Heaving or squeezing would be indicated by a bulge at the bottom, which is caused by the downward pressure created by the weight of adjoining soil. This pressure results in a bulge or bulging in the bottom of an excavation or cut, signaling heaving or squeezing soil conditions. This can occur even when protective measures like shoring or shielding are in place. This is a common sign of distressed soil in or near excavations indicating a potential safety hazard.
In summary:
- Heaving or squeezing is indicated by a bulge at the bottom of the excavation or soil cut.
- Tension cracks and other signs may also accompany soil distress, but specifically bulging at the bottom indicates heaving or squeezing pressure from the soil above.
This is distinct from other signs such as tension cracks, water seeping up from the bottom, or vibrations from passing traffic, which relate to other soil or excavation conditions.
