Soil stabilization

About: Soil stabilization is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 3161 publications have been published within this topic receiving 48437 citations.

Biomimetic Hydrogel Composites for Soil Stabilization and Contaminant Mitigation

Abstract: We have developed a novel method to synthesize a hyper-branched biomimetic hydrogel network across a soil matrix to improve the mechanical strength of the loose soil and simultaneously mitigate potential contamination due to excessive ammonium. This method successfully yielded a hierarchical structure that possesses the water retention, ion absorption, and soil aggregation capabilities of plant root systems in a chemically controllable manner. Inspired by the robust organic–inorganic composites found in many living organisms, we have combined this hydrogel network with a calcite biomineralization process to stabilize soil. Our experiments demonstrate that poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) can work synergistically with enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) to render a versatile, high-performance soil stabilization method. PAA-enhanced EICP provides multiple benefits including lengthening of water supply time, localization of cementation reactions, reduction of harmful byproduct ammonium, and achievement of ...

Laboratory Investigation in the Improvement of Subgrade Characteristics of Expansive Soil Stabilised with Coir Waste

Abstract: Soft soils form problematic subgrade for pavements due to its low bearing capacity and strength. Pavement loads coming on the soft subgrade soil may cause detrimental pumping actions when they are located in areas with high water table which causes both construction and in-service performance problems. The common solutions on encountering such problems include excavation and replacement of soil, lime treatment or chemical stabilization. Excavation and replacement of soil becomes very expensive especially when usable soils have to be hauled to significant distance. Stabilization using various additives can improve the properties of soft soils. A recent trend in stabilization is to utilize locally available industrial wastes to improve the properties of soft soils. This method has the dual advantage of increasing the strength of soil and a solution for the problematic disposal of such wastes. Coir waste consisting of coir pith and coir fibre is a by-product of coir manufacturing industry obtained from coconut husk during the extraction of coir fibre. The pollution caused due to the polyphenol leaching and the resistance to degradation due to the stable lignin structure makes the coir waste a potential threat to the land resources. This paper presents an investigation on the behavior of soft soil stabilized with varying percentages of coir pith (0-3%) and coir fibre (0-1%) by carrying out Standard Proctor, Static Triaxial test and California Bearing Ratio(CBR) tests. The test results showed that stabilization with coir waste had a significant effect on the compaction, Elastic modulus as well as CBR characteristics.

An analysis of the mechanisms and efficacy of three liquid chemical soil stabilizers: volume 1

Abstract: Liquid chemical products are marketed by a number of companies for stabilizing pavement base and subgrade soils. If effective, these products could be used as alternatives for treating sulfate-rich soils, which are susceptible to excessive heaving when treated with traditional, calcium-based stabilizers like lime, cement, and fly ash. However, the chemical composition, stabilizing mechanisms, and performance of these liquid products are not well understood. The primary objective of this study was to investigate and identify the mechanisms by which clay soils are modified or altered by these liquid chemical agents. Three representative, commercial products were selected for study: an ionic product, an enzyme product, and a polymer product. The chemical composition of each was characterized using standard chemical test methods. The three products were then reacted with three reference clays (kaolinite, illite, and montmorillonite) and several native Texas soils. In the "micro-characterization" study, the mechanisms of soil modification at the particle level were studied using physical-chemical analyses of untreated and treated soil samples. Very high product application rates were used so that possible soil modifications could be observed. In a paired "macro-characterization" study, standard geotechnical laboratory tests were performed on untreated and treated compacted soil specimens. The products were mixed at the suppliers' recommended application rates and at ten times the recommended application rates. These tests failed to show significant, consistent changes in the engineering properties of the test soils following treatment with the three selected products at the application rates used. The findings of this study clearly point to the need to conduct standard laboratory tests, prior to specifying the use of these products in field applications, to prove the effectiveness of the treatment on a particular soil type at a given chemical application rate.

A review on the geotechnical and engineering characteristics of marine clay and the modern methods of improvements

Abstract: Marine clay is a soft soil that could be found widely at the coastal and offshore areas. This type of soil is usually associated with high settlement and instability, poor soil properties that are not suitable for engineering requirements and low unconfined compressive strength of less than 20 kPa. Considerable failure could occur even with light loads and it shows flat or featureless surface. This kind of soil is considered as problematic due to the existence of high moisture content and usually exists as slurry with noticeable percentage of expandable clay minerals. In this paper, the geotechnical, micro-structure and engineering properties of marine clay are thoroughly reviewed and discussed. The properties include moisture content, particle size distribution, specific gravity, Atterberg limits, mineral compositions and shear strength. Moreover, due to the increasing demand of construction at coastal and offshore areas involving the marine clay, many attempts have been made to stabilize this kind of soil in order to solve the geotechnical related problems. Some of the common stabilization methods used to improve the properties of marine clay such as cement grouting, chemical additives and some environmental friendly additives are discussed. In long term, marine clay treatment using cement was found to be the best method. In addition, this paper serves as a guideline for the design and construction of projects on marine soils.