Abstract
Free swell, semiconfined swell, and one-dimensional oedometer swell tests were performed on La Biche shale specimens in solutions of different salinities. The swelling behaviour of La Biche shale was found to be highly anisotropic and dependent on electrolyte concentration, stress, and swelling history. Drained triaxial compression tests were conducted on La Biche shale specimens subjected to different degrees of swelling. The test results indicate that the Young's modulus decreases with increasing swelling. The strength loss due to swelling can be explained by the Hvorslev failure theory. A descending power law is proposed to describe the cohesion reduction with the swelling.Key words: shale, salinity, swelling, strength weakening, modulus softening.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
