THE EFFECT OF BENTONITE LEVELS ON TIME REQUIRED RH VALUE IN EQUALITY
Abstract
Negative pore water pressure (matric suction) is a key parameter in unsaturated
soil behavior, particularly in moisture retention and strength. This study examines suction
characteristics of bentonite–claystone mixtures with 20% moisture content, using
bentonite proportions of 5%, 10%, and 20% by weight. Samples were prepared through
staged mixing—hydrating claystone first, then adding bentonite—and compacted to a dry
density of 1.8 g/cm³. Suction development was monitored via capacitance-type relative
humidity (RH) sensors under controlled conditions. Results indicate that higher bentonite
content accelerates RH equilibrium due to increased water affinity and swelling behavior.
The 95CS5B and 90CS10B mixtures reached RH equilibrium (~88%) in about 20,000
seconds, while the 80CS20B sample stabilized faster but at a lower RH (~76%). These
findings reveal that bentonite not only speeds up moisture interaction but also alters the
final suction state, providing essential input for the development of engineered barrier
materials in geotechnical and environmental systems.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.20527/crc.v7i6.16246
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