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Lookup NU author(s): Alfred Opukumo
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
© 2017 The Author(s) Cement bentonite (CB) barriers are self-supporting, low permeability, structures used to retard groundwater flow and as such strength and hydraulic conductivity parameters are often stipulated when developing the mixtures. This paper reports an investigation into the deformation and compression behaviour of a CB containing ground granulated blastfurnace slag using the unconfined compressive strength apparatus, triaxial (undrained, unconsolidated) and oedometer. Samples were also exposed to drying and rewetting to investigate possible response to changes in environmental conditions. Cracking was observed prior to peak stress suggesting that the hydraulic conductivity of a barrier may be adversely affected before the shear strength is reached in undrained conditions. The compression response of CB indicates the presence of a threshold stress; once exceeded the magnitude of settlements are significantly greater than those encountered below this threshold. If a barrier experiences localised changes in loading conditions then there is the potential for damage from induced differential settlements; thus it is recommended that the threshold stress should also be considered at the design stage in addition to strength and hydraulic conductivity requirements. The response of the material exposed to drying-rewetting was unexpected and requires further investigation to determine how a barrier will respond to changing environmental conditions.
Author(s): Royal ACD, Opukumo AW, Qadr CS, Perkins LM, Walenna MA
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Geotechnical and Geological Engineering
Year: 2018
Volume: 36
Issue: 2
Pages: 835-853
Print publication date: 01/04/2018
Online publication date: 02/12/2017
Acceptance date: 08/08/2017
Date deposited: 14/12/2017
ISSN (print): 0960-3182
ISSN (electronic): 1573-1529
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-017-0359-9
DOI: 10.1007/s10706-017-0359-9
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