Page 98 - RoadCem Manual - PCT BV

If the ground water level could form a problem for the construction measurements must be taken when the highest water level is less than 1 meter under the top edge of the construction. When the water level is lower then 1 m then no problems are expected. The water level in the construction is important for freeze/thaw and for the internal drainage in the construction.
Figure 4.48 Low water level. Figure 4.49 High water level.
The types (as determined by Soil Texture triangle) will determine the capillarity of the soil. Table 4.5 can be used to estimate the capillarity of various materials.
Table 4.9 Capillarity different soil types.
Soil Type
Capillarity [m]
Rocks Gravel Sand Clay Peat
0
0 0-0,3 1-10 > 10
It is njoted that it is very important to report what the highest groundwater levels will be and what the likely air temperature is at that time. This level and the temperature together with the capilarity will determine likelyhood that damage will occur due too frost/thaw and a potential for a reduced bearing capacity due too higher groundwater levels.
4.2.10 Moisture content
The moisture content greatly determines the compressibility of the material. The more a material can be compressed the higher the bearing strength will be. A material is best compressed when the optimal moisture is achieved.
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