrite-related heave: A structural engineer’s perspective

Abstract

The distress to structures caused by sulphate-generated heave varies in nature, location and extent, in part related to the characteristics of the pyritiferous fill but also associated with environmental factors and in particular, the design of the building. The part played by the structural engineer in the identification of pyrite-related distress, the monitoring and data collection required to substantiate the diagnosis, the recording and certification of the remediation and the evidence which may be required in legal proceedings is discussed.