The cation exchange capacity concept

[mhandisi]

Mhandisi(civil)
I am involved in the design of earthworks for diaphram retaining wall. It is suggested to fill the trench excavation with bentonite slurry to support it before concreting as bentonite slurry is lighter than concrte so will be replaced during pouring. However I came in contact with new concept of cation exchange capacity as a fundamental property to describe the clays, has anyone know what is it, how is measured and applied as far as bentonite is concerned?

 

[Focht3]

A two month old question...no responses...oh, well.

Cation exchange has little or nothing to do with bentonite slurry and diaphragm wall construction - unless you want to "clear" the water by causing the bentonite to fall out of suspension.

Cation exchange is generally discussed when considering the behavior of expansive clays.

[You would have gotten a better response if you had posted your question in one of the geotechnical forums...]