Improving the mechanical response of kaolinite and bentonite through exposure to organic and metallorganic compounds

The mechanical response of soft clays can be modified through change of the adsorbed ions or by adding lime or cement using deep mixing tools. This work focuses on analysing the effects induced by a new class of chemical agents, which can be driven through soft clays and lead to cementing bonds, without being associated with any deformation. The resulting technique could be of benefit for improving in situ soil properties, for instance beneath existing foundations. Both kaolinite and sodium- and potassium-bentonites are subjected to different chemical compounds, considering the effects on the liquid limit, residual friction angle and apparent preconsolidation pressure.