Characterisation of a lateritic soil using laboratory and in-situ tests

Abstract

This paper extends our understanding of the characterisation of residual soils by presenting results from a field and laboratory investigation of a laterite soil from the site of Millstream Dam in southern West Australia (WA). The laboratory tests were conducted on intact (block) and reconstituted samples to allow the effects of structure on the mechanical characteristics of the soil to be examined. It is shown that structural effects contributing to the strength of the intact soil are relatively small but that this soil has a more open, permeable structure than equivalent reconstituted soil. Cone Penetration Tests are shown to provide a reasonable means of assessing the undrained strength of this particular soil (which is close to full saturation), despite the permeability being about 10 times higher than a typical sedimentary clay. Show more