PHYSICAL AND ENGINEERING CHARACTERISTICS OF VOLCANIC ASH SOILS IN JAPAN COMPARED WITH THOSE IN OTHER COUNTRIES.

Andisols from different parts of the world are compared with those of Japan in terms of their physical and engineering properties. Dry bulk density of andisols is below 0. 85 ton per cubic meter. Air-drying reduces liquid limit of andisols. Water retention of Japanese andisols is higher than for samples from other countries. The compaction curves of andisols do not have maximum dry density and well-defined optimum water content in drying process. Comparison and standardization of measurements are required for international correlation in physical and engineering properties of andisols.