Abstract
This paper presents the effects of dilute polyelectrolyte solution used in combination with aluminum sulfate on the geotechnical properties of a homogeneous high-plasticity organic clay derived from the purification of turbid water. Apart from the chemical additives, the alum-polyelectrolyte clay (APC) and untreated clay were similar in composition, comprising 41% micro-fibrous amorphous organic solids by dry mass. However, the geomechanical behavior of the APC material was enhanced by polymer-particle bridging phenomenon, which contributed to higher stress-strain modulus, 10-20% greater shear strength in undrained triaxial compression, a higher effective angle of shearing resistance value, reduced compressibility and a slower rate of consolidation compared to the untreated clay. Hence, this study raises the possibility of using dilute polyelectrolyte solution in combination with aluminum sulfate as an alternative soil improvement measure for organic residues and ultra-soft organic clay deposits.
