Volume 1, Issue 2 — Year 2024 — Article e100019

Javad Nasirfam¹; Masood Purbaba²; Dariush Ahadi-Ravoshti³

1. Department of Civil Engineering, Islamic Azad University Maragheh Branch, Maragheh 5519747591, Iran
2. Department of Civil Engineering, Islamic Azad University Maragheh Branch, Maragheh 5519747591, Iran
3. Department of Agriculture, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil 5619911367, Iran

This study focuses on the swelling potential and damage capacity of buildings and foundations constructed on expansive soils. The geotechnical properties of such soils are mainly controlled by moisture absorption and clay content, particularly the presence of montmorillonite. As moisture and clay minerals increase, so does the soil's swelling potential and ability to cause damage. Laboratory tests on disturbed and undisturbed samples reveal that swelling percentage, swelling pressure, and free swell are critical properties. These are measured using tests like free swell and one-dimensional oedometer tests. The study shows that free swell ranges from 100% to 150%, and swelling pressure is around 45 kPa. The linear swelling coefficient (COLE) for these soils, analyzed using Plaxis software, ranges from 0.09 to 0.14. The findings emphasize the need for soil stabilization, with drainage and water control proving most effective. Numerical modeling enhances accuracy in predicting uplift behavior in these soils.

Swelling soils, Geotechnical analysis, Soil behavior, Engineering solutions, Soil control methods