Geotechnical Characterization of Alisol Soils in Eastern Province of Zambia

Abstract

In this study, the geotechnical characterization of alisol soils of Eastern Province in Chief-Mutenguleni area was investigated. The Zambian agricultural soil classification was used as the foundation to investigate the behaviour of active clay minerals for alisols soils from the study area. The X-XRD Rietveld analysis depicted the presences of vermiculite, montmorillonite and Ferrum related minerals which are typical of alisols soils. The grain size analysis, Atterberg limits, Califonia bearing ratio (CBR), direct shear test, undrained unconsolidated triaxial test, and consolidation Oedometer were carried out. The CBR test also showed potential swelling and shrinkage behaviour of the investigated alisols soils. Based on the Casagrande plasticity chart the alisol soils from Chief Mutenguleni in Eastern province can be classified as soil with low and high plasticity based on the soil horizon or presence of termite mould in the study area.