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3.2.5 Free Swell
The free swell test is one of the most commonly used simple tests for estimating soil
swelling potential. This test is performed by pouring 10cc of dry soil, passing through
sieve no 40 ( 0.425mm diameter), into a 100 cc graduated cylinder. The cylinder is then
filled with distilled water and the swelled volume of the soil is measured after the
material settles.
Free swell is then given by :
v − v
Fs = o × 100
v
o
Where: Fs = Free Swell
V = Final Volume after swell
V o = Volume of dry soil, 10 cm 3
Results of the free swell tests of the study area are given in Table 9
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