Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

• Amirreza Kavandi
• Ramin Doostmohammadi

Mining Engineering Department, University of Zanjan

Abstract

So far, limited research has been conducted on the swelling behavior of Marlstone in the presence of cations. In this study, swelling pressure experiments were performed on rock samples obtained from the Marash Dam, located in northwest Iran. The specimens underwent wetting and drying cycles to achieve an equilibrium condition before cation infiltration. Rock specimens were infiltrated with distilled water and with 1, 2, and 3 mol/L solutions of sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂). The findings suggest that as the concentration of the solutions rises, the swelling pressure of Marlstone diminishes. Furthermore, at the same concentrations, the swelling pressure of samples soaked in CaCl₂ solutions was less than that of those treated with NaCl solutions. Additionally, Marlstone saturated with Ca²⁺ ions exhibited greater resistance to leaching compared to those saturated with Na⁺ ions. The findings of this research can be applied to control the swelling pressure of weak rocks in proximity to support systems.

Keywords

• Swelling control
• Cation retention capability
• Na+ cation
• Ca2+ cation

Main Subjects

• Rock Mechanics