Correlations between geotechnical properties and the swell behavior of compacted shales

I. C. Gomez-Gutierrez, L. S. Bryson, T. C. Hopkins

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Because of the large quantities of shale in Kentucky, numerous highway embankments have been constructed using compacted shale, and many roadway cuts have been made of shale. When exposed to environmental moisture, shale tends to degrade and swell. As a result of this degradation, embankments and subgrades constructed from compacted shale will experience excessive settlement or a reduction in stability. Although this degradation may occur over a long period of time, the experienced settlement and loss of stability can lead to costly maintenance requirements. Laboratory tests such as slake durability and swell testing can be used to define parameters useful in predicting such behavior. This paper presents the results of swell and durability testing performed on unweathered core samples of shale. It was observed that the free swell is related to the natural water content, and there are correlations between swell behavior and the effective friction angle of compacted shale. It was also found that the ratio of slake-durability index and clay fraction can be used to predict the swell behavior of shale.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationGeo-Frontiers 2011
Subtitle of host publicationAdvances in Geotechnical Engineering - Proceedings of the Geo-Frontiers 2011 Conference
Pages4119-4128
Number of pages10
Edition211 GSP
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
EventGeo-Frontiers 2011: Advances in Geotechnical Engineering - Dallas, TX, United States
Duration: Mar 13 2011Mar 16 2011

Publication series

NameGeotechnical Special Publication
Number211 GSP
ISSN (Print)0895-0563

Conference

ConferenceGeo-Frontiers 2011: Advances in Geotechnical Engineering
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDallas, TX
Period3/13/113/16/11

Keywords

  • Embankments
  • Highways and roads
  • Kentucky
  • Swelling (material)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Building and Construction
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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