Evaluation of Laboratory Suction Tests for Prediction of Heave in Foundation Soils.

Abstract : Commonly used methods for determining swell potential and predicting volume change and in situ heave are evaluated from the standpoint of simplicity, economy, reliability of test data, and simulation of field conditions. Swell potential is often defined as the percent swell from in situ water content to saturation under a surcharge pressure of 1 psi, whereas in situ heave is often defined as the percent swell from changes in the initial to assumed equilibrium moisture and confining conditions in the field. Increasing degrees of expansion or swell potentials usually correlate with increasing liquid limits and plastically indices.