Effect of NaCl and CaCl2 solutions on the liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index of clay

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effect of NaCl and CaCl2 solutions on the liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index of soil samples. The liquid and plastic limits of soil samples were obtained using Casagrande’s method and the fall cone penetrometer test. Results showed that the liquid and plastic limits of the soils decreased with increasing NaCl and CaCl2 concentration. The plasticity index of the soil samples also changed with the liquid limit. Whereas bentonite was the most sensitive sample, kaolinite was the least sensitive sample to salt. The behavior of the Pasir Panjang clay sample fell between those of bentonite and kaolinite. CaCl2 solution was more effective than NaCl solution in decreasing the liquid and plastic limits of the soil samples.