Why do clays swell

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So a rainy day, even a rainy month, has to be considered within the context of the rainfall of the preceding two-year period , to assess the potential of shrink—swell today. Once the two-yearly period of rainfall is calculated, only then does this start to give us an indication of the moisture within the ground and the susceptibility of shrinkage.

The research has enabled thresholds in rainfall values to be established that suggest high, medium or low likelihood of shrinkage and subsidence occurrence. Temperature has also been found to be influential, with higher temperatures causing more evaporation and evapotranspiration, leading to further drying and shrinking soils. Looking to the future, warmer, drier summers and increases in annual temperature and rainfall variability are suggested for the UK.

What is considered a heat wave today is likely to be the norm in the s and cool in the s! By combining the BGS GeoSure dataset and applying the UK Climate Projections UKCP scenarios for rainfall and temperature changes in the UK for the next century, maps have been produced for the south-east of England showing areas with varying vulnerability to shrink—swell and thus subsidence in the future due to climate change.

The maps show that areas with clay soils that shrink and swell with changes in moisture are going to become increasingly susceptible in the coming century and beyond. Accessed 4 September The relationship between shrink—swell occurrence and climate in south-east England. Clay shrinkage research at the British Geological Survey. Keyworth, Nottingham, December Shrinkage limit test results and interpretation for clay soils.

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If you want to discover more then please contact Vanessa Banks. Measuring, recording and analysing near-surface geological hazards including landslides, sinkholes and discontinuities. Home » Research » Shallow geohazards » Swelling and shrinking soils.

Quick links Shrinking and swelling soils What causes shrinking and swelling soils? What are the effects of shrink—swell? Where does shrink—swell happen? Our research References Shrinking and swelling soils Shrink—swell is the volume change that occurs as a result of changes in the moisture content of clay-rich soils.

What causes shrinking and swelling soils? Heave Damage to buildings may occur when the volume change of the soil, due to shrinking or swelling, is unevenly distributed beneath the foundations. Damage to the corner of a house caused by heave. Damage to the centre of a house caused by heave. Mud cracks in clays of the Lambeth Group during a prolonged dry period. Urban subsidence and trees Damage may occur as tree roots take up water from the soil, causing the ground to dry out and shrink.

Damage by trees in residential areas Tree roots grow in the direction of least resistance and where they have the best access to water, air and nutrients. Tree roots can cause cracks in pavements and other infrastructure, including buildings. Many residential streets are lined with trees. In towns and cities root growth can cause physical damage to structures by simply pushing the ground apart. Paving of driveways Paving of previously open areas of land, such as the building of patios and driveways, can cause major disruption to the soil moisture system.

Hazards potential mapping GeoSure is a BGS product that gives an indication of ground stability and the potential for ground movement or subsidence. The nature of the reaction depends on the structure of the clays and their chemical state at the moment of contact.

The most common swelling clays are smectite and smectite mixtures that create an almost impermeable barrier for fluid flow when they are located in the larger pores of a reservoir rock. In some cases, brines such as potassium chloride [KCl] are used in completion or workover operations to avoid clay swelling. See: completion fluid , stimulation fluid , treatment fluid , workover fluid.

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