Correlations for quick prediction of swell pressures

Abstract

Investigations are reported which aimed at developing an equation for quick prediction of swell pressures from easily determined soil properties. Bentonite-Kaolinite clay mixtures were prepared to obtain soils in a wide range of plasticity indices. A total of 80 constant volume swell tests in oedometers were performed on statically compacted specimens with varying properties. Swell pressure - plasticity index - water content - dry density interrelationships were evaluated. Swell pressure is correlated to the soil properties, namely, plasticity index, water content, liquidity index and dry density, using multiple regression analyses. The analyses have confirmed the existence of strong correlations between the swell pressure and the soil properties. The correlations revealed a simple regression equation for a quick prediction of swell pressures from easily determined soil properties. © 2004 ejge.