Laboratory studies to diagnosis problematic soils of Ardakan

Ardakan is located in Iran’s central desert. Cracking has caused significant damage to buildings and arteries in this region. Different theories have been associated with the explanation of these cracks, the strongest of which is the problematic soils (expansive soils, dispersive soils and collapsible soils). In this respect several geotechnical tests performed on five bores up to 14 meters in depth. To determine the swelling potential of soil, direct (standard A methods of ASTM D4546) and indirect (various criteria including Chen, AASHTO, Kaldveer, Vander Merwe and free swell test) methods were used.
It was concluded that soils have moderate swelling potential. This feature in some cases can cause cracks in the structures. It has also been concluded that the dispersion and collapse potential of soil are negligible.