Effect of Alkali Solution on Swell Behavior of Soils with Different Mineralogy

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to understand the effect of alkali solution of varying concentrations on the swell behavior of three soils having different mineralogy. The results indicate an increase in swelling of the soils with alkali solutions compared with that of water. The observed swell in soil containing mixed layer minerals increased with the increase in the concentration of alkali solutions. The increase in swelling with 1M solution occurs in one phase whereas 2M and 4M solution occurs in two phases, thus varying the nature of swelling. The swelling in soil containing montmorillonite mineral decreased with increase in the concentration of alkali solution and the swelling occurs only in one phase. In soil containing non-swelling kaolinitic mineral the observed swelling is very high and increased with an increase in the concentration of alkali solution. However, with kaolinitic mineral, the increase in swelling occurs in two phases with all the alkali concentrations.