Effect of Leachate pH on the Collapse Potential and Shear Strength Parameters of Collapsible Soils

Collapse soils have a stable loose honeycomb-type structure in a low degree of saturation which is susceptible to a large reduction in total volume or collapse upon wetting. The aim of this study is to evaluate the collapse potential and shear strength parameters due to saturation of soil caused by the infiltration of contaminants including leachate wastewater and chemicals into the soil. Since the separation of leachate components is difficult, especially with change of ingredients and pH in long time, the two factors sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide were used as representatives of the leachate in the pH of 1 to 14. Furthermore, collapse tests and direct shear tests were performed on soil samples which were saturated by leachate. Experimental results show that leachate with a low pH or acidic solutions increase the soil collapse potential; on the other hand, leachate with a high pH or alkaline solutions cause less soil collapse. Variation range of soil collapse in acidic solution was much more than alkaline solution. Direct shear test results demonstrate that acidic leachate increase the soil cohesion and reduce the internal friction angle of soils; however, alkaline leachate reduce the soil cohesion and increase the friction angle of soils.