Effect of Mono Ethylene Glycol Solution on Mechanical Behavior of a Clay Soil

Abstract

This article presents the results of an investigation into the behavior of a clay soil contaminated with mono ethylene glycol (MEG) through a program of experimental tests. Soil specimens were prepared with water or different concentrations (10, 25 and 40 %) of MEG by the slurry method. One-dimensional consolidation and consolidated undrained (CU) triaxial tests were performed on the specimens. The results of the consolidation tests showed that the preconsolidation pressure is increased and the value of λ (slope of normal consolidation line) is decreased with an increase in the concentration of MEG. In addition, the results of the CU triaxial tests indicated that the friction angles (in term of total and effective stresses) are greater for the MEG solution than for water as pore fluid, and their values are increased with an increase in the concentration of the MEG solution. It was also shown that Roscoe surface exists for contaminated soil in q, p′, v space, and its position in this space is dependent on the concentration of pore fluid.