Electrical Resistivity of Compacted Clays

Abstract

Relationships between electrical resistivity, compaction conditions, hydraulic conductivity, and index properties are reported for ten soils that have been used for constructing compacted soil liners having low field-scale hydraulic conductivity ( −9 m/s). The electrical resistivity of compacted clay is sensitive to compaction conditions, with lower electrical resistivity obtained for compaction at higher water content or greater compactive effort. A unique relationship exists between electrical resistivity and initial (as-compacted) saturation for each clay that is independent of compactive effort. A unique relationship between hydraulic conductivity and electrical resistivity exists for some, but not all soils. Electrical resistivity is also correlated with index properties. Soils with higher liquid limit or plasticity index, a greater percentage of fines or clay, or a smaller coarse fraction have lower electrical resistivity.