Comparison of the effect of lithium bentonite and sodium bentonite on the engineering properties of bentonite-cement-sodium silicate grout

This paper focuses on the engineering properties of Bentonite-Cement-Sodium silicate (BCS) grout, which was prepared by partially replacing the ordinary Portland cement in Cement-Sodium silicate grout with lithium bentonite (Li-bent) and sodium bentonite (Na-bent), respectively. The effect of different Water-to-Solid ratio (W/S) and various replacement percentages of bentonite on the apparent viscosity, bleeding, setting time, and early compressive strength of BCS grout were investigated. The XRD method was used to detect its hydration products. The results showed that both bentonites played a positive role in the stability of BCS grout, increased its apparent viscosity. Na-bent prolonged the setting time of BCS, while 5% of Li-bent shortened the setting time of BCS. The XRD analysis indicated that the hydration products between the mixture containing Na-bent and Li-bent did not differ much. Using bentonite as supplementary cementitious material (SCM) to replace partial cement is a promising way to cut down on carbon dioxide emissions and to produce low-cost, eco-friendly, non-toxic, and water-resistant grout. In addition, Li-bent was superior to Na-bent in improving the strength and the thickening of BCS grouts.