Graduation Year
2004
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
M.S.C.E.
Degree Granting Department
Civil Engineering
Major Professor
Alaa Ashmawy, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Manjriker Gunaratne, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Rajan Sen, Ph.D.
Keywords
Engineered Clay, Permeability, Swell Index, Liners, Barriers
Abstract
Bentonite clay is widely used in barrier systems due to its low hydraulic conductivity and it high swell capacity. Exposure to inorganic solutions can cause significant increases in hydraulic conductivity, due to changes in the surface chemistry and fabric. This phenomenon can be attributed to a reduction in the thickness of the double layer, due to the cation exchange capacity of the clay. The clay can be modified with polymers to render it less susceptible to chemical attack. The treatment process allows the clay to be engineered to enhance specific properties, such as permeability and sorption. In the present study, engineered soils are prepared by sorbing organic polymers to the surface of Na-bentonite. Three classes, cationic, anionic and nonionic polymers are investigated. The sorbents are water-soluble compounds based on the polymerization of acrylamides (PAM). Mixing and sample preparation techniques are developed and discussed. The interaction of the polymeric compounds and the clay mineral surface are evaluated by testing the liquid limit, swell index and specific gravity of the soils. Permeability tests are performed to determine if the polymer treatment enhances the hydraulic performance of the clay when permeated with highly concentrated salt solutions. The effect of permeant, void ratio, initial wetting condition and preparation techniques are found to have a significant affect on the hydraulic conductivity.
Scholar Commons Citation
Schenning, Jessica A., "Hydraulic Performance of Polymer Modified Bentonite" (2004). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/1238
