The Effect of Porewater Salinity on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Clay Soils

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Agricultural Engineering Research Institute (AERI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran

2 Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center of Hamadan Province, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Hamedan, Iran

Abstract

Saline soil refers to soil with a high concentration of ions such as sodium and chloride, which destroys structures and construction materials. Thus, it's crucial to understand their nature and behavior. This study examines the effect of salinity on the compaction and shear characteristics of clayey soils by adding two types of salt, sodium chloride, and sodium sulfate, with different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 5%) to two clayey soils in Iran. Eighteen soil samples were prepared, and tests were carried out in three repetitions. The results showed that the samples' optimum moisture content and maximum dry density were within the range of 20-23%, and 1.56-1.63 gr/cm-3, respectively. These changes were within acceptable tolerance limits, suggesting that salt concentration has a negligible effect on the compaction characteristics of clayey soils. However, salinity concentrations significantly affected the shear strength parameters. Adding 0.5% sodium sulfate decreased cohesion by 50% and 35% in the high and low plastic clayey soils, respectively. Similarly, 0.5% sodium chloride reduced cohesion by 47% in the low plastic soil and 35% in the high plastic soil. Furthermore, the internal friction angle increased by 20% in the low-plastic soil and 34% in the high-plastic soil with 0.5% sodium sulfate. It was also found that the type of anions and cations, as well as the plasticity of soils, play a crucial role in describing the relation between pore water salinity and shear parameters of soils.

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Sustainable Earth Trends

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 28 January 2025

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