Rethink urged as climate change shakes home foundations

House foundations will crack, pipes burst and roads buckle as climate change magnifies natural movements in the ground.

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That is according to research by the University of South Australia showing the expansion and contraction of certain clay soils during wet and dry spells is becoming more severe and widespread.

Climate variability must be factored more directly into building standards and long-term planning, research co-author Simon Beecham said.

There were a variety of simple ways to strengthen concrete slabs "but obviously it involves slightly more expense because you need more concrete", he said.

The phenomenon is caused by prolonged ra