SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1977
STP26981S

Erodibility Tests on a Sensitive, Cemented Marine Clay (Champlain Clay)

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Laboratory tests conducted on the erodibility of a sensitive, cemented clay (Champlain clay) have indicated highly dispersive characteristics (sodium cations content of the pore water, 85 to 90 percent; Soil Conservation Service Laboratory Dispersion Tests, 60 to 100 percent). Pinhole tests performed on undisturbed and remolded specimens have also confirmed the high erodibility of the clay. However, field observations and investigations could not substantiate this behavior; on a practical basis, the clay formation cannot be considered as a dispersive, erodible material. The particular nature and mineralogy of the clay can probably explain the discrepancy. The mineralogical analysis of the clay shows that is composed mainly (90 percent plus) of inert, nonclay minerals; consenquently, the deflocculation mechanism of erosion cannot be considered. It seems that the chemical composition of the pore water is not related to the mineralogy of the clay, but rather to the environmental conditions prevailing during its formation. The high sensitivity of the clay, which liquefies around the hole when the specimen is punched with a pin, probably explains the positive pinhole test results recorded.

Author Information

Dascal, O
Geology and Soil Mechanics Service, Hydro-Quebec, Montreal, P.Q., Canada
Pouliot, G
Ecole Polytechnique, Montreal, P.Q., Canada
Hurtubise, J
Ecole Polytechnique, Montreal, P.Q., Canada
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Details
Developed by Committee: D18
Pages: 74–93
DOI: 10.1520/STP26981S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4696-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0192-0