Suitability of Different Approaches for Analyzing and Predicting the Behavior of Decomposed Volcanic Rocks
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 144, Issue 9
Abstract
Based on a detailed investigation of decomposed volcanic soils from Hong Kong, an extensive analysis has been made of the best approaches for prediction and description of the behavior of the decomposed volcanic rocks, materials that are commonly encountered by practicing engineers worldwide. The parameters considered were compressibility, strength, and in situ specific volume, and the indices considered were plasticity, a grading descriptor (fines content), mineralogy (clay minerals and quartz), and chemical weathering indices. The sampling depth and chemical weathering indices are the most appropriate factors to predict the compressibility of the decomposed volcanic rocks. The strength will be satisfactorily predicted by fines content, clay minerals, plasticity, and chemical weathering indices, whereas the depth, plasticity, and chemical weathering indices are most appropriate for predicting the in situ specific volume. The various approaches (depth, fines, mineralogy, plasticity, and chemical weathering indices) are each suitable for different parameters and are therefore recommended for practicing engineers working on these geomaterials, depending on which properties are needed.
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Acknowledgments
This work was fully supported by a grant from the Research Grant Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), China (T22-603/15N). The authors would like to thank Mr. Thomas of the Architecture and Civil Engineering Department, Mr. Michael of the Biology and Chemistry Department, Mr. Bill of the Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering Department, and Mr. Yuen of the Physics and Materials Department, all of the City University of Hong Kong, for making equipment available.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 144 • Issue 9 • September 2018
Copyright
©2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 24, 2017
Accepted: Apr 4, 2018
Published online: Jul 5, 2018
Published in print: Sep 1, 2018
Discussion open until: Dec 5, 2018
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