Swell and shrinkage strain prediction models for expansive clays

Abstract

A comprehensive laboratory investigation was conducted to study volume change behaviors of five different types of expansive clayey soils sampled from various regions in Texas, USA. The laboratory test results, which were presented in an earlier paper, are analyzed here to evaluate existing correlations that can be used to predict swell and shrink-related displacements in these soils. The test database is also used to develop newer and practical models for predicting volume change-related soil properties. Models developed here used soil plasticity and compaction properties as independent variables. Newer models, that rely on seasonal compaction moisture content variations in the subsoils, were introduced to estimate both volumetric and vertical swell and shrinkage-induced soil deformations expected under civil infrastructure. The developed correlations, along with the existing models, were then used to predict vertical soil swell movements of four case studies where swell-induced soil movements were monitored. This comparison analysis showed that the model dependency on the volume change test procedural information and moisture content variation due to seasonal changes will lead to better prediction of swell movements in subsoils. Future research directions and recommendations are provided on implementation of the developed models in a realistic estimation of swell movements of infrastructure construction projects.

Mineralogical Compositions of Some Indian Expansive Soils and Their Influence on Swelling Properties

“…Figure 5 [3,[37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45] and Fig. 6 [3,37,[39][40][41][42][43][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59] show the variations of individual swelling parameters S and S p with MC, respectively.…”

A method for extending a general constitutive model to consider the electro‐chemo‐mechanical phenomena of mineral crystals in expansive soils

“…Expansive soils, which exhibit considerable volume changes due to moisture changes in the natural ground, are widely distributed around the world and have caused severe geotechnical problems, such as uneven roads and foundation/overstructure damage. The shrink‐swell potential of natural expansive soils has been widely investigated, and several empirical models have been proposed. Expansive soils (bentonite) are intended as sealing and/or buffer materials surrounding radioactive waste in waste disposal facilities.…”

Evaluating the Ability of Swell Prediction Models to Predict the Swell Behavior of Excessively High Plastic Soils

“…Several correlations exist to predict soil movement as a function of soil state variables/index properties but soils used for validation of such model have plasticity index generally within 45 (Adem and Vanapalli 2013;Puppala et al 2014Puppala et al , 2016Vu and Fredlund 2004;Yilmaz 2006). However, in some areas, the plasticity index for these soils could be higher than 70.…”