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Mechanism of sand–bentonite barrier cushion consolidation–rebound deformation under diesel erosion

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 December 2025

Yong Yang ,
Tenglong Liang Open the ORCID record for Tenglong Liang [Opens in a new window] ,
Yeyang Chun ,
Jing Du ,
Song He ,
Guangyuan Li  and
Jian Duan
Yong Yang
Affiliation:
Guangxi University, China
Tenglong Liang
Affiliation:
Guangxi Minzu University , China
Yeyang Chun*
Affiliation:
School of smart construction and energy engineering, Hunan University of Engineering, China Central South University, China
Jing Du
Affiliation:
Guangxi Transport Vocational and Technical College, China
Song He
Affiliation:
Guangxi University, China
Guangyuan Li
Affiliation:
Guangxi University, China
Jian Duan
Affiliation:
School of smart construction and energy engineering, Hunan University of Engineering, China
*
Corresponding author: Yeyang Chun; Email: 22023005@csu.edu.cn
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Abstract

The structural stability of barrier layers is critical for the long-term effectiveness of landfill remediation projects, although leachate pumping and organic contamination can cause structural degradation, reduce remediation performance, and increase the risk of pollutant release. The objectives of this study were to determine the consolidation–rebound mechanisms of sand–bentonite mixtures through standardized tests and to analyze deformation under diesel contamination using multi-scale approaches, including pore-structure characterization, particle-size distribution, cation exchange capacity, and oil-blocking effects. The results revealed that uncontaminated soil (0.0 wt.% diesel) exhibited non-linear compression behavior, with an initial decrease and a subsequent increase with increasing sand content; when the consolidation pressure exceeded 400 kPa, the compression rate decreased markedly. The compression deformation of the contaminated soil increased and was positively correlated with the sand and diesel contents, with accelerated deformation at >4.0 wt.% diesel. The rebound capacity decreased under combined sand–diesel effects. Microstructural analysis indicated that initial compression was controlled by inter-aggregate pores, whereas mid- to late-stage compression was influenced by intra-aggregate pore evolution and particle breakage. Increased diesel content shifted aggregate breakage from single/secondary to tertiary patterns, altering later compression behavior. Coupled hydration reduction and enhanced oil-blocking suppressed rebound significantly, worsening with increasing diesel content. Technical–economic analysis revealed that pure bentonite (0% sand) was optimal under uncontaminated conditions and that a 10% sand mixture was best under contaminated conditions. The sand–bentonite barrier exhibited amplified consolidation–rebound deformation and reduced stability with increasing sand and diesel contents, providing a theoretical basis for long-term landfill remediation assessment.

Keywords

consolidation–rebound characteristicsmulti-stage crushingoil-sealing effectorganically contaminated cushion layerpore structure

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Type
Original Paper
Information
Clays and Clay Minerals , Volume 74 , 2026 , e1
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© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Clay Minerals Society

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