Mark J. Farrow, P.E.

The Eagle Ford Shale Formation presents unique challenges for all types of construction projects ranging from pavements and utilities to building slabs and foundations. This paper presents the results of an in-depth characterization of the various Eagle Ford Shale Units with respect to their impact or construction. Topics addressed include corrosion considerations for buried metals and buried concrete, sub grade stabilization limitations and concerns, crushing strength variations with depth, volumetric swell variations with depth and structural fissuring variations with depth. The impact of the above on injection stabilization applications is also discussed. This paper presents distinct variations in the various Eagle Ford Shale Units that should be identified during geotechnical investigations to evaluate their impact on construction. This paper also presents alternative methods of construction that should be considered when dealing with the various Eagle Ford Shale Units.