Impact of Water Quality on Crust Strength of a Gel- Conditioned Calcareous Sandy Soil.

Abstract

The effects of EC and SAR of twelve synthetic waters on modulus of rupture of a calcareous sand (Typic Torripsamments) treated with three gel-conditioners (0.4% Jalma, 0.4% StaWet and 0.4% Hydrogel) were investigated. Under salt-free conditions, the addition of gel-conditioners substantially increased the crust strength of sand briquettes. Under salty conditions, addition of Jalma or StaWet markedly increased MOR of sand, whereas addition of Hydrogel slightly decreased or increased MOR depending on EC and SAR of water used. The results showed that MOR of the simulated crusts of sand increased with increase in SAR and decrease in EC. It was concluded that at relatively low salt concentration (<1 dS m-1), the addition of 0.4% Jalma or 0.4% StaWet may create some crusting problems