ISSN: 1945-7545
CODEN: GTJODJ
Page Count: 7

Determining Bentonite Content in Soil-Bentonite Mixtures Using Electrical Conductivity

Abu-Hassanein, ZS
Research assistant, Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh,

Benson, CH
Associate professor, geotechnical laboratory manager, and research assistant, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI

Wang, X
Associate professor, geotechnical laboratory manager, and research assistant, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI

Blotz, LR
Associate professor, geotechnical laboratory manager, and research assistant, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI

Abstract

A procedure based on electrical conductivity is described for measuring bentonite content in soil-bentonite mixtures having a wide range of bentonite contents. Standard equipment used for sedimentation analysis and an electrical conductivity meter are required. The procedure employs calibration curves relating electrical conductivity and bentonite concentration for soil-bentonite-water slurries. Calibration curves are presented for two sand-bentonite mixtures, a mixture of bentonite and waste mine rock, and two fine-grained soils mixed with bentonite.

Keywords:
bentonite content, soil-bentonite mixtures, electrical conductivity, landfill liners, landfill covers, caps, slurry walls, hazardous waste, remediation

Paper ID: GTJ11407J
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ11407J
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