Behavior of Dispersive Clay and Its Treatment Practice in the West Part of Heilongjang

This paper is based on the result of 38 sample tests of the dispersive clay obtained from the west part of Heilongjang province. By means of the normal physical test, disintegrative test, collapse test, chemical analysis of the proewater, clastic test, two-hydrometer test, pinhole test, lime-stabilizd test, filter test, together with the protective measures of model simulating test and field practice, since 1980, it was carried out the following primary conclusions:1. Some embankments damaged in Song-nen plain west part of Heilongjang province were mainly due to the behaviour of dispersive clay.2. The distribution of dispersive clay was accompanied with the existence of soda saline-alkali soil in Song-nen plain.3. The normal physical properies of dispersive clay showed little difference from the ordinary clay.4. By mixing 0.5- 1 % lime by weight with the dispersive clay, the latter might be transformed into non-dispersive one, 3% by weight would be the optimum in field practice.5. Sand filter was the effective means to prevent embankment from dispersion.6. By increasing compactive effort and/or controling moisture content, the dispersive behaviour would not be improved.7. The model test gives some kinds of remedial means which is typical and feasible.8. Particular attention must be payed to rainfall which is main casue of eroding dispersive clay in the west part of Heilongjang province as well as in other places.