COLLAPSE OF SOIL IN PILE BORE HOLE AND ITS SABILISATION USING BENTONITE SUSPENSION

By

DHRUBAJYOTI BHATTACHARYA *
ABSTRACT The prime technology for installation of cast in situ vertical bored pile is stabilisation of soil in vertical cut pile bore. Stabilisation of soil is absolute necessity for the quality of pile as well as for time and cost economy. Stabilisation of soil depends on soil characteristics. In non-cohesive soil, liner is provided in pile bore to prevent soil-collapse. In cohesive soil, stabilisation of soil depends mainly on cohesive factor and angle of friction. Stabilisation of vertical cut cohesive soil in pile bore also depends on depth of the bore hole and character of liquid in the borehole. Consistency of soil character being very uncertain, and to ensure non-collapse of bore hole surface soil in cohesive soil, bentonite (sodium based) suspension of required consistency is used. In India, in a number of projects, it has been observed that during boring operation of cast in situ vertical bored piles, bentonite slurry is being used as it is referred in the Specifications of MoRT&H. Piles, while being done under ground, neither can be observed directly nor the quality of pile shaft and concrete therein can be ensured visually. In a number of cases, during installation of bored cast in situ pile, proper attention is not given to the technology behind collapse of soil in pile bore as well as to the proper use of bentonite for stabilization the soil surface in the vertical cut bore of the pile. Thus the concrete shaft of the pile gets affected with collapse of soil in the pile bore. In view of the same, for maintaining the quality of bored cast in situ piles, the detailed technology on collapse of vertical cut soil in pile bore and the function of bentonite for its prevention is discussed in this paper. LIST OF NOTATIONS c c : : : : : H, pa Z0 Hc : : : : : : Cohesion force. Effective cohesion force. Angle of shearing resistance, i.e., angle of friction. Effective angle of shearing resistance or effective angle of friction. Angle of inclination of soil planes with horizontal plane during plastic failure. Effective inclination of failure plane = 450 + //2. Density of soil. Height of unsupported vertical face of soil. Intensity of earth pressure. Depth of unsupported vertical face of soil, where pa =0 Critical height of an unsupported vertical cut, which can be made in cohesive soil; Hc = 2 Z0 = (4c / ) . tan . H2O s Cs : : : Molecular formula of water. Density / Specific Gravity of the bentonite suspension. Concentration (%) of bentonite in water by weight

1.

INTRODUCTION

The most common and largely recognized methods for executing Cast-in-Situ Vertical RCC Bored Piles are Direct Mud Circulation (DMC), Reverse Mud Circulation (RMC), Bailor (Sludge Pump) Boring method & Rotary / Auger method. In all the methods, boring is done using heavy chopping or cutting tools. The method of taking out the dredged soil from the hole differs in different methods. In all the methods, stabilization of soil in the dredge hole is very important to maintain the quality of pile. In case of absolute non-cohesive soil, stabilization of vertical cut earth in pile bore hole may be very difficult owing to turbulence in water during pile boring operation. To support the soil vertical face of such borehole, in view of achieving good concrete shaft in pile, steel casings / liners may be used. When soil is cohesive or partially non-cohesive, for stabilization of vertical soil inside the pile bore hole, bentonite solution is used. The basic content of this paper is to analyze the detailed technology and criteria on collapse of soil during boring for vertical bored cast in-situ piles as well as function of bentonite suspension in soil stabilization during execution of pile bore holes including methods for use of bentonite suspension during pile boring operation to achieve the maximum utilization of bentonite property on soil stabilization. 2. TYPES OF COLLAPSE OF SOILS DURING PILING Collapse of soil during pile boring operation.

2.1

During boring operation of the pile, collapse of inside surface soil of the borehole increases the diameter of the pile irregularly with erratic increase of clear cover of the reinforcement bars. This not only affects the quality of the pile, but also affects the economy. This is due to over breakage. Pouring of concrete in pile bore will be more than the requirement to fill the over breakage volume. 2.2 Collapse of soil just before pouring of concrete into the pile bore.

* Chief General Manager, Consulting Engineering Services (India) Private Limited, New Delhi
E-mail : dhruba48@yahoo.co.in

On completion of the pile boring, after withdrawal of the DMC / RMC pipes and lowering of reinforcement cages, flushing of the pile bottom is operated, generally using tremie pipes. After such flushing of the pile bottom and prior to pouring of concrete into the pile bore, if side soils of the borehole collapse, again loose muck will be deposited at the pile bottom. Thus the collapse of side soils of the pile bore affects the quality of pile adversely. Deposition of collapsed loose soil at pile bottom, for end bearing piles, may cause settlement of the pile when loaded. 2.3 Collapse of operation. soil during pile concrete

area increases. Surface tension directly varies with the surface area of particles. So, while soil is moisturized and consists finer particles, cohesive force becomes more. The surface tension varies with the temperature and decreases with the increase of temperature. Normally all the phenomenon and calculations are considered on the basis of properties at normal atmospheric temperature of 200C. The surface tension also is different for different liquids, owing to different viscosity of the liquids. In absolute dry soil the cohesion force will not be developed. Obtaining absolute dry soil is very difficult, because the soil particles obtain hygroscopic moisture not only from direct water but also from atmosphere by the physical force of attraction, and is held by the force of adhesion. The cohesion force, developed in the cohesive soil, counter act the earth pressure (owing to weight / density of soil) and resist the collapse of the soil vertical face, till the horizontal component of gravitational force, implied on soil particles, is less than the developed cohesion. In non-cohesive soil, while c (cohesion force) = 0, no significant force is developed to resist the soil vertical face from collapse, except the only frictional force. In such cases due to earth pressure intensity, the vertical face of the borehole collapse. During this plastic failure of soil, the failure planes are inclined to horizontal plane at an angle = 450 + //2 where = angle angle of friction 3.2 of shearing ...(1) resistance, i.e.,

Collapse of soil during concreting of the pile may create soil pockets inside the pile concrete shaft, which may cause damage to the pile and reduce the load bearing capacity. In view of the above, the collapse of soil into the pile bore during pile operation is not desirable. Method of prevention i.e. to resist this collapse of soil in the pile bore, in view of maintaining the quality of pile, is basically the use of proper bentonite solution, if full length casing is not used for the same. 3. FACTORS AFFECTING COLLAPSE OF SOILS

Before analyzing the technology of function of the bentonite suspension for stabilization of soil, the basic factors of collapse of soil are identified hereunder. While boring for cast in situ vertical bored piles, soil is dredged out and the vertical face of the soil inside the borehole is exposed. The probability of collapse of the vertical face of soil inside the borehole depends mainly on the following factors: Type of the soil cohesiveness and angle of shearing resistance / angle of friction. Weight / density of soil. Pore water pressure / water table. Vibration and earthquake effects. Height of unsupported vertical face of the soil. Liquid inside the borehole.

Soil collapse factor: weight / density of soil

Weight of the soil creates the earth pressure intensity due to gravitational force acting on each particle. Normally all the individual soil particles are considered to be spherical. The gravitational force acts on particles as shown in the Fig. 1.

The technologies behind the basic factors of collapse of vertical cut soil are briefly analyzed hereunder in seriatim. 3.1 Soil collapse factor: type of soil cohesiveness and angle of shearing resistance / angle of friction.

Fig. 1.

Type of soil mainly depends on cohesion force ( c ) factor and angle of shearing resistance, i.e., angle of friction (). Cohesive force is basically the surface tension, developed due to presence of moisture in soil. Surface tension develops due to the capillary action in the voids of soil particles. As the soil particles become finer, void becomes more and specific surface

Gravitational forces acting on soil particles The cumulative horizontal components of the gravitational forces act on the free vertical face of the soil resulting to collapse, if there be no counter resistance force. Moisture content in soil increases the weight of soil per unit volume. Gravitational force owing to increase of soil weight will be more effective to promote sliding.

3.3

Soil collapse factor: pour water pressure / water table

Normally rainfall and atmospheric precipitation are the main water sources, which enter into the pervious soil either from ground surface or at depth, where water accumulates or flows. Accumulation of under ground water above impervious layer of soil is water table. Increase in moisture content of the soil material promotes slides because it adds weight to the unit weight of soil. Pour water pressure is generated by excess water, after full saturation of soil, which decreases the magnitude of cohesion in soil, thus decreasing its shear strength. Surface water-flow or water from atmospheric precipitation also aggravates slides, particularly in unconsolidated soil. 3.4 Soil collapse factor: vibration and earthquakes. or

Having no significant force being developed in non-cohesive soil to counter act this earth pressure intensity (pa), the soil collapses. b. While encountered with cohesive soil:

In case of cohesive soil, specific surface area of soil grains is quite more than that of non-cohesive soil, because the soil particles of cohesive soil are finer. Owing to large surface area in cohesive soil, surface tension developed in such soil is significant to retain the unsupported soil upto certain critical height. From Bells equation, pa = . Z. cot2 2c. cot , .(3)

In case of cohesive soil, vibration affects the capillary bond of the soil. The surface tension developed amongst the soil grains, owing to capillary action, may be disturbed or destroyed due to vibration or earthquakes, even causing slides of soil as well. The horizontal force arising out of vibration / earthquake, if becomes more than the cohesive and frictional forces, may result in collapse of the vertical face of the borehole. In case of non-cohesive soil, when c = 0, withstanding of the force due to vibration / earthquake does not arise, as the cohesive force is zero. The vertical face of the soil in pile borehole, during vibration, therefore can not stand in case of noncohesive soil. 3.5 Soil collapse factor: height of unsupported vertical face of soil. While encountered with non-cohesive soil:

Where, = Effective inclination of failure plane = 450 + //2 / being effective angle of shearing resistance effective angle of friction. = Height of the vertical face of soil.

2c. cot (-) Z0 = (2c/ ) tan 2 Z0 H At this depth, pa = 0

Net (+)

a.

. H. cot2
Fig. 2. Pressure distribution diagram in unsupported vertical face of cohesive soil. From Eq. (3) : At Z = 0, pa = (-) 2c . cot .(4) When pa = 0 , Z = (2c / ) . tan The depth considered to be Z0, where pa = 0 So, Z0 = (2c / ) . tan .(5)

In case of non-cohesive soil, the vertical face of the earth inside the borehole may not be stable unless supported. In bored piles such support is provided with temporary / permanent steel casings, as required. Intensity of earth pressure (pa) for non-cohesive dry soil depends on Effective angle of shearing resistance or angle of friction (). Density of soil (). Height of the unsupported vertical face of soil (H). From earth pressure theory and applying Rankine Coefficient, the intensity of active earth pressure can be represented as: pa = [(1-sin ) / (1+sin )]. . H .(2)

Eq. (4) and Fig. 2. show that the negative pressure is exerted by the soil at the top of the vertical face. Upto a depth less than Z0, the pressure will remain negative, but the pressure will decrease with the increase of the depth. At a depth Z0, the active soil pressure will be zero. It is also evident from the fig.2

that the effect of cohesion in the soil will be reduced at every point of the vertical face by 2c. cot . By virtue of the negative pressure on top of the soil, a tension crack usually forms in the soil at the top near the edge of the vertical face. Depth of such crack remains limited to Z0 (Eq. 5). At this critical depth Z0, the positive pressure begins to act on the wall. For a depth of 2.Z0, the total net active soil pressure will be zero. So, cohesive soil should stand unsupported with a vertical face upto a depth of 2. Z0. 2 Z0 being represented by Hc, Hc = 2 Z0 = (4c / ) . tan , .(6) Where, = 450+ //2 Hc represents a tentative critical height of an unsupported vertical cut, which can be made in cohesive soil. Actual unsupported vertical height, in general, is somewhat less than this height. 3.6 Soil collapse factor: liquid inside the bore hole.

Quantum of pressure exerted by the liquid on the vertical cut surface of the hole depends on the density of the liquid. The pressure exerted by the liquid increases with increase of density of the liquid. 4. STABILISATION OF VERTICAL CUT SOIL SURFACE INSIDE A PILE BORE HOLE FILLED WITH WATER.

Besides the phenomena, as already stated under paragraph 3.6 above, water has got another different character, which also prevent collapse of the earth in vertical cut surface of pile bore. Water is designated as polar substance as because molecules of water can be represented as a system of electrical charges, arranged in a polar structure. In water, in some of the molecules, there are surplus positive electrical charges and in other region of water molecules, there exist surplus negative electrical charges. Owing to presence of both electrical charges, mutual electrical interaction occurs in polar water molecules. Attraction between the positive poles of molecules and negative poles of other molecules and vice versa occurs in water. Attraction results stability and repulsion results instability. Refer Fig. 3.

Presence of liquid inside a borehole increases the stability of the vertical cut earth surface of the borehole. Active pressures on the earth generally arises due to : Weight i.e., horizontal gravitational force. Pour water pressure. Horizontal force of vibration. component of

- H2O +

- H2O +

Passive pressure in earth generally arises out of : Cohesive force in soil. Frictional force developed amongst soil grains.

Attraction of electrical charges of water molecules which results stability

- H2O +

+ H2O -

It has been assumed that there is no organic bond in the soil. While soil collapses, total active pressure becomes more than the cumulative passive pressure. Presence of liquid in the borehole exerts counter pressure to resist the active pressure on the soil and facilitates the stability of the soil. Owing to presence of liquid inside bore hole, the earth, exposed on the vertical surface, gets saturated and cohesive force is lost in that zone. As well as due to buoyancy effect the frictional force in earth, particularly in that zone of earth, exposed on the vertical surface, gets reduced. Thus cumulative passive pressure of the surface earth on the vertical face gets reduced significantly. Bond amongst the soil grains in that zone of earth also gets lost. Hence slowly, in course of time, the grains of earth from the vertical face get displaced due to turbulence in the liquid and subsequently collapse and drop in the liquid by gravitational force. 5.

Repulsion of electrical charges of water molecules which results instability Fig. 3.

STABILISATION OF SOIL ELECTRIC DOUBLE LAYER.

DUE

TO

Colloidal (clay) soil has got a typical characteristics, while remain in a medium of water. Under certain conditions this type of soil, when immersed in water, carries negative electrical charges, which reside on its surface. The more the soil particles are fine, the greater is its specific surface area and consequently more negative ions are accumulated on the finer soil grains of the vertical surface of soil, when immersed in water. This type of negatively charged soil grain layer on the vertical cut face of the pile bore hole is normally called the first layer of electric double layer.

The first layer of the electric double layer is formed by the negative charged ions on the surface of the soil colloidal particles. The second or outer layer of the electric double layer is formed by the excess of the oppositely charged ions (cations) in water. The negatively charged soil particles tend to surround themselves with ionic atmosphere for stabilization. This oppositely charged ions (cations) generated in water by virtue of polarization, together with negatively charged ions, accumulated on soil particles, immersed in water, on vertical surface of pile bore hole, is called the Electric Double Layer. Refer Fig. 4.

6.

BENTONITE SUSPENSION FOR STABILISATION OF SOIL IN PILE BORE HOLE.

Bentonite is an alteration product of volcanic ash. It is montmorillonite clay mineral. Bentonite solution is used during pile boring instead of plain water. Before analyzing the function of bentonite suspension for stabilization of soil, the characteristics of bentonite is firstly analyzed hereunder. 6.1 Properties of stabilisation. bentonite useful in soil

SOIL Soil wall vertical surface

(+) () (+) (+) () (+) (+) () (+) (+) () (+) (+) () (+) Almost rigid bond of ions

WATER (+) (-) (+) (+) (+) (+) (-) (+) (+) (-) (+) (+) (-)

6.1.1 Mineral groups swelling/expansive soil: Normally the following three major mineral groups of soil are available: Montmorillonite, Illite & Kaolinite.

Diffuse zone Free & mobile ions

Swelling capacity / expansivity of soil depends on the characteristics of soil. The amount of the fine grained clay materials and exchangeable bases are the main factors for swelling. The montmorillonite clay mineral swells considerably, while in contact with water. The other two groups do not swell significantly.

PotentIal

Distance Fig. 4

6.1.2 Causes of swelling of montmorillonite clay mineral : Swelling (i.e., increase of volume in contact with water) of montmorillonite clay mineral is caused mainly due to the following three basic reasons. The montmorillonite is an expanding lattice clay mineral. This soil has got high swelling as well as shrinkage characteristics. This swelling characteristic depends mostly on the type and amount of exchangeable cations. Swelling also is related to the fineness of the soil particles, i.e., to the specific surface area. Surface area of montmorillonite clay is approximately 250 to 300 cm2/gm, whereas surface area of the other mineral clay is normally varies between 8 to 10 cm2/gm. The montmorillonite clay is much more expansive than other clay because of the high specific surface area. Swelling also occurs owing to the phenomenon of Electro-Osmosis, depending upon the kind and amount of exchangeable cations. This electro-osmosis is basically an electro-kinetic phenomenon of liquid moving through a porous medium, under the influence of a primary electric field. Such movement of liquid through a porous medium under the influence of an

Electric double layer The thickness of this electric double layer, formed at the interface of solid soil and liquid (water), is normally of the magnitude of one molecule, which is approximately 10-5 to 10-6 mm. The inner layer of positive ions (cations) in water, adhering firmly to the negative ions of wall soil particles, form the electric double layer, a rigid ionic atmosphere. The outer layer of positively charged ions in water is the mobile part of water, which extends into the homogeneous interior of the liquid. The ions on the soil surface are rigidly adsorbed at low temperature. With the increase of temperature the adsorbed ions dissipate. Total dissipation of ions may not be possible owing to influence of the charge on the soil wall surface. The distribution of ions, in the electric double layer zone, which is practically rigid, is governed by the mutual interactions of electrostatic forces, specific energy of adsorption and the presence of molecular heat movement. Such rigidity / stability of electric double layer on the vertical cut surface of soil in the pile bore resist the intensity of earth pressure or other active pressures and consequently prevent the collapse of the soil.

electric potential is defined as ElectroOsmosis. 6.1.3 Bentonite - montmorillonite clay : Bentonite is a very fine-grained clayey material having high percentage (>85%) of montmorillonite material. Bentonite is a mined product. Normally two types of bentonite are available Sodium based and Calcium based. Bentonite is mostly available as calcium based in nature, but as per requirement, altered to sodium based to acquire requisite properties, for the specific purposes on stabilization of vertical cut soil surface, immersed in water like bored piles, diaphragm walls, oil wells, walls of trenches etc. The basic structural unit of montmorillonite is composed of an octahedral sheet sandwiched between two silica tetrahedral sheets. The octahedral sheet in general contains aluminium, iron, magnesium or their combinations. The water molecules insert between the sheets, expand and dissociate the crystal into its basic structural units, as a result of which the bentonite swells. Swelling of montmorillonite clay occurs owing to the phenomenon of osmosis. The dilute solution is diffused into higher concentration resulting to jell formation by virtue of this osmosis phenomenon. Electric double layer of fine-grained soil particles is developed with high ion concentration. While pore water is relatively free of dissolved materials, it tends to diffuse into the double layer under a pressure, called osmotic pressure. Greater osmotic pressure develops in clays with low valence exchangeable cations. Sodium based bentonite clay has got sodium as exchangeable cations, which is of lower valence than calcium, remaining in calcium based bentonite clay. Although both sodium based bentonite and calcium based bentonite clays are montmorillonite clay, but sodium based bentonite is having the property of high swelling, since the valence of sodium cation is less than that of calcium. Sodium based bentonite has got more swelling / expansive capacity than calcium based bentonite, as analyzed hereinabove. Sodium based bentonite has also got high liquid limit than other clay materials even quite more than calcium based bentonite. Due to such expansion of bentonite, while immersed in water, as well as due to hygroscopic pressure developed by water in the void space amongst the fine particles of bentonite and in the effect of ionization and exchange of cations, the sodium based bentonite solution changes its state. Due to thixotropic properties the sodium based bentonite solution forms a gel. In turn due to osmosis effect the bentonite gel is transferred to cake. 6.2 Role of sodium based bentonite suspension in soil stabilisation.

Sodium based bentonite suspension (bentonite powder mixed with water) takes normally 12 hours time to get the maturity. Matured swelled bentonite shall be a jelly like mass or jell material. Analysis of function of bentonite suspension for stabilization of vertical cut soil surface during boring of piles is based on consideration of the following properties (at normal atmospheric temperature of 200 Celsius) of bentonite / bentonite suspension. Swelling Index : 100 % or more in 12 hours. (measured by swelled vol. in abundant quantity of water). If Free Swell Test is performed with bentonite powder, passing through 425 micron sieve, bentonite of good sodium based quality will swell from 1200 to 2000 percent. Free Swell of Kaolinite will be about 80% and that of Illite will be between 30 to 80 %. Liquid limit : More than 300% and less than 450% Marsh viscosity: Between 30 seconds to 40 seconds. The pH value : Between 9 to 11.5 Density of bentonite solution : 1.05 gm / cm3 to 1.12 gm/cm3 Sand content of bentonite powder: Less than 7 % by weight. Sand content of bentonite powder is preferred to be limited to 7% by weight because of the following: To reduce wear and tear of bentonite mud pump. To minimize precipitation of sand from the bentonite suspension in the pile bore. For preparation of bentonite suspension for pile boring, only potable water shall be used. If potable water is not available for mixing with bentonite power and saline or chemically contaminated ground water is required to be used for making the bentonite slurry, special additives as indicated in IS : 9556 / 1980, may be used. Bentonite must not be Calcium based. It should be only Sodium based. Otherwise the technology of soil stabilization will not function. Visually it is very difficult to recognize the type of bentonite powder. As such it is not possible to distinguish between calcium based and sodium based bentonite only by mere visual inspection. By determining the pH value and the swelling index the basic quality and type of bentonite can primarily be confirmed at site. Sodium based bentonite suspension contains exchangeable sodium cations (Na+). The cations

generated in water by virtue of polarization, as analyzed under paragraph 5 (Stabilization of soil due to electric double layer) shall be exchanged by the cations (Na+), generated in the matured sodium based bentonite suspension. Thus these exchanged cations together with negatively charged ions, accumulated on soil particles of the vertical cut surface of pile borehole, will form electric double layer resulting stability of the vertical surface of the soil. Such stability is governed by the mutual interactions of electrostatic forces, specific energy of adsorption and molecular heat movement. The thixotropic property of bentonite suspension maintains the consistency of the fluid by virtue of electrical bonds, generated due to ionization. During turbulence / disturbance in the suspension, jell materials becomes fluid by breaking the electrical bonds or otherwise during undisturbed condition the suspension will form jelly. In case of pervious soil : This sodium based bentonite suspension, when introduced into the vertical cut pile borehole, the thixotropic property allows the bentonite solution, while agitated, to penetrate into the capillary voids of the soil particles of pile bore under positive pressure. The bentonite solution, after penetration into the voids of soil particles, becomes undisturbed and subsequently forms jelly and makes the soil surface impervious. The density of such bentonite suspension being more than that of water, the apparent cohesion in soil particles will be increased. Thus surface tension in the surface soil particles of the pile bore will be more. Increase of surface tension in the surface soil wall by virtue of penetration of bentonite jelly into the soil voids will ultimately increase the passive pressure, resulting to stability of the vertical cut soil surface in the pile borehole. In case of impervious soil : In case of impervious soil surface, the bentonite suspension may not penetrate into the soil, but deposits a thin film on the surface of the borehole. Under this condition, stability is derived from the hydrostatic head of the suspension. 6.3 Concentration of bentonite.

gravity of bentonite solution should be more to prevent collapse of soil. To achieve the requisite specific gravity of the bentonite solution, the concentration of bentonite is calculated as under: s = 1 + 0.006 x Cs Where s is the density of the bentonite suspension & Cs is the concentration of bentonite by weight. Concentration of bentonite means percentage of bentonite (by weight), to be mixed with potable water to get requisite density / Sp.Gr. of bentonite solution. So, Cs = 1/6 x ( s 1 ) x 1000 ..(7)

For example, required Sp.Gr. of the bentonite suspension = 1.05 Cs= 1/6 x (1.05 1) x 1000 = 8.33 % by weight. i.e. In 1 m3 of water 83.3 kg bentonite shall be mixed to get 1.05 Sp.Gr. of the bentonite solution. 7 FLOW SYSTEM OF BENTONITE SUSPENSION DURING PILE BORING

There are two stages of use of bentonite suspension in cast-in-situ vertical bored piles. For making pile bore, bentonite suspension of specific gravity between 1.05 to 1.12 is to be maintained. After completion of pile boring, for cleaning of the bored pile bottom and flushing of the contaminated bentonite solution in the borehole, fresh bentonite solution of specific gravity between 1.10 to 1.12 is to be used.

Maintenance of the specific gravity of bentonite suspension between 1.05 to 1.12 is very important for retention of the vertical cut soil surface of pile borehole. If the specific gravity of the bentonite suspension is less than 1.05, the developed cohesiveness and surface tension thereof amongst the soil particles of the surface soil will be reduced resulting collapse of the vertical cut soil surface. The specific gravity (between 1.05 to 1.12) of bentonite solution shall be maintained depending on the cohesion factor of the soil. For less cohesive soil, the specific

To economize the use of bentonite, the over-flowed bentonite solution from the pile bore during boring is collected through a temporary channel by gravity and stored in a tank, called Contaminated Bentonite Tank. The bored muck mixed with bentonite suspension is collected in this tank and after a lapse of time the bored muck is precipitated and the rejuvenated bentonite solution is calmly overflowed and collected in another adjacent tank, which is called Rejuvenated Bentonite Tank. To maintain requisite specific gravity of this rejuvenated bentonite solution and to continue boring operation in pile with this rejuvenated bentonite solution, either matured bentonite jelly or fresh bentonite solution will be mixed time-to-time with this rejuvenated bentonite and agitated or re-circulated for homogeneity. To eliminate calcium ions, generated from cement slurry, and accumulated in the rejuvenated tank, special additives like Phosphates and Sodium Hydroxide may be used. On completion of pile boring upto the requisite depth, the bore is flushed with fresh bentonite solution of proper Sp.Gr. The flushing operation has got two activities:

To clean the dredged loose soil from the bottom of the pile bore, fresh bentonite solution is pumped into the bore hole. This bottom loose muck cleaning should be ensured by collecting slurry from the pile bottom using a slurry sampler and comparing the specific gravity with the fresh bentonite solution, being pumped into the pile bore. The bentonite solution remaining in the borehole, after completion of boring of the pile, contains huge dredged muck in suspended condition. This suspended muck precipitates after a lapse of time, which is very harmful for the pile. The suspended muck, mixed with bentonite solution, therefore, is required to be flushed out and replaced by fresh bentonite solution to avoid any significant sedimentation at the borehole bottom. This flushing operation can also be ensured by comparing the specific gravity with the fresh bentonite solution, being pumped into the pile bore from fresh bentonite tank.

Fresh bentonite solution for initial boring & flushing Valves

Pile

Contaminated bentonite solution

(over flowed from pile through open drain)

Re-circulation

Valves

Rejuvenated bentonite Solution for boring

Mud pump

FRESH BENTONITE

Re-circulation

Mud Pump

TANK

R REJUVENATED BENTONITE TANK

CONTAMINATED BENTONITE

TANK

Pre-matured bentonite tank

Overflow line

Agitator

Bentonite store
Fig. 5

Flow diagram of bentonite suspension for operation of pile boring

CONCLUSION

Such flushing / cleaning of muck from pile bottom and muck-mixed bentonite solution from pile bore is operated with fresh bentonite solution of higher specific gravity in view of maintaining stability of the borehole side soil surface by virtue of electric double layer. For flushing operation, separate Fresh Bentonite Tank is constructed. Fresh bentonite solution shall be prepared by feeding matured bentonite jelly, with requisite concentration, in to the tank to achieve required specific gravity of the fresh bentonite solution. The matured bentonite jelly shall be prepared by thoroughly mixing sodium based bentonite powder with potable water in proper concentration and allowing this mixed solution to be undisturbed for minimum 12 hours to form jelly. This matured bentonite jelly is poured into the fresh bentonite tank and mixed with potable water to prepare fresh bentonite solution. Fresh bentonite solution must be well agitated by recirculation system or by agitator, prior to pumping it to the pile borehole for flushing, as because the bentonite solution, if not agitated, will get formation of jelly due to thixotropic properties. The jelly turns to fluid in effect of agitation. As well as agitation in the bentonite solution is required to maintain the homogeneity of the solution. The agitation of fresh bentonite solution shall have to be continued while this solution is in use. The commencement of pile boring shall be done with this fresh bentonite solution, until sufficient quantity of rejuvenated bentonite is collected or accumulated in the rejuvenated tank for continuing the boring of the pile. A flow diagram is given in Fig-5. indicating the flow of bentonite solution for boring and flushing of the pile.

Prior to execution of any cast in situ bored pile, preliminary tests / study of soil are very important. Based on the soil study, probability factors of soil collapse inside the bore hole of pile have to be judged to determine the method of installation of piles as well as the requirement of use of sodium based bentonite suspension. While bentonite suspension is used for stabilisation of soil in a pile bore, properties of bentonite are to be verified and proper use of bentonite is also to be ensured to obtain right quality of pile as well as to save time and achieve economy. In MoRT&H2001 clause 1115.2.4 says in the last line Flushing of bentonite shall be done continuously with fresh bentonite slurry till the consistency of inflowing and out-going slurry is similar. This clause requires modification as under : On completion of pile bore, after lowering the reinforcement cage and prior to pouring concrete into the pile bore hole, loose dredged muck from the pile bore bottom shall be cleaned by flushing with fresh bentonite slurry of requisite specific gravity. Cleaning of pile bottom shall be ensured by collecting slurry from the pile bottom using a slurry sampler and comparing the specific gravity with the fresh bentonite solution, being pumped into the pile bore. Besides the above modification, the following are also suggested for incorporation in IRC:78 and in MoRT&H for convenience to the young engineers at sites. Bentonite shall be Sodium based. Bentonite slurry shall be used only after minimum 12 hours, to get the matured bentonite for use at site. Minimum the following tests are to be performed at site to ensure the bentonite quality. Swelling Index : 100 % or more in 12 hours. The pH value : Between 9 to 11.5 To maintain concentration of bentonite suspension between 1.05 gm/cm3 to 1.12 gm/cm3 the following formulae can be

adopted to determine the quantity of bentonite to be mixed in water. s = 1 + 0.006 x Cs Where s is the density of the bentonite suspension & Cs is the concentration of bentonite by weight. 9 1. REFERENCES

MoRT&H 2001: Specifications for Road and Bridge Works (4th rev.), 2001. Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. IRC:78-2000 : Standard specifications and code of practice for road bridges Sec.vii Foundations and substructures (Second revision) IS : 2911 (Part I / Sec 2) 1979 : Indian Standard code of practice for design and construction of pile foundations / Part I : Concrete Piles / Sec 2 : Bored Cast in-situ Piles, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi. CAPPER, P. L and CASSIE, W. F, (1961) The Mechanics of Engineering Soils. JUMIKIS, A. R, (1965) Soil Mechanics, pp. 179-226 ; pp. 549-592 ; pp. 681-711. OZA, H. P, (1969) Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, pp. 678-691. SCOTT, R. F, (1965) Principles of Soil Mechanics, pp. 33-59 ; pp. 398-466. SING, ALAM, (1975) Soil Engineering in Theory and Practice : Vol. I : Fundamentals and General Principles, pp. 394-479 ; pp. 654-667. TERZAGHI, K and PECK, R. B, (1948) Soil Mechanics in Engineering practice, pp.100-126 ; pp. 137-151 ; pp. 232-254 ; pp. 525-555.

2.

3.

4.

5. 6. 7. 8.

9.