Review of classification methods to determine expansion degree of expansive soils in Indonesia

Expansive soils are one of the problematic soils that can cause damage to structures, such as buildings and roads. In Indonesia, the geographical distribution of expansive soils is quite widespread, in many regions including Java, Sumatera, and Papua. This study was conducted by reviewing previous research on the expansion degree of expansive soils. The suitability of the expansion degree indicated by the activity method, Van der Merwe’s criteria, and Chen’s criteria were evaluated by comparing a series of laboratory test results to these criteria. It was observed that the expansion degree indicated by these criteria did not necessarily reflect the actual swelling potential. Other indicators, other than typical index properties, are needed to predict the expansion degree more accurately.