See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/267966840

Possible relationships between compression and recompression indices of a

low-plasticity clayey soil

Article in Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering · October 2007

CITATIONS READS

38 17,089

2 authors:

Zeki Gunduz Hasan Arman

Sakarya University United Arab Emirates University
28 PUBLICATIONS 216 CITATIONS 130 PUBLICATIONS 838 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Hasan Arman on 23 February 2015.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 ‫‪Z. Gunduz and H. Arman‬‬

‫‪POSSIBLE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN COMPRESSION‬‬

‫‪AND RECOMPRESSION INDICES OF A LOW–PLASTICITY‬‬
‫‪CLAYEY SOIL‬‬

‫*‪Zeki Gunduz and Hasan Arman‬‬

‫‪Department of Civil Engineering, Sakarya University, Turkey‬‬

‫اﻟﺨﻼﺻـﺔ‪:‬‬
‫ﻣ ﻦ اﻟ ﻀﺮوري ﻣﻘﺎرﻧ ﺔ ﻣﻌ ﺎﻣﻼت اﻻﻧ ﻀﻐﺎط )‪ (Cc‬وإﻋ ﺎدة اﻻﻧ ﻀﺎط )‪ (Cr‬أﺛﻨ ﺎء ﺣ ﺴﺎب اﺳ ﺘﻘﺮار اﻟﻄﺒﻘ ﺎت‬
‫ﻼ ﻟﻠﻘﻴ ﺎس‬
‫اﻟﻄﻴﻨﻴﺔ‪ .‬وﻋﺎدة ﻣﺎ ﻧﺤﺼﻞ ﻋﻠﻰ هﺬﻩ اﻟﻤﻌﺎﻣﻼت ﺗﺠﺮﻳﺒﻴﺎً ﺑﺎﺳﺘﺨﺪام اﺧﺘﺒﺎر اﻟﺴﺮﻋﺔ‪ ،‬وهﺬﻩ ﺗﺘﻄﻠﺐ وﻗﺘًﺎ ﻃﻮﻳ ً‬
‫آﻤﺎ ﻳﺘﻄﻠﺐ إﺟﺮاءات ﺗﺠﺮﻳﺒﻴﺔ ﺣﺜﻴﺜﺔ وﻣﻜﺜﻔﺔ‪ .‬وهﻨﺎك اﻟﻌﺪﻳﺪ ﻣﻦ اﻷﺑﺤﺎث اﻟﻤﻨ ﺸﻮرة ﻓ ﻲ ﻣﺤﺎوﻟ ﺔ ﻹﻳﺠ ﺎد ﻋﻼﻗ ﺔ ﺑ ﻴﻦ‬
‫ﻞ ﻣﻦ ‪ Cc‬و ‪ ، Cr‬إﺿﺎﻓﺔ إﻟﻰ اﻟﻜﺜﻴﺮ ﻣﻦ اﻟﻤﻤﻴﺰات اﻟﺘﻲ ﻳﻤﻜﻦ أن ﺗـُﺴﺘﺨﺪم ﻟﻤﻘﺎرﻧﺔ أﻧﻮاع اﻟﻄﻴﻦ اﻟﻤﺨﺘﻠﻔﺔ‪ .‬وﻣﻦ هﺬﻩ‬ ‫آٍ‬
‫اﻟﻤﻤﻴﺰات‪ :‬ﻧﺴﺒﺔ )‪ .(OCR‬ﻓ ﻲ ه ﺬﻩ اﻟﺪراﺳ ﺔ ﻧﺴﺘﻘ ﺼﻲ أﺛ ﺮ )‪ (OCR‬وﻧ ﺴﺒﺔ اﻟﻔ ﺮاغ اﻷوﻟﻴ ﺔ )‪ (eo‬ﻋﻠ ﻰ ﻋﻴّﻨ ﺎت ﻣ ﻦ‬
‫اﻟﻄﻴﻦ ﻗﻠﻴﻞ اﻟﻠﺪوﻧﺔ اﻟﺘﻲ ﺗﻢ ﺗﺤﻀﻴﺮهﺎ ﻣﺨﺒﺮﻳًﺎ ﺗﺤ ﺖ ﺿ ﻐﻮط ﻣﺨﺘﻠﻔ ﺔ‪ .‬وﻗ ﺪ ﻗﻤﻨ ﺎ ﺑ ﺎﺟﺮاء اﺧﺘﺒ ﺎر اﻟ ﺴﺮﻋﺔ ﻋﻠ ﻰ ه ﺬﻩ‬
‫اﻟﻌﻴّﻨ ﺎت‪ ،‬وﻣ ﻦ ﺛ ﻢ ﺣ ﺴﺎب ‪ Cc‬و ‪ . Cr‬وﺗ ﺸﻴﺮ اﻟﻨﺘ ﺎﺋﺞ إﻟ ﻰ أن ﻗ ﻴﻢ ‪ Cc‬و ‪ Cr‬ﻗ ﺪ ﺗ ﺄﺛﺮت ﺑ ـ ‪ OCR‬و ‪ ،eo‬وﻓ ﻲ ﻣﻌﻈ ﻢ‬
‫اﻟﺤﺎﻻت ﺣﺼﻠﻨﺎ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻋﻼﻗﺔ ﺧﻄﻴﺔ‪ .‬وﺗﻌﺘﺒﺮ هﺬﻩ اﻟﻨﺘﺎﺋﺞ ﻗﻴّﻤﺔ ﻣﻦ اﻟﻨﺎﺣﻴﺔ اﻷآﺎدﻳﻤﻴﺔ واﻟﻌﻤﻠﻴﺔ‪.‬‬

‫‪* Address for correspondence:‬‬

‫‪Department of Civil Engineering, Sakarya University, Esentepe Campus 54187 Sakarya/Turkey‬‬
‫‪Tel: +90 264 2955723; fax: +90 264 3460359, e-mail: [email protected]‬‬

‫‪Paper Received 26 August 2005; Revised 2 November 2006; Accepted 20 December 2006.‬‬

‫‪October 2007‬‬ ‫‪The Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, Volume 32, Number 2B‬‬ ‫‪179‬‬
 Z. Gunduz and H. Arman

ABSTRACT
Compression (Cc) and recompression (Cr) indices obtained from the oedometer
test are necessary in settlement calculation for clayey soil layers. However, the
oedometer test takes a long time to measure the compression of clays. This will lead
to a very demanding experimental working program in the laboratory. In the
literature, a number of researchers have been looking for a possible relationship
between Cc and Cr indices and general characteristics of clays. A number of
parameters appear to have an effect on the compression of clays. One of these
parameters is overconsolidation ratio (OCR). In this study, the effect of OCR and
initial void ratio (eo) on Cc and Cr indices of a low plasticity overconsolidated clayey
samples, which were prepared in the laboratory under different isotropic pressures,
was investigated. Thus, the oedometer tests were performed on these samples, and
consequently Cc and Cr indices were calculated. The results indicate that Cc and Cr
indices were influenced by OCR and eo, and, in most cases, a linear relationship
between Cc and Cr indices was observed. The results of this research can provide
valuable contributions for academics and practitioners.
Key words: clay, void ratio, oedometer test, index properties, compression and
recompression indices, low plasticity, overconsolidation ratio.

The Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, Volume 32, Number 2B October 2007
180
 Z. Gunduz and H. Arman

POSSIBLE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN COMPRESSION AND RECOMPRESSION

INDICES OF A LOW–PLASTICITY CLAYEY SOIL

1. INTRODUCTION
In geotechnical engineering, consolidation and settlement of structures due to self-weight are amongst the major
problems an engineer has to deal with. Therefore, it is necessary to know the field consolidation curve in order to
calculate soil settlement caused by structures. As is known, void ratio (e) versus log effective vertical stress (σ′) plots are
the results for oedometer tests carried out in the laboratory; and the field consolidation curves are obtained by using these
plots.
To calculate settlement in clayey soil layers, laboratory consolidation tests which depict compression behaviour need
to be performed on samples taken from representative layers. Settlement values calculated from laboratory tests do not
always give accurate in-situ settlement estimations. With the improvement in the knowledge of soil mechanics, the gap
between the calculated values of settlement and the settlement experienced throughout the life span of the structure has
diminished. Settlement calculation of each soil stratum can be accomplished by various methods ranging from
Terzaghi’s one-dimensional consolidation theory to stress path methods [1, 2].
In settlement calculation for clayey soil layers, if the soil is normally consolidated, only the Cc index is required. If
overconsolidated, then both Cc and Cr indices are necessary. Cr must be obtained to compute the level of settlement for
overconsolidated clays as opposed to normally consolidated clays (see Figure 1).
0.8

0.7
Cr
Void Ratio (e)

0.6
1
1
0.5

Cc
0.4

0.3

0.2
10 100 1000 10000
'
Effective Stress (σ ) (kPa)
Figure 1. Definition of Cc and Cr indices
In Turkey, most clays are overconsolidated. Recompression curves obtained by the oedometer test are important
when calculating the settlement in the overconsolidated clays. However, this is a time consuming procedure. If a possible
relationship between Cc and Cr indices in similar geological formations could be found, then the time required to perform
the oedometer test might be shortened.
The main objectives of this research were to study the relationships between Cc and Cr indices, and to investigate the
effects of natural void ratio (eo) and OCR on Cc and Cr; in order to reduce the oedometer test duration if and when
possible.
To achieve the objectives of this study, many clayey specimens taken from the same source and with different OCR
are needed. For the same clayey soil samples, it is inconceivable to obtain different overconsolidation ratios in the field.
However, in the laboratory, it is not hard to prepare these kinds of samples. In this study, the test samples were prepared
in the laboratory. Using a triaxial cell, samples of a low plasticity clayey soil were initially overconsolidated at different
overconsolidation ratios and then the stress–strain behavior of the samples was investigated by oedometer tests.

October 2007 The Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, Volume 32, Number 2B 181
 Z. Gunduz and H. Arman

2. CONSOLIDATION OF SOILS
2.1. Empirical Relationships Between Index Properties and Compression Indices of Soils
The oedometer test, which has been used to calculate consolidation settlement that occurs in different clay soils,
typically takes approximately 16 days. To reduce this time consuming procedure, many researchers have been searching
for lternative ways of finding the values of compressibility of clayey soils [3–6]. Easily obtainable fundamental
characteristics of soils, which are of the same origin and/or from the same area, can be used to find the Cc and Cr indices
of clayey soils.
Compressibility can be related to the index properties (parameters) of clayey soils such as; initial void ratio (eo),
liquid limit (wLL), natural water content (wn), and dry unit weight (γd). Some of the relationships presented in previous
studies, determined by different researchers, are given in Table 1 [4–5], [7–12].

Table 1. Suggested Equations for Compression and Recompression Indices Reported In the Literature

Equations References
C c = 0.009 (w LL − 10 ) [4]
C c = 0.040 (eo − 0.25 ) [7]
C c = 0.01 (w n − 5 ) [7]
C c = 0.37 (eo + 0.003w LL − 0.34 ) [7]
C c = −0.156 + 0.41 eo + 0.00058 w n [7]
C c = 0.5G s I p [8]
2.38
⎛ 1 + e0 ⎞
C c = 0.141 G s 1.2 ⎜ ⎟ [9]
⎝ Gs ⎠
C c = 0.2343 w nG s [10]
C c = 0.009 w n + 0.002 w LL − 0.10 [11]
C c = 0.0023w LLG s [11]
C c = 0.141 G s ( γ w / γ s )
12 / 5
[12]
C r = 0.15 (eo + 0.007 ) [7]
C r = 0.003 (w n + 7 ) [7]
C r = 0.126 (eo + 0.003w LL − 0.06 ) [7]
C r = 0.000463w LLG s [10]
C r = 0.017 + 0.102 C c [5]

As is known, compressibility is affected by physical parameters that could have many dimensions. The equations
given in Table 1 generally depend on one or two such parameters. Therefore, these equations should be evaluated based
on the local conditions.
In overconsolidated clayey soils, the Cr index plays an important role, as well as the Cc index, in calculation of
settlement. In many studies, it was found that the Cr index was generally 10–20% of the Cc index [13].

The Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, Volume 32, Number 2B October 2007
182
 Z. Gunduz and H. Arman

2.2. Oedometer Test

The oedometer test is designed to reproduce one-dimensional consolidation. After installation of the specimen and
prevention of swelling, each pressure increment requires 24 hours application. During the test, different loading and
unloading sequences can be employed. However, for this study, the standard loading and unloading stages tabulated in
Table 2 were used.
Table 2. Loading and Unloading Sequences for the Tested Samples

Loading Test step order 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

sequences
Loading (kN/m2) 0 10 25 50 100 200 400
2
I Unloading kN/m ) 100
Loading (kN/m2) 200 400 800
II Unloading (kN/m2) 200
2
Loading (kN/m ) 400 800 1600 3200
III Unloading (kN/m2) 100

According to the above test sequence, one oedometer test takes 16 days to complete. This is a time-consuming
procedure. In particular, unloading and reloading stages take almost half of the testing processes. If the Cr index can be
defined based on the Cc index or other physical parameters of the tested soils, this testing process time would be reduced
to half the normal testing time. Then, the laboratory work would also decrease.
2.3. Compressibility of Overconsolidated Clayey Soils
In general, there are many factors that affect the compressibility of clayey soils. Some of the more significant factors
are: mineralogical properties of the clay, its plasticity, percentage of sand and silt, properties of porewater,
cementation/thixotropy, temperature, loading history, overconsolidation ratio, void ratio, and natural water content [5, 6,
14].
If it is assumed that these properties directly affect compressibility, as represented by the compression index, it is
therefore expected that the same properties would also influence the Cr index. In the literature, Cc and Cr indices of
clayey soils are separately defined as characteristics of a soil [15].
3. LABORATORY WORK
The laboratory work presented in this paper was done in the geotechnical laboratory at Sakarya University, Turkey.
The possible relationships between OCR, eo, and Cc versus Cr indices were studied. A low plasticity clayey soil was
chosen to investigate the compressibility behaviour of clayey soils.
3.1. Properties of Natural Samples
The clayey soil selected to conduct the tests was taken from the Serdivan–Adapazari (Turkey) region. The study area
is mainly located on the Akveren Formation consisting mainly of: sandstone, clayey stone, siltstone, clayey limestone,
and at some points altered clayey soils [16]. The sample(s) were extracted from the location of the altered clayey soils,
from a depth of approximately 1.00 m. from the surface. Enough clayey soils were obtained from the location to perform
experimental work in the laboratory. All of the samples were disturbed samples.
The index properties of clayey soils are: wL = 35%, wP = 28%, and IP = 7%. Approximately 82% of the samples used
in sieve analysis passed a #200 sieve. Natural water content (wn) of the clayey soils was 12%. Using the Unified Soil
Classification System (USCS), the soil is designated as low plasticity clay (CL).
3.2. Preparation of Overconsolidated Samples
The soil fraction passing the #200 sieve was dried and mixed with tap water, in a blender. Water was added gradually
until the clayey soil attained a fluid consistency. To reach complete fluid consistency and eliminate air bubbles inside
the sample, the clayey soil plus tap water mix was gradually blended for approximately 10 days. Afterwards, the fluid-
like homogeneous mix was placed in a thick self-standing membrane inside the triaxial cell.

October 2007 The Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, Volume 32, Number 2B 183
 Z. Gunduz and H. Arman

The samples – 10 cm in diameter and approximately 15 cm high – were then consolidated under a relatively low cell
pressure, in the range of about 10–20 kPa. After 24 hours, the cell was opened and the thick self-standing membrane was
removed, as the specimen became self-supporting. At this state, both a thin membrane and a filter paper were placed
around the sample.
Afterwards, the samples were consolidated at varying cell pressures in accordance with a preplanned test program
until the pore water pressures were diminished. Following the initial consolidation process, the specimens were later
overconsolidated. Preconsolidation pressure values (σ'c), overconsolidation stress values (σ'o), (the applied pressures
during overconsolidation process), and the OCR of prepared clayey samples for the oedometer test, are given in Table 3.
From these samples, which were consolidated under isotropic pressure, two oedometer test samples with 70 mm
diameter and 20 mm height for each group, were prepared, and oedometer tests were carried out following TS 1900 [17].
As shown in Table 2, when loading reaches 400, 800, and 3200 kPa, unloading is performed. In order to avoid the
effects of the physical surroundings, all of the tests were conducted under the same environmental conditions.
Table 3. Consolidation Parameters for Prepared Samples

Preconsolidation Overconsolidation Overconsolidation

Sample no pressure values σ'c stress values ratio
(kPa) σ'o (kPa) σ'c/σ'o
1A, 1B 50 50 1
2A, 2B 100 100 1
3A, 3B 150 100 1.5
4A,4B 200 100 2
5A, 5B 300 100 3
6A, 6B 400 100 4
7A, 7B 500 100 5
8A, 8B 600 100 6
9A, 9B 700 100 7
10A, 10B 800 100 8

4. INVESTIGATION OF POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF VARIOUS FACTORS ON COMPRESSION INDICES

AND EVALUATION OF TEST RESULTS
Oedometer tests were carried out to investigate the compressibility behavior of clayey soils which have the same
origin and are consolidated under isotropic condition at different pressures. For each sample, plots of e–log σ' were
obtained from oedometer tests and Cc, Cr1, Cr2 and Cr3 values were calculated. In order to reach the aim of this research,
potential relationships between: compression–recompression indices (Cc–Cr1,2,3), initial void ratio-compression index
(eo–Cc), initial void ratio-recompression indices (eo–Cr1,2,3), overconsolidation ratio–compression index (OCR–Cc),
overconsolidation ratio–recompression indices (OCR–Cr1,2,3), and initial void ratio–ratio of compression and
recompression indices (eo–Cc/Cr1,2,3) were investigated.
Recompression indices were defined by measuring values between 400 to 100 kPa, 800 to 200 kPa, and 3200 to 100
kPa. The slopes of the curves of Cr1 (the first cycle of the e–log σ' plot), Cr2 (the second cycle of the e–log σ' plot) and
Cr3 (the last step of only the unloading curve of the e–log σ' plot), are given in Table 4 along with eo and Cc values. The
compression curve of specimen 10A is shown in Figure 2.
All the compression curves in terms of e–log σ' are shown in Figure 3. The unloading–reloading curves are not
shown so as to maintain the clarity of this figure.
It has been found that the calculated values of Cr and Cc were not only affected by OCR, but also by other physical
properties of the soil. As given in Table 4, Cr1,2,3 values calculated from unloading cycles are generally different, and
these values increased from the first cycle to the last cycle.

The Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, Volume 32, Number 2B October 2007
184
 Z. Gunduz and H. Arman

0,85
0,85
Sample No: 10 A 0,80
0,80 σc= 800 kPa

0,75 0,75

0,70 0,70

0,65 0,65

0,60 Cc 0,60 1A 50 kPa

Cr1 1B 50 kPa
Cr2 1 1 2A 100 kPa
0,55 0,55
e 1 e
2B 100 kPa
3A 150 kPa
3B 150 kPa
0,50 0,50 4A 200 kPa
4B 200 kPa
5A 300 kPa
0,45 0,45 5B 300 kPa
6A 400 kPa
6B 400 kPa
0,40 0,40 7A 500 kPa
Cr3 7B 500 kPa
0,35 1 0,35
8A 600 kPa
8B 600 kPa
9A 700 kPa
0,30 9B 700 kPa
0,30 10A 800 kPa
10B 800 kPa
0,25
1 10 100 1000 10000 0,25
1 10 100 1000 10000
ORJσ' logσ'
Figure 2. Compression curve of specimen 10A Figure 3. Compression curves of all the specimens

Table 4. Experimental Values of Compression and Recompression Indices for Overconsolidated Samples

History of
Initial void Water Cr1 Cr2 Cr3
Sample consolidation OCR
ratio content Cc (400-100) (800-200) (3200-100)
no pressure ( σ'c/ σ'o)
(eo) (wn)
(σ'c–σ'o) kPa
1A 0.830 0.32 0.237 0.0166 0.0216 0.0274
50-50 1
1B 0.826 0.32 0.239 0.0182 0.0216 0.0299
2A 0.763 0.29 0.239 0.0216 0.0215 0.0340
100-100 1
2B 0.770 0.30 0.242 0.0199 0.0249 0.0349
3A 0.767 0.29 0.284 0.0199 0.0249 0.0365
150-100 1.5
3B 0.767 0.31 0.306 0.0232 0.0230 0.0399
4A 0.750 0.29 0.307 0.0216 0.0249 0.0416
200-100 2
4B 0.770 0.30 0.328 0.0216 0.0232 0.0428
5A 0.705 0.27 0.360 0.0232 0.0266 0.0436
300-100 3
5B 0.698 0.27 0.349 0.0216 0.0249 0.0440
6A 0.705 0.26 0.365 0.0232 0.0249 0.0430
400-100 4
6B 0.693 0.26 0.365 0.0199 0.0265 0.0446
7A 0.700 0.26 0.368 0.0166 0.0200 0.0450
500-100 5
7B 0.700 0.26 0.369 0.0166 0.0216 0.0462
8A 0.685 0.26 0.370 0.0232 0.0266 0.0470
600-100 6
8B 0.707 0.26 0.369 0.0199 0.0249 0.0466
9A 0.625 0.23 0.392 0.0233 0.0282 0.0500
700-100 7
9B 0.647 0.24 0.410 0.0249 0.0299 0.0520
10A 0.637 0.23 0.415 0.0233 0.0265 0.0524
800-100 8
10B 0.647 0.23 0.411 0.0233 0.0265 0.0536

October 2007 The Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, Volume 32, Number 2B 185
 Z. Gunduz and H. Arman

0,07
Cr1
0,06 Cr2 Cr3= 0,0038 + 0,116 Cc
Cr3
0,05

Cr1, 2, 3
0,04
Cr2= 0,0161 + 0,0251 Cc
0,03

0,02
Cr1= 0,0131 + 0,0254 Cc
0,01
0,20 0,25 0,30 0,35 0,40 0,45

Cc
Figure 4. Relationships between Cc and Cr1, Cr2 Cr3 for overconsolidated low plasticity clayey samples
0,60
0,55
0,50
0,45
0,40
0,35
Cc

0,30
0,25 Cc = 1,02 - 0,95 eo
0,20
0,15
0,10
0,60 0,65 0,70 0,75 0,80 0,85
eo
Figure 5. Relationship between eo and Cc for overconsolidated low plasticity clayey samples
0,07
Cr1
0,06 Cr2
C = 0.126 - 0.115 e Cr3
r3 o
0,05
Cr1, 2, 3

0,04

Cr2= 0.045 - 0.0283 eo

0,03

0,02
Cr1= 0.041 - 0.0268 eo
0,01
0,60 0,65 0,70 0,75 0,80 0,85
eo
Figure 6. Relationships between eo and Cr1, Cr2, Cr3 for overconsolidated low plasticity clayey samples

The Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, Volume 32, Number 2B October 2007
186
 Z. Gunduz and H. Arman

0,60
0,55
0,50
0,45
0,40
0,35
Cc
0,30 Cc = 0,26 + 0,02 OCR
0,25
0,20
0,15
0,10
0 2 4 6 8 10

OCR
Figure 7. Relationship between OCR and Cc for overconsolidated low plasticity clayey samples
0,07
Cr1
0,06 Cr2
Cr3= 0,032+0,0026 OCR Cr3
0,05
Cr1, 2, 3

0,04

Cr2= 0,022 + 0,00058 OCR

0,03

0,02
Cr1= 0,02 + 0,00052 OCR
0,01
0 2 4 6 8 10

OCR
Figure 8. Relationships between OCR and Cr1, Cr2, Cr3 for overconsolidated low plasticity clayey samples
20
Cc/Cr1= 31,80 - 22,95 eo Cc /Cr1
18 Cc /Cr2
Cc /Cr3
16
Cc /Cr1, 2, 3

14

12 Cc/Cr2= 30,96 - 24,09 eo

10 Cc/Cr3= 8,35 - 0,68 eo

8

6
0,60 0,65 0,70 0,75 0,80 0,85
eo
Figure 9. Relationships between eo and Cc/Cr1, Cc/Cr2, Cc/Cr3 for overconsolidated low plasticity clayey samples

October 2007 The Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, Volume 32, Number 2B 187
 Z. Gunduz and H. Arman

The Cr1,2,3 values, used for the calculation of in-situ settlement of overconsolidated clayey soil, are generally obtained
from the first or second unloading step. The obtained results from this study can be summarized as follows:
1. The relations between Cc and Cr1, Cr2, Cr3 are displayed in Figure 4. Even though the data are slightly scattered,
it may be possible to say that there are linear relationships between Cc and Cr1, Cr2, Cr3. Also, as seen in Figure
4, Cr1 and Cr2 are only slightly influenced by the Cc values. However, Cr3 is clearly affected by the Cc index.
2. Figure 5 shows a plot between eo and Cc. Based on these results, it is possible to say that a linear relationship
exists between eo and Cc, despite some slight scattering. Moreover, Cc is clearly influenced by eo, as seen in
Figure 5.
3. Plots of eo versus Cr1, Cr2, Cr3 are illustrated in Figure 6. As seen in the figure, there are meaningful relationships
between eo and Cr1, Cr2, Cr3. However, the relation between eo and Cr1, Cr2 has a much better fit than the relation
between eo and Cr3, since the data are less scattered. Furthermore, Cr1 and Cr2 are slightly influenced by eo, but
Cr3 is mostly affected by eo as seen in Figure 6.
4. The plots between OCR and Cc are denoted in Figure 7. It can be seen from the figure that there is an almost
linear relationship between OCR and Cc, despite some scatter. When OCR increases, the scatter is reduced and
the relation becomes more obvious.
5. The plots between OCR and Cr1, Cr2, Cr3 are depicted in Figure 8. Based on the data, there is a linear relationship
between the recompression indices and OCR. When OCR values are between 1 and 4, the data fluctuates over a
wide range. In addition, Cr1 and Cr2 are slightly influenced by OCR while Cr3 is clearly affected by OCR, as
shown in Figure 8.
6. The relations between eo and Cc/Cr1, Cc/Cr2, Cc/Cr3 are shown in Figure 9. Despite the scatter of the data, there is
a clear linear relationship between eo and Cc/Cr1 and Cc/Cr2, respectively. However, eo does not appear to have
any notable effect on Cc/Cr3, as seen in the figure. Moreover, Cc/Cr1 and Cc/Cr2 are markedly influenced by eo,
whereas Cc/Cr3 is not affected by eo at all.

5. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

In settlement calculation of overconsolidated clays, it is necessary to know the Cr index. This is a time consuming
procedure. If and when a possible relationship between Cc and Cr indices could be found, the time required for oedometer
tests may be shortened. Therefore, in this study, the relationship mentioned above and the effects of eo and OCR on Cc
and Cr indices are investigated through laboratory tests on clayey soils of the same origin and/or the same area.
All of the tests were conducted on clayey samples which had been prepared under isotropic pressure conditions
which are different from those in the field.
Within the framework of this study, and by and large, a linear relationship between Cc and Cr indices was noted. The
suitable fitting equations for the presented data are shown in Figures 4 to 9. In order to finalize and obtain more accurate
correlation among the parameters, the number and types of clayey samples should be increased. Therefore, this study can
be considered as a preliminary investigation for a prototype low plasticity clayey soil.
This study also confirms that there is more than one parameter affecting Cc and Cr values. However, the empirical
relations given in the literature for Cc and Cr values are not valid under all circumstances, because they are, in general,
expressed in terms of only one physical parameter. Either Cc or Cr values are influenced by eo and OCR. Increasing
values of eo will decrease Cc and Cr values. On the contrary, when OCR increases, Cc and Cr values would also increase.
Additionally, Cc and Cr values are influenced by the same parameters. It is possible to say that the Cc/Cr3 ratio is almost
independent of the eo value.
From the test results, it was found that: the Cr1 value was 5 to 9% of the Cc value; the Cr2 value was 5 to 10% of the
Cc value, and the Cr3 value was 11 to 14% of the Cc value. These values are in agreement with those reported in the
literature.
Overall, this study is of benefit to both academics and practitioners. For practitioners, the value of this study comes
from the shortened laboratory testing time. Reducing the time required for the test would be normally coupled with a
decrease in cost. Some other studies, related to the compression and recompression indices, are still in progress.

The Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, Volume 32, Number 2B October 2007
188
 Z. Gunduz and H. Arman

REFERENCES
[1] Karl Terzaghi, Erdbaumechanik. Wien: Franz Deuticke, 1925.
[2] T. W. Lambe, “Stress Path Method”, JSMFD, ASCE, (SM6), 93 (1967), pp. 309–331.
[3] G. A. Mesri and P. M. Godlewski, “Time and Stress Compressibility Interrelationship”, Journal of Geotechnical
Engineering, ASCE, 103 (1977), pp. 417–425.
[4] A. W. Skempton, “Notes on the Compressibility of Clays”, Q. J. Geol. Soc. London (C: parts 1 & 2), 100 (1944), pp.
119–135.
[5] Zeki Gunduz and Akin Onalp, “The Relationship among the Compression Indices and Physical Properties of Clays”, in
Sixth Turkish Congress on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, ed. Turkish Committee of Soil Mechanics and
Foundation Engineering. Izmir, Turkey: 9 Eylul Universities, 1996 (In Turkish).
[6] Zeki Gunduz, Seyhan Firat, and Hasan Arman, “Compression and Recompression Indexes of High Plasticity Clays
under Isotropic Stresses” in 3rd International Conference on Landslides, Slope Stability & the Safety of Infra-
Structures, ed. M. E. Popescu. Singapore: CI-Premier PTE LTD, 2002.
[7] A. S. Azzouz, R. J. Krizek, and R. B. Corotis, “Regression Analysis of Soil Compressibility”, Soils and Foundations,
16(2) (1976), pp. 19–29.
[8] C. P. Wroth and D. M. Wood, “The Correlation of Index Properties with Some Basic Engineering Properties of Soils”,
Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 15(2) (1978), pp. 137–145.
[9] O. Rendon-Herrero, “Universal Compression Index Equation”, Journal of the Geotechnical Engineering Division,
American Society of Civil Engineering, 106(11) (1980), pp. 1179–1200.
[10] T. S. Nagaraj and B. R. Murthy, “Prediction of the Preconsolidation Pressure and Recompression Index of Soils”,
Geotechnical Testing Journal, ASTM, 8(4) (1985), pp. 199–202.
[11] T. S. Nagaraj and B. R. Murthy, “A Critical Reappraisal of Compression Index”, Geotechnique, 36(1) (1986), pp. 27–
32.
[12] A. W. N. Al Khafaji and O. B. Andersland, “Equations for Compression Index Approximation”, Journal of
Geotechnical Engineering, ASCE, 118 (1992), pp. 148–155.
[13] Braja M. Das, Principles of Geotechnical Engineering. California: 5th edn., Brooks/Cole Thomson Learning, 2002.
[14] Hasan Cetin, “Soil-Particle and Pore Orientations During Consolidation of Cohesive Soils”, Engineering Geology, 73
(2004), pp. 1–11.
[15] J. H. Atkinson and P. L. Bransby, The Mechanics of Soils, An Introduction to Critical State Soil Mechanics. New York:
McGraw-Hill, 1978.
[16] M. Metin, Sariaslan, M. E. Yurdakul, R. Osmancelebioglu, M. Kecer, F. Basa, and K. Senturk, “Environmental
Geology and Natural Sources of Sakarya City”, Report: General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration,
Geology Research Center, Ankara-Turkey: MTA, 1998, pp. 1-144 (In Turkish).
[17] TS 1900, Soil Tests in Civil Engineering, Ankara-Turkey: TSE, 1987 (In Turkish).

October 2007 The Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, Volume 32, Number 2B 189
 Z. Gunduz and H. Arman

NOTATIONS
Cc compression index
Cr recompression index
Cr1 calculated recompression index of the first unloading-reloading curve
Cr2 calculated recompression index of the second unloading-reloading curve
Cr3 calculated recompression index of the third step of only unloading curve
CL low plasticity clay
e void ratio
eo initial void ratio
Gs specific gravity of soil grains

IP plasticity index
OCR overconsolidation ratio
wL liquid limit
wn natural water content
wP plastic limit
γd dry unit weight
γs unit weight of soil grains

γw unit weight of water

σ′ effective stress
′
σc preconsolidation pressure
′
σo overconsolidation stress

The Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, Volume 32, Number 2B October 2007
190

View publication stats