Enhancing Water Retention Capacity and Mechanical Properties of Clay Soils with Bentonite Sand Additives
Keywords:
Bentonite, Clay, Compaction, Stabilization, Water RetentionAbstract
Clay soils pose significant challenges in civil engineering due to their high plasticity, low shear strength, and sensitivity to moisture variations, necessitating effective stabilization techniques. This study evaluates the impact of bentonite sand addition on the compaction behavior and water retention capacity of clay soils, focusing on changes in maximum dry density and optimum moisture content. Standard Proctor compaction tests, following ASTM D698, were conducted on clay soil samples mixed with 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% bentonite sand by dry weight. Measurements included physical properties, particle size distribution, maximum dry density, and optimum moisture content. The results demonstrated that bentonite sand addition significantly improved both compaction characteristics and water retention capacity. Maximum dry density increased notably at 2% and 6% bentonite contents, while optimum moisture content rose consistently with higher bentonite percentages. These changes are attributed to the high specific surface area and strong water adsorption capacity of bentonite, enhancing soil particle arrangement and moisture-holding ability. The observed trends align with previous studies, highlighting bentonite’s role in modifying soil microstructure and improving mechanical behavior. This study concludes that bentonite sand is an effective and sustainable stabilizer for clay soils, offering enhanced compaction performance and water retention capacity. Its use may contribute to greater soil strength and durability, particularly under moisture-variable conditions. Further research should explore additional strength parameters and validate bentonite’s performance under field conditions to optimize its application in geotechnical engineering.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Jumelia Ardika, Fara Qamara Elmyra, Fachri Fachri, Reza Pahlevi Munirwan, Yuliana Yuliana, Siti Mira Maulida, Aulia Rahmad (Author)
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