Investigation of Geotechnical and Strength Properties of Nickel-Contaminated Soils

Öz

In this study, the geotechnical and strength properties of sandy soils contaminated with different concentrations of nickel sulfate (NiSO₄) were experimentally investigated. Clean soil samples were prepared and artificially contaminated with nickel sulfate solutions at concentrations of 1000 ppm, 2000 ppm, and 5000 ppm. To assess the impact of contamination on soil behavior, grain size distribution, specific gravity, liquid limit, compaction, and direct shear tests were conducted. The results indicate that nickel contamination significantly affects soil behavior. Notably, a considerable decrease was observed in the liquid limit and internal friction angle, while an increase in optimum moisture content and a decrease in maximum dry unit weight were recorded. These changes stem from the influence of heavy metal ions on soil-water interactions and interparticle structure. The findings of this study highlight the potential risks of nickel-contaminated soils in engineering projects and contribute to the development of soil improvement strategies for polluted sites.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Geotechnical properties
• Nickel contamination
• strength parameters

Nikel ile Kirlenmiş Zeminlerin Geoteknik ve Dayanım Özelliklerinin İncelenmesi

Öz

Bu çalışmada, farklı konsantrasyonlarda nikel sülfat (NiSO₄) ile kirletilmiş kumlu zeminlerin geoteknik ve dayanım özellikleri deneysel olarak incelenmiştir. Araştırma kapsamında temiz zemin örnekleri hazırlanarak 1000 ppm, 2000 ppm ve 5000 ppm konsantrasyonlarında nikel sülfat çözeltileri ile yapay olarak kirletilmiştir. Kirlenmenin zemin üzerindeki etkilerini belirlemek amacıyla dane boyu dağılımı, özgül ağırlık, likit limit, kompaksiyon ve direkt kesme deneyleri uygulanmıştır. Elde edilen bulgular, nikel kirliliğinin zemin davranışını önemli ölçüde etkilediğini göstermektedir. Özellikle likit limit ve içsel sürtünme açısında belirgin düşüşler gözlenirken, optimum su içeriğinde artış, maksimum kuru birim hacim ağırlıkta ise azalma meydana gelmiştir. Bu değişikliklerin, ağır metal iyonlarının zemin-su ilişkisini ve daneler arası yapıyı etkilemesinden kaynaklandığı sonucuna varılmıştır. Çalışma sonuçları, nikel ile kirlenmiş zeminlerin mühendislik projeleri üzerindeki potansiyel risklerini ortaya koymakta ve bu tür sahalarda uygulanabilecek zemin iyileştirme tekniklerinin geliştirilmesine katkı sağlamaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Dayanım parametreleri
• Geoteknik özellikler
• Nikel kirlenmesi

Kaynakça

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