Characterization of Particle Size Distribution in Expansive Soils using Logarithmic Density Distribution

Characterization of Particle Size Distribution in Expansive Soils using Logarithmic Density Distribution

  IJETT-book-cover  International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT)          
  
© 2017 by IJETT Journal
Volume-49 Number-3
Year of Publication : 2017
Authors : Prof. Charles Lucian
DOI :  10.14445/22315381/IJETT-V49P225

Citation 

Prof. Charles Lucian "Characterization of Particle Size Distribution in Expansive Soils using Logarithmic Density Distribution", International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT), V49(3),161-169 July 2017. ISSN:2231-5381. www.ijettjournal.org. published by seventh sense research group

Abstract
Particles size distribution(PSD) is a mathematical function that defines the relative amount, typically by mass, of particles present according to size. Geotechnically, particle size analysis is required torelate soil texture to soil performance or behavior. The objective of this paper is to use a logarithmic scale for particle size to get accurate grain size information for sediment distribution.Through accuratedetermination of grain size, it is possible to examine the influence of particle-size on swelling potential of the soil because chemical composition of sedimentthat relates to swell varies with grain size. Soil samples used in this study were retrieved from open pits in an area which falls within theexpansive soil zone in the Coast Region of Tanzania. The standard analyses used included sedimentation using a hydrometer or pipette method for clay- and silt-sized particles and sieve analysis for sand. For the fact that particle distribution spans over several orders of magnitudes, a basetwologarithmic scalefor the x-axis and a linear scale for the y-axis was used to plot the grain size distribution. The Particle size distribution was supplemented with the free swell tests and Atterbarg Limitsin order to collate Particle size distribution and swell potential. The results showed that the soils have highest sand fractions followed by notable proportion of fines and a small amount of gravel. Ironically, the soils exhibit high swell potential albeit predominance of sand. It implies that expansive character might not be limited to pure clay soils. Hypothetically, sandstones formed by the consolidation of sediments of an expansive nature are likely to have the characteristic to expand.

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Keywords
Expansive soils, Particle size, Particle size distribution (PSD), andBase two logarithmic.