Abstract: The lateral swelling pressure in expansive soil is an important parameter for the design of the retaining wall in the area with expansive soils. To explore the simple measurement method of the lateral swelling pressure in expansive soils and the influence of the increased water content, the compaction induced residual lateral pressure and wetting-drying cycles on the lateral swelling pressure, a remolded medium expansive soil was tested by using the modified K0 consolidometer. Testing results indicated that measuring the lateral swelling pressure by using the K0 consolidometer is reliable; wetting-drying cycles and compaction induced residual lateral pressure do not influence the lateral swelling pressure; and the increased water content apparently affects lateral swelling pressure.

Key words: expansive soils, K₀ consolidometer, wetting-drying cycles, lateral swelling pressure