Investigation of silicates micronized additives effects on erosion under rainfall simulation and permeability of Kahgel traditional plaster

The effect of silicates micronized additives are: Microsilica, Feldspar, Zeolite, Bentonite and Kaolin, on the stabilization and improvement of the physical and mechanical properties of Kahgel plaster indicated that using the micronized silicates additives can be significantly improved the physical and mechanical properties of earth and earthen materials such as Khahgel. Experimental results showed that application of Kaolin 150 microns at 3% (by weight of Khahgel), reduced hydraulic conductivity of the Kahgel plaster at 65% level and Zeolite 45 microns at 3% (by weight of Khahgel), is decreased by 85%. In addition evaluation of water erosion of the samples during rainfall by rainfall simulator showed that use of Microsilica, Feldspar, Zeolite and Kaolin 3% (by weight of Khahgel), the minimum sample’s total dry material loss of the Kahgel plaster reduced to 10/5% and the maximum decrease to 37/7% and increase durability of the Kahgel plaster against water erosion. Moreover, the type and percentage of additives, particle size plays an important role on the physical and mechanical properties of Kahgel plaster, so that with decreasing the dimensions of the additive particles, its influence is improved due to the increased surface area of materials. The optimum silicates micronized additives content, highlighted in all the test results, is 3% by weight of dry mix and for higher additives contents, appeared to have almost no effects on the improvement of physical and mechanical properties of Kahgel plaster.