Effect of bentonite particle sizes on GCL hydration by lateritic soils

Abstract

Numerous studies have analysed the influence of subgrade on the hydration process of GCLs and have shown that initial soil moisture content, particle sizes and soil mineralogy significantly affect the GCL hydration process. However, recent works have revealed that GCLs structure and bentonite characteristics are also a major variable in this process, affecting the water retention curve (WRC), hydration levels and long-term performance of the GCLs. This study examines the impact of bentonite particle size on the hydration process of a GCL when in contact with lateritic subgrades. The hydration process of three different GCLs was analyzed under isothermal conditions in a closed system. The results indicated an influence of bentonite particle sizes on the GCL hydration processes. GCL with granular bentonite showed difficulty in hydration from lateritic subsoils compared to GCLs with powdered bentonites.