Abstract
The application of low-carbon and natural materials to mitigate the undesired properties of difficult soils is considered as a sustainable solution to the issues regarding these soils. Selecting some natural materials, of low carbon type, from the rubble of demolished buildings or debris from the construction of new buildings and recycling them in a poor or weak soil stabilisation process is a very little explored field of research in Iraq. This paper investigated the geotechnical characteristics of extremely high plasticity soil (EHPS) improved with a low-carbon building stone debris (BSD). Five dosages from coarse and fine soil-size ((BSDC) and (BSDF)) of BSD have been prepared to use in the EHPS-BSD mixtures. The laboratory tests included Atterberg limits, linear shrinkage, unconfined compression, consolidation, and swelling. The effect of the BSD on the time to zero-water content and the maximum swell was included. The efficiency of the BSD was proved by the amelioration of the compressibility and strength, and by reducing the shrinkage, swell pressure, and the potential of swelling. The shrinkage, compressibility, and swelling properties of the EHPS were reduced depending on the gradation and content of BSD. The gradation of BSD had a major role in strength development and controlling the time required to reach the final shrinkage and maximum swell stage.
Highlights
High plasticity soils (HPS) have unsought properties upon wetting and drying like shrinkage and expansion
There is a clear improvement of the properties of the extremely high plasticity soil (EHPS) when mixed with BSDC and BSDF
A higher reduction in wL values can be noted in EHPS-BSDC mixtures as compared to EHPS-BSDF mixtures
Summary
High plasticity soils (HPS) have unsought properties upon wetting and drying like shrinkage and expansion. These soils exhibit a considerable shrinkage/swelling when their water or moisture content is subjected to a seasonal fluctuation [1, 2]. The unsought properties of HPS have negative effects on the strength and compressibility of these soils, as such, HPS are considered as unfavourable and unsuitable soils to be used as foundation materials. Where HPS occur, they are difficult as layers for roads or as foundations for light structures. Due to the unfavourable properties of HPS, their difficult nature, and their widespread presence across the world, these soils have gained worldwide attention. High plasticity soils need an enhancement in their index and mechanical properties [2,3,4]
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