Transportation geotechnics 

About: Transportation geotechnics is an academic journal published by Elsevier BV. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Geology & Engineering. It has an ISSN identifier of 2214-3912. Over the lifetime, 955 publications have been published receiving 12587 citations.

Soil and clay stabilization with calcium- and non-calcium-based additives: A state-of-the-art review of challenges, approaches and techniques

Abstract: Soil stabilization is a technique to improve the engineering and geotechnical properties of soils such as mechanical strength, permeability, compressibility, durability and plasticity. Much has been learned about soil stabilization techniques and additives over the past century. The state of the practice in stabilization techniques and challenges is presented with a discussion. Moreover, available studies regarding the effects of various types of stabilizing agents on the engineering and geotechnical properties of stabilized soils are reviewed here. These stabilizing agents include both calcium-based and non-calcium-based additives. Eco-friendly additives as alternative materials to conventional stabilizing agents are also discussed in this paper. In addition, the problems associated with the presence of disruptive salts and sulfate as well as the techniques to overcome these problems in soil stabilization projects are reviewed.

Stabilization of clayey soil using ultrafine palm oil fuel ash (POFA) and cement

Abstract: Palm oil fuel ash (POFA) in both cost-effective and environmentally friendly ways has potential applications in soft soil stabilization. This study investigates the possible uses of POFA (individually and in combination with cement) on several basic characteristics of clayey soil behavior, such as proctor compaction, Atterberg limit, and unconfined compression strength (UCS). These properties are compared with those of unstabilized clay and stabilized clay with cement. Scanning electron microscopy with X-ray microanalysis is conducted on untreated and treated soil to elucidate their strength development, and the observed test results are then explained. Findings show that POFA and POFA/cement mixture treatments result in significant reductions in the soil plasticity index (PI). The results of the compaction test indicate that the utilization of POFA and POFA/cement mixture in soft soil stabilization decreases the optimum moisture content and increases the maximum dry density across selected binder dosages. The results show that using POFA alone to stabilize clayey soil results in a slight increase in the UCS of the specimens until the 28 days of curing, whereas combining POFA with cement results in a sharp increase in the UCS of the samples in the same curing time. The results demonstrate the environmental, technological, and economic advantages of utilizing this well known agricultural waste as a partial substitute for cement in stabilizing soils, particularly soft soils that usually demand high quantities of stabilizer to reach satisfactory results.

Evaluation of asphalt mixtures incorporating electric arc furnace steel slag and copper mine tailings for road construction

Abstract: This study evaluates the suitability of using electric arc furnace (EAF) steel slag and copper mine tailings (CMT) as substitution for conventional aggregates used in pavements for roads and highways. Four mix designs containing EAF steel slag and CMT at different proportions were investigated. Mix 1 was 100% granite, Mix 2 consisted of 80% granite and 20% CMT, Mix 3 consisted of 80% EAF steel slag and 20% CMT while Mix 4 consisted of 40% granite, 40% EAF steel slag and 20% CMT. Marshall stability, moisture susceptibility, indirect tensile resilient modulus and dynamic creep tests were used to evaluate the laboratory performance of the mixtures. The findings reveal that substituting natural granite aggregates with CMT and EAF steel slag improved the performance properties of asphalt mixtures. The mixture containing 80% EAF steel slag and 20% CMT produced the best results. The resilient modulus results show that the resilient modulus of the mixes decreased as the temperature increased. Also, the aging process significantly increased the resilient modulus and dynamic creep modulus values. Thus, the study has revealed that the mining by-products (CMT) and metallurgical by-products (EAF steel slag) can be utilized as aggregates in road construction.

A review of sustainable approaches in transport infrastructure geotechnics

Abstract: Transportation geotechnics associated with constructing and maintaining properly functioning transportation infrastructure is a very resource intensive activity. Large amounts of materials and natural resources are required, consuming proportionately large amounts of energy and fuel. Thus, the implementation of the principles of sustainability is important to reduce energy consumption, carbon footprint, greenhouse gas emissions, and to increase material reuse/recycling, for example. This paper focusses on some issues and activities relevant to sustainable earthwork construction aimed at minimising the use of energy and the production of CO2 while improving the in-situ ground to enable its use as a foundation without the consumption of large amounts of primary aggregate as additional foundation layers. The use of recycled materials is discussed, including steel slag and tyre bales, alongside a conceptual framework for evaluating the utility of applications for recycled materials in transportation infrastructure.

Review on biopolymer-based soil treatment (BPST) technology in geotechnical engineering practices

Abstract: Various applications of biopolymer-based soil treatment (BPST) in geotechnical engineering have been implemented in recent years, including dust control, soil strengthening and erosion control. Despite BPST methods can ensure the effectiveness of engineering while meeting environmental protection requirements, BPST technology requires further validation in terms of site applicability, durability, and economic feasibility. This study aims to provide a state-of-the-art review and future prospective of BPST. Current biopolymer types, engineered and assessed in laboratory scales, are described along with site implementation attempts. The effect of biopolymers on soil behavior is reviewed with regard to geotechnical engineering application and practice, including soil consistency limits, strength parameters, hydraulic conductivity, soil-water characteristics, and erosion control. The economic feasibility and sustainability of BPST application in ground improvement and earth stabilization practices is discussed. This review postulates biopolymers to be a promising new, environmentally friendly ground improvement material for geotechnical and construction engineering practice.