Geotechnical properties of carbonate soils with reference to an improved engineering classification

The engineering behaviour of carbonates differ substantially from quartz based soils. A review of the literature was undertaken in an attempt to identify relevant parameters which could provide the basis for an improved engineering classification. Carbonate content, cementation, crushability, particle size distribution and Atterberg limits were found to be relevant to engineering behaviour of carbonates, and should be included. The maximum obtainable void ratio (emax), which is related to the particle shape distribution, has been proposed as an additional index for carbonate sands. Results from direct shear tests showed that this parameter correlates well with crushability and compressibility. It is recommended that this parameter (emax) as determined in the test devised by Kolbuszewski (1948), should be adopted as an index property for classifying carbonate sands.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Civil Engineering

Year dc:date.issued

1988

Author dc:creator

• Sterianos, Benjamin

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Rosenthal, Gerald

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/9636

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/9636