Application of Predictive Relationships of Swelling Effects for Roadbeds

Abstract

Impact of swelling can be observed in a wide range of civil and engineering structures. In the case of swelling in the subsoil of roadbeds, the destruction of the road pavement in cuts or collapse of slopes of cut is a frequent occurrence. Problems with deformation from swelling can also occur in the case of bridge abutments based on pile trestles. The unpleasant fact is that the impact of swelling can occur even after a long time. In the case of roads, high swelling pressures can lead to total destruction of the structure of the pavement even after years of operation. The susceptibility of soil to swelling can be described using swelling parameters. These parameters can be measured directly in the laboratory and in situ or indirectly estimated from empirical correlations. The paper describes the prediction of swelling processes using indirect measurements based on the methodology "Identification and solution of problems of soils prone to swelling" certified by the Ministry of Environment of the Czech Republic.