Swelling Behavior Of Clays In Different Engineering Properties

1 1 1*
, Hasan
1

*Corresponding Author: hfirat.pulat@ikc.edu.tr

Abstract

Swelling in soils can be defined as volumetric increase due to increase in water content of
partially saturated fine-grained soils. High vertical deformations caused by the swelling of the
clay may cause significant damage such as breakage, cracking and heaving in civil
engineering structures. Lightweight buildings, airports, tunnels, roads, infrastructure,
irrigation canals and garden wall are the most affected engineering structures from these
damages. In order to prevent these problems completely or to restrict them in allowable
swelling deformations different additives are used. In this study, swelling behavior of
bentonite, kaolin and natural alluvial clay were investigated. In order to minimize the swelling
deformations, these clays were mixed with different lime ratios. Modified Free Swell Index
(MFSI) tests were performed to investigate the effects of lime content on swelling behavior of
clays with different engineering properties. In the study, 18 samples were prepared by mixing
3 different clays with 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 20% lime. The pH, specific gravity, liquid limit and
plastic limit values of the prepared samples were determined. Test results have shown that
liquid limits of bentonite decreased dramatically as the lime content increased. On the other
hand, the lime content does not have a significant effect on the liquid limits of kaolin and
natural alluvial clay. Increasing of lime content, increased the plastic limit and workability of
kaolin and natural alluvial clay. Increased lime content played a more critical role on the pH
of kaolin, followed by natural alluvial clay and bentonite. There was a significant increase in
the pH values of the mixtures compared to the natural samples. At the end of the MFSI tests,
it was observed that lime significantly reduced the swelling of bentonite. On the other hand,
there was no significant effect on swelling behavior of low plasticity kaolin and natural clay.
Swelling of bentonite dramatically reduced with the 3 and 6% lime mixtures. Although the
lime ratio increased, no significant changes were observed in 9, 12 and 20% mixtures.

Keywords: Alluvial clays, Bentonite, Kaolin, Lime, Modified Free Swell Index, Swelling

Introduction

Soil consistency and stiffness significantly affect the design of geotechnical structures. Also,
some soil parameters such as; soil mineralogy, composition, water content and pH are very
important for the soil structure interaction. In addition, soil characteristics and behavior may
vary depending on time and conditions. While the hard soils may soften with increased water
The volumetric increase due to the
increase in the water content of partially saturated fine-grained soil can be defined as swelling
( zt rk et al., 2015). The swelling emphasizes not only the upward trend in volume due to the
presence of water, but also the reduction in volume or shrinkage in the event of loss of water.
The belief that a qualitative relationship exists between shrinkage and swelling has caused the
shrinkage limit has been used by various researchers (Holtz and Gibbs, 1956; Altmeyer, 1955)
as a parameter to show the swelling potential of the soil. However, there are many studies in
the literature showing that there is no strong and steady relationship between the swelling
potential and shrinkage limit (Seed et al., 1962; Snethen, 1984; Chen and Ma, 1987; Sridharan
and Prakash, 1998). The swelling has two different forms; between the layers and within the
grains. Capillary forces are the main cause of swelling between particles. In partially dry fine-
grained soils, the particles remain together with the gravity between them but when the soil is
wet, the water is prevented from coming out. This reduces the effect of capillary forces,
removes the soil particles from each other and causes swelling (Grim, 1962). When swelling
occurs between the weak bounded layers, the water enters between these layers. Sodium (Na)
montmorillonite clay grows up to 2000% of its volume and becomes gel-like. Calcium (Ca)
montmorillonite shows swelling in the range of 50 to 100%. While the least swelling clay is
kaolinite, illite can swells in range of 15%, and illite montmorillonite mixtures may grow up
in the range of 60 - ensured by the providing three
conditions at the same time. Firstly, when the water content increases, volumetric increase is
observed in the soil particles. Secondly, the structure of the soil needs to be in a suitable
condition to get water. When these two conditions met, the swelling potential of the soil is
provided. Finally, there must be enough water to satisfy the water needs of the soil
(Uzundurukan, 2006). Engineering structures built on clayey soils may cause the change of
water content of the soils. Moisture content of the fine-grained soils is directly related to their
swelling potential. The large lifting forces resulting from swelling potential of the clays is a
serious problem that causes damage in civil engineering structures such as failure, cracking
and swelling. Also, the most affected engineering structures are light constructions, airports,
tunnels, roads and trusses, parking areas, infrastructure facilities (domestic water and waste
water pipes), irrigation canals and garden walls. Numerous studies have been carried out on
damages caused by swelling soil problems and design criteria have been proposed (Parker et
al., 1977; Chen, 1975; Basma et al., 1995; Abdullah et al., 1999; Al-Ravas et al., 2002).
Sridharan and Gurtug (2004) examined the swelling behavior of soils in five different
physical and mineralogical properties. Three different compaction energy were used for the
preparation of the soil samples. Swelling tests were carried out on a traditional oedometer. As
a result of the study, it was stated that there was a relationship between the swelling
percentage and the swelling pressure and it is independent from the soil type and compaction
energy. The following relationship is given to the swelling pressure of about 1000 kPa.
(2002) examined the relationship between methylene blue value and swelling percentage. In
order to obtain soil samples with different plasticity and swelling percentages, the commercial
bentonite and kaolinite minerals were mixed in different proportions. Methylene blue
adsorption experiments and standard free swelling tests were performed. Test results showed
a linear relationship between methylene blue value and swelling percentage. Abdullah et al.
(1999) examined the effects of changeable cation type and pH value on swelling behavior.
They washed a natural clay sample with NaCl, CaCl and KCl solutions at three different pH
values. So that, samples have prepared with Na, Ca and K dominant cation types. At the
result, K - clay had the lowest swelling potential compared to other samples.
(2015) performed a field study in Turkey, damages caused by the soil swelling.
Damages were mostly seen in single-storey buildings and in the garden walls as cracks and
these cracks were thought to be caused by different deformations due to swelling at the
foundation base.

Precise determination of soil swelling potential is the most important step in choosing the
correct soil improvement method (Mohan et al., 1973; Popescu, 1979; Chen, 1998). The soil
properties are directly effective in the selection of soil improvement methods (Lambe, 1960).
Stabilization with additives is one of the commonly used methods of soil improvement,
because of its easy application and economic. Lime, cement, fly ash and some organic
compounds are used in the stabilization of the soils which has swelling potential. For fine-
grained soils; the using of lime provides lower plasticity and better workability. The
geotechnical properties of lime mixed soil depend on soil and used lime types, the percentage
of lime and the curing time. In addition, some other factors such as pH, organic matter content
and water content of the soil affect the lime - soil reaction (Lambe, 1962). In the studies, the
amount of lime additive required for stabilization of swelling clays; it is normally stated that
the additive is between 1 3% by weight, and studies also are expressed the additive increase
the strength without changing the plastic limit (Bell, 1988) however, in many other studies it
is stated that the percentage of contribution is between 2 8% ( 2015). Kavak (1996)
were studied about pure bentonite and kaolin clays stabilization with lime and their
unconfined compression stresses. As a result of the experiments, the unconfined compression
stress of bentonite increased by 6 times in 1 month and by 12 times in kaolin. Bell (1996), has
conducted various laboratory experiments on kaolinite, montmorillonite and quartz in order to
improve the engineering properties of soils with the addition of lime. With the lime addition,
the plasticity of kaolinite and quartz was increased, and montmorillonite was reduced. In all
samples shows an increase in their optimum moisture content and a decrease in their
maximum dry density. Also, CBR values increased with lime additive. Kavak et al. (2009)
examined about the performance of lime stabilization on a real road path. In this study, low
bearing capacity quarry material has been used by improving with 2% lime on the path. CBR
(California Bearing Ratio) tests were performed in the laboratory and the CBR value which
was 6 in the natural state increased to 80% with 2% lime.
stabilization of limestone clays with high swelling potential located in the campus area of
Oedometer tests were carried out on 88 separate samples
that obtained from three different locations, were prepared in standard and modified energy
levels and different lime percentage. At the end of the experiments, it was determined that this
additive was effective after 3% level and the effect was relatively higher at high energy level.

In this study, swelling behavior of bentonite, kaolin and natural alluvial soils were determined
with modified free swell index (MFSI) tests. Following this, it is aimed to prevent significant
swelling deformations of bentonite, kaolin and natural clay with the lime additives. For this
purpose, 18 samples were prepared by mixing 3 different clays with 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 20%
lime. In addition to this, pH, specific gravity, liquid limit and plastic limit values of the
prepared samples were determined.
Materials And Methods

In the study, 18 samples were prepared by mixing kaolin, bentonite, natural alluvial clays with
0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 20% lime.

Kaolin is a kind of clay containing mother of pearl, kaolinite and anoxide. It is also known as
China clay or white clay. The white color of the mineral can be result after processing which
eliminate minerals and other color-bearing compounds or can be naturally occurring. Size of
the small particle of the mineral contributes to its white color by scattering light. When the
moisture content increases, the color becomes darker and the smell of clay increases.
Insoluble in water, dilute acids and alkali hydroxides. Kaolinite which is ideal kaolin
composition (Al2O3.2SiO2.2H2O) include; SiO2 (Silica) 46.54%, Al2O3 (Aluminum Oxide)
39.50%, H2O (Water) 13.96%. When the content of Al2O3 is less than ideal (39.50%), quality
is lower.

Bentonite is defined as, mainly composed of montmorillonite which is formed by the

chemical decomposition of volcanic ash, tuff and lava which is rich in aluminum and
magnesium. It is a versatile clay used in industrial, agricultural, mining and engineering
geology. Na-bentonite has high swelling capacity that 8 to 10 times its own volume in contact
with water and swelling ratio of Ca-bentonites is 2-3 times of their volume. Na and Ca
bentonites are used for jobs such as drilling, iron powder pelleting, bleaching.

With this study, it will contribute to the engineering studies which are carried out in this
region and accumulation of knowledge will be obtained.

Liquid limit tests are performed with Casagrande device according to ASTM D4318. The
Casagrande device is dropped as two cycles per second until the 13 mm junction in the
sample where divided into two pieces from the middle of the arm and the number of strokes is
recorded. The plastic limit values were determined according to ASTM D4318. The soil
samples that kneading with water are rounded on a frosted glass or a flat tile until the
diameters are 3 mm, and the lengths are 10 cm. Thus, the rollers, which partially lose their
water, begin to split due to the reduction of the plasticity of the soil. The water content in this
state is called the plastic limit. The pH tests were conducted in accordance with ASTM
D4972, for each 10 grams of dry soil samples are mixed with 10 grams of distilled water. The
samples were waited for 1 hour and pH measurement were performed with digital pH meter
two times for each sample to check reliability. The Modified Free Swell Index tests were
carried out according to ASTM (Sivapullaiah et al., 1987). Six different mixtures were
prepared by mixing lime with bentonite, kaolin and natural clay in different ratios as 0, 3, 6, 9,
12 and 20%. A 10 ml sample was taken in each mixture and poured into a container filled
with 80 ml of distilled water. During this procedure, ensure that the sample was not pinched
and shaken. The sample in distilled water was expected to equilibrate for 24 hours.
Suspension of very fine-grained particles was neglected. The volume of the sample deposited
in distilled water was read (V). MFSI was found by taking Equation 1. This procedure was
repeated for 6 different samples.
 Eq. 1
Results and Discussion

The consistency test results are shown in Figure 1 2. Liquid limits decreased with the lime
content increasing for bentonite (Figure 1). With the addition of lime, the soil particles pellet
and grow, the surface area reduces, thus reducing the liquid limit (Kechouane and Nechnech,
2015). Additionally, the ionization capacity of bentonite is quite high. On the other hand, the
liquid limits of kaolin were not affected by the lime additive. Lime addition was more
effective on swelling behavior of high plasticity clays. When mixed with lime, the cation
exchange reaction takes place, and as a result monovalent cation usually combined with clays
are replaced by bivalent calcium ions 2009). For natural samples, liquid limit values
increased up to 3% lime additive then decreased.

Figure 3. Comparison of liquid limit values

 Figure 4. Comparison of plastic limit values

Similar results were observed for plastic limits (Figure 2). Also, it was obtained that lowest
plasticity indices were obtained in kaolin samples while the highest plasticity indices were
obtained in bentonite samples. Whereas the decrease in plasticity index was the highest in
bentonite. In the literature, it is known that the swelling clays generally have higher plasticity
indices that means, they remain plastic in a wider range of water content.

The results of pH measurements of all prepared mixtures have been shown in Figure 3. The
pH values increased rapidly up to 3% lime additive in response to the increase of the rate of
lime applied, but the rate of increase slowed down as the pH values exceeded 12.5,
approximately. These findings coincide exactly with the study of Hsu (Hsu et al., 2004).

Figure 5. The pH values of samples

The comparisons of MFSI values of samples are shown in Figure 4. For kaolin and natural
clay, lime did not have a significant effect on MFSIs. However, when bentonite was
examined, it was determined that the MFSIs decreased as the lime content increased.
 Figure 6. Comparison of the MFSI vales
It can be said that the decrease in swelling indices is due to some chemical reactions of lime
stabilized bentonite when it comes into contact with water. When lime is added to the soil,
strong cationic lime ions try to replace weak metallic cations on the surface of the clay
particles. Therefore, cation displacement is more common in hydrated lime than in limestone.
This ion exchange develops rapidly and causes a decrease in the plasticity value of the
ground. Clay particles electrically attract each other. This occurs on the soil by clumping, and
the soil acts as a coarse-grained material rather than a cohesive material (Schanz et al., 2015;
Cheshomi et al., 2017).

Bentonite has the highest swelling potential among the clays used in this study. The individual
molecule layers that form a montmorillonite crystal are poorly bound together. Thus, when
wetting occurs, water enters not only between the crystals, but also between the layers of
crystals. So much so that montmorillonite, especially sodium montmorillonite, can expand up
to 2000% of its original volume, and it becomes a clay gel (Grim, 1962).

Conclusion

In this study, geotechnical engineering properties and the swelling behavior of bentonite,
kaolin and alluvial clays were examined. Firstly, specific gravity, consistency limits and pH
tests were carried out. Secondly, Modified Free Swell Index tests were performed.
Experiments were conducted with natural and lime mixed samples. The lime was mixed with
soils in different proportions (3, 6, 9, 12 and 20%).

The test results showed that;

For bentonite clay, liquid and plastic limits decreased as lime ratio increased.
It was determined that the lime additive did not have a significant effect on the
consistency limits of natural alluvial and kaolin clays.
The highest liquid and plastic limit values were obtained in bentonite clay.
The pH values were sharply increased up to 3% lime ratio then remained constant.
 For bentonite clay, swelling indices decreased as lime ratio increased.
It was determined that lime did not have a significant effect on the MFSIs of alluvial
and kaolin clays.
While the highest MFSI value was seen in 3% lime added bentonite clay, the lowest
MFSI value was seen in pure kaolin clay.

Finally, MFSI test results showed that the lime additive has the most important effect on
bentonite, this was caused by high cation exchange capacity of bentonite. The most effective
lime ratio in kaolin and natural clay mixtures was determined as 3%.

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