Evaluation of Expansive Clay Soils in Tucson, Arizona

Brooks, Mark W.; Nowatzki, Edward A.; ,

Evaluation of Expansive Clay Soils in Tucson, Arizona

by Mark W. Brooks, California Polytechnic State Univ, San Luis Obispo, United States,
Edward A. Nowatzki, California Polytechnic State Univ, San Luis Obispo, United States,

Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Probabilistic Mechanics and Structural and Geotechnical Reliability

Abstract:

Research was conducted to investigate the mineralogy, engineering properties, and regional distribution of expansive clay soils in Tucson, Arizona. Data derived from X-ray diffraction studies and geotechnical laboratory testing were compiled for the development of a database that included clay mineralogy, engineering parameters, and sampling location. The application of geostatistical computer packages toward the analysis of the data allowed the cartographical representation of mineralogic and geotechnical properties in the form of contour plots. Statistical analyses were conducted to develop predictive equations that permit the estimation of swell potential as a function of common geotechnical parameters. Clay mineralogy was shown to have a strong correlation to the volumetric instability of native soils, as well as the geology of the Tucson Basin.

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