Mechanical behaviour of saline soil under triaxial compression

Abstract

Soluble salts in soil cause changes in soil behaviour, the extent of which varies depending on salinity levels. Salt-induced soil deformation leads to various engineering problems. Na2SO4 is among the most widespread and influential salts. This study focuses on Na2SO4 and investigates its effects on soil strength via a series of triaxial tests performed in the laboratory. The study examines different levels of salt and moisture content. Additionally, the study investigated the soil mechanism through its meso and micro structure. The research indicates that the impact of salinity on soil strength is modulated by moisture content. In situations where moisture content is low, salinity markedly affects the soil strength; however, as moisture content increases, the impact of salinity on soil strength decreases. Salinity alters the shape, size and orientation of soil particles, resulting in modifications to the interparticle and charge forces. This ultimately leads to changes in the soil strength parameters.