Dataset for “Salt-Induced Instability Control in Bentonite Slurry: Evaluation of Sodium Alginate as a Sustainable Additive for Slurry Shield TBM”

This study evaluates sodium alginate (SA), a biodegradable marine biopolymer that has not been previously examined in tunneling applications, as a novel additive to address the instability of high-water content bentonite slurries under saline conditions, a problem commonly encountered in coastal and subsea tunneling projects. Through filter press and rheological tests, SA demonstrated an ability to maintain stable dispersion of bentonite at elevated ionic concentrations, significantly enhancing its water retention capacity compared to conventional polymer additives. Zeta potential analysis supports these findings, confirming that SA adsorption onto bentonite particles prevents salt induced aggregation and maintains colloidal stability. The field compatibility of SA was discussed specifically within the context of practical slurry shield TBM operations.