Investigation of the mechanical properties of magnesium chloride on magnesium oxide improved kaolin clay

Abstract

In our study, samples were prepared by mixing 2%, 4%, and 6% MgO doses with the dry weight of kaolin-type low-plastic clay. In each MgO dose, 1% and 2% of the soil weight, respectively, MgCl2 chemicals were added, and all samples were mixed at the optimum water content ratio (16.2%). All components were mixed with a planetary mixer for 10 minutes until homogeneous, and then the mixture was poured to have 25 blows for 5 layers. All samples were cured under room conditions for 3–10 days to be tested on the Unconfined Compression Test. From the results, it was observed that the undrained shear strength of the sample increased as the percentages of MgCl2 and MgO rose. It can be said that the interaction between MgO and MgCl2 contributes to the cementation of the clay, and sorel cement plays a role in the mechanical strengthening of kaolin clay based on its effect on strength development. Extending the curing time also developed the mechanical properties of kaolin clay and improved the hardness of the samples by increasing the elastic modulus. In this way, early failures were attained at early strains, and the ductility of the samples increased. We finally saw that the mixture of MgO and MgCl2 worked well as a building material for kaolin clay. The study also tried to get rid of some of the problems that come up with filling materials used in geotechnical engineering and shoring projects, like swelling, shrinkage, and low mechanical properties.