A note on the shrinkage behaviour of a clay paste under various loads

Abstract

Experimental shrinkage lines, obtained by simple measurements of vertical shrinkage and moisture loss, are shown for a swelling clay paste. Sample loading substantially lowered the void ratio at any given moisture content, although all shrinkage lines remained approximately parallel to each other. Ranges of 'zero', 'residual', and 'normal' shrinkage were readily identified for the loaded samples, but were less distinct for the unloaded samples.