Influence of phosphate dispersing agents on particle size distribution of soil fines

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

The particle size distribution of the fine portion of soils is usually determined using sedimentation principles and the hydrometer method. Some hydrometer test methods, such as the South African Standard (SANS3001, 2014) and Guidelines laid by International Soil Reference and Information Centre (ISRIC, 2002) make provision for the effect of the dispersing agent in the solution on readings recorded during the test. Test methods that do not make such provision may be incorrectly yielding inflated fines (including clay) contents. This paper discusses the results of an investigation into the effect of dispersants when applying the TMH1 (1986) test method. The results have been compared using phosphate dispersants such as Calgon, sodium pyrophosphate decahydrate and sodium tetra pyrophosphate in various concentrations. The use of dispersants in higher concentrations produced anomalous increases in the hydrometer readings and the results indicated the importance of understanding the effect of dispersants on the fine soil particle size distribution analyses.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 5th International Conference on Geotechnical and Geophysical Site Characterisation, ISC 2016
EditorsHugo E. Acosta-Martinez, Barry M. Lehane, Richard Kelly
PublisherAustralian Geomechanics Society
Pages559-564
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9780994626110
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Event5th International Conference on Geotechnical and Geophysical Site Characterisation, ISC 2016 - Gold Coast, Australia
Duration: 5 Sept 20169 Sept 2016

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 5th International Conference on Geotechnical and Geophysical Site Characterisation, ISC 2016
Volume1

Conference

Conference5th International Conference on Geotechnical and Geophysical Site Characterisation, ISC 2016
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityGold Coast
Period5/09/169/09/16

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Geophysics
  • Soil Science

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Influence of phosphate dispersing agents on particle size distribution of soil fines'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this