Abstract
In this study, the influence of fly ash (FA) content (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) on the alteration in the physical and mechanical parameters of loess is investigated. The influences of curing time (0, 14, and 28 days) and submergence and non-submergence conditions are analyzed as well. Analysis considers the variation in Atterberg limits (liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index), compaction parameters (optimum moisture content (OMC), and maximum dry density (MDD)), unconfined compressive strength (UCS) stress, UCS strain, California bearing ratio (CBR) value, and swell potential. Results show that the application of FA-stabilized loess (FASL) is effective. Specifically, the MDD decreases and the OMC increases, the UCS stress increases and the UCS strain decreases, the CBR value improves and the swell potential declines, but Atterberg limits are insignificantly changed by the increase in the FA ratio compared with those of untreated loess. The UCS stress and CBR value are improved with the increase in curing time, whereas the UCS strain is negligible. FASL under submergence condition plays an important role in improving the effect of FA on the UCS stress and CBR value compared with that under non-submergence condition. The UCS stress and CBR value are more increased and more decreased than the UCS strain in submerged samples. Therefore, the application of FASL in flood areas is important for obtaining sustainable construction materials and ensuring environmental protection.
Highlights
Loess is an eolian precipitate formed by the aggregation of silt, wind-blown clay, and fine sand; it is broken from a larger rock or unit rock, has been deposited by the wind, and is generally found in arid and semi-arid regions [1,2,3,4]
This study aimed to investigate the effect of fly ash (FA) on the strength behavior of loess through exploring the Atterberg limits, standard Proctor compaction (SPC), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and California bearing ratio (CBR) with curing time under non-submergence and submergence conditions and swell potential of CBR during soaking
FA-stabilized loess (FASL) was experimentally explored after the addition of various FA ratios (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) by investigating Atterberg limits, SPC, UCS, and CBR under non-submergence and submergence conditions with different curing times
Summary
Loess is an eolian precipitate formed by the aggregation of silt, wind-blown clay, and fine sand; it is broken from a larger rock or unit rock, has been deposited by the wind, and is generally found in arid and semi-arid regions [1,2,3,4]. Loess is characterized by an open structure, in which the primary quartz particles are connected with one another by bonding, thereby resulting in high porosity, low density, and low water content [6,7,8,9]. The loess can change in degree of saturation, which results in failure of the soil structure; this condition causes geological and geotechnical hazards, such as abrupt collapse, ground subsidence, landslides, surface cracks, and differential settlement [11,12]. 10% of loess areas cover the Earth, and they are found in continental dry lands of Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America [13,14]
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