Effects of Soil Plasticity on the Aging and Loading Rate Mechanical Behavior of Cement Treated Granular Soil (CTGS)

Abstract

The aim of this research is to conserve natural aggregate resources, which are heavily used in the building, cement, and marble industries. This study focuses on utilizing granular material produced from excavated soil as a fill material, rather than replacing it with stone dust or crushed gravel. In this study, cement is used as a binding agent, combined with a polymer to absorb excess water from slurry in high-plasticity (HP) and medium-plasticity (MP) soils in a composite state. The mix design for CTGS preparation includes 5% and 10% cement, while maintaining a constant polymer content of 0.15% based on the soil's wet weight. Comprehensive laboratory and microscopy tests are conducted on the geomaterials produced. Laboratory testing includes the Particle Breakage Test (PBT), Direct Shear Test, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR). Microscopy testing comprises X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM Results reveal that both MP and HP CTGS particles demonstrate significant strength, an increased friction angle, and an improved CBR under varying aging periods and loading rates. Notably, strength values showed marked improvement after 90 days, although no significant changes are observed in other parameters over the same period. The study explores the treatment principles and physical characteristics of HP and MP CTGS, highlighting their high porosity, lightweight nature, and similarity to traditional granular materials. The strength values achieved in laboratory testing indicate its potential suitability for subgrade, reclamation, and embankment applications.