Simplified 1D Empirical Model for Volumetric Behavior of High-Carbonate Clay
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 19, Issue 4
Abstract
Guadalquivir blue marl is a high-plasticity overconsolidated carbonate clay. This soil presents an elevated fragility and high susceptibility to moisture changes. These characteristics have caused many geotechnical accidents, such as the Aznalcollar dam failure, in Seville, Spain. A comprehensive test campaign was conducted to determine the physical and chemical properties of the blue marl. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) allowed characterization of its internal structure, revealing clear differences between the macro- and microstructure. A novel one-dimensional (1D) model for predicting the volumetric deformation (under oedometric conditions) of the Guadalquivir blue marl with suction and vertical pressure changes was proposed. The model, based on data from shrink–swell tests, provided an acceptable estimation of the volumetric behavior of the soil with a relatively simple set of parameters. The results were experimentally verified by suction-controlled oedometer tests and showed an acceptable agreement with the data measured. The proposed model is valid for ranges of swelling, shrinkage or collapse.
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Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the financial support from the Innovation and Science Office of the Regional Government of Andalusia (Project TEP-6632) and the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (Grant BIA2010-20377). The English correction was financed with the help of internationalization granted to the University Institute of Architecture and Construction Sciences through the VI Plan of Research and Transference of the University of Seville.
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Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 19 • Issue 4 • April 2019
Copyright
© 2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 29, 2017
Accepted: Aug 31, 2018
Published online: Feb 11, 2019
Published in print: Apr 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Jul 11, 2019
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