Discussion: Determination of Atterberg Limits Using the Vane Shear Test Method [Bull. Min. Res. Exp. (2024) 174: 1–10]

Yıl 2025, Cilt: 176 Sayı: 176, 147 - 153, 25.04.2025

Brendan O’kelly Amin Soltani

https://doi.org/10.19111/bulletinofmre.1647192

Öz

This article presents a discussion of the original research reported in the paper by Kayabali et al. (2024) (the Authors) that was recently published in the Bulletin of the Mineral Research and Exploration Vol. 174, pp. 1–10. Using liquid limit (LL), plastic limit (PL) and vane shear strength against water content [i.e., su(VST)–w] results obtained for 100 fine-grained soil samples, the Authors performed multiple regression analyses to produce four strength-based correlations for predicting the LL and PL values based on su(VST)–w measurements. The Authors’ dataset primarily consisted of residual soils formed through the weathering of igneous rocks, along with a few lacustrine soil samples, all sourced from the vicinity of Ankara, Türkiye. This discussion article examines the veracity of the Authors’ claims regarding the predictive performance of their proposed correlations when applied to other fine-grained soils. Using a sizable independent database of dissimilar fine-grained soils compiled from the research literature, it is conclusively shown that, contrary to the Authors’ assertions, their proposed correlations generally produce poor LL and PL predictions when employed beyond the calibration soil types. This outcome is not unexpected, since the Authors’ data-driven correlations were deduced based on a specific dataset with limited diversity in terms of soil physico-chemical and mineralogical attributes. The article closes with a discussion of the plausible explanations for the poor applicability of the Authors’ correlations to dissimilar fine-grained soils.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Fine-grained soil , Liquid limit , Plastic limit , Vane shear strength , Regression analysis

Kaynakça

• AS 1289.3.9.2. 2006, Methods of Testing Soils for Engineering Purposes, Method 3.9.2: Soil Classification Tests — Determination of theResearch Centre of Hacettepe University 36(3):121–136.
• Kayabalı, K., Aktürk, Ö., Fener, M., Dikmen, O., Harputlugil, F. H. 2015b. Revisiting the Bjerrum’s correction factor: Use of the liquidity index for assessing the effect of soil plasticity on undrained shear strength. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering 7(6): 716–721.
• Kayabalı, K., Nagaraj, H.B., Balcı, M.C., Yılmaz, D., Beyhan, M., Aras, K. 2023. Development of a single-point method to determine soil plastic limit using fall-cone data. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering 41(8): 4473–4485.
• Kayabalı, K., Nagaraj, H.B., Yılmaz, D., Beyhan, M. 2024. Determination of Atterberg Limits using the vane shear test method. Bulletin of the Mineral Research and Exploration 174(174): 1–10.
• Nagaraj, H.B., Sridharan, A., Mallikarjuna, H.M. 2012. Re-examination of undrained strength at Atterberg limits water contents. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering 30(4): 727–736.
• O’Kelly, B.C. 2013. Atterberg limits and remolded shear strength—water content relationships. Geotechnical Testing Journal 36(6): 939–947.
• O’Kelly, B.C. 2021. Review of recent developments and understanding of Atterberg limits determinations. Geotechnics 1(1): 59–75.
• O’Kelly, B.C. 2024. Theory of liquid and plastic limits for fine soils, methods of determination and outlook. Geotechnical Research 11(1): 43–61.
• O’Kelly, B.C., Vardanega, P.J., Haigh, S.K. 2018. Use of fall cones to determine Atterberg limits: A review. Géotechnique 68(10): 843–856.
• O’Kelly, B.C., Soltani, A. 2024. Discussion: Development of a single-point method to determine soil plastic limit using fall-cone data (Geotech Geol Eng 41: 4473–4485, 2023). Geotechnical and Geological Engineering 42(4): 2983–2995.
• Sivakumar, V., O’Kelly, B.C., Henderson, L., Moorhead, C., Chow, S.H., Barnes, G.E. 2016. Discussion: Measuring the plastic limit of fine soils: An experimental study. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers – Geotechnical Engineering 169(1): 83–85.
• Soltani, A., O’Kelly, B.C. 2021. Reappraisal of the ASTM/ AASHTO standard rolling device method for plastic limit determination of fine-grained soils. Geosciences 11(6): 247.