Quick clays of eastern Canada

Abstract

This paper describes the results of research carried out during the past fifteen years on the quick clays of eastern Canada. The mineral composition and structure of these clays is similar to that of other glacial marine clays but they often exist with an unusually low salt content in the pore water. There is evidence of strong rigid bonds between particles of those deposits that are overconsolidated. The bonds are broken when the soil is loaded and this may lead to large volume changes or to exceptional loss of strength if drainage is not permitted. Some studies have been made on the physico-chemical characteristics of the soil and on its fabric but most of the research to date has involved laboratory and field observations of the response of the soil structure to stress changes. The important influence of rate of loading has revealed the need of careful interpretation of laboratory tests for field application. © 1968.