Estimation of Shrink / Swell Potential and Variability of Clays by Small-Scale Suction Tests

Abstract

The relationship between suction and water content gives crucial information about a soil. Small projects like economic housing do not warrant the time and cost of determining the full soil water suction curve. A considerable range of soil suctions can easily be achieved within a reasonably short time by using small samples, simple suction control and a high precision balance. It appears that in this way it may be possible to estimate heave potential and variability of soil properties at reasonable cost in an acceptable time. Variability assessment appears to be of great value and may offer significant potential for improving the reliability of foundation design on shrink/swell soils.