Evaluation of Geotechnical Properties of Clayey Soils in Different Areas of Karachi (Pakistan) City

Abstract

As a result of an increase in urbanization of Karachi, construction of small, medium and huge civil structures are also increasing and
need due considerations of the geotechnical properties of rocks and soils to be used as foundation materials. The samples of clayey soils,
which are being used as foundation materials for the construction of civil structures, have been collected from different towns of Karachi
and investigated for the evaluation of their geotechnical characteristics. The main geotechnical properties of clayey soils like Natural
Moisture Content, Bulk Density, Bearing Capacity Consistency Limits, Unconfined Compressive Strength, Shear Strength, Activity and
Swelling Potential were determined and evaluated according to ASTM standards. In general the clayey soils of low to medium plasticity,
low Unconfined Compressive and Shear Strengths, Inactive and low Swelling Potential were reported from the selected towns of Karachi
city. In the light of present findings it is concluded that the clayey soils in different towns under study are suitable for the construction of
small and medium civil structures.