A novel technique for the construction industry to mitigate dispersibility and internal erosion problems of sodium rich clays by using Water-Soluble potassium rich ions material

Abstract

Dispersibility and soil internal erosion are principal problems in clays having high amounts of exchangeable/dissolved sodium (Na) cations in their porewater. The most frequently utilized method for treating such clays is the chemical treatments that can supply calcium (Ca), which exile Na. The construction industry frequently uses expensive, environmentally harmful materials to mitigate such problems. Therefore, an alternative novel, eco-friendly, and economical approach could be needed. However, problems mitigation with water-soluble K cations are likely to be unknown. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of using potassium-rich ash (KRA) to depose Na and control the dispersion/erosion problems of two clays (QS and PBS). Byproduct KRA is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and rich in water-soluble K cations. For this, many dispersibility and erosion tests, including double hydrometer, crumb, pinhole, and cylindrical dispersion tests, were carried out with different KRA percentages (0–30%). Physio-chemicals and water-soluble ions tests were also performed to witness changes in chemical characteristics. The experimental results revealed that KRA significantly reduced the dispersion and erosion of clays by exchanging Na with K. For 28 days curing, 15% and 10% KRA for QS and PBS clays, respectively, are found to be enough to mitigate the dispersion/erosion problems. The 62–64% and 76–79% Na are expelled in both clays with 15% KRA after 28 and 60 days, respectively. Physio-chemical study indicates the KRA enhanced the properties by creating a more stable structure through flocculation, agglomeration, and electrostatic processes.