EXPANSIVE PYRITIC SHALES

Although much attention has been directed to the solution of problems created by swelling soils, relatively little effort has been devoted to the solution of problems created by expanding pyritic shales. This is a very real problem that has caused extensive damage to many structures in the United States and abroad. In an effort to call attention to this problem and to the need for further research directed at its solution, the current state of the art with respect to swelling pyritic shales is presented and discussed. The factors and mechanisms responsible for swelling of pyritic shales are identified; methods of testing and evaluating the potentially expensive shales are outlined; and ways of controlling or eliminating the problem are summarized. A number of case histories involving experiences with expansive pyritic shales are included to illustrate the potential seriousness of the problem and to underscore the need for additional research.

• Record URL:
  http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1984/993/993-003.pdf
• Summary URL:
  https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=EXPANSIVE+PYRITIC+SHALES&author=D.+Dubb%C3%A9&author=M.+Usmen&author=L.+Moulton&publication_year=1984
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0309038022
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Soil and Rock Properties. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
• Authors:
  • Dubbé, Dean D
  • Usmen, Mumtaz A
  • Moulton, Lyle K
• Publication Date: 1984

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 19-27
• Monograph Title: Factors affecting pavement performance
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 993
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Case studies; Pyrite; Shale; Swelling
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Pavements; I23: Properties of Road Surfaces;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00450674
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309038022
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Feb 28 1986 12:00AM