Laboratory study of the effects of using magnesium slag on the geotechnical properties of cement stabilized soil

Abstract

In this paper, the effects of magnesium slag and cement were investigated on the chemical, mechanical and microstructure parameters of soil. An increase was recorded in pH with increasing the content of both magnesium slag and cement, which is indicating an improvement in soil conditions for better implementation of pozzolanic and hydration reactions. Also, adding both substances led to the granulation of soil particles. An increase in maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC) was recorded by adding both additives.The uniaxial compressive strength test was investigated in three curing periods of 7, 28 and 56 days, which showed an increase in this parameter for the simultaneous and separate addition of both substances to the soil. The optimum content of magnesium slag was by 20% in this test and cement had the maximum content of 6%, which resulted in 14.3 MPa strength. The TCLP test was also performed to investigate the environmental issues in the sample with the abovementioned optimum percentages. By studying the microstructure, an improvement in soil structure was observed in the form of filled voids between the particles as well as density and continuity created between the particles.