When used as an aggregate material for construction projects and paving, it offers unique properties that can be advantageous in certain situations:
Clay is sometimes used as an aggregate material in road construction and pavement projects. When properly processed and compacted, it can provide a durable and stable base for roads and driveways. It is particularly useful in areas where other natural materials like gravel or crushed stone are scarce or expensive. Clay’s cohesive properties help bind the particles together, creating a solid foundation for asphalt or concrete surfaces.
In some construction projects, clay is utilized as a subgrade material for building foundations and structural support. Its high cohesion and low permeability make it suitable for stabilizing the ground beneath structures, providing a solid base to support the weight of buildings and infrastructure. Proper compaction techniques are essential to ensure that the clay subgrade can withstand the load and prevent settlement over time.
It is often used as a key component in landfill liners and caps due to its low permeability and ability to prevent the migration of leachate and contaminants into the surrounding soil and groundwater. In landfill engineering, compacted clay layers are commonly employed as part of composite liner systems to provide effective containment and environmental protection. The natural permeability helps mitigate the risk of groundwater contamination and environmental pollution..
Clay can also be used as a structural fill material in embankments, dams, and earthworks projects. Its cohesive properties allow it to be compacted into stable slopes and berms, providing structural support and erosion control. Embankments that use this material are commonly employed in hydraulic engineering projects to contain water bodies, regulate water flow, and prevent erosion along riverbanks and coastlines.
