EN 17542-5:2026

Earthworks - Geotechnical laboratory tests - Part 5: Test method for measurement of one-dimensional swelling of soils under oedometric condition

Publication date:   Jul 26, 2026

Scope

This document describes the reference methods for the determination of swelling, swelling pressure, magnitude or potential of one-dimensional swelling of a soil when subjected, in the presence of water, to vertical stresses under oedometric conditions.
It is used to assess the behaviour of earthwork platform and earthworks materials that can be affected by the presence of swelling soils.
These methods are used to determine three parameters related with the swelling of a soil: the swelling pressure, the swelling index and the constrained swelling pressure.
These test methods specify the technique for specimen preparation, apparatus and procedure for quantifying the amount of height change associated with swelling and procedures for reporting test results.
The procedures given in these test methods are applicable to undisturbed, remoulded, recompacted or reconstituted specimens.