GEOTECHNICAL PROPERTIES OF DOРANHISAR CLAYS,CENTRAL ANATOLIA, TURKEY

8th International Scientific Conference - SGEM2008, www.sgem.org, SGEM2008 Conference Proceedings/ ISBN: 954-918181-2, June 16-20, 2008, Vol. 1, 107-114 pp

ABSTRACT

This study discusses the results of geotechnical investigation carried out on Doğanhisar
clays in Central Anatolia, Turkey, originated from the weathering of metamorphic
basement rocks. The clays of this location constitute an interesting area for researchers
due to their geology, thickness, and very high overconsolidation values. In the area, clay
deposits are unusually thick, varying from 10 m to 60 m in thickness. For this study,
geotechnical investigations were carried out with laboratory tests on disturbed and
undisturbed samples from seven sites. Geotechnical study indicates that the clays have
natural water content range of 6% to 21%, liquid limit range of 27% to 47%, plastic
limit range of 13% to 23%, and plasticity index range of 12% to 30%. Doğanhisar clays
have a medium to high plasticity. Shrinkage limit and specific gravity of clays vary
between 10-19% and 2.6-2.8, respectively. The internal friction angle and cohesion vary
between 9º-29º and 103-259 kN/m2, respectively. The consolidation tests show that the
swelling pressures and the swelling percents are between 4-10 kN/m2 and 0.8-4%,
respectively.

The composition and geotechnical properties of Doğanhisar clays indicate that they are
potentially suitable for ceramic and refractory production.

Keywords: Doganhisar clays, geotechnical properties, Central Anatolia.