Geotechnical Properties Of Soil Research Articles

Geotechnical Properties of Fly Ash Blended Expansive Soil: A Review

Fly ash, an industrial byproduct, is used as both a building material and a soil stabilizer due to its pozzolanic properties. Moreover, it is challenging to extrapolate the results based on an inadequate amount of laboratory data because of the non-homogeneous character of the soil and the diversity in the chemical properties of fly ash. This review article fills in the gaps by providing an overview of the existing data related to the geotechnical characteristics of expansive soil stabilized with fly ash. The chemical composition of fly ash is provided in terms of oxides of various elements to help identify the kinds produced in different nations. Additionally, information about the physical and geotechnical characteristics of fly ash blended expansive soil is provided in order to comprehend the influence of the fly ash's chemical composition and the expansive soil's fines percentage. While the geotechnical property comprises Atterberg's limit, compaction, UCS, shear strength, free swelling index, CBR, and consolidation, the physical property includes specific gravity and durability. Shear modulus, damping ratio, and Poisson's ratio are used to describe the dynamic properties of the modified expansive soil. The published data in this field and the research gap will be identified by the researchers with the aid of this article. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-SP2024-010-06 Full Text: PDF

Comparison of perlite and pumice effects on the geotechnical properties of saline silty soil

ABSTRACT This research mainly sought to evaluate the sediments of the Urmia lake bed to prevent their erosion and the possibility of improving the problematic saline fine soils in the region by the geo-polymerisation process. For this purpose, perlite and pumice materials, with pozzolanic properties and weight percentages of 3, 5, and 7, were separately mixed with soil, along with the calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) solution as a catalyst with 2%, 5%, and 7%. Then, the samples were cured for one day. Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), direct shear, and consolidation tests were performed to assess the geotechnical properties of improved soil compaction. The results revealed that, compared to pumice, perlite could improve the behavioural properties of the studied soil. The inclusion of perlite and pumice, along with calcium hydroxide, increased the flexibility of the stabilised soil, as indicated by the brittleness index. Similarly, combining 3% perlite with 2% Ca(OH)2 could increase UCS at failure by 3.27 times. In addition, the mixture of 5% perlite with 7% Ca(OH)2 could enhance the shear strength by 3.3 times. Finally, combining 3% perlite with 5% calcium hydroxide reduced the swelling of the improved soil by 82%, and the consolidation settlement was decreased by 64% on average.

Micro- and nano-Illite to improve strength of untreated-soil as a nano soil-improvement (NSI) technique

Soil stabilization is a technique of improving the geotechnical properties of soils for various engineering applications. However, conventional stabilizers such as cement and lime have some limitations, such as high cost, environmental impact, and durability issues. Therefore, there is a need for alternative and innovative stabilizers that can overcome these challenges. This study introduces nano-Illite, a type of clay mineral, as a novel and effective soil stabilizer. Nano-Illite can form nano-cementation (NC) in soil, which is a process of enhancing the durability of various building materials. NC is also known as nano soil-improvement (NSI), a technique that has been developed in recent years. Four formulations of micro- and nano-Illite with concentrations of 0, 1, 2, and 3% were separately added to soil samples. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and the secant modulus at 50% of peak stress (E50) of the treated samples were measured and compared with the untreated samples. The results showed that 3% nano-Illite increased the UCS of soil by more than 2.2 times and the E50 by more than 1.5 times after 7 days of curing. Micro-Illite also improved the UCS and E50 of soil, but to a lesser extent. X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed the micro- and nano-structures of the soil specimens and the performance of Illite as a nano-additive. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of nano-Illite in soil improvement as a NSI technique, and its potential to replace or reduce the use of conventional stabilizers. This study also contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms and factors that influence the NC process in soil.

Influence of Xanthan Gum-Based Soil Conditioners on the Geotechnical Properties of Soils

The impact of climate change has become increasingly severe in forests, where droughts and strong winds on the one hand and extreme rainfall events on the other hand can damage forest ecosystems. To mitigate the effects of drought and enhance soil water retention capacity, three types of soil conditioners (SCs), labeled SC_R, SC_CG, and SC_ZZC, were developed as part of the European project ONEforest. All the conditioners are based on Xanthan gum and have different types and amounts of fillers with diverse cellulose fiber lengths. These can offer the potential to optimize the SC characteristics, e.g., water absorption, water retention, and mechanical stability. This paper focuses on the influence of fillers in the SCs on the geotechnical properties of forest soils from Ljubelj in the Alpine part of Slovenia (S1), Catalonia, northeastern Spain (S2), and Heldburg, Germany (S3). The results show an increase of 53% to 100% in the water absorption of treated soil. A less favorable impact of the SCs was found on the drained shear strength and the compressibility. The drained shear strength of untreated forest soils in a saturated state was S1 c′ = 4.4 kPa, φ′ = 33.5°; S2 c′ = 1.4 kPa, φ′ = 30.0°; and S3 c′ = 12 kPa, φ′ = 28.0°. The addition of SCs results in a reduction in the drained shear strength of saturated mixtures. The reduction depends on the dosage of added SC—whether it is a low (L) or a high (H) dosage. For instance, when the soil S1 was treated with a low dosage of the soil conditioner SC_R, it demonstrated a cohesion (c′) of 11 kPa and a friction angle (φ′) of 27.0°. However, increasing the dosage of the SC_R led to a decrease in both the cohesion and the friction angle for the same soil (c′ = 7.7 kPa, φ′ = 25.0°). Additionally, the type of soil conditioner also impacts the drained shear strength. Among the mixtures with a high dosage of the SC_R, SC_CG, or SC_ZZC, those containing the SC_CG with the longest fibers stand out, demonstrating the highest friction angle. Therefore, longer fibers can be a promising component of the SCs to reduce the negative influence of XG on the mechanical properties of treated soils.

The 1st Hanrahan Lecture: Geotechnical properties of Irish glacial and interglacial soils

This paper reviews the current state of the art in relation to geotechnical design in unsorted till deposits, commonly called boulder clays by engineers or diamictons by geologists, generally taking the topics discussed by Professor Eamon Hanrahan in his seminal work of 1977 on Irish tills. These topics include the permeability, stiffness and consolidation characteristics of these deposits, together with their undrained and drained behaviour. The geological background to the deposition of these tills is discussed and the available information on the presence of interglacial soils around the country is presented. Where possible, practical experience from working with these deposits is compared with predictions made from field or laboratory test results: for example, in settlement assessment of foundations, slope stability and in earthworks. Whilst most of Ireland is covered with stony boulder clays, which is the main topic of this paper, the geotechnical parameters of a fine-grained till encountered on the east coast, known as Irish Sea Till or colloquially as Macamore Clay, are discussed and the implications of this on slope stability is investigated.

Effect of geotechnical soil properties on CBR value: A review

This review paper presents the current research state of the relationship between geotechnical soil properties and the California bearing ratio (CBR) value. Geotechnical considerations are pivotal in civil engineering projects to prevent collapse and settlement failures, underscoring the importance of understanding detailed soil properties. A CBR test used for assessing stiffness modulus and shear strength guides the overlaying layer-thickness calculation during pavement design. Although expensive and complex, researchers have explored correlations and machine-learning algorithms for CBR prediction from soil properties. This study delves into the varying influence of properties such as compaction (optimum moisture content and maximum dry density) and index (liquid, plastic, and shrinkage limits) properties. The relevance of such properties to CBR is explored, examining their significance and potential interactions. This review highlights the multi-faceted effects of soil properties on CBRvalue, enabling informed pavement engineering decisions.

Impact of Industrial Solid Waste on Soil Geotechnical Properties

In this study, the issue of industrial solid waste-contaminated soil and its consequences on various geotechnical parameters is examined. Soil health and geotechnical properties are affected by the global discharge of pollutants from chemical industries, including water, air, oil, and solids. Herein, the specific issue of soil contamination in Peshawar, Pakistan, is discussed. The goals of this study included examining variations in the Atterberg limits, direct shear strength, sieving analysis, consolidation behavior, and unconfined compression strength in contaminated soil samples. The process entailed analyzing soil samples taken from polluted sites in a laboratory. In contrast to uncontaminated soil, the results showed that contaminated soil deviated from the standard grading and exhibited lower liquid and plastic limits, higher moisture content, and lower specific gravity. Interestingly, the unconfined compression strength of the polluted soil was higher, indicating complicated interactions between the contaminants. Overall, this study highlights the need to understand and efficiently mitigate such human impacts by highlighting the extensive alterations in soil properties caused by industrial waste pollution.

Study the correlation between microstructural features and geotechnical properties of collapsing soil at elevated temperatures

This study explores the consequences of elevated temperatures on the geotechnical and microstructural properties of collapsible soil. Through a lab-scale setup, geotechnical characteristics were accurately investigated within a temperature range spanning from 50 °C to 200 °C. The focus was on understanding how temperature fluctuations, in conjunction with varying water contents, influence layer spacing, macropores, mesopores, and surface tension – all of which are integral in forming collapsible soil structures. The assessment involved an evaluation of microstructural properties for natural soil and soil subjected to temperatures, with specific attention to a 10% water content condition. The microstructure, identified as a critical determinant in soil collapse, was the primary focus of this study. The impact of high temperatures was probed, reaching up to 200 °C, on soil X-ray diffraction (XRD) responses and permeability efficiency. Higher temperatures were observed to produce smaller particles, leading to reduced pore sizes and a denser soil structure, a phenomenon validated through spectroscopic research. These findings were congruent with the geotechnical data, which indicated an enhancement in soil collapse resistance, maximum dry density, and overall geotechnical properties. Our study stresses elevated temperatures' significant effect on the microstructural and geotechnical facets of collapsible soil. These findings provide valuable insights into the behavior of collapsing soil under varying temperature conditions, contributing to a deeper understanding of this complex phenomenon.

Enhancing the Geotechnical Properties of Black Cotton Soil using Terrazyme

Abstract: The cost, performance, durability, and time of every project are its most crucial components. Black cotton soil, due to its strong swelling and shrinkage qualities, also known as expansive clay soil and regur soil, presents considerable difficulties in building and agriculture. Building on black cotton soil has its challenges, including foundation and road settlement, among others. Due to the shortcomings of conventional soil stabilizing technologies, new ways for enhancing the engineering properties of soil are being investigated. There is a demand for the creation of novel techniques to enhance the geotechnical properties of soil due to the inefficiency and high costs associated with conventional methods. Study examines the use of terrazyme, a state-of-the-art enzymatic soil stabilizer, to improve the geotechnical properties of black cotton soil, optimum moisture content, maximum dry density, liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, and CBR test, which are used for pavement base courses, sub-base courses, and sub-grades.

Influence of Feldspar Addition on the Geotechnical Properties of Expansive Soil in Rahhaliya, Iraq

Influence of Feldspar Addition on the Geotechnical Properties of Expansive Soil in Rahhaliya, Iraq

Development of geotechnical properties geo-database for soil in Kano metropolis to enhance building construction

Building collapse is a prevalent and concerning issue that resulted in significant loss of lives and properties in many places in Nigeria including Kano state and determination of Geotechnical properties of soil could play a crucial role in preventing building collapse. This study uses Geographic Information System (GIS) methodologies to create a geospatial database of soil properties in Kano Metropolis. The database, created using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) and spatial interpolation techniques, provides 212 sets of soil properties being meticulously mapped across the study area. These meticulously generated maps illustrate various soil characteristics prevalent in the metropolis, offering invaluable insights for preliminary designs and construction planning for buildings within Kano Metropolis. The soils in this area are predominantly classified as CL (Clay of low plasticity), SC (Sandy Clay), and SM (Silty Sand) using Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). The moisture content spans from 2.01 to 46%, specific gravity within the range of 2.32 to 2.75, liquid limits varying between 17.2 and 45%, plastic limits within the range of 10.1 to 40.5%, and linear shrinkage values spanning from 1 to 13%. Furthermore, the shear strength parameters of the soil across the study area varies. The unit weight varies between 15.61 and 22.16 kN/ m3 , the cohesion (c) values ranging from 1.28 to 29.1 kN/m2 , and the angle of internal friction (ϕ) spanning from 5.5° to 32.2°. Despite variations in ultimate and allowable bearing capacity with depth, the ultimate bearing capacity (qult) generally ranges between 108 and 1150 kN/m2 , with the corresponding allowable bearing capacity (qall) falling between 40 and 343 kN/m2 . This research provides valuable geospatial knowledge to engineers, architects, and construction professionals in Kano Metropolis, enhancing decision-making and project planning precision, ultimately contributing to sustainable development and growth of Kano metropolis.

Exploring the Influence of Plastic Powder Incorporation on Geotechnical Properties of Expansive Soil Stabilized with Granite Powder for Building Applications

An experimental study was undertaken to investigate the effect of plastic and granite waste powder on the geotechnical performance of expansive soil, using different mix ratios. The soil studied is Hachem, in the northwestof Algeria. In this context, first reinforcing the plastic powder with granite powder, then add the mixture to the expansive soil. The percentage of plastic powder is (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%) and reinforced at 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% with granite powder. The experimental results showed a gradual decrease in liquid limits, swell potentials, and swelling pressure as the proportions of plastic and granite powder increase. In terms of the results obtained by reducing swelling and swelling pressure values and increasing unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests and ductility values, this mixture of waste plastics and granite can be of great importance in improving the mechanical properties of samples.

CORN-COB ASH AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT FOR STABILIZATION OF LATERITE SOIL

Properties of underlying soils and borrowed soil samples are some of the key factors that determine the performance rate of roads. Most of the underlying soils possess some characteristics that make them unsuitable for use. There are available agricultural waste products in most rural settlements which can be used to treat unsuitable soils. This research examined the use of corn cob ash (CCA) as an admixture to cement on some selected geotechnical properties of laterite soil. The choice of the A-7-5 class of laterite soil is due to its general rating as poor material for subgrade and other layers of road pavement by the classification system of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Cement was gradually added to the soil sample in steps of 2% from 0% to 10% by weight of the soil sample and its effect on the plasticity of the sample was examined. The addition of cement performed optimally on the soil’s plasticity at 4% which was used to form different mixtures of cement and CCA having a total sum not exceeding 4%. The additives were added to the soil sample which was subjected to laboratory tests such as compaction, California bearing ratio (CBR) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) compacted with the efforts of 596kN/m2 and 1192kN/m2. The combination of 2% cement and 2% CCA on the soil sample improved the plasticity index and UCS properties of the soil to its optimal level while 3-1 and 4-0 cement-CCA performed optimally for CBR and compaction respectively. Thus, it was concluded that CCA performed optimally with cement at a ratio varying between 4:0 to 3:1 total percentage not exceeding 4% of the weight of the soil sample.

Partial Replacement of Reactive Magnesium with GGBS has an Impact on the Geotechnical Properties of Soil

This study is an attempt to examine proper usage of GGBS in the field of Civil Engineering to reduce existing dumping problems and escalate the geotechnical properties of inadequate soil. According to laboratory findings, certain soil qualities that were treated with MgO and GGBS at specific concentrations exhibited remarkably beneficial changes when compared to natural soil. The compressive strength value of modified soil improved, showing increase in the bearing capacity of treated soil The increased CBR value of modified soil both in soaked (4 days) and unsoaked condition indicates the economical designing of flexible pavement by reducing the thickness of base and subbase layers.

Electrical Resistivity Behavior of Saline Soil under Low-Temperature Conditions

Freeze-thaw cycling of frozen soils is known to be the cause of various engineering failures of infrastructure in cold regions. Researchers found that electrical resistivity methods outperform traditional ground surveying methods in frozen soils for their greater convenience and cost-effectiveness. However, detailed investigation into the relationship between the electrical resistivity of soil and a variety of soil properties is still needed. In this study, a series of laboratory experiments using the Wenner method were conducted to determine the relationship between soil electrical resistivity and soil geotechnical properties such as initial water content and pore fluid concentration under freeze-thaw conditions. Cylindrical soil samples undergo artificial freeze-thaw cycles to a temperature as low as −70°C, and electrical resistivity and temperature values are recorded simultaneously. Measurement results are summarized for curve fitting, and a statistical model showing relationship between electrical resistivity and temperature during freezing and thawing was given. Above freezing point, the log of electrical resistivity had a linear relationship with temperature. Below freezing point and above −15°C, the log of electrical resistivity had a square root relationship with temperature. Different trends in electrical resistivity change in extremely low-temperature regions (from −15°C to −70°C) are also discussed. In extremely low-temperature regions, the electrical resistivity of frozen soils did not monotonously increase with lower temperature, which may be because of increasing salt concentration in the unfrozen water phase. The findings of this study are expected to bring more insights to frozen soil structure, and assist in geophysical surveying in cold regions and construction methods utilizing ground freezing.

Geotechnical interpolation methodology for determining intermediate values of soil properties

The article considers the application of geotechnical interpolation using ArcGIS software to determine the intermediate geotechnical properties of soils at a construction site in a residential complex in Astana, Esil district. The study is based on data from 8 boreholes drilled to a depth of 26 meters, and the purpose of the work is to use the kriging interpolation method to determine intermediate soil properties. The raw data include the results of analyzing the physical and mechanical properties of the soils from the boreholes, which served as a basis for interpolation and mapping. The results of the study are presented in the form of maps showing the intermediate mechanical properties of the soil at depths of 5, 10 and 15 m. The maps allow obtaining more accurate intermediate values. The proposed methodology not only facilitates the work of designers, but also provides data for realistic scenarios of soil strength and deformation characteristics, which significantly influences the selection of optimal types and sizes of foundations.

CONSTRUCTION OF SUSTAINABLE ROADS USING THE MIXTURE OF ALKALI-ACTIVATED RICE HUSK ASH AND FLY ASH

Soil stabilization, crucial for enhancing the stability and engineering properties of soil, has been the subject of extensive research utilizing mechanical and chemical methods. This study delves into the challenges faced in traditional soil subgrade stabilization methods, stemming from factors such as soil erosion, inadequate load-bearing capacity, and susceptibility to environmental conditions. These challenges have prompted the exploration of innovative solutions for road subgrade soil stabilization. Our primary motivation stems from the limitations of conventional techniques and the pressing need to address issues like resource exploitation and environmental pollution. Geopolymers, specifically alkaline-activated materials, have emerged as a promising alternative for soil stabilization. This research investigates the effects of geopolymer blended with rice husk ash (RHA) and fly ash (FA) on various geotechnical properties of natural and admixed black cotton soil. The soil is replaced with admixtures ranging from 0% to 30% of blended geopolymer by weight. The study provides a comprehensive analysis, focusing on quantifiable improvements in soil properties through numerical results. The investigations consistently reveal that the application of geopolymer as a soil stabilizer results in notable improvements in the geotechnical properties like index properties, strength properties, resistance to penetration (CBR), etc., of problematic soil. Comparative analysis with traditional methods underscores the superiority of the proposed geopolymer blend, showcasing its innovation, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. The findings of this study contribute to the advancement of soil stabilization techniques, specifically in the context of geopolymer applications. For future work, this study suggests an in-depth exploration of geopolymer-stabilized soil's long-term durability and environmental impact. Additionally, further research could focus on optimizing the geopolymer blend ratios for varying soil types and environmental conditions.

Investigation of geotechnical and microstructure characteristics of gypsum soil using ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), fly ash, and lime

This study investigates the synergistic effects of Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag (GGBS), lime, and fly ash on improving the geotechnical properties of gypsum soil. Gypsum soil samples, constituting 84% of the mixture, were blended with lime and GGBS in proportions ranging from 0% to 16%. These mixtures underwent curing for 1, 7, 14, 28, 56, and 90 days. Tests and analytical techniques elucidated mechanisms responsible for strength improvements. Findings revealed that when fly ash was used alone, there was no significant increase in Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS). However, fly ash expedited essential pozzolanic reactions for silicate gel formation. The most substantial increase in UCS occurred in the 28-day samples, contrasting with lower gains in the 7, 14, 56, and 90-day periods. Enhanced strength in lime-GGBS-gypsum soil mixtures before 28 days was attributed to cation exchange and initial flocculation. In the 28-day specimens, increased strength was linked to ettringite crystal and silica gel growth. Microstructural analysis confirmed Ettringite (E) crystal growth within inter-crystalline and pore spaces. Cementitious compounds like CH, CSHH, CHS, CAH, and CASH displayed growth. The rearrangement of the clay mineral matrix, coupled with added sulfate, contributed to enhanced gypsum soil strength. Interestingly, decreased UCS in 56-day samples indicated increased ettringite crystal growth, resulting in reduced strength. Elemental analysis through Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) revealed shifts in Al: Si, Ca: Si, and Al: Ca ratios. The Al: Si ratio reduction confirmed the formation of more cementitious compounds in 90-day samples. Additionally, the Al: Si ratio in 28-day cured samples exhibited a significant decrease, signifying accelerated initial strength in lime and GGBS mixtures. The presence of sulfur (S) confirmed ettringite crystal formation, underscoring the intricate interplay between additives and curing durations, shedding light on mechanisms enhancing gypsum soil's geotechnical properties.

Alkali-activation of agro-industrial waste for stabilization of lateritic soils

This paper focuses on enhancing the geotechnical properties of lateritic gravelly soil (LGS) through chemical stabilization using an alkali-activated binder produced with sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) and a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. For this, mechanical strength tests, specifically unconfined compressive strength (qu), and durability tests, including accumulated loss mass (ALM) and volumetric variation (ΔV), were conducted on compacted specimens of the LGS-SBA blends. These specimens were molded with varying concentrations of NaOH solution (ranging from 3 to 10 Molarity) and different SBA content (ranging from 3 to 10 %). The physical–chemical characteristics of the optimal blend were further analyzed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). The results demonstrate that the stabilization of LGS with an alkali-activated binder modifies compaction properties and enhances the mechanical strength and durability of LGS. Hence, a good correlation between qu and ALM was established, enabling the formulation of practical engineering equations to predict the behavior of the blends. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the stabilized LGS exhibits promising potential as an alternative geomaterial for use in subbase/base layers for pavements exposed to harsh climatic conditions in the low-lying Amazon region.

Importance of geotechnical soil properties for precision Forest activities in a karst area

Some soil behaviors change significantly as water content varies over time. The particle size distribution of soils has a direct impact on mechanical properties such as soil water content, resistance to dispersion, swelling-shrinkage, fluidity, plasticity, and stickiness. This study was conducted to investigate the usability of Atterberg limits, consistency index and coefficient of linear extensibility (COLE) in the temporal planning of ecosystem restoration activities such as silvicultural interventions, tillage, afforestation, and the construction of forest roads, etc. Surface soil samples were collected from the sections numbered 263, 264, 266, 268, 317, 318, 319, 323, 324,325 and 366 of the degraded forest of the Andırın forestry operations department. The COLE, liquid limit (LL), plastic limit (PL), plasticity index and consistency index values of soil samples were determined. The LL values ranged from 17.5 to 62.4%, the PL values from 8.2 to 46.8% and the PI values from 6.4 to 15.5. The highest COLE value (0.13) was recorded in the section 318, while the lowest COLE value (0.03) was in section 325.The LL and PL values have a positive linear relationship with clay and organic matter content. All sections have karstic characteristics, but the mechanical characteristics of the soils differ significantly between the sections. Silvicultural interventions carried out especially in section 318, which had the lowest consistency index (Ic = 0.70), and sections 263, 264, 317 and 319, where the consistency index is >2,should take mechanical properties into account, and the planting time intervals should be determined, accordingly for sustainable forestry.