Enhancing the mechanical and environmental performance of solidified soil using construction waste and glass micro-powder

Abstract

The rapid accumulation of construction waste and waste glass, coupled with their environmental hazards, has highlighted the need for sustainable waste management strategies. This study explores the potential of using construction waste (CW) and glass micro-powder (GMP) as innovative additives in soil stabilization, providing both mechanical and environmental benefits. This research focuses on enhancing the compressive strength, tensile strength, and heavy metal stabilization of solidified soils while reducing carbon emissions. Experimental methodologies involved the systematic preparation of soil samples stabilized with various proportions of CW and GMP. Microstructural analyses were conducted using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) to understand the formation of cementitious products, including calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) and calcium aluminate hydrate (C-A-H), which play a pivotal role in the strength improvement of stabilized soils. This study found that the optimal formulation of 30 % CW and 15 % GMP improved compressive strength by 56.8 %, from 7.25 MPa to 11.38 MPa, while reducing porosity by 57 % and increasing tensile strength by 85 %. In terms of environmental performance, the combination of CW and GMP enhanced the soil's ability to immobilize heavy metals, with 80 % sequestration efficiency, significantly contributing to soil remediation. These findings underscore the practical engineering significance of utilizing CW and GMP for sustainable soil stabilization, providing a greener alternative to traditional binders and promoting resource efficiency in the construction industry.