Effect of zeolite replacement and tyre fibre inclusions on geotechnical properties of cement- or lime-stabilised sand

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the current study, the effects of cement or lime content, fibre content, partial cement or lime replacement with zeolite and curing time on the Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) of sand have been investigated. The results reveal that increasing cement or lime content increases Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and Optimum Water Content (OMC). However, increasing zeolite replacement percentage decreases MDD and OMC. Increasing the fibre content from 0 to 4% reduces the MDD and increases OMC. The optimum combination of the stabiliser and fibre has been derived from an array of tests. Results comparison shows the 0.5% fibre content and 8% stabiliser results in maximum effect. Also, the optimum percentage of 80% replacement of lime and 30% and 40% replacement of the cement with zeolite leads to the maximum UCS. Observing failure patterns demonstrates the influential performance of fibre content such as controlling the crack length and brittle behaviour. Moreover, SEM analysis was conducted to compare the microscale behaviour.