Abstract
The effect of drying on the liquid limit of Singapore lower marine clay was studied. It was found that drying can cause significant reduction in liquid limit and clay size fraction, even when it was carried out at room temperature. Attempts to recover the original liquid limit by re-soaking and stirring for 7 days were only partially successful. This effect is mainly caused by particle aggregation and loss of organic matter. In view of the importance of liquid limit in the preliminary assessment of soil properties, it is advisable to avoid using the dry preparation method for the determination of liquid limits in Singapore marine clay.