Research Article| January 01, 1976 A Comparative Study of Shale Classification Tests and Systems DAVID R. CHAPMAN; DAVID R. CHAPMAN David R. Chapman is with Exxon Research and Engineering Company, Florham Park, New Jersey; L. E. Wood and C. W. Lovell are with Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and W. J. Sisiliano is with Indiana State Highway Commission, Indianapolis, Indiana. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar L. E. WOOD; L. E. WOOD David R. Chapman is with Exxon Research and Engineering Company, Florham Park, New Jersey; L. E. Wood and C. W. Lovell are with Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and W. J. Sisiliano is with Indiana State Highway Commission, Indianapolis, Indiana. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar C. W. LOVELL; C. W. LOVELL David R. Chapman is with Exxon Research and Engineering Company, Florham Park, New Jersey; L. E. Wood and C. W. Lovell are with Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and W. J. Sisiliano is with Indiana State Highway Commission, Indianapolis, Indiana. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar W. J. SISILIANO W. J. SISILIANO David R. Chapman is with Exxon Research and Engineering Company, Florham Park, New Jersey; L. E. Wood and C. W. Lovell are with Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana; and W. J. Sisiliano is with Indiana State Highway Commission, Indianapolis, Indiana. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Environmental and Engineering Geoscience (1976) xiii (4): 247–266. https://doi.org/10.2113/gseegeosci.xiii.4.247 Article history first online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation DAVID R. CHAPMAN, L. E. WOOD, C. W. LOVELL, W. J. SISILIANO; A Comparative Study of Shale Classification Tests and Systems. Environmental and Engineering Geoscience 1976;; xiii (4): 247–266. doi: https://doi.org/10.2113/gseegeosci.xiii.4.247 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter All ContentBy SocietyEnvironmental and Engineering Geoscience Search Advanced Search Abstract The abundance of shale necessitates its economical and efficient use in compacted embankments. Differing shale durabilities require a variety of design parameters and construction techniques. Classification systems for shales are available, and are helpful, but most have not been definitively correlated with field performance of compacted shales.Simple laboratory tests were selected from several existing classification systems, and performed on six Indiana shales. Tests included: slake durability, slaking tests with different slaking fluids, Atterberg limits, Los Angeles abrasion, Schmidt hammer hardness, and the Washington degradation test. Also included was a study of sample preparation effects on Atterberg limits results. The shales were then classified by each system, and the descriptive categories for the various systems were compared.Tests found to be particularly useful in shale classification include slake durability and two simple slaking procedures. Tests designed to evaluate mineral aggregates for pavements were generally too severe for the softer shales which are most prevalent in Indiana.The major deficiency in the present state-of-the-art seems to be the lack of correlation of classification indices with field performance. Instrumentation of shale embankments is necessary to provide the information to correct this deficiency. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this article.