Improvement of Shear Strength of Zeolite-Bentonite Liner Material under High Temperatures with Tincal and Pumice

Abstract

Thermal changes (high temperature and thermal cycles) occur around energy structures, such as energy piles, nuclear waste repositories, etc. Sometimes these temperature changes affect the engineering properties of surrounding soils undesirably. Hence, there is a need for durable soils that can maintain their engineering properties unchanged under high temperature and thermal cycles for a long time. Tincal and pumice are used in the production of temperature-resistant and heat-insulated materials. Therefore, in the present study, 10% and 20% tincal and pumice additives were added to zeolite-bentonite mixtures and shear strength behavior of the mixtures was investigated under room and high temperatures (80°C). According to the results, the maximum shear stress values of zeolite- bentonite mixtures generally increased in the presence of tincal and pumice additives under high temperature. Both additives are effective for improvement, however; the effect of pumice can be more pronounced.