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Bentonite Pile Test
Bentonite Pile Test
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In this section, we discuss regarding Bentonite test for Piling, equipment and
test procedure. Following bentonite, tests are carried out at the site to
maintain the stability of the borehole for piling operation. Marsh Cone
Viscosity, pH Value, Sand Content and Specific gravity (Density) tests are
considered routine bentonite tests for piling work.
Marsh Cone Viscosity – Bentonite Test for Piling:
Marsh Cone Viscosity test is also known as the Funnel viscosity test. In this
method, the obtained viscosity of bentonite slurry is not as accurate. For ease
of construction work and quick results, we have carried out the Marsh Funnel
Viscosity Test at the site. The test result gives us a tentative or partial
indication of viscosity. It is a widespread bentonite test for piling work.
Bentonite Viscosity Tolerances for Pile construction is 30-40second.
Equipment – Marsh Cone Viscosity Test for Bentonite:
Marsh cone/funnel
Graduated cup: one quart
Stopwatch or wristwatch with second hand
Equipment-Marsh Cone Viscosity Test for Bentonite
Also, Read: Bentonite Uses in Piling – Bentonite Slurry Preparation and
Recycling
Bentonite Marsh Cone Viscosity Test Procedure for Piling
Work:
Take the bentonite sample at least two quarts (1.9 litres) in volume.
Check Marsh funnel to be sure it is clean and that the outlet at the bottom of the
funnel is immaculate throughout and free of obstructions.
Hold the funnel upright and cover the bottom opening with the help of finger.
Relieve the slurry sample slowly through the funnel’s screen.
Fill until fluid touches the bottom of the screen.
Hold filled funnel over the empty graduated cup resting on a platform.
Remove finger and start timing. Measure the numbers of seconds required for
slurry flowing from the funnel to fill the cup to the one-quart (946 cc) mark. This
mark is shown as an ascribed line around the inside circumference of the cup.
Note the time to the nearest second as Marsh Funnel Viscosity expressed as
seconds.
pH Value – Bentonite Test for Piling:
Before using bentonite slurry for pile boring work, it is to check the pH value of
the slurry. The pH level of bentonite slurry plays a significant role in borehole
soil stabilisation. From the ”pH” value we can understand if the slurry is acidic
or alkaline. A pH of around 7.0 is considered neutral, lower than 7.0 is acidic,
and higher than 7.0 is alkaline. The suitable range of pH values for pile boring
work is 9.5-12.0. It is a swift and effective bentonite test for piling in Bridge
construction.
Equipment – pH Value Test for Bentonite:
pH indicator strips: non-bleeding, four-colour type. Range 0–14, resolution 1.0
pH unit.
The test can be performed at the site using mud balance or by using the
hydrometer. Mud balance results are more accurate than a hydrometer, but a
hydrometer can give the result very quickly than a mud balance.
Specific gravity by Hydrometer – Bentonite Test for Piling
Also, Read: Construction of pile foundation by Rotary Method
Equipment – Specific Gravity Test for Bentonite:
Mud balance with base and cap
Bentonite Specific Gravity (Density) Test Procedure for Piling
Work:
Set the balance and its fulcrum base on a level surface.
Make sure the balance is clean and dry and free from any residue.
Fill the clean, dry cup on the end of the balance with the bentonite slurry to be
tested.
Fill the cup until it overflows and put the cap on the filled mud cup after that rotate
the cap until it is firmly seated.
Make sure that some portion of slurry is expelled through the hole in the cap to
free any trapped air.
Hold the cap firmly on the mud cup (with the cap hole covered by a finger), wipe
the outside of the cup and the entire balance clean and dry.
Place the beam on the fulcrum base and balance it by sliding the rider along the
graduated scale.
Balance is completed when the bubble is under the centre line.
Note slurry weight at the edge of the rider toward the mud cup.
The balance has four scales: two on each side of the beam. Select the appropriate
scale, which is grams per cm3 to report slurry weight in specific gravity.
Also, Read: Vertical Pile Load Test Procedure – Kentledge Method
Also, Read: SPT Test for Soil Procedure, Refusal Conditions & Correction
Also, Read: Plate Load Test for Soil – Procedure and Limitations
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