Viscosity and dielectric constant controls on the hydraulic conductivity of clayey soils permeated with water-soluble organics

Abstract

Water-soluble organic liquids may, under some circumstances, dramatically increase the hydraulic conductivity, k, of water-saturated clayey soils, thus destroying their effectiveness as barriers for contaminants. Double-layer contraction at constant void ratio with resultant increases in the pore space available for flow has been identified as a primary mechanism for such increases in k. This paper shows, however, that the increased viscosity of solutions of some organics in water results in significant decreases in k.Pure alcohols (ethanol and methanol) and other water solubles (dioxane) when permeated through water-compacted clay samples produce an initial decrease in k, followed by a gradual increase to equilibrium values. The "hydrocarbon" front raises the viscosity of the pore fluid and causes an initial drop in k. Tests using aqueous solutions of ethanol and dioxane show decreases in k at concentrations up to ~70%. Only at high concentrations does the dielectric constant, double-layer effect overcome the viscosity effect and produce net increases in k.Effective stresses σ′ v of 160 kPa during permeation with ethanol and dioxane prevent the increases in k. Physicochemically induced consolidation and increased K 0 -shearing effects that close shrinkage cracks are operative. Key words: hydraulic conductivity, liquid hydrocarbons, clay, viscosity, dielectric constant.