Combined effect of mineralogical and chemical parameters on swelling behaviour of expansive soils

Microlevel properties such as mineralogical and chemical compositions greatly control the macro behaviour of expansive soils. In this paper, the combined effect of mineral (i.e. montmorillonite, MMC) and chemical contents (i.e. Ca and Na in their total (T), leachable (L) and exchangeable form (CEC)) on swelling behaviour is investigated in a comprehensive way. Several 3-dimensional (3D) graphs correlating MMC and Ca/Na ratio, together, with swelling property (swelling potential, S(a), and swelling pressure, S(p)) are developed. 3D plots, in general, portrayed a non-linear relationship of S(a) and S(p) with MMC and Ca/Na ratio, together. It is hypothesized that swelling initially is triggered by chemical parameters due to their quick and rapid ionization capability, but the overall swelling phenomenon is largely controlled by MMC. It is importantly found that expansive soils are dominant with divalent Ca(++) ions up to MMC of 67% and beyond this percentage, monovalent Na(+) ions are prevalent. From the interpretation of results, the maximum S(a) of 18% and S(p) of 93 kPa is measured at MMC of 43%, (Ca/Na)(T) of 10–14 and (Ca/Na)(L) of 2–7. It is concluded from study that total CEC + MMC for determining S(a) and (Ca/Na)(T) + MMC for determining S(p) are superior parameters to be considered. The findings of the study also excellently endorsed the results of Foster(32), who stated that ionization of Na or Ca depends on the constituent mineral contents. The findings presented herein are unique, interesting and bear very practical significance, as no earlier research work reported such findings by accounting for chemical and mineralogical parameters impact, in tandem, on swelling properties.