Geostatistical analysis of the influence of textural, mineralogical and geochemical parameters on the geotechnical behaviour of the 'Argilas de Aveiro' formation (Portugal)

Textural, mineralogical and chemical parameters of clays belonging to the U pper Cretaceous 'Argilas de Aveiro' formation were determined and correlate d, using geostatistical analysis, with some relevant geotechnical parameter s. The data obtained made it possible to subdivide the region under study i nto distinctive sectors on the basis of geotechnical behaviour. Clay fracti on content and composition control geotechnical parameters such as the expa ndability and the Atterberg plastic and liquid limits. A positive correlati on was found between both expandability and the Atterberg plasticity index values and the total phyllosilicates, smectite, MgO and Al2O3. However, Att erberg plasticity index values were relatively independent of the diverse c lay mineral assemblages.