Product Overview
Piling Grade Bentonite (often referred to as Civil Engineering Grade) is a high-yield sodium bentonite specifically processed for deep foundation work. In projects like bored piling, diaphragm walls, and micro-tunneling, it serves as the "liquid scaffolding" that prevents massive excavations from collapsing.
Key applications in civil engineering:
- Bored piling and deep foundations
- Diaphragm wall construction
- Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
- Micro-tunneling and trenchless technology
Our Piling Grade Bentonite provides exceptional hydrostatic pressure, thixotropic properties, and filter cake formation, ensuring safe and efficient deep excavation operations.
Borehole Stability
Hydrostatic support
Thixotropic Gel
Suspends cuttings
Filter Cake
Impermeable seal
Lubrication
Reduces torque
Benefits of Piling Grade Bentonite
Our Piling Grade Bentonite is engineered for superior performance in deep foundation and civil engineering applications. Its unique properties ensure safe, efficient excavation and high-quality concrete piles.
Here are the primary benefits of using piling grade bentonite:
1. Borehole & Trench Stabilization
The most critical benefit in civil engineering is its ability to provide hydrostatic pressure against the walls of an excavation.
The Benefit: When a deep hole is bored into loose soil or sand, the weight of the bentonite slurry pushes outward, countering the inward pressure of the earth and groundwater. This prevents "caving-in" and ensures the hole remains perfectly circular and vertical until the concrete is poured.
2. Thixotropic "Gel" Support
Piling grade bentonite is highly thixotropic, meaning it stays liquid while the drill bit is moving but turns into a thick gel when movement stops.
The Benefit: If the drilling equipment pauses or breaks down, the slurry "freezes" into a gel. This locks the soil particles in place and prevents heavy rock cuttings from sinking to the bottom, where they could clog the drill or contaminate the base of the pile.
3. Formation of a Thin, Strong Filter Cake
As the slurry is pumped into the bore, it penetrates the surrounding soil slightly.
The Benefit: It forms a thin, impermeable "skin" (filter cake) on the walls of the hole. This seal prevents the liquid from leaking out into the ground (fluid loss) and stops external groundwater from flooding into the excavation.
4. Concrete Quality Protection
In piling, concrete is poured through a pipe (tremie) from the bottom up, displacing the bentonite slurry.
The Benefit: Because the bentonite has formed a clean, stable filter cake, it prevents loose soil and sand from mixing with the fresh concrete. This ensures the finished concrete pile is "pure" and maintains its full structural design strength.
5. Lubrication of Drilling Tools
Deep piling involves significant friction between the drill string, the casing, and the soil.
The Benefit: The slippery nature of hydrated bentonite acts as a heavy-duty lubricant. This reduces the torque required by the drilling rig, prevents the drill bit from overheating, and speeds up the overall boring process.
Technical Specifications
For detailed specifications and technical data sheets:
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