High Sulfate-Bearing Kaolin Clay Stabilization with Waste Glass Powder before and after Mellowing Process

Abstract

Road construction on sulfate-bearing soils is a worldwide concern because it is associated with a volume swelling stability issue due to the ettringite formation. Several treatment techniques were developed to solve this problem and improve geotechnical soil properties, including using pozzolanic materials and applying the mellowing process. This research evaluated the combined effect of cement and waste glass powder (WGP) on stabilizing sulfate-bearing soil before and after the mellowing procedure. Total six mixtures were developed, which includes 4% cement, 4% cement + 2% WGP, and 4% cement + 6% WGP before and after soil mellowing. The experimental program included particle size distribution of soil and stabilizers, chemical analyses of stabilizers, soil properties, unconfined compressive strength, and three-dimensional (3-D) swelling for the high sulfate-bearing kaolin clay. The test results demonstrated that the use of WGP in soil with a high sulfate content WGP improved strength development, decreased volumetric swelling, and reduced moisture susceptibility.