Improving the post-failure properties in quick clays by treatment with potassium chloride

Abstract

Installation of salt wells filled with potassium chloride may be used as a ground improvement method in quick-clay hazard areas. The migration of potassium chloride is self-driven by molecular diffusion. The effectiveness of improving the geotechnical properties and the time to do so, depend on hydrogeological conditions at the site, original pore water composition and concentration, adsorbed ions, mineral type, and cation exchange capacity. Increased salt content in the pore water decreases the repulsive forces acting between the mineral surfaces. By decreasing the repulsive forces, the liquid limit and remolded shear strength increase, indicating the improvement of the post-failure properties. The clay particles no longer repel one another, ultimately preventing development of retrogressive landslides.