Abstract
The behaviour of heaving soils is generally governed by the matric suction. Nonetheless, the mineralogical characteristics influence the geotechnical behaviour. X-ray diffraction is a common technique used to determine mineral composition. This equipment is costly and the process is time-consuming. The objective of this research is to develop predictive mathematical models to determine the predominant minerals in heaving soils. Soil samples are collected from identified areas across Free State province by digging at 50 cm depth from the ground surface. Geotechnical lab studies such as particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, specific gravity, free swell ratio, free swell index, linear shrinkage, and X-ray diffraction are performed to evaluate soil properties. A stepwise analysis conducted to determine the response of each type of mineral to soil properties, and select the best subsets. Moreover, the influence of the soil minerals on soil properties is achieved by investigating the correlation between the relevant soil properties and each mineral. Multivariate regression is performed utilizing MINITAB 18 program to develop mathematical predictive models. These equations are assessed base on correlation coefficient, probability value (P-value), and standard residual pattern analysis. The predominant minerals can be assessed with acceptable accuracy utilizing the proposed equations.
Highlights
Smectite mineral is mainly located in a semi-arid climate where evapotranspiration exceeds rainfall during a significant period of the year
To assess the physical and hydro-mechanical properties of soils, laid down protocols and standards found in the literature were utilized: Sieve analysis [6]; Hydrometer analysis [7]; Atterberg limits [8]; Free swell index [9]; Specific gravity [10]; Free swell ratio [2], X-ray diffraction technique [11]
The objective of this study is to develop mathematical predictive models to assess the mineral composition of heaving soils
Summary
Smectite mineral is mainly located in a semi-arid climate where evapotranspiration exceeds rainfall during a significant period of the year. The equipment is expensive, and the process time-consuming The objective of this investigation is to develop a mathematical predictive model that can be used to evaluate the mineral composition of heaving soils. Reference [2] proposed the free swell ratio method that is utilized to determine the swelling capacity and the dominant clay minerals (smectite, kaolinite). This method cannot be used to determine the mineral percentage in the soil. The geotechnical properties can be utilized to approximate the mineral composition of heaving soils These findings are in line with the outcomes of the investigation conducted by [4]. The literature survey revealed a significant influence of the mineral composition on geotechnical properties
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