The triaxial test has the following merits and demerits: Merits of Triaxial Test Triaxial test has complete control over the drainage conditions. Tests can be easily conducted for all three types of drainage conditions. Pore pressure and volumetric changes are possible to be measured directly. Stress distribution is uniform on the failure plane. Another advantages is that […]
Direct Shear Test – Merits and Demerits of Direct Shear Test
The direct shear test has the following merits and demerits as compared to the triaxial compression test. Merits of direct shear test The sample preperation is easy. The test is simple and convenient. As the thickness of the sample is relatively small, the drainage is quick and the pore pressure dissipates very rapidly. Consequently, the […]
Frost Heave and Frost Line – How to Prevent Frost Action?
Frost Heave The water which migrates upward from the water table to the capillary fringe may freeze if the atmospheric temperature falls to the freezing point so that the ice get formed. This results in an increase in the volume of soil, because when water is converted into ice, there is about 9% increase in […]
Chemical Stabilization of Soils
In chemical stabilization, soil is stabilized by adding different chemicals. The main advantage of chemical stabilization is that setting time and curing time can be controlled. Chemical stabilization is however generally more expensive than other types of stabilization. Factors Affecting Chemical Stabilization of Soils Chemical soil stabilization is affected by some chemical materials as this […]
Field Vane Test (FVT)
The field vane test (FVT) was originated in the early 1990 and used as early as 1919 in Sweden by Olsson. Later in 1950, Cadling and Odenstad presented research work that helped make field vane test (FVT) a prominent in situ test for clays. FVT is primarily used to obtain the maximum undrained shear strength […]
Negative Skin Friction in Piles – How To Solve
Skin friction is a very important factor in civil engineering construction. In so many mega-structures, skin friction concept is used including the great “Burj-Al-Arab” to solve the impediments imposed during the construction. But negative skin friction is a factor we should always aware of. It can cause serious damage to the structure because of improper knowledge. […]
Weathering and Erosion Worksheets
Weathering and erosion worksheets are very useful for educational purposes. Some very useful weathering and erosion worksheets are provided below for usage in educational purposes. Most of these worksheets are collected from different respective teachers and they have no objection on sharing these worksheets. Thanks to Mr. Bouchard and others. Weathering and Erosion Worksheets Download […]
The Differences Between Weathering and Erosion | Weathering Vs Erosion
Weathering and Erosion Weathering and erosion are sometimes misjudged by thinking that they are the same thing or somewhat similar. But the fact is weathering and erosion are completely different actions with different mechanism. The similarity between these two action is that they both are parts of a single process called Denudation, lowering of the […]
Lime Stabilization | Factors Affecting, Advantages and Disadvantages
Lime stabilization is not effective for sandy soils. However these soils can be stabilized with clay, fly ash etc which serve as hydraulically reactive ingredients. The ratio of fly ash to lime generally varies in between 3 to 5. The fly ash is used is about 10 to 20% of the soil weight. Factors […]
Soil Stabilization | Why Soil Stabilization is Used and Methods Used for Soil Stabilization
Soil stabilization is the process which is used to improve the engineering properties of the soil and thus making it more stable. Soil stabilization is required when the soil available for construction is not suitable for the intended purpose. It includes compaction, preconsolidation, drainage and many other such processes. Uses of Soil Stabilization It is […]
Cement Stabilization of Soil
Cement stabilization of soil is done by mixing pulverized soil and Portland cement with water and compacting the mix to attain a strong material. The material obtained by mixing soil and cement is known as soil-cement. The soil cement becomes a hard and durable structural material as the cement hydrates and develops strength. Cement stabilization is […]