Keywords: Smectite, plastic limit, engineering properties, modelling, pedotransfer function
The thesis work will investigate the engineering properties of heavy clay soils, namely Atterberg limits and cation exchange capacity (CEC), which are critical indicators of clay behavior in geotechnical and environmental applications. The study will involve laboratory characterization of selected heavy clay samples to determine their plasticity, liquidity, and CEC. The experimental data will be used to classify these samples and develop predictive CEC and Atterberg limits models based on water vapor sorption isotherms. These models are expected to provide a rapid and cost-effective approach for assessing the geotechnical and chemical properties of heavy clays, offering potential applications in soil classification, foundation design, and environmental remediation.
Is field work part of the topic? No
Is lab work part of the topic? Yes
Is coding part of the thesis topic? Yes
Any time
Department of Agroecology, AU Viborg, 8830 Tjele
30 ECTS (IMSOGLO and Agrobiology): Theoretical thesis based on literature studies and/or analysis of issued and edited data sets.
45 ECTS (Agrobiology): Experimental theses in which the student is responsible for collection and analysis of his/her own original data
60 ECTS (Agrobiology): Experimental theses in which the student is responsible for planning, trial design and collection and analysis of his/her own original data
The student should have basic knowledge of soil science.
Useful Reading
Grønbech, G. L., Nielsen, B. N., & Ibsen, L. B. (2011). Comparison of Liquid Limit of Highly Plastic Clay by Means of Casagrande and Fall Cone Apparatus. https://www.issmge.org/publications/publication/comparison-of-liquid-limit-of-highly-plastic-clay-by-means-of-casagrande-and-fall-cone-apparatus
Arthur, E., Rehman, H.U., Tuller, M., Pouladi, N., Norgaard, T., Moldrup, P., de Jonge, L.W., 2021. Estimating Atterberg limits of soils from hygroscopic water content. Geoderma 381
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016706120313343
