Remaining topics in V.N.

S MURTHY 2

1. THIXOTROPY OF CLAYS
• When clays with a flocculent structure are used in construction,
these may lose some strength as a result of remoulding. With
passage of time, however, the strength increases, though not
back to the original value. This phenomenon of strength loss-
strength gain, with no change in volume or water content, is
called ‘Thixotropy’. This may also be said to be “a process of
softening caused by remoulding, followed by a time-dependent
return to the original harder state”.The loss of strength on
remoulding is partly due to the permanent destruction of the
structure in the in-situ condition, and partly due to the
reorientation of the molecules in the adsorbed layers. The gain
in strength is due to the rehabilition of the molecular structure
of the soil. The strength loss due to destruction of structure
cannot be recouped with time.
• ‘Thixis’ means the tough, the shaking, and ‘tropo’ means to
turn, to change. Thus, thixotropy means “to change by touch”;
it may also be defined, basically, as a reversible gel-sol-gel
transformation in certain colloidal systems brought about by a
mechanical disturbance followed by a period of rest.
• The loss in strength on remoulding and the extent of strength
gain over a period of time are dependent on the type of clay
minerals involved; generally, the clay minerals that absorb
large quantities of water into their lattice structures, such as
montmorillonites, experience greater thixotropic effects than
other more stable clay minerals.
• For certain construction situations, thixotropy is considered a
beneficial phenomenon,since with passage of time, the earth
structure gets harder and presumably safer. However, it has its
problems—handing of materials and equipments may pose
difficulties. Thixotropic influences have affected piles, a type of
foundation construction, driven in soils. The disturbance may
cause temporary loss in strength of the surrounding soil.
Driving must be fully done before thixotropic recovery becomes
pronounced. Thixotropic fluids used in drilling opoperations are
called ‘drilling muds’
2. MAJOR SOIL DEPOSITS OF INDIA
• The soil deposits of India can be broadly classified into the
following five types:
o Black cotton soils, occurring in Maharashtra, Gujarat,
Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka,parts of Andhra Pradesh and
Tamil Nadu. These are expansive in nature. On account of
high swelling and shrinkage potential these are difficult
soils to deal with in foundation design.

Prepared by: Krishan H.Pandya ,B.E 5th Sem Civil (GTU) , 9/17/2010
Remaining topics in V.N.S MURTHY 2

o Marine soils, occurring in a narrow belt all along the

coast, especially in the Rann of Kutch. These are very soft
and sometimes contain organic matter, possess low
strength and high compressibility.
o Desert soils, occurring in Rajasthan. These are deposited
by wind and are uniformly graded.
o Alluvial soils, occurring in the Indo-Gangetic plain, north
of the Vindhyachal ranges.
o Lateritic soils, occurring in Kerala, South Maharashtra,
Karnataka, Orissa and West Bengal..

Prepared by: Krishan H.Pandya ,B.E 5th Sem Civil (GTU) , 9/17/2010