Experimental assessment of adsorbed water for geomechanical applications
Experimental assessment of adsorbed water for geomechanical applications
One of the major factors controlling behavior of clays is their chemical structure. Active clays in particular are notable for their high-swelling and hydro-isolating properties, which make them valuable in various geotechnical applications, including deep repositories for nuclear waste and landfills. The properties mentioned above arise from the water that is physically attracted to clay particles. This water, often described as " adsorbed " or " physisorbed," can exhibit an ordered structure, greater density, and a distinct dielectric constant compared to water in its bulk liquid form. The attracted water is influenced – among other factors – by salinity of the pore water, degree of saturation, temperature of the waste repositories. The mechanical response of the material, like swelling upon hydration, can be predicted by advanced modelling approach accounting for the physical-chemical interactions between water and clay particles. Such complex multi-physical predictions require precise microstructural investigations, which are critical for understanding the active clays behavior. This work proposes a novel methodology for quantitatively assessing the adsorbed water in active clays using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Following the proposed methodology, new insights into the types and amounts of water retained at various saturation levels of MX-80 bentonite are provided. These insights can be integrated into mechanical prediction models to enhance their accuracy.
S. Babiy; Angelica Tuttolomondo; Lyesse Laloui
18th European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ECSMGE2024)
E - Environment, water and energy
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