Abstract：Consolidation tests are applied to determine the indexes of volumetric deformation with respect to normal stress for expansive soils in Guangxi of China，and to predict ground heaves in expansive soils. Static cone penetration tests are conducted for expansive soil investigations，and test results are used to determine the active expansive zone. A theoretical solution is developed to determine cracking depth of expansive soils. The depths of the active zone from static cone penetration tests and theoretical solution are respectively identical to the results from observation in-situ. A simplified method for prediction of ground heaves in expansive soils based on consolidation tests is given. The index of ground heave in expansive soils is used as the basis for the classification of expansive soil foundations. The results of expansive ground heave have significant meaning to the choice of building foundations in expansive soil.
