Effect of Fluid Chemistry on the Consolidation and Hydraulic Conductivity of Sand-Clay Liners

The clay swelling potential of sand-clay liners exposed to saline water or specific chemicals can influence their hydraulic conductivity and other consolidation properties. The effect of saline water or chemicals on the sand-clay liners was thus studied and evaluated. The consolidation characteristics of the sand-clay liner can be different when tested under different fluid media. Bentonite and cement grouts are chemicals that have a significant effect on the sand-clay liners. Cement and bentonite can be used to seal off the openings within the liner to repair a defect or a malfunction. In this study, Al-Qatif clay was used to form a sand-clay liner when mixed with fine-grained sand (clay is 20% by dry weight). Soil samples extracted from this liner were exposed to inorganic chemical solutions. NaCl and CaCl2 solutions with concentration ranges of 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.5% were used. Acidic water with pH values of 4, 5, and 6 was similarly used as fluid media. The effects of NaCl, CaCl2, and water with different acidity on the consolidation characteristics and hydraulic conductivity were obtained and compared to those of the distilled water. The effects of grout materials containing bentonite (1%, 2%, and 3% by weight) and cement (2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% by weight) were also investigated. The addition of bentonite grout to the liner surface was found to improve its hydraulic conductivity. The cement effect on the compressibility was found to be very significant. The findings of this study can serve as a guide for selecting parameters in the design and assessment of sand-clay liners in semi-arid regions and coastal zones.