ABSTRACT
Dispersive clays have a preponderance of sodium cation while ordinary clays have calcium and magnesium as the major cations in the pore water extracts. Potential problems with dispersive soils are of such magnitude that serious adverse situations may arise, if the materials are not properly identified and appropriate remedial measures not taken during design and construction stages. For identifying dispersive characteristics, four special tests viz. Sherard’s Pin Hole, SCS Double Hydrometer, Analysis of Pore water extracts for Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium cations and Crumb test are normally performed. The embankment of Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal system located in the State of Punjab, India experienced sloughing problem at various reaches. On investigation, it was found that the failure was due to the presence of erodible dispersive soil formations. Attempts were made to overcome this problem of dispersive soil by lime treatment.
