Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Paul, Varun

Committee Member

Kirkland, Brenda

Committee Member

Schmitz, Darrel

Date of Degree

12-9-2022

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Geosciences

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Geosciences

Abstract

Shrinking and swelling in Yazoo Clay is a cause of concern for construction projects in Mississippi. This thesis investigated the effects of adding lime and Douglas Fir biochar on the shrinking and swelling capabilities of Yazoo Clay. Samples of Yazoo Clay were mixed with the additives in defined ratios and subjected to the free swell test and the COLE(rod) test. Biochar addition reduced the COLE(rod) of the samples a large amount, while increasing the swelling potential of the clay samples. The addition of lime slightly reduced both the shrinking and swelling potentials of the samples. The mineralogical variability of Yazoo Clay vertically and horizontally could limit the applicability of these results across the formation and is important to be considered before further application. While constrained to one location, this study showed the influence of biochar and lime on the shrinking and swelling capabilities of Yazoo Clay.

Download

Included in

Geology Commons

Share

COinS