The Ontario Building Code | Soil Movement
9.4.4.4. soil Movement
(1) Where a foundation is located in an area where soil movement caused by changes in soilmoisture content, freezing, or chemical-microbiological oxidation is known to occur to the extent that it will damage a building, measures shall be taken to preclude such movement or to reduce the effects on the building so that the building’sstability and the performance of assemblies will not be adversely affected.
In Plain Language
Foundations must account for potential soil movement, such as expansion or settlement, per the requirements set out in this article, preventing structural damage from shifting ground.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.