Change of expansion characteristics of compacted soils used for dams in central Vietnam

Civil Engineering Department, University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City, 196 Pasteur - Ward 6 – District 3 – HCMC, Vietnam

Corresponding author: xyztruongquangthanh@gmail.com

Abstract

Most of the earth embankments in central Vietnam are usually built with clays. Some types of clays in this area are swollen. If they are used to build dams, it can be detrimental to the embankment. Based on the results of laboratory test analysis, the authors investigated swelling characteristics of some soil types in the study area and found that the swelling rate of soil increases with the compaction of the soil sample. When swelling under pressure in approaching water over time, the swelling coefficient of the soil decreases significantly. Thus, swelling clays can be used to make dams, but they must be put in the appropriate position for the purpose of not swelling freely.