Geotechnical Characterization Of Non-Textbook Soils

Beyond the academic world of clays and sands, there is a large range of natural and man-made materials that exhibit properties and geotechnical behavior characteristics that are not typically discussed in textbooks. I broadly refer to these materials as “non-textbook” soils. They include peats, fibrous soils, hazardous waste, (of course Municipal Solid Waste discussed in more detail here), municipal sludges, coal ash and construction and demolition materials as well as exotic soils, and cemented soils. Many aspects of the behavior of these materials are still not well understood. My research objective is to understand the mechanical response of these unconventional materials, some of which are very commonly encountered, using in-situ and laboratory testing and gain a better understanding of their engineering behavior, as well as potential uses or re-uses.