The shrinkage factor (or swell factor) in earthwork accounts for:
Choose the correct answer
Rainfall on the site
The change in volume of soil when disturbed soil is compacted in an embankment (bank measure converted to embankment measure: embankment volume = bank volume / shrinkage factor or x swell factor)
Seasonal temperature changes
Water content of soil only
Correct Answer
B. The change in volume of soil when disturbed soil is compacted in an embankment (bank measure converted to embankment measure: embankment volume = bank volume / shrinkage factor or x swell factor)
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Bank measure (in situ): natural ground. Loose measure: after excavation (volume increases by swell, e.g., 25-30% for clay). Compacted measure: after compaction in embankment (less than bank). Shrinkage factor (SF) for embankment: if 1 m3 of bank soil gives 0.8 m3 in embankment, SF = 0.8. Payment: usually in loose or bank measure as specified.
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