Re-weathering of stabilized clay shale with Portland cement behavior

Abstract

Clay shale is a claystone which in fresh condition has a very high shear strength. When it reacts with the atmosphere or hydrosphere it will weather so that the shear strength of clay shale will drop drastically. The weathering potential of clay shale is generally done by the slake durability test and the weathering process is measured by disintegration ratio test (DR). The strength of clay shale that has fully weathered will increase again when it is stabilized with a minimum of 6% PC (Portland Cement). It was found from the wetting drying cycle process testing that durability of re-weathering of stabilized clay shale with PC is increased compared to natural clay shale. Disintegration ratio of natural clay shale DR was smaller than stabilized clay shale with 6% PC. Additionally, more than 6% PC increased the durability of re-weathering of clay shale.