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Impact and Vulnerability
While Region L has lower clay content overall than many counties in Kansas they are still
susceptible to expansive soil damage. A dollar amount for damages is difficult to ascertain or
assign to this particular hazard since very little incident record keeping is done. Highways
probably are most susceptible to damage from soil problems but those are usually resolved by
using improved construction methods.
The impact of expansive soils in the planning area is ultimately an area of concern for the
infrastructure such as roads, bridges, utilities. Any building impacts would be the concern of the
building owner whether insured or uninsured. Loss of life is not a concern unless the event is
catastrophic to the point of collapsing bridges or buildings where individuals are in close
proximity. The impact of this hazard could be minimal to moderate, depending on the location.
Since this hazard develops gradually, it seldom presents a threat to life. Houses and one-story
commercial buildings are more apt to be damaged by the expansion of swelling clays than are
multi-story buildings, which usually are heavy enough to counter swelling pressures.
Summary
Expansive soils is a common hazard in the planning area due to the clay content of the soil and
the rise and fall of the moisture levels due to heavy rains and drought conditions. While the
hazard is common it does not severely affect the economy other than fixing damages done to
roads and buildings. Because this damage is hit or miss it is not possible to have a loss
estimate.
Local Mitigation Concerns
• The main issues confronting the Region are the transportation nodes in and around the tristate
area. These traffic ways are heavily travelled and when damaged due to expansive
soils they become a threat to human life.
• The structural integrity of the buildings in and around the area are tested during periods of
expansive soil, caused by drought and heavy rains, which can create a safety issue.
Reparation can be expensive for public buildings, and for private individuals.
Development in Hazard Prone Areas
The presence of clays with high swelling and shrinking potential are lower in the planning area
than the rest of the state, however it does still exists. Development in this Region is increasing
as the population base increases, however, damage from expansive soil to new construction is
often mitigated with modern construction practices.
Soil engineers and engineering geologists test soils for swell potential when designing a
building's foundation. Simple observation often can reveal the presence of expansive soils and
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