Temperature and density effect on swelling characteristics and permeability of bentonite

A series of experiments was conducted at the Geosphere Research Institute of Saitama University, Japan to evaluate the temperature and density effects upon the swelling characteristics and permeability of bentonite. The density and proportion of bentonite in bentonite-sand mixtures were the prime criteria used to evaluate the swelling pressure and deformation of bentonite-sand mixtures, particularly when used as a buffer material in waste disposal facilities. Temperature is also an important factor for control of the swelling rate of compacted bentonite. To predict the coefficient of permeability an equation has been proposed in relation to bentonite void ratio and plasticity index for any type of bentonite.