Journal Published Online: 23 September 2021
Volume 45, Issue 1

Optical and Physical Properties of Laponite for Use as Clay Surrogate in Geotechnical Models

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

Laponite has emerged as a particularly promising material for use as a soft clay surrogate in geotechnical modeling, as it provides a relevant range of transparency, plasticity, and overall geotechnical behavior. This paper presents an investigation of the significant factors affecting the transparency of laponite for its use in physical geotechnical models. Image analysis techniques and complementary optical tests were conducted to gain an understanding of the factors causing changes in optical clarity. Aging time, laponite content, and rheological additive dosage were found to be the most significant factors affecting the transparency of laponite. Specifically, the ratio between the rheological additive dosage and laponite content (additive mass ratio) was found to serve as a relevant index to define the material’s optical behavior, and its use facilitated the determination of the optimum laponite and additive contents. The presence of inclusions within the internal laponite structure, such as trapped air pockets and unhydrated laponite crystals, identified as the key factor compromising optical clarity, could be ultimately associated with the selection of insufficient dosages of rheological additive. Overall, laponite was identified as a viable surrogate of natural clays suitable for models requiring comparatively large in-depth visualization.

Author Information

Pierozan, Rodrigo Cesar
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, BR, Brazil
Almikati, Abdurrahman
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
Araujo, Gregorio Luis Silva
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
Zornberg, Jorge Gabriel
Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
Pages: 22
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: GTJ20210100
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ20210100