Statistical correlations of some engineering properties related to active soils

Abstract

The present paper presents a detailed study of geotechnical characteristics of several plastic clay samples with susceptibility to swelling, in order to set a prognosis of volume changes or magnitude of swell potential. Various clay samples collected from different sites of Romania have been used in the study and specific laboratory tests, as grain size analysis, plasticity limits, free swell and swelling pressure have been performed for assessing the most significant and weighted parameters for active potential. As a result of data processing, linear regression analysis and correlation equations based on quantitative variables were developed, as well as comparative analysis of experimental and predictable parameters. The end-result will serve to soil behavior assessment based on typical determinant properties for swell character, but also as an essential tool to better awareness and understanding of damages and risk management strategies in treating damages caused by active soils.