Evaluation of the Geotechnical and Mineralogical Properties of the Clay of the Locality of Leboulou

This work aims to valorise clay sourced from Leboulou, Kimbangou District, Niari Department, southeastern Congo. With this in mind, we determined the mineralogical, physicochemical, thermal, and geotechnical properties of this clay. To achieve the expected results, several techniques were employed, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gravimetric and differential thermal analyses, scanning electron microscopy, ICP-AES chemical analysis, Atterberg limits, particle size analysis, and cation exchange capacity. Mineralogy reveals that Kaolinite is the only clay species present in this clay, associated with quartz, with a kaolinite-toquartz ratio of 88.37 parcent to 11.63 parcent, respectively. The geotechnical properties indicate that LEB can be compared to a very plastic clay and loamy soil, with a plasticity index of 26.6 and 58 parcent fine particles (less than 2 microns). Given these properties, LEB cannot be used for the applications proposed by WINKLER, it would be necessary to add a material with fewer fine particles, such as sand. Chemical analysis reveals that the dominant minerals in this clay are aluminium and silicon oxides. A ratio of Al2O3