Prediction of the variation of swelling pressure and one-dimensional heave of expansive soils with respect to suction using the soil-water retention curve as a tool

The one-dimensional (1-D) potential heave (or swell strain) of expansive soil is conventionally estimated using the swelling pressure and swelling index values that are determined from different types of oedometer test results. The swelling pressure of expansive soils is typically measured at saturated condition from oedometer tests. The experimental procedures of oedometer tests are cumbersome as well as time-consuming for use in conventional geotechnical engineering practice and are not capable of estimating heave under different stages of unsaturated conditions. To alleviate these limitations, semi-empirical models are proposed to predict the variation of swelling pressure of both compacted and natural expansive soils with respect to soil suction using the soil-water retention curve (SWRC) as a tool. An empirical relationship is also suggested for estimating the swelling index from plasticity index values, alleviating the need for conducting oedometer tests. The predicted swelling pressure and estimated swelling index are then used to estimate the variation of 1-D heave with respect to suction for expansive soils by modifying Fredlund’s 1983 equation. The proposed approach is validated for eight field sites from six countries — namely, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Canada, China, USA, and UK — and on six different compacted expansive soils from USA.