Desiccation-induced Shrinkage in Compacted Lateritic Soils

Specimens prepared from three lateritic soil samples were subjected to drying under laboratory conditions. Volumetric shrinkage strains were measured at the end of the drying period. Results of this study indicate that, for the lateritic soils tested, volumetric shrinkage strains are influenced by soil composition and compaction conditions. Volumetric shrinkage strain increased with higher compaction water content. The influence of compaction water content on measured volumetric shrinkage strain was more pronounced in specimens with higher fines content. A regression equation was developed from the data to estimate volumetric shrinkage strain given the compaction water content relative to optimum, plasticity index, fines content and compactive effort.