Implications of weathering on the engineering properties of the Fuller's earth formation

The Fuller's Earth formation is an overconsolidated, jointed, randomly fissured, calcareous mudstone with some thin to medium, jointed argillaceous limestone bands. South of Bath, the formation contains the commercial (montmorillonite rich) Fuller's Earth bed. This paper reviews the effect of the proportion of calcite present on the moisture content, Atterberg limits, particle size, and residual shear strength. Attention is drawn to the importance of appreciating that the calcite percentage and the clay mineralogy are both likely to change with time as a result of weathering processes.