EFFECT OF STRUCTURE ANISOTROPY AND COMPACTION METHOD ON THE SWELLING BEHAVIOR OF Al-QATIF SOIL

Abstract

The degree of variation in anisotropy adversely affects the predictability of swell behavior. For
this purpose, one dimensional fixed ring oedometer consolidation tests were conducted on Al-Qatif soil, by
varying the mode as well as the degree of compaction. The samples were prepared by both dynamic and static
compaction techniques. Prior to consolidation testing, the samples were prepared at the respective dry densities
for each compaction technique, in order to study the effect of structure anisotropy on the swelling behavior of
the soil. Further, in order to check the effect of fabric orientation on the swell behavior, both horizontal and
vertical samplings were done from the compaction mold and the resulting degree of swell was determined in
both the cases. The studies carried out indicate that, the anisotropy brought by varying the degree and method
of compaction as well as orientation has a considerable effect on the swell behavior of Al-Qatif soil.