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Swelling Characteristics of Saudi Tayma Shale and Consequential Impact on Light Structures



Author(s)

Muawia A. Dafalla and Mosleh A. Al-Shamrani

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DOI:10.17265/1934-7359/2014.05.011

Department of Civil Engineering, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Arabic

Expansive soils in Saudi Arabia have received wide attention in recent decades, following the rapid urbanization of rural and agricultural parts of the country. Tayma expansive shale inflicted serious damages to light structures, roads and boundary walls. This research is aimed at studying the engineering characteristics of the shale at this area including the basic geotechnical parameters as well as swelling behavior under oedometric loading conditions. The engineering properties were determined and compared to the local and international characterization charts. Mineralogy study using x-ray diffraction was conducted to investigate clay minerals present. The swell percent and the swelling pressure of the shale were investigated for samples prepared at different initial moisture contents and various dry densities. A close-up view of damages caused by the expansive shale in the town is highlighted and measures to reduce the risk of potential swelling distress for future constructions are presented.

Swell, characterization, shale, clay.