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Undrained shear strength of clays as modified by pH variations

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Abstract

The undrained shear strength of clays is an important geotechnical parameter used during construction processes. Several laboratory tests were performed on kaolinite and smectite mixed with pore fluids with different pH values. Vane shear tests were carried out and it was found that the undrained shear resistance for clays increased considerably if the pore fluid had a high or a low pH. A possible explanation could be the dissolution of Al3+ which acts as a coagulant, increasing the internal shear resistance. Geochemical computations, Al measurements and ζ-potential experiments were performed to confirm this theory. The research suggests varying the pH may make a useful contribution to soil improvement techniques.

Résumé

La résistance au cisaillement non drainé des argiles est un paramètre géotechnique important utilisé en phase de construction d’ouvrages. Plusieurs essais de laboratoire ont été mis en œuvre sur des kaolinites et des smectites préparées avec des fluides de différents pH. Des essais de cisaillement au scissomètre ont été réalisés et l’on a trouvé que la résistance au cisaillement non drainé des argiles augmente considérablement si le fluide interstitiel a un pH faible ou fort. Pour un pH faible, une explication possible pourrait venir de la dissolution des Al3+ qui agissent comme des coagulants, augmentant la résistance au cisaillement. Des calculs géochimiques, des mesures de teneur en Al et de potentiel ζ ont été réalisés pour confirmer cette théorie. Les résultats de cette recherche suggèrent que le fait de faire varier le pH de l’eau interstitielle peut contribuer utilement à l’amélioration de la résistance des sols.

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Acknowledgments

This paper (publication number GEOTECH-1551) was written in conjunction with the INPROTUNNEL project, which was funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research under the R&D programme “Geotechnologien”. The authors herewith acknowledge the support given by this institution. The Authors wish to thank Dorfner GmbH and HA Minerals GmbH who provided the materials used in the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, RWTH Aachen University, Lochnerstraße 4-20, 52064, Aachen, Germany

    Giovanni Spagnoli, David Rubinos, Tomás Fernández-Steeger & Rafig Azzam

  2. Clay and Interface Mineralogy, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

    Helge Stanjek

  3. Chair of Geotechnical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

    Martin Feinendegen

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  1. Giovanni Spagnoli
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  2. David Rubinos
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  3. Helge Stanjek
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  4. Tomás Fernández-Steeger
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Correspondence to Giovanni Spagnoli.

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Spagnoli, G., Rubinos, D., Stanjek, H. et al. Undrained shear strength of clays as modified by pH variations. Bull Eng Geol Environ 71, 135–148 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-011-0372-9

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