Journal Published Online: 01 September 1986
Volume 9, Issue 3

Liquid Limit of Montmorillonite Soils

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

The present work investigates the influence of compositional factors on the liquid limit of montmorillonite soils. The results showed that the percent clay fraction and surface area values did not relate with the liquid limit of the soils; the latter, however, were essentially controlled by the diffuse double layer thickness. Examination of the relations between compositional factors that affect the double layer thickness and liquid limit showed that the latter did not have a significant bearing with cation exchange capacity, while a near perfect correlation was obtained with the amount of exchangeable sodium ions present. Such a dependence resulted because of the greater ease of dissociation of adsorbed sodium ions from the clay surface in presence of water and subsequent contribution to the double layer thickness; the other exchangeable cations, namely, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, were strongly adsorbed by the clay surface and did not contribute appreciably to the double layer thickness.

Author Information

Sridharan, A
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
Rao, SM
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
Murthy, NS
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
Pages: 4
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: GTJ10623J
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ10623J