Characteristics of Shrinkage Limit of Clays

Abstract

The tests for shrinkage parameters of clays were carried out for natural and mineral clays. The relationships among shrinkage limit (w_s) which is one of the shrinkage parameters, other consistency limits and pH were examined. The results obtained can be listed as follows, (1) Kaolinite has markedly higher shrinkage limit than bentonite, and the shrinkage limit of clay having more bentonite is lower.(2) The shrinkage index (I_s) (=plastic limit w_p-shrinkage limit w_s.) increases in proportion to plasticity index (I_p) in the range of I_p<100 and I_s is a constant being independent of I_p in the range of I_p>100.(3) The liquid limit (w_L) increases in proportion to the square of the pH approximately.(4) The relationship between I_s and pH was found to be a linear relation.