Geotechnical Characterization of Mined Clay from Appalachian Ohio: Challenges and Implications for the Clay Mining Industry
2011

Geotechnical Study of Mined Clay in Ohio

Sample size: 165 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Moran Anthony R., Hettiarachchi Hiroshan

Primary Institution: Lawrence Technological University

Hypothesis

How do sampling and laboratory processing methods affect the grain-size distribution of mined clay from Appalachian Ohio?

Conclusion

The study found that the grain size distributions of mined clay from Appalachian Ohio are sensitive to the methods used for sampling and processing.

Supporting Evidence

  • Samples collected through drilling showed more reliable grain size distributions than those collected from stockpiles.
  • Processing samples with a soil grinder improved the accuracy of clay content measurements.
  • Hydraulic conductivity values were consistent across different sample types despite variations in clay content.

Takeaway

This study shows that how we collect and prepare clay samples can change the results, which is important for using this clay in construction.

Methodology

Soil samples were collected from different depths using drilling and stockpiling methods, then analyzed for grain-size distribution and other geotechnical properties.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in results due to differences in sample processing methods.

Limitations

The findings are specific to mined clay from Appalachian Ohio and may not apply to other types of clay.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/ijerph8072640

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