If there is a clayey expansive soil subjected to an increase of its water content due seepage water from a near by pipeline of drinking water, it will expand and this may have an effect on the soil stiffness factor 'K' but how they are related to each other? and does this change have a relation with the soil bearing capacity?
Among various parameter that need to be taken in account, the percentage and type(s) of clay with respect to lime and very fine sand highly influence "K". The type of soil water increase (flood? Long and medium-low intensity rain? Irrigation? ....), chemical composition of water and soil minerals/particles can also play a role in soil stiffness as they can influence physical-chemical beahviour of soil. Time lenght of soil saturation and depth can also influence soil stiffness. I would suggest to address your question to a specific soil-physical context or environment; this would help colleagueas to provide you with more accurate answers.
There are soils with the properties you suggest that vary by expansion/contraction with moisture, freeze-thaw, erodibility and plasticity that affects soil bearing. Some of these details may be described if you have soils maps, but soil scientists are best to advise or consult.
Thanks both of you for your answers. the soil I am mainly considering here is a soil of agricultural land, as we have in most places in the middle of the Sudan. This land is expansive and it can expand with any near source of water. In order to live near by the the farms, we have to build our homes on it and the expansion is always a problem leading to cracking of the beams and walls. Consequently, as an engineer from that part of the world, it is my role to see what is the direct or indirect relation between this moisture change and the soil stiffness factor 'K' to be used and utilized in soil-structure interaction analysis.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Agriculture
- Soil Science
- Soil