The effect of super absorbent polymer (SAP) on mud dewatering is studied through experiments. The water absorptions of SAP in tap water, seawater and mud are determined. The influences of initial water content of mud, SAP consumption rate and dehydration times on the effect of mud dehydration are discussed. The experimental relationship between SAP consumption rate and mud water content is established. The quick shear and unconfined compressive strength tests are carried out to analyze the strength characteristics of the dehydrated soil samples. The recycling and reuse of SAP are discussed. The test results show that the water absorptions of SAP in tap water, seawater, 1 time the liquid limit mud and 1.5 times the liquid limit mud are 155, 18, 13 and 43 g/g, respectively. It can be seen that the water absorption of SAP is significantly affected by the type of cation in solution and the existence state of water. SAP dewatering mud time is so short that it can achieve water absorption balance in 8-12 h. Water absorption is more efficient. When the initial water contents of the mud are 42.3% and 63.5% (corresponding to 1 time and 1.5 times the liquid limit), the corresponding SAP consumption respectively accounts for 0.33% and 0.95% of the dry soil mass with water content decreasing to about 35% after 4 and 11 treatments of the SAP plate. SAP consumption is less and the dehydration effect is obvious. The results of quick shear and unconfined compressive strength tests show that after dehydration, the quick shear strength parameters are as follows:cq=11.5-12.7 kPa, φq=4.9°-5.8°, the unconfined compressive strength qu is 20.9-24.6 kPa, and the strength is highly improved. Compared with the vacuum preloading method, the SAP dehydration is faster and the dehydration effect is better. The SAP hydrogel is soaked in 5.0% NaCl solution for 30 min, and then dried with light heat, which can effectively recover SAP. |