Effect of Density on Consolidation and Creep Parameters of Clay

Abstract

Effect of density on consolidation and creep parameter of clay soil was investigated using a soil classified according to Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) as clay of high plasticity (CH) and composing of majorly of secondary minerals, including montmorillonite. The air-dried soil was compacted at five different compaction energy levels (Reduced Standard Proctor Compaction energy Standard Proctor compaction energy, West Africa compaction energy, Reduced modified Proctor compaction energy, and Modified Proctor compaction energy). Specimens for consolidation test were molded at the five compaction energy levels (densities). The consolidation parameters (initial void ratio, compression index and pre-consolidation pressure) were observed to be empirically related to the compaction energy. The creep parameters (i.e. primary compression index, secondary compression index and magnitude of creep) were observed to increase with increase in loading up to 387kN/m2 after which the value decrease. Curves resulting from these relationship were observed to increase with increase in compaction energy levels and tends towards straight line at modified Proctor compaction energy. Maximum magnitude of creep estimated for three years was observed to reduced from 455.5 mm at Reduced Standard Proctor compaction energy through 288 mm at West African compaction energy to 247.4 mm at Modified Proctor compaction energy levels