Shrink and swell of excavated earth materials (FHWA-OK-83-01) 236

Abstract

This study is an attempt to determine from laboratory tests the shrink or swell characteristics o f excavated pedological soils. Twenty-six benchmark soils o f various particle size classes were selected for study. It was found that sandy loam soils shrink the most. They shrink about 14 percent. Clay soils may not shrink at all. Standard Proctor densities (AASHTO T99) were used as the compactive effort to induce the reduction in soil volume. The amount of shrinkage relates to the natural pore sizes and shapes as well as moisture content. Liquid limit values correlate fairly well with shrinkage factors. This report will be use ful to design engineers whe·n making estimates of soil shrinkage or verifying estimates derived from other informatior Savings o f up to $30,000 may be realized on a typical grade and drainage project, based on the information provided in this report.