Research Article
Apr 1981
Ignition Test for Soil Organic-Content Measurement
Publication: Journal of the Geotechnical Engineering Division
Volume 107, Issue 4
Abstract
Problems with organic soils are often avoided by engineers because of uncertainties in organic-content measurement and lack of information on potential decomposition. High temperatures, used in the ignition test for measurement of the organic fraction, require that a correction be made for loss of surface hydration water from the mineral solids. Model soils, prepared from kaolinite and pulp fiber, and the dehydration curves for these materials have permitted development of a correction factor for use with the ignition test. A review of published data and an error analysis suggest that this correction factor may be suitable for natural organic soils. The ignition test does not distinguish between undecomposed organic matter and microorganisms formed during decomposition; hence, the degree of decomposition has not been available. A relationship—between microorganism cell content, undecomposed organic matter, and the mineral fraction—has been developed which permits computation of the degree of decomposition.
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Published In
Journal of the Geotechnical Engineering Division
Volume 107 • Issue 4 • April 1981
Pages: 465 - 479
Copyright
© 1981 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Published in print: Apr 1981
Published online: Feb 11, 2021
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Abdul-Amir W.N. Al-Kafaji, AM.ASCE
Asst. Prof. of Civ. Engrg., Univ. of Detroit, Detroit, Mich. 48221
Orlando B. Andersland, M.ASCE
Prof. of Civ. Engrg., Michigan State Univ., East Lansing, Mich. 48824
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ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.