Dispersive and erodible soils - fundamental differences

Abstract

Dispersive, erodible and slaking soils are prevalent over wide areas of South Africa. Each of these materials increases the cost of construction, but dispersive soils are likely to lead to far more serious problems, particularly in dam construction. Although frequently similar in surface appearance, the materials are fundamentally different and must be identified and treated differently during construction. This paper summarises the fundamental differences in the materials, discusses current test methods to differentiate between them and reviews techniques for handling them as construction materials