SANAS T1018
Public test guide
Assesses how much an expansive soil may increase in volume and the pressure it can develop when wetted.
Plain-language explanation
The project specification controls the exact method and acceptance requirement.
A confined soil specimen is inundated and either allowed to swell vertically or restrained while the required counter-pressure is measured.
Representative specimen, oedometer-type cell, water, loading system and displacement gauge.
Free-swell strain and/or pressure required to prevent swelling under the specified condition.
Supports foundation and floor design where expansive clay could cause heave, cracking or distortion.
Typical test sequence
Prepare and seat the specimen
Inundate under the specified seating condition
Measure swell or apply load to maintain volume and record pressure
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