Design of Experiments (DOE) techniques to Predict Swelling Pressure of Expansive Soils In Tebessa (Algeria)

This research work aims to study the swelling behavior of clayey soils in Tebessa area (Algeria) using the Design of experiments (DOE) method, based on mechanical, physical and clay mineralogy test results. The effect of different parameters such as dry unit weight, degree of saturation, water content, plasticity index, etc. on the swelling behavior of soil is evaluated and the statistical contribution of each variable in the calculated swelling pressure is also discussed. Besides, relationships between factors affecting the expansion process have been determined. The swelling pressure generated within the soil, which is useful in the design of foundations and civil engineering structures is taken as output process in the screening design methodology. Optimization of the parameters that affect the swelling behavior by Response Surface Method (RSM) allows finding the best set of factor levels to establish the mathematical model. Hence, the efficiency of this model is assessed by comparison of its output results with those obtained from laboratory tests. All of these techniques allow choosing the appropriate model that can be used for all soil conditions.