The void index is a relative quantity measuring the position of the current void ratio of a clay against the void ratios of the clay at two specific vertical effective stresses (i.e., σ v ′ = 100 kPa and σ v ′ =1000 kPa). Based on this concept, a simple systematic tool is proposed for estimating the compression behaviour of reconstituted clays over a wide range of stresses and water contents. Following the practice of geotechnical engineering computation, the compression behaviour of clays is idealised as linear segments in the Iv ~ lnp′ (or the void index and the mean effective stress) space. Considering the variation in the available data, there are three related but independent models for describing the compression behaviour of reconstituted clays. The accuracy of estimation increases with the level of available data. The proposed estimation is used to simulate the behaviour of a variety of reconstituted clays over a wide range of stresses and water contents. With different levels of available data, the estimation is evaluated on the basis of these simulations. The proposed estimation can take maximumuse of available data and provide a simple yet practical tool for calculating the compression behaviour of reconstituted clays and a basic parameter for geotechnical engineering computations, the compression index. An empirical equation for the initial compression index is also suggested and verified. ABSTRACT 61The void index is a relative quantity measuring the position of the current void ratio of a clay 62 against the void ratios of the clay at two specific vertical effective stresses, i.e.,  v = 100 kPa 63 and  v = 1000 kPa.). Based on this concept, a simple systematic tool is proposed for 64 estimating the compression behaviour of reconstituted clays over a wide range of stresses and 65 water contents. Following the practice of geotechnical engineering computation, the 66 compression behaviour of clays is idealised as linear segments in the I v ~ lnp (or the void 67 index and the mean effective stress) space. Considering the variation in the available data, 68 there are three related but independent models for describing the compression behaviour of 69 reconstituted clays. The accuracy of estimation increases with the level of available data. The 70 proposed estimation is used to simulate the behaviour of a variety of reconstituted clays over 71 a wide range of stresses and water contents. With different levels of available data, the 72 estimation is evaluated on the basis of these simulations. The proposed estimation can take 73 maximum use of available data and provide a simple yet practical tool for calculating the 74 compression behaviour of reconstituted clays and a basic parameter for geotechnical 75 engineering computations, the compression index. An empirical equation for the initial 76 compression index is also suggested and verified. 77

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