Journal Published Online: 29 October 2018
Volume 42, Issue 5

Alternate Procedures for Swell Index Testing of Granular Bentonite from GCLs

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

Two procedures are proposed for expediting swell index (SI) tests on the bentonite component of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) based on ASTM D5890, Standard Test Method for Swell Index of Clay Mineral Component of Geosynthetic Clay Liners. The Fast Alternative Swell Test procedure involves testing 2.0 g of bentonite that passes the No. 40 sieve but is retained on the No. 60 sieve that is added to the graduated cylinder in 0.5-g increments over a period of 10 s with 1 min between each additional increment; for a single test, this procedure is >50 times faster than the standard SI test. The Multiple Alternative Swell Test procedure involves testing 2.0 g of bentonite that passes the No. 40 sieve but is retained on the No. 60 sieve added to the graduated cylinder in 1.0-g increments over a period of 30 s with a 10-min interval between incremental additions; for ten tests conducted concurrently, this procedure is >10 times faster than the standard SI test. Replicate comparative tests were conducted with seven bentonites used in GCLs with the following hydration liquids: deionized (DI) water; 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 mM potassium chloride (KCl); and 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 mM calcium chloride. Both expedited methods yield similar SIs with DI water and KCl solutions and slightly underestimate the SI obtained with the standard method.

Author Information

Scalia, J.
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
Benson, C. H.
School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
Finnegan, M.
Cleveland-Cliffs–Michigan Operations, Ishpeming, MI, USA
Pages: 16
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: GTJ20180075
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ20180075