Effect of Agglomerate Size on Engineering Characteristics of Expansive Soil Improved by Industrial Waste Residue

• Published in: KSCE journal of civil engineering Vol. 28; no. 7; pp. 2750 - 2760
• Main Authors: Chu, Chengfu, Sheng, Shanshan, Wang, Yuhang, Zha, Fusheng, Wang, Qiao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Seoul Korean Society of Civil Engineers 01.07.2024; Springer Nature B.V; 대한토목학회
• Subjects: Aggregates; Bearing capacity; Calcium; Civil Engineering; Climate change; Compressive strength; Embankments; Engineering; Expansive soils; Geotechnical Engineering; Geotechnical Engineering & Applied Earth Sciences; Industrial Pollution Prevention; Industrial wastes; Laboratory tests; Mine tailings; Slag; Soil; Soil improvement; Soil treatment; Waste treatment; Water stability; 토목공학; Industrial waste residue; Agglomerate; Dimension effect; Expansive soil modification; Drying–wetting cycles
• ISSN: 1226-7988; 1976-3808
• DOI: 10.1007/s12205-024-2043-y

The precise controlling of agglomerate dimensions within binder-treated soil remains a challenge in embankment projects. This investigation endeavors to elucidate the influence of aggregate size on key parameters such as strength, bearing capacity, volume, and unconfined compressive strength in the context of modified expansive soils. It utilized industrial wastes, such as calcium carbide slag and iron tailings sand, were incorporated and subjected to wetting and drying cycles. The investigation employed a combination of laboratory tests and microscopic testing techniques. The results showed that the water stability of the modified soil decreased with the increase of particle size. Compared with uncured aggregates, the water stability of the modified soil, particularly those containing 10 – 20 mm and 20 – 30 mm aggregates, exhibited noteworthy increases of 86.2% and 94.1%, respectively, after a 7-day curing period. It is recommended that the proportion of aggregates exceeding 20 mm in size be rigorously controlled to not exceed 10.5% during the production of modified expansive soil. Additionally, this value should be further confirmed in regions with frequent climate changes.