Studies on the determination of swelling properties of soils from suction measurements

Abstract

Expansive soils exhibit significantly high volumetric deformations and hence, pose a serious threat to stability of structures and foundations. As such, determination of their swelling properties (viz., swelling potential and swelling pressure) becomes essential. Earlier researchers have developed various experimental techniques, and empirical relationships based on the results obtained from these investigations, for determining swelling characteristics of these soils. However, although these techniques help in direct estimation of the swelling properties of soils, the instrumentation is quite cumbersome and time consuming. This limitation can be overcome by measuring soil suction, which would also yield its swelling characteristics, though indirectly, but quite rapidly and easily. To demonstrate the utility and ease of application of this methodology, attempts were made in the present study to establish swelling properties of expansive soils from their suction measurements. Details of the methodology adopted are presented and results have been critically evaluated vis-à-vis those available in the literature.