Soil Stabilization Research Articles

Performance Evaluation of Stabilized Soils with Selected Common Waste Materials of Rice Husk Ash, Steel Slag and Iron Tailing Powder

Soil stabilization technology has been applied for a long time in the infrastructure construction field. Currently, the use of waste materials as stabilizer is growing in attention, because it promises to develop green and high-performance soil stabilization efficiency. In this work, three common waste materials, including rice husk ash (RHA), steel slag (SS) and iron tailing (IT) powder, were selected and synergistically utilized with cement to prepare stabilized soil. The mechanical strength, hydration degree and microstructure of the stabilized soil samples were tested. The experimental results showed that the mechanical strengths of the samples were improved as the cement content increased. To be specific, RHA-blended samples exhibited the lowest strengths compared with those incorporating SS and IT, indicating the poor effect of RHA on stimulating strength improvement. Moreover, SS and IT showed a much more significant effect on enhancing the mechanical strength for the stabilized soil samples, and the strength increasing rates can reach up to 60% compared to the reference batch. In addition, microstructural analysis results further verified the benefits of cement and waste materials on improving the performance of stabilized soil samples, as the hydration reaction and pore structure were proven to be improved with the aid of waste materials. This work gives insights into environmentally friendly road construction with high utilization of selected common wastes.

Experimental Investigation of Marine Soil Stabilization with Recycled Aggregates and MgO: Implications for CO<sub>2</sub> Sequestration

Dredged marine soils are increasingly recognized as a valuable resource amidst growing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable waste recycling. This study presents an innovative soil stabilization technique combining recycled aggregate (RA) and magnesium oxide (MgO), with a dual focus on enhancing soil properties and promoting carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration. The stabilizing effects of RA and MgO were evaluated independently and synergistically under varied curing conditions and durations, with microstructural and mechanical properties analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and uniaxial tests. Carbonation experiments quantified CO2 fixation potential, demonstrating that the formation of hydration and carbonation products, in conjunction with the dynamic moisture content and pH conditions, played a significant role in enhancing the structural reinforcement of the soil. The combined RA-MgO treatment achieved superior mechanical stability (1.28-3.02 MPa) and a CO2 sequestration capacity of up to 11 g/kg without compromising performance. This study highlights the dual environmental and structural benefits of utilising RA and low-content MgO for marine soil stabilization, offering a sustainable pathway to reduce carbon emissions, promote waste recycling, and support resilient infrastructure development.

Assessing Durability and Stability of Calcium Sulfoaluminate Cement-Stabilized Soils Under Cyclic Wet–Dry Conditions

Periodic wet–dry processes are a significant weathering mechanism that can quickly alter a soil’s mechanical characteristics, reducing its resilience and durability. This study investigates the physical and microstructural characterization of stabilized soils through experimental analysis. While the conventional approach to ground improvement involves the application of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and lime for treating unstable soil, this research explores calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement as an eco-friendly alternative with comparable efficacy and fewer adverse environmental effects. The primary objective is to evaluate the impact of cyclic wet–dry (W–D) events on the durability and stability of CSA cement-treated sand using comprehensive laboratory testing. Various samples were prepared with cement contents of 3%, 5%, 7%, and 10%, corresponding to the optimum moisture content. Stabilized soil specimens underwent testing for unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) after curing for 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. Subsequently, these specimens were exposed to zero, one, three, five, and seven W–D cycles. The outcomes show a decrease in the strength and durability index of the soil with a rising number of W–D cycles. However, the decline in the strength and durability of CSA-treated soil samples is significantly mitigated as the CSA content increases from 3% to 10%. The findings indicate that after seven W–D cycles, the UCS value of 10% cemented samples dropped by 14% after 28 days of curing, whereas 3% specimens experienced a 28% loss in strength. Similarly, UCS values for 5% and 7% cement content reduced from 666 kPa to 509 kPa and from 1587 kPa to 1331 kPa, respectively, indicating improved resilience with higher CSA content. The durability index was less affected during the first three cycles, but showed a more pronounced decline after five and seven cycles. For 3% cemented soil, the durability index dropped from 0.95 to 0.71, whereas for 10% cemented soil, it decreased from 0.97 to 0.82 after seven W–D cycles. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) also determines the cement–soil interaction before and after W–D, and it was noted that the pores and cracks increased after each cycle. Based on the findings, it is established that subgrade materials treated with CSA cement demonstrate durability, environmental sustainability, and suitability for integration into road construction projects.

Advancing Slope Stability and Hydrological Solutions Through Biocementation: A Bibliometric Review

Biocementation is an innovative and sustainable technique with wide-ranging applications in slope stabilization, watershed management, and erosion control. Despite its potential, comprehensive evaluations of its use in hydrology and geotechnical engineering are limited. This study addresses this gap through a bibliometric analysis of 685 articles (2013–2023) from the Scopus database, employing VOSviewer and RStudio to explore global research trends, key contributors, and emerging themes. The analysis reveals that China, the United States, and Japan are leading contributors to this field, with significant advancements in microbial-induced (MICP) and enzyme-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (EICP) techniques. These methods have demonstrated effectiveness in improving soil strength, reducing erosion, and enhancing hydrological properties such as infiltration, runoff control, and water retention. Co-occurrence analysis identifies interdisciplinary connections between geotechnics and hydrology, highlighting research clusters focused on biomineralization, erosion resistance, and durability. The findings underscore biocementation’s pivotal role in addressing sustainability challenges by providing environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional soil stabilization techniques. This study not only maps the current research landscape but also offers valuable insights into the practical implications of biocementation for slope stability and hydrological management, laying the foundation for future advancements in sustainable engineering practices.

Plant Adaptation and Soil Shear Strength: Unraveling the Drought Legacy in Amorpha fruticosa

Climate change has led to an increasing frequency of droughts, potentially undermining soil stability. In such a changing environment, the shallow reinforcement effect of plant roots often fails to meet expectations. This study aims to explore whether this is associated with the alteration of plant traits as a response to environmental change. Focusing on Amorpha fruticosa, a species known for its robust root system that plays a crucial role in soil consolidation and slope stabilization, thereby reducing soil and water erosion, we simulated a drought-rewetting event to assess the legacy effects of drought on the soil shear strength and the mechanical and hydrological traits associated with the reinforcement provided by A. fruticosa. The results show that the legacy effect of drought significantly diminishes the soil shear strength. Pretreated with drought, plant roots undergo morphological alterations such as deeper growth, yet the underground root biomass and diameter decline, thereby influencing mechanical reinforcement. Chemical composition analysis indicates that the plant’s adaptation to drought modifies the intrinsic properties of the roots, with varying impacts on different root types and overall reinforcement. Concurrently, the stomatal conductance and transpiration rate of leaves decrease, weakening the capacity to augment soil matric suction through transpiration and potentially reducing hydrological reinforcement. Although rewetting treatments aid in recovery, drought legacy effects persist and impact plant functional attributes. This study emphasizes that, beyond soil matric suction, plant adaptive mechanisms in response to environmental changes may also contribute significantly to reduced soil shear strength. Consequently, ecological restoration strategies should consider plant trait adaptations to drought, enhancing root systems for soil conservation and climate resilience.

Optimizing Soil Performance: Using Cement Kiln Dust along with Polymer Integration for Soil Stabilization

The present study explores contaminated soil collected from solid dump yard and its treatment with cement kiln dust in combination with epoxy liquid polymer. The study explores the improvement in mechanical and geotechnical characteristics of stabilized soil’s properties by adding Cement kiln dust and a liquid polymer in different proportions. The comparison for Maximum Dry Density, Unconfined Compressive Strength and California bearing ratio test for untreated and stabilized soil was done. The optimal mixtures of the 10% Cement kiln dust dosage indicate that with usage of cement kiln dust, decreases maximum dry density and optimum moisture content increases. However, Cement kiln dust and epoxy liquid polymer resulted in Unconfined compression test increase from 402.11 kN/m² to 1288 kN/m²and 1005.27 kN/m2 to 3221.825 kN/m2 for a curing time of 14 days and 28days. Moreover, the California bearing ration values also improved 38% with the addition of Cement kiln dust. Over curing periods of 7 and 14 days, Unconfined compression test and California bearing ratio test outcomes show increases due to the of cementitious materials. Additionally, the treated soil exhibits a notable reduction in harmful compounds like Chromium and Lead. The cohesion and frictional properties of stabilized soil showed significant improvement too.

Optimizing Soil Stabilization with Chitosan: Investigating Acid Concentration, Temperature, and Long-Term Strength

Optimizing Soil Stabilization with Chitosan: Investigating Acid Concentration, Temperature, and Long-Term Strength

Design and Construction of Concrete Pavement On Interstate 66 in Fairfax County, Virginia Applications of New Technologies

The article details the implementation of innovative technologies in the design and construction of a 10.3-kilometer concrete pavement on Interstate 66 in Fairfax County, Virginia, as part of a $140 million reconstruction project. Key technologies employed include cement stabilization of subgrade soils, use of a stabilized open-graded drainage layer, recycling of the original concrete pavement, and the introduction of fast-track concrete paving techniques. The project faced challenges due to deteriorating conditions of the original pavement, constructed in the early 1960s, under increasing traffic volumes. A comprehensive study involving traffic analysis, soil surveys, and structural assessments informed the decision to replace the existing pavement entirely with a new structure designed for improved drainage and durability. Construction strategies prioritized minimizing traffic disruption and maximizing the use of recycled materials. The successful completion of the project on schedule, despite additional work and unforeseen conditions, illustrates the viability of rapid concrete pavement construction using advanced technologies and materials. (Abstract generated by AI tool ChatGPT 4)

CANADIAN FORCES EXPERIENCE IN SLIP FORMING AIRFIELD PAVEMENTS

The project at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake in Alberta involved constructing a 10,000-foot runway in response to urgent pilot training needs. The base faced a rush job due to limited surveys and advanced planning. The runway's previous structure consisted of layers of asphalt and gravel over granular subbase. However, its asphaltic surface deteriorated quickly, prompting resurfacing attempts that didn't hold up. In the new project, engineers decided on a slip-formed overlay to replace the old surface. This method was crucial because of strict timelines and soil stability issues. The new pavement used grooves to improve drainage, and pilots reported better braking and a smoother landing experience. The project was completed ahead of schedule, with only minor cracking after a year, suggesting it would significantly outlast the old surface. Despite some issues with sealant bonding, the project was deemed a success. The quality of the new pavement, its stability, and excellent riding qualities offered an improvement that met the Canadian Forces' needs. (Abstract generated by AI tool ChatGPT 4)

Effect of curing temperature on the soil physical and mechanical properties on clay shale geopolymer fly ash stabilization

Clay shale is an easily degraded mudrock when exposed to weathering. The reduced strength due to degradation can be mitigated through soil stabilization. In recent years, soil stabilization using geopolymers has become one of the latest popular methods due to its economic benefits and lower carbon footprint. A widely used cementitious material for this method is fly ash-based geopolymer. The relationship between curing temperatures and the performance of clay shale stabilized with fly ash-based geopolymer has yet to be studied for the purpose of identifying a more effective stabilization method. In this study, clay shale was stabilized using geopolymer. The geopolymer was made of fly ash and an activator. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) as activators. The activator is diluted with water to create a 12 M mixture. Before the unconfined compressive strength test, the specimens were subjected to various curing temperatures from 26oC to 60oC. The test result shows that, in general, higher curing temperatures increased the dry density from 1.66 g/cm3 to 1.84 g/cm3. Meanwhile, the unconfined compressive strength multiplies about 3.5 times. Furthermore, the moisture content decreased after the curing process from 19% to 2.5%. This led to the specimen volume experiencing decrement due to the shrinkage during the curing period. The volume reduces from 67.7 cm3 to 63.5 cm3. In general, temperature plays a significant role in enhancing the strength of clay shale stabilized using fly ash-based geopolymer.

Mycorrhizal fungi increase plant nutrient uptake, aggregate stability and microbial biomass in the clay soil

Mycorrhizal fungi increase plant nutrient uptake, aggregate stability and microbial biomass in the clay soil

Experimental Study on the Stabilization of Expansive Soil with Blended Fine Cinder Gravel and Waste Marble Dust: A Case Study of Jimma Town

This study investigates the potential of Waste Marble Dust (WMD) and fine Cinder Gravel (CG) to enhance the engineering properties of expansive soils, which are prone to volume changes due to moisture fluctuations. The research aimed to stabilize expansive soils, classified as A-7-6(37) in the AASHTO system and CH in the USCS system, for use as sub-grade materials in road construction. Mechanical stabilization technique was used in this study. Soil material is dried in air and mixed with 8%, 12%, 16%, and 24% of CG and MD. The key findings include; Plasticity Index reduced from 34.09% to 10.28%, Free Swell Index decreased from 81.8% to 36.4%, Optimum Moisture Content decreased from 24.02% to 14.00%, Maximum Dry Density increased from 14.22 kN/m³ to 16.19 kN/m³, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) increased from 1.00% to 22.69% and Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) increased from 112.9 kPa to 311.7 kPa. Optimal stabilization was achieved at a 16% replacement of both WMD and CG, improving the soil's strength significantly. This study concludes that WMD and CG are effective stabilizers for expansive soils, meeting the requirements for sub-grade material in road construction and offering improved durability and performance. Keywords: Expansive soil, Stabilization, Swelling, Shrinkage, Waste marble dust, Cinder gravel, Sub-grade soil, CBR value.

Stabilization of Clay Soils in the Optimization of Urban Subgrade Using Common Glass, Tarma - Peru

Stabilization of Clay Soils in the Optimization of Urban Subgrade Using Common Glass, Tarma - Peru

Stabilization of Clayey Soils Using Non-Traditional Aggregates: A Review

Stabilization of Clayey Soils Using Non-Traditional Aggregates: A Review

Optimizing soil remediation with multi-functional L-PH hydrogel: Enhancing water retention and heavy metal stabilization in farmland soil.

Agricultural soils face severe challenges, including water scarcity and heavy metal contamination. Optimizing soil remediation efficiency while minimizing inputs is essential. This study assessed the water retention and heavy metal adsorption properties of L-PH hydrogel through aqueous experiments. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) elucidated the adsorption mechanisms. The results showed that L-PH hydrogel exhibited high water absorption efficiency, with Zn2+ removed via electrostatic interactions and cation exchange, and Cd2+ and Cu2+ adsorbed through coordination complexation. Soil experiments tested water retention and heavy metal leaching under various application methods (M1=0-10cm mixed, M2=10-20cm mixed, T1=5-10cm layered, T2=10-15cm layered) and rates (NL=0%, L1=0.1%, L2=0.2%, L3=0.5%). L-PH reduced water infiltration, enhanced soil water retention, and decreased heavy metal mobility across all treatments. The highest water retention was observed in the M1 method. Under M1L1, cumulative leaching of Cd2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+ decreased by 68.84%, 33.44%, and 83.60%, respectively. Two-way ANOVA revealed that application rate had a greater effect on leaching than the method. FTIR and XRD analyses showed that at low concentrations (L1, L2), L-PH formed coordination bonds with Cd2+ and Cu2+, creating Cd(HCOO)2·2(NH2)2CO and Cu(HCOO)(OH) in the soil. Zn2+ was stabilized through adsorption and precipitation, forming Zn(OH)2, thereby reducing leaching. Higher concentrations of L-PH may have further interacted with Zn, leading to dissolution and adsorption/precipitation processes. Redundancy analysis (RDA) analysis suggests that an increase in organic carbon and moisture content in soil aggregates larger than 2mm, along with a decrease in bioavailable heavy metals, may enhance heavy metal stabilization, reducing their movement and leaching. This study offers valuable insights into addressing the twin challenges of water scarcity and heavy metal pollution.

Impact of short-term soil disturbance on cadmium remobilization and associated risk in vulnerable regions.

A comprehensive understanding of cadmium (Cd) migration in soils near contaminated hotspots is crucial for optimizing remediation efforts and ensuring crop health. This study investigates agricultural soils from four sites in mining and sewage-irrigation areas, assessing the impact of inorganic and organic fertilizer application on soil Cd remobilization. Results revealed that fertilization, particularly with mineral phosphorus, disrupts soil stability, substantially increases short-term Cd mobility in vulnerable regions. Random Forest analysis identified elevated dissolved organic matter and pH changes as key drivers of Cd remobilization. Monte Carlo simulation, integrating Michaelis-Menten reaction kinetics model, further accessed the potential risk of Cd remobilization. The model predicted that the probabilities of grain exceeding Cd thresholds ranged from 021.6 % for rice, 13.8 %100 % for wheat, and 084.2 % for maize in the absence of fertilizer use. Fertilization significantly increased these exceedance probabilities by 6.1 %87.4 %, with the highest risks observed in irrigation-contaminated soils, particularly under mineral phosphorus fertilization. Nevertheless, it recommended that while fertilization can elevate Cd remobilization risk in hotspots, remediation strategies might not always be necessary. This study highlights the potential of hybrid data-driven approaches, combining machine learning, mechanistic model and stochastic prediction to simplify the complex environmental process, allowing for integrated risk evaluations.

Predictive Modelling of Soaked California Bearing Ratio in Nano-Silica Stabilized Sub-grade Soil in Lesser Himalayan Region

This research employs predictive modelling techniques to comprehensively understand the soaked CBR, a key parameter indicating the soil's load-bearing capacity under wet conditions. Experimental investigations are conducted on Nano-Silica (NS) treated sub-grade soil samples collected from the Lesser Himalayan Region. These experiments encompass a range of Nano-Silica concentrations and soaking conditions to capture the diverse environmental factors prevalent in the region. Advanced statistical and machine learning tools are applied to analyze the data and develop predictive models. The objective is to establish correlations between Nano-Silica content, soaking conditions, and the resulting soaked CBR. The models are validated against independent datasets to ensure their reliability and generalizability. The findings of this study hold significant implications for sustainable infrastructure development in the Lesser Himalayan Region. A robust predictive model for soaked CBR in Nano-Silica stabilized sub-grade soil not only contributes to the understanding of soil stabilization mechanisms but also aids in optimizing construction practices for enhanced road performance in challenging terrains. This research bridges the gap between traditional geotechnical engineering and emerging nanotechnology applications in soil stabilization, paving the way for resilient and durable infrastructure in geologically complex regions.

Sustainable Engineering: Utilisation of Biomedical Waste Ash for Untapped Potential in Soil Stabilisation

ABSTRACT The disposal of biomedical waste (BMW) ash presents a growing environmental concern due to its potential to contaminate ecosystems and causes health hazards. This study explores an innovative solution by utilising BMW ash as a sustainable stabiliser to enhance the geotechnical properties of a soft soil, which exhibits low strength and high plasticity characteristics. Through the application of the Taguchi method, the influence of BMW ash concentration and curing period on the soil properties such as compaction, pH, electrical conductivity, and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) were evaluated. The experimental results show that adding BMW ash significantly reduces soil plasticity and increases UCS, achieving a strength gain of more than 180 kPa within 14 days. The optimal combination was determined to be 20% BMW ash with a 14-day curing period. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the curing time is the dominant factor, contributing 90.86% to early strength development. Microstructural analysis using SEM and EDX further reveals the formation of ettringite, which promotes early strength gain. This research demonstrates the dual benefits of BMW ash in mitigating environmental waste while improving soil performance, offering a viable solution for both waste management and soil stabilisation challenges.

Physicochemical mechanics of disperse porous materials as a new approach to assessing mechanical stability of clay soils

Data are presented on the discrepancy between theoretical calculations and experimental results on assessing the strength of fine dispersed bodies including clay soils. Physicochemical processes operating on the surface of dispersed particles are considered upon interaction of latter with water and the formation of adsorbed water films producing disjoining pressure. The presence of films exerting the disjoining effect controls the development of various types of contacts between soil particles in the course of lithogenesis, i. e., coagulational, transitional, and phase contacts. These contacts are the most important factors influencing the behavior of clay soils. The study dwells on the effect of contact types on the state, deformability and stability of clay soils under external impact. It is concluded that the assessment of clay behavior should be based on physicochemical mechanics, patterns of contact interactions in fine-grained soils, and statistical analysis of experimentally obtained parameters of the mechanical properties of clays.

Ecological analysis of plant community structure and soil effects in subtropical forest ecosystem

BackgroundSubtropical forest plant diversity, characterized by a wide range of species adapted to seasonal variations, is vital for sustaining ecological balance, supporting diverse wildlife, and providing critical ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and soil stabilization. The Changa Manga Forest, an ecologically rich area with varied vegetation, was analyzed to understand the intricate relationship between plant diversity and environmental factors. This study investigates the diversity patterns, vegetation structure, and environmental influences on forest biodiversity.MethodsA comprehensive survey was conducted across 127 stands within the Changa Manga Forest to document plant species and classify vegetation communities. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for key physicochemical parameters, while multivariate statistical methods, including hierarchical clustering and ordination, were applied to examine the relationships between vegetation structure and environmental factors. Diversity indices and beta diversity components were calculated to assess variations across plant communities.ResultsThe species were classified into six distinct vegetation communities: Neltuma-Ziziphus-Malvestrum (NZM), Broussonetia-Lantana-Morus (BLM), Dalbergia-Lantana-Solanum (DLS), Morus-Abutilon-Ricinus (MAR), Eucalyptus-Vachellia-Sorghum (EVS), and Bombax-Leucaena-Croton (BLC). Analyses using hierarchical clustering and ordination methods revealed significant differences in species composition among these communities, with NZM and DLS exhibiting the highest dissimilarity. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) indicated that environmental factors such as soil pH, available phosphorus (AP), and organic matter percentage (OM%) are crucial in shaping plant distribution, though the total explained variation remained relatively low. Diversity indices varied significantly among communities, with the NZM community showing the highest Shannon and Simpson diversity, while EVS exhibited the lowest. The beta diversity analysis revealed a high species turnover between certain communities, indicating complex ecological interactions. Our results indicate significant variability in plant community composition and diversity patterns, influenced by edaphic factors and environmental gradients. We anticipate that future environmental changes, such as shifts in soil properties, precipitation patterns, and increased human activity, may exacerbate declines in local plant species richness and disrupt community structures. To preserve the invaluable biodiversity of the study area for future generations, it is essential to implement timely and effective conservation and management strategies.