Abstract
The degree of variation in anisotropy adversely affects the predictability of swell behavior. For this purpose, one dimensional fixed ring oedometer consolidation tests were conducted on Al-Qatif soil, by varying the mode as well as the degree of compaction. The samples were prepared by both dynamic and static compaction techniques. Prior to consolidation testing, the samples were prepared at the respective dry densities for each compaction technique, in order to study the effect of structure anisotropy on the swelling behavior of the soil. Further, in order to check the effect of fabric orientation on the swell behavior, both horizontal and vertical samplings were done from the compaction mold and the resulting degree of swell was determined in both the cases. The studies carried out indicate that, the anisotropy brought by varying the degree and method of compaction as well as orientation has a considerable effect on the swell behavior of Al-Qatif soil.