REVIEW OF EXPANSIVE SOILS

In the discussion of this paper it is noted that the free swell index, atterberg limits, and colloid content are primarily indicators of the presence of expansive materials and should not be used to determine in situ heave. The one-dimensional consolidation or oedometer test is the most accurate procedure currently available for estimating potential heave. The test allows a reasonable simulation of overburden load and the subsequent loads likely to occur during excavation and construction. The observation is also made that the rate of heave depends on a variety of factors (including the permeability, nagative pore-water pressure, and the availability of water) which make accurate estimations of the value extremely difficult to achieve. The adequate design of structures on expansive soils is beset with problems: a majority of structural distress is limited to structures where total cost does not economically justify a comprehensive subsoil and site investigation; and the problem of identifying the expansive material with a minimal field exploration program and describing the properties (i.e. swelling pressure and swell) of the expansive material with a minimal laboratory testing program. It is suggested that a classification test for expansive soil (similar to that described by Parry) would be very useful for residential and light industrial buildings.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/3519342
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Discussion of Proc. Paper 10609 by Gerald J. Gromko originally published June 1974.
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  345 East 47th Street
  New York, NY  United States  10017-2398
• Discussers:
  • Johnson, L D
  • Snethen, D R
• Publication Date: 1975-2

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 213-214
• Serial:
  • Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
  • Volume: 101
  • Issue Number: GT2
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 1090-0241
  • Serial URL: http://ojps.aip.org/gto

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Atterberg limits; Colloids; Oedometers; Overburdens; Reviews; Soil types; Structural design; Swelling; Swelling index; Swelling soils
• Uncontrolled Terms: Heaving; Soil classification
• Old TRIS Terms: Heave; Soil swell
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00083662
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: ASCE #11087
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 22 1975 12:00AM