Bentonite

Bentonite is a naturally-occurring material created by the alteration of volcanic ash in

marine environments. It consists mainly of the clay mineral smectite, usually montmorillonite, which occur
as layers which are compressed between other rock types.

Bentonite is usually obtaines by quarrying, with a solid extracted form with a typical moisturecontent of
around 30%. This moisture content is reduced to approximately 15% by air and/or forced drying after
being crushed. Once this has been done, bentonite is either sieved in a granular form, or milled into
powder form.

In civil engineering, bentonite is used as a thixotropic, support and lubricant agent. Typical applications
for this agent include the construction of diaphragm walls, foundations, pipe jacking, tunnelling, and so
on. Its viscosity and plasticity also make it suitable for use in Portland cement and mortars.

Bentonite’s thixotropic properties mean it forms a highly water-resistant gel which, when mixed with
additives, can create a permanent barrier to water flow. This is commonly used in situations
where soil particles are too small for cement grouting to be suitable, typically to combat seepage
in alluvial soils beneath the foundations of dams or other water-bound structures.

For drilling purposes, bentonite can be used as a mud constituent, to seal borehole walls, remove drill
cuttings, and so on.

It can also be used in varnishes and paints to act as a thickening and/or suspension agent.