Cyclic swell-shrink behavior of Cyprus clay

Abstract

This paper presents the initial findings of the research on cyclic swell-shrink behavior of compacted Cyprus clay under varying conditions. It is recorded, in most cases tested, that percent swell decrease after an initial maximum value in cycle 1 is followed by an increase at cycle 4. This behavior can be attributed to the geological formation of the parent rock, in which carbonates and iron oxide act as cementing materials. With repeated wetting-drying, the change in soil fabric results in bonds breaking at particle contacts, giving rise to an increase in swelling. When swell tests are conducted with lateral confinement of samples maintained to simulate the field conditions of near surface soils, a mon significant increase of swell potential is observed in cycle 4.