KARDILE PILE CONSTRUCTION

In pile construction, specifically for bored cast-in-situ piles, Bentonite is used to create a "drilling mud" or slurry. Its primary purpose is to maintain the stability of the borehole in loose or water-logged soil conditions where the walls would otherwise collapse.

​The Role of Bentonite (Why it’s used)
​Bentonite is a type of clay that exhibits thixotropic properties. This means it behaves like a liquid when stirred or pumped but forms a gel-like structure when left standing.

​Borehole Stability: The slurry is heavier than water. It exerts outward hydrostatic pressure against the walls of the hole, counteracting the inward pressure of the soil and groundwater.

​The "Filter Cake" Effect: The clay particles pe*****te the soil pores on the borehole wall, creating a thin, impermeable layer called a "cake." This seals the wall and prevents the slurry from leaking into the ground.

​Suspending Cuttings: As the drill bit breaks up the soil, the bentonite slurry holds these particles in suspension, preventing them from settling at the bottom of the pile before they can be removed.
​Lubrication: it cools and lubricates the cutting tools, increasing the efficiency of the drilling process.