Effects of Compaction Condition on Shear Strength of Soaked Soil-bentonite Mixture

Abstract

To clarify the optimum compaction condition for soil-bentonite mixture, shear strength of saturated specimens which have different dry density and degree of saturation at the end of compaction were evaluated by consolidated constant volume box shear tests. It was revealed that shear strength of saturated soil-bentonite mixture became larger with an increase in degree of saturation at the end of compaction, and this effect became larger with an increase in dry density. In the compaction of soil-bentonite mixture, great attention needs to be paid to water content of soil-bentonite mixture. However, suitable compaction condition for soil-bentonite mixture in the aspect of achievement of higher shear strength was similar with that for general soil to achieve lower hydraulic conductivity. Therefore, the quality control method currently used in construction of reservoirs would achieve not only lower hydraulic conductivity but also higher shear strength of soil-bentonite mixture.