REVIEW OF CURRENT METHODS FOR SWELL CHARACTERIZATION OF SUBSOILS FOR TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN

Expansive soils exhibit large volume changes due to moisture content fluctuations from seasonal changes. These volume changes cause extensive damages to geotechnical infrastructure. Several methods are available in the literature using different test methods and loading conditions to characterize expansive soils. The selection of an appropriate characterization method is always a challenge to the practicing engineer. A few case studies are presented to explain the need for better descriptions on different characterization methods using swell strain and swell pressures for estimating the severity nature of expansive soils. Both tables and pressures are presented and discussed. The details presented in this paper are useful to provide reliable characterizations for expansive soils and offer assistance to practicing engineers towards better design and selection of subgrade foundations and stabilization methods.