Curing Period Research Articles

Experimental Study on Steel Fibre Reinforced Rubberised GGBS Based Geopolymer Concrete

Geopolymer concrete is a sustainable material which can reuse industrial by-products and thereby minimize the emission of greenhouse gases during its production, unlike cement. This geopolymer concrete is found to develop high strength within a short period of ambient curing. It is observed that the addition of steel fibers enhances the strength and durability characteristics of this concrete. The paper highlights the engineering and durability properties of steel fiber-reinforced GGBS-dolomite geopolymer concrete and explains how the bond strength and impact resistance of GGBS-dolomite geopolymer concrete is improved by the inclusion of steel fibers.

Impact of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) and Cement to the Strength Improvement of Hemic Peat

Peat soils are derived from organic deposition consisting of dead trees. Peat soils have low shear strength and cannot afford large loads. Various treatment methods are used to stabilize peat soils and most of them use cement as a main binder to increase the strength of peat soils. However, the use of large quantities of cement is not environment friendly due to the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and wastage of energy consumption by the cement production industry. Therefore, the introduction of SCBA as a substitution binder for some cement dosage is good as well as reducing the degradation of dumping waste which is increasingly uncontrollable. The objective of this study is to identify the basic and physical properties of peat soil from Pontian, Johor. In addition, this study was also conducted to identify the impact of SCBA on peat soil stabilization with cement. There are 5 different mixtures for cement and SCBA which are C100, C95S5, C90S10, C85S15 and C80S20 used in this study. Sample C95S5 with mixtures 95% cement and 5% SCBA were the optimum samples for this study based on unconfined compression strength (UCS) tests. The C95S5 sample successfully achieved the maximum strength of the whole sample with a strength of 190 kN/m2, 209 kN/m2, and 219 kN/m2 recorded for wet curing periods of 7,14 and 28 days. Therefore, the use of SCBA materials in the stabilization of peat soils with cement and calcium chloride (CaCl2) is seen to have a positive effect in increasing the shear strength of Hemic peat soil samples.

Assessment of Concrete Compressive Strength with the Incorporation of Recycled Coarse Aggregates Across Varied Curing Periods

One of the most crucial factors in optimizing the compressive strength of concrete is the assessment of aggregate supply quality. However, due to scarcity and local regulations limiting quarrying, making the most of available supply becomes essential. In this study, the compressive strengths of concrete were compared using recycled aggregates from three different sources and cured for 60 days. Various tests, including specific gravity and absorption, sieve analysis, abrasion test, workability test, and compressive strength test, were conducted to evaluate the suitability of these recycled aggregates for concrete applications. The study's specific findings revealed that with an increasing number of curing days, using the ponding method up to 28 days and the moist method beyond 28 days, the compressive strengths of the five different concrete mixtures also increased. Moreover, employing the three sources of recycled aggregates showed a comparable rise in concrete's compressive strength. Remarkably, the compressive strength achieved in one concrete mixture at the 28-day curing period could be attained by another mixture at specific curing periods. Adequate curing of concrete specimens through ponding at the required temperature demonstrated a significant enhancement in the compressive strength of concrete. Overall, the study concluded that the compressive strengths of the five different concrete mixtures varied and could be properly addressed through correct proportioning, handling, and proper mixing. Utilizing recycled aggregates from three different sources and varying the water-cement ratio for each mixture yielded positive outcomes. Furthermore, the research revealed that all selected recycled aggregate sources were suitable for concrete construction in the area and could be blended to maximize usage volume without significantly affecting quality.

Assessment of Flexural and Compressive Strengths in Concrete Utilizing Replacement of Coarse Aggregates with Rubber

Employing waste rubber as a substitute for natural aggregate in concrete presents a promising environmentally conscious solution. The primary objective of this research is to assess the concrete's performance concerning its compressive and flexural strengths when coarse aggregate is partially replaced with recycled rubber. Seven distinct mixes were formulated, encompassing varying degrees of crumb rubber replacing coarse aggregate: 0%, 5%, 15%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% by volume. The rubberized concrete underwent evaluation based on slump, compressive strength, flexural strength, density, and the influence of slight seawater exposure. Notably, the rubberized concrete blends exhibited enhanced workability and reduced density compared to the control mixture. As the proportion of coarse rubber content increased, there was a noticeable decline in compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths. Impressively, the rubberized concrete formulations displayed commendable performance even after a mere 28-day curing period in seawater conditions. The outcomes of this study provide a comprehensive understanding of the implications of integrating recycled rubber into concrete, particularly for various road construction projects prone to regular slight seawater infiltration. This approach is applicable up to a 25 percent volume replacement of rubber particles, underscoring its feasibility and effectiveness

CARBONATION PERFORMANCE OF KAOLIN TREATED WITH GROUND GRANULATED BLAST FURNACE SLAG

This study is prompted by the fact that currently available information, regarding carbon dioxide (CO2) and ground improvement, is rather limited, as the emphasis in this area, is mainly directed at health and environmental issues. This includes efforts to counter climate change, by reducing the level of carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Nonetheless, several geotechnical researchers have delved into CO2 sequestration, through magnesium-rich materials. Among such materials is ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). This waste material, which contains between 5% to 9% magnesium, and roughly 35% calcium, appears to be a favourable option for CO2 sequestration. The purpose of this study, is to determine the appropriate optimal amount of GGBS (based on the strength value recommended by the Public Works Department), and its effect in terms of durability, for the treatment of kaolin clay, under ambient and carbonated conditions, with a 24-hour carbonation period, subjected to a CO2 pressure of 200 kPa. Compaction, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and durability (wetting and drying) tests were performed, with various GGBS contents (5%, 15% and 25%), and curing periods (7, 14, 28 and 60 days). The test results indicate an increase in strength of almost 20 times, for kaolin clay treated with 25% GGBS, with a curing period of 60 days (ambient condition). An additional 22.86% increase in strength was registered, for carbonated conditions. The wetting and drying test, also demonstrated that GGBS-treated kaolin was improved in terms of durability, while retaining its strength under wet and dry conditions. Thus, it can be concluded that with an appropriate amount and curing period, GGBS has the potential to stabilize kaolin clay, and contribute towards the realisation of a more sustainable environment, by curbing the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere.

Experimental Study of Bridge Expansion Joint Damage Based on Natural Frequency.

In this paper, three studies on modal bridge expansion joints were conducted through experiments. The advantages and disadvantages of acceleration and fiber optic strain sensors in the tested modal expansion joints were compared. Secondly, the variation in the natural frequency of the modal bridge expansion joints at different concrete curing periods was investigated. Finally, the effect of damage on natural frequency in different parts (the center beam, the support bar, and concrete in the anchorage zone) of the modal bridge expansion joint was analyzed. For this purpose, three specimens were cast, each with six damage states. Manual methods damaged the specimens. An impact hammer was used to excite the corresponding parts of the different components. The results showed that the acceleration sensor is optimal for the modal bridge expansion joint test. The specimen's natural frequency increased with the curing time's growth. The natural frequency increased by 10 Hz from day 3 to day 28 of curing. With the gradual increase in damage, the natural frequencies of the center beam and support bar showed a gradual decreasing trend. The damage to the concrete in the anchorage zone caused less significant changes in the natural frequency, but the overall natural frequency still had a decreasing trend. The sensitivity of each frequency to the damage was different in different parts.

PH-dependent Cs leaching from nitrate bearing geopolymers: A combined experimental and model analysis

Geopolymers are considered as promising wasteforms for the immobilization of low-level radioactive waste streams containing 137Cs. This work presents an experimental study and modelling of the pH-dependent leaching of Cs from nitrate bearing geopolymers. Longer curing periods and higher curing temperatures induce the formation of nitrate bearing zeolitic phases (NO3-sodalite and NO3-cancrinite), that exhibit higher Cs/Na selectivity relative to nitrate-free zeolitic phases (zeolite A and zeolite X). Such phase formation was found to have a significant effect on the pH-dependent leaching of Cs, as well as on the leaching of other major elements in the geopolymeric system. An innovative, semi-empirical geochemical thermodynamic model was developed for the sodium aluminum silicate hydrate (NASH) solid solution, based on the pH-dependent leaching experimental data. The model succeeded to describe most of the studied system, with emphasis on their interaction with Cs.

Sustainable incorporation of Plaster of Paris kiln dust for stabilization of dispersive soil: A potential solution for construction industry

The presence of dispersive soils in the region of Khushab, Pakistan, has been recognized as a significant element causative to numerous challenges in construction. This research intended to examine the efficacy of Plaster of Paris kiln dust (PKD) as a cost-effective and eco-friendly material in stabilizing the strength properties and dispersion potential (DP) of dispersive soil at optimal curing period. Different contents of PKD (from 0.5% to 3%) were added to the soil. A series of tests have been carried out over various curing times (0, 7, 14, 28, and 60 days) to evaluate the effectiveness of PKD as a stabilizing agent. The tests included a double hydrometer, Atterberg limits, specific gravity, compaction, unconfined compression strength (UCS), consolidation, physiochemical properties (pH, Electrical conductivity), and chemical analysis (percentage sodium, sodium adsorption ratio). The results illustrated that DP decreased from 74.12% to 8.57% while the increase in UCS value was observed from 124.3 kPa to 1212.5 kPa (an increase of 875%) by increasing PKD up to 3% after curing for 60 days. The X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy exhibited the development of cementitious products (Calcium silicate hydrate, Calcium aluminate hydrate) due to the pozzolanic reaction with 3% PKD after a curing time of 28 days, which is responsible for the increment in strength. PKD exhibits both favorable economic and environmentally friendly characteristics, as it has the lowest cost among several additives used previously and provides a significant portion of the treated area (92.6%) free from pollution and landfill. PKD improved the stability and strength of dispersive soil and provided a sustainable waste management solution, making it a highly viable option for soil improvement applications in the construction industry.

Performance Evaluation for Cohesionless Soil Stabilized with Lignin and Polymerized Lignin

Abstract Lignin is a natural copolymer found in plants that is a major waste from bioenergy and paper industries. In this study, comprehensive laboratory testing programs were carried out to evaluate the strength improvements and water resistance of soil after being stabilized by lignin and polymerized lignin. The chemical polymerization of pre-treated lignin involves a process of linking short lignin molecules to form longer ones and consuming hydrophilic functional groups to improve its stability under wet conditions. Various testing combinations were considered, including four lignin or polymerized lignin contents (0, 6, 8, and 10 %) and four lime contents (0, 2, 4, and 6 %). The results show that lignin-stabilized soil will take at least 14 days to reach maximum strength, whereas the minimum curing period is 21 days for soil stabilized with polymerized lignin. The optimum dosage is 8 % when lignin or polymerized lignin is used for soil stabilization. Polymerized lignin can provide approximately 10 to 20 % more strength improvement than lignin; however, lime seems work better with lignin than polymerized lignin when added as a strength booster. The water soaking tests showed that polymerized lignin has better moisture resistance than lignin, and additional lime can further improve the performance of stabilized soil with respect to water susceptibility. However, the strength of specimens cannot fully recover, decreasing slightly after each dry–wet cycle for both specimens treated by lignin and polymerized lignin. The total decrease is about 5∼10 % after two cycles. The temperature and pH value control and oxygen supply approach used in this study will be an important reference for future studies.

Coupled Effect of Cementation Solution, Curing Period, Molding Water Content, and Compactive Effort on Strength Performance of Biotreated Lateritic Soil for Municipal Solid Waste Containment Application

Microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is a soil improvement technique that has shown great potential in several geotechnical applications in the previous decade. Some factors that led to the improved strength included cementation concentration. The combined influence of these factors with the cementation reagent was paramount to the calcite precipitation level within soil grain contact of a biotreated compacted fine-grained soil. In this study, the influence of the concentration of the cementation solution [(CCS) 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.00 M], curing time [(CT) 24 h, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days], and molding water content [MWC (9.8%–19.6%)] of biomediated lateritic soil or lateritic soil that was bioinfused with ureolytic microbes at different suspension densities (cells/mL) and compacted with Reduced British Standard Light (RBSL), British Standard Light (BSL), West African Standard (WAS), and British Standard Heavy (BSH) energy, respectively, were evaluated. In addition, this study focused on unconfined compressive strength (UCS). The results showed an increased UCS with the corresponding average calcite content up to peak values at 0.5 M cementation concentration for the five considered bacterial cells/mL. In addition, the results showed a linear relationship between UCS and average calcite content for the CCS that were considered. The effect of the curing period on UCS was marginal within individual cementation concentrations regardless of bacterial cells/mL. The UCS of the specimen that contained the optimal 0.5 M cementation concentration increased with higher bacterial cells/mL but decreased with the MWC. The qualitative microanalysis that used scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses that evaluated the untreated and biotreated specimens showed the formation of calcite, which increased the soil strength by blocking the soil pores through grain–grain contacts.

Treatment of cadmium-contaminated soil using ladle slag with and without CO2

Cement and lime are widely used to stabilize/solidify (S/S) contaminated soils, however, the production of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and lime causes CO2 emission and consumption of energy and non-renewable resource. In this context, this study proposes a sustainable S/S approach by utilizing an industrial by-product, ladle slag (LS), and carbon dioxide (CO2), to substitute cement and lime for treating cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil. In laboratory investigation, contaminated soils spiked by Cd with concentrations of 0–32,000 mg/kg were treated by LS with a binder content of 10 % and subjected to conventional curing and carbonation curing for different periods varying from 3 hours to 112 days. The results showed that LS with conventional curing could reduce the leaching of Cd, however, it was still less effective than OPC in S/S of Cd-contaminated soils under the same curing period of 28 days. When CO2 was introduced, LS with CO2 rapidly decreased the leaching of Cd in soils by five orders of magnitude, using only 104 hours to achieve better S/S efficacy than OPC with conventional curing for 28 days. The LS with carbonation curing also sequestered CO2 up to 16 % of LS mass and yielded higher strength than that without CO2.

Transforming waste into sustainable solution: Physicochemical and geotechnical evaluation of cement stabilized municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash for geoenvironmental applications

The present study investigates the potential of Municipal Solid Waste Incinerator Bottom Ash (MSWI-BA) collected from a waste-to-energy conversion plant in Delhi for geoenvironmental applications. The physicochemical and geotechnical properties of freshly quenched MSWI-BA were examined for cement-stabilized specimens with varying cement content ranging from 3% to 9%. The study aimed to assess the influence of pH and metal(loid)s concentrations during the standard curing period. The results demonstrated that adding cement formed C-S-H and C-A-H gel and Ca-hydrates within the matrix of 28-day cured samples. Specimens with 7% and 9% cement content exhibited the presence of quartz, calcite, belite, and other strength-enhancing compounds, leading to significant improvements in unconfined compressive strength and California bearing ratio values by up to 119.37% and 96.42%, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated moisture loss and breakdown of aluminates and silicates caused cracking at temperatures above 720 °C. The incorporation of cement resulted in the encapsulation of heavy metals, with the concentrations of Zn and Cu remaining within permissible limits. This study confirms the applicability of cement-stabilized MSWI-BA for flexible road pavements, earth fills, and various geoenvironmental applications.

Effect of silica fume and waste rubber on the performance of slag‐based geopolymer mortars under high temperatures

AbstractIn this study, the fire resistance of slag‐based geopolymer mortars was investigated and the effect of silica fume (SF) and waste rubber (WR) on this resistance was determined. In slag‐based geopolymer mortars activated using 12M NaOH solution, 0%, 5%, and 10% by weight SF was substituted for slag; 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% WR by volume were substituted for fine aggregate. The samples that completed the curing period were exposed to temperatures of 250°C, 500°C, and 750°C for 1 h, and the mechanical (compressive, flexural and splitting tensile strengths, and impact resistance), physical (weight change and sorptivity) and microstructure (scanning electron microscopy [SEM] and energy dispersive spectroscopy [EDS]) properties of these samples were examined. The compressive strengths of the samples without WR were between 48.10 and 60.97 MPa, and the samples without SF were between 28.52 and 48.10 MPa. Strength losses at 750°C were between 51.5% and 73.5%. As the SF substitution increased, the samples' mechanical and physical properties improved, whereas as the WR substitution increased, the samples' mechanical and physical properties declined. While the SF substitution had a positive effect on the fire resistance of the samples, the WR substitution had a negative effect. It is thought that the choice of geopolymer binder as a binder in the mortar and the use of waste tires as aggregate contribute to the literature in terms of both preventing environmental pollution and ensuring the recycling of these materials.

Eco-friendly concrete with waste ceramic tile as coarse aggregate: mechanical strength, durability, and microstructural properties

The drive towards circular economy in achieving sustainable concrete cannot be overemphasized. The recycling of waste tiles from the ceramic industry, demolished buildings, or during the construction process could be one way of solving the waste generated from ceramic tiles. This study investigates the use of waste ceramic tiles as coarse aggregates in concrete at replacement levels of 0, 10, 20, 30, 50, and 100% by weight of natural coarse aggregate. Concrete cylinders were cast and tested for compressive and splitting tensile strength after a curing period of 7, 14, and 28 days. Further, the durability of the concrete was investigated via water absorption and total permeable pore volumes in all the concrete mixes. The results indicate that the strength of concrete decreases as the percentage of waste ceramic tile aggregate increases. However, adding 10% tile aggregate in concrete seems acceptable as the strength reduction was relatively low. The water absorption and voids increase as waste ceramic tile aggregate increases. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was performed to investigate the statistical significance of the waste ceramic tile aggregate on the properties tested. Artificial neural network (ANN) was also performed to predict the compressive strength of ceramic tile concrete. Based on the outcomes, it is recommended to use 10–20% of waste tile aggregate in concrete production where design compressive strength is less than 20 MPa, which can also reduce the demand for new aggregate, reduce the cost of the project, save the dumping issue, and protect the environment.

Understanding the performance of bridge decks through full-scale accelerated testing

Understanding the long-term performance of bridges plays a major role in the selection of appropriate asset-management strategies, which eventually reduce life-cycle costs and extend the service life of a bridge. To understand bridge performance better, the Federal Highway Administration initiated a research project utilising accelerated testing of full-scale bridge superstructure systems subjected to cyclic moving wheel loads and freeze–thaw environmental conditions. As part of the research project, complementary non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques were used to assess the performance of a full-scale bridge deck during the curing and loading period. NDE results, shortly after construction, revealed a smaller cover depth of rebars in the middle section of the deck. This has likely created a preferential path for the subsequent deterioration of the deck. It was suggested to use a scaled version of the electrical resistivity (ER) values to improve the consistency between temporal ER measurements of the deck, and it was shown that combining construction information with NDE results can improve the interpretation of results. Overall, the results showed the importance of NDE for quality assurance of new construction and provided a better understating of the long-term bridge deck performance.

Tam Faktöriyel Tasarım Kullanılarak Çimento Harçlarında Cam Atıklarının Kullanımının İncelenmesi

Waste management in the world has come to the fore in recent years. Like many materials used as alternative raw materials, glass waste has become an increasingly important situation. It is very important in terms of sustainability that these wastes are used as alternative raw materials in the production of new materials for various industries. Recycling of glass, which is produced and consumed in a wide range, contributes to many different sectors. For this purpose, the use of materials obtained in two different forms, namely powder and fiber produced from waste glass, in cement mortars was investigated. There are three factors, including glass powder (GP) amount with four levels of 0, 45, 90 and 135 g, glass fiber (GF) amount with two levels of 0 and 13.37 g, and curing period (CP) with three levels of 7, 28 and 56 days. Compressive, flexural strengths and abrasion resistance of cement mortar samples were determined. In addition, acceptable regression models were derived by using multiple regression analysis. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the effects of all three factors on the mechanical properties and, GP and CP factors on abrasion resistance of cement mortars are significant. Improvements in mechanical strength and abrasion resistance were observed in the use of glass fiber and glass powder added cement mortars produced at appropriate rates. The study shows that the use of glass fiber and glass powder separately or together in the production of cement-based materials such as concrete, which is exposed to abrasion, is beneficial. As a result, the properties expected from the produced concrete will be met. The use of glass waste will contribute to the realization of an economical and environmentally friendly concrete production.

EFFECTIVE UTILIZATION OF OMO-KURAZ SUGAR FACTORY BAGASSE ASH AS A SUSTAINABLE PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT IN CONCRETE FOR THE ETHIOPIAN CONSTRUCTIONS

This paper presents the recycling of sugar cane bagasse ash from the Omo-Kuraz sugar factory in Ethiopia as a cement replacement in concrete that offers a suitable solution to environmental issues related to waste disposal management and the emission of greenhouse gases. The influence of bagasse ash as a cementing material in concrete was examined by performing several strength and durability experiments. From a strength perspective, compressive and splitting tensile strength were tested. As part of durability properties, carbonation and chloride penetrability of bagasse ash concrete was studied. Bagasse ash-based concrete mixes were produced with different cement replacements (10% - 40%) and were tested at different curing periods. As per the strength and durability test results, bagasse ash can be utilized as a cementing material in concrete with 10% cement replacement as the optimum quantity. The durability test results revealed bagasse ash doesn’t have adverse effects from carbonation and chloride penetrability perspective on concrete. This indicates that the Ethiopian construction industry can consider bagasse ash as nonconventional cementing material. Keywords: Bagasse ash, Compressive strength, Sorptivity, Tensile strength, Workability

Utilization of plastic waste as replacement of natural aggregates in sustainable concrete: effects on mechanical and durability properties.

The study presents the mechanical and durability properties of concrete made up of recycled-waste-polyethylene (PE) and waste-polyethylene-terephthalate (PET)-based aggregate as replacement of natural fine and coarse aggregate, respectively. For this purpose, compressive strength, sorptivity, water permeability, aggressive exposure in acid, base, marine and wastewater, impact resistance, abrasion loss including surface and Cantabro, gas permeability, rapid chloride penetration test (RCPT), elevated temperature and leachability test of microplastic were performed. The experimental works were performed for different volumetric replacement (0-40%) of natural fine and coarse aggregates by PE and PET made aggregate respectively for different curing periods. The experimental results revealed that the sorptivity of PE-based concrete was lowest. Water permeability coefficient signified that with the increase of percentage of PET water permeability increased. In case of aggressive exposure test, the percentage of residual mass and residual strength for all replacement was decreased with the increase in exposure period. Further, impact resistance test result signified that energy absorption increased with the increase of PE and PET percentages. Cantabro and surface abrasion weight loss showed similar trend. Carbonation depth was increased with increasing percentages of PE and PET signified strength decreased with increase of percentages of PE and PET when subjected in CO2. RCPT test results demonstrated that with increase of PE and PET percentages chloride ion penetrability was reducing. It is observed that below 100°C temperature, compressive strength of all mix proportions was not affected with elevated temperature. Moreover, the PET-based concrete showed no presence of microplastic in case of leachability test.

Shear strength behavior of organic soils treated with fly ash and fly ash-based geopolymer

Abstract Organic soil is a problematic soil that needs to be treated before construction because of the low shear strength and high compressibility. Using by-product materials, such as fly ash (FA), to improve soils is a cost-effective and sustainable procedure. Because treatment with FA may lead to reduce shear strength, a FA-based geopolymer was used with a cohesive organic soil to substitute the reduction in strength. A series of unconfined compressive strength tests (UCS) were conducted on compacted specimens treated with FA and geopolymer. The geopolymer was produced by adding sodium hydroxide to activate the FA. Different levels of FA content, curing period, and temperature were applied to the specimens. The results indicate that for the FA treated specimens, the UCS decreased as the FA increased. For the geopolymer-treated specimens, as FA percentage in the geopolymer increased, the UCS increased and the axial strain at failure decreased. The optimum content of FA, in the geopolymer, was 20%, and the highest UCS was achieved at a curing period of 28 days at a temperature level of 65°C. Based on the obtained results, FA-based geopolymer can effectively be used to improve the strength of organic soils.

Predictive strength model of cement-treated fine-grained soils using key parameters: Consideration of the total water/cement and soil/cement ratios

Soil stabilization techniques have been widely used to improve the mechanical and engineering properties of soft ground, such as strength, compressibility, and permeability. Recently, dredged soils that have high water content, high compressibility, and low strength have been mixed with cement and used as filling and landfill materials. The water and cement contents and soil types (clay or silt) in these soil–cement mixtures can be determined according to the purpose of use. To this end, the design of these mixtures requires the accurate prediction of the unconfined compressive strength (qu). Therefore, this paper proposes a predictive model for qu of cement-treated fine-grained soils (CTFSs) for ground improvement and stabilization of dredged soils. Ordinary Portland cement and two types of fine-grained soils (clay and silt) were used as the basic materials in the experiment. Unconfined compression tests were performed in a wide range of experiment conditions: water content (wt: 40–170 %), cement content (c: 5–25 %), and curing time (t: 3–90 d), and the results were correlated by two key parameters, wt/c (total water content/cement ratio) and s/c (soil/cement ratio). The results demonstrated that wt/c and s/c were strongly correlated with the qu development of CTFSs depending on the curing period. Therefore, we established a predictive model for qu by combining the power and exponential functions for (s/c)X and (wt/c)Y. The X and Y values of proposed model could equally be applied for different curing periods for soils of different types with different characteristics. In addition, the proposed model could predict long-term qu by using the time coefficient (ct) normalized by the curing period of 7 d. The mean absolute percentage error and coefficient of determination of the proposed model were lower and higher, respectively, than those of the reported data. Overall, the proposed predictive model is a promising tool for predicting the qu of CTFSs, for instance, for ground improvement and cement-treated dredged soils.