Some Studies on Engineering Properties, Problems, Stabilization and Ground Improvement of Lithomargic Clays

Abstract

The study area for this paper is coastal Karnataka in India. The area has laterites and lateritic soils, and also a large number of sporadic lateritic hillocks. The soil stratification mainly consists of lithomargic clay sandwiched between the weathered laterite at top and the hard granitic gneiss underneath. Quite often the top laterites are removed in this area for use as bricks for construction purposes, thus exposing the underlying lithomargic clay. This coastal area receives copious amount of rainfall and a lot of developmental activities are taking place. These lithomargic clays, locally called as ‘shedi soils’ are also used as fill material in low lying areas, very often adjacent to water bodies. These soils behave as dispersive soils and are also highly erosive. A lot of engineering problems – such as foundation problems, subgrade problems, erosion and slope stability problems are being faced due to the presence of these shedi soils. Some laboratory studies on the engineering and strength properties of these lithomargic clays and stabilized soils, Ground Improvement on shedi grounds are made and reported.