Prediction of Consolidation Properties of Partially Saturated Clays

Consolidation properties of soil are essential for prediction of the deformation characteristics, determination of which involves considerable time, cost, and rigorous testing process. Further, natural state of saturation is not simulated and thus for partially saturated soils the standard odometer test gives misleading results of the evaluated consolidation parameters particularly the overconsolidation ratio (OCR), which is an important parameter that influences many soil properties of practical significance. In this paper an experimental investigation for a simple yet reliable method has been presented for prediction of OCR of partially saturated soil from the simple index properties. Correlation of simple index properties with the consolidation parameters has been evaluated through modified odometer tests and simulating natural state of saturation. Further, advantages of this simplified process, which is confined to shallow depth, may essentially be useful for the pavement engineers for rapid and reliable results saving considerable time and cost in detailed investigation.