Effect of Sand Percentage on the Compaction Properties and Undrained Shear Strength of Low Plasticity Soft Clay

This study investigated the influence of sand content on the mechanical behaviour of a low plasticity clay found in Iraq. Samples were prepared with sand contents of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% of the weight of the clay. Standard Proctor and unconfined compression tests were carried out and the optimum moisture content, maximum dry density, and undrained shear strength were determined. The results showed a gradual increasing trend of the maximum dry density with the increase of the sand content up to 30%. The highest dry density reached was 1.90 gm/cm3 corresponding to an optimum moisture content of 12%. In addition, it was also found that the undrained shear strength was inversely proportional to the increase of the percentage of sand. Thus, the dry density of the clay could be increased well above 1.70 g/cm3, which is the minimum dry density accepted as a compacted subgrade according to the Iraqi General Specifications for Roads and Bridges (2003); hence, the rejected low plasticity clay could be utilised by mixing with sand. The reasons for the increase of the dry density and the decrease of the undrained shear strength has been extensively discussed in the paper.