Analysis of Lebanese clay parameters affecting the durability and sustainability of clay products

Abstract

The geotechnical properties of soil vary depending on the rock parent type, mineral constituents, and the area's climate. Studying soil properties is essential for the stability of civil engineering properties. This study focuses on clay identification in Lebanon based on their physical parameters as per ASTM standards. This clay identification procedure is a predominant step for enhancing the durability of clay products used as sustainable materials. Seven soils were collected and tested to determine the grain size distribution, specific gravity, maximum dry density, plasticity index, swelling index, and methylene blue value. Results highlight that the plasticity index is not the unique parameter affecting the swelling capacity of the clays. This work aims to find and analyze the parameters affecting some of the contradictory behavior of the collected clays to recognize the control parameter.