This manuscript provides insight into a new approach to chemically induce water repellency in soils with silanes, in particular dimethyldichlorosilane (DMDCS). Silanes create a water repellent surface on any silica-based material resulting in a near permanent effect. Wettability measurements were conducted with the Sessile Droplet Method via contact angles to evaluate the influence of DMDCS modification on the particle surface of several soils (from sands to kaolin). Overall, these results suggest that soil particle modification with DMDCS may have wide application in geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering. Here, we demonstrate their potential as a capping method for slopes to prevent or reduce infiltration.

Conference Theme: Geotechnical Engineering for Infrastructure and Development

Discussion Session B1a: Slope Instability