An Experimental Study on the Geotechnical, Mineralogical, and Swelling Behavior of KPK Expansive Soils

Expansive soils are found in numerous regions of the world explicitly arid and semiarid zones. These expand when absorbed moisture shrink released water. Such soil is viewed as a characteristic risk for infrastructures due to swell behavior. become more problematic lightly or moderately loaded structures built on them. The swelling shrinkage these chiefly happen presence montmorillonite minerals. mineralogical behavior foundation playing vital role overall stability structure. parameters often ignored geotechnical report writing stage specifically small projects, which, durability service life facilities reduced maintenance cost increased. To mitigate potential damages constructed expansive soil, it necessary assess characteristics soil. current study aims determine geotechnical, mineralogical, local soils. Based results, Karak has highest plasticity index (PI) 37% with clay fraction 28%, while D.I. Khan least PI 23% 17%. Similarly, Karak’s contained higher percentage (Rp = 8.9%). maximum values pressure, potential, 1D deformation 280 kPa, 12.5%, 1.92 mm 6.45% 150 1.38 10.5%, 245 1.64 Kohat respectively. This concludes that high than increases increase fine fraction. Furthermore, critical khan structures.