In this study, the influence of fly ash (FA) content (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) on the alteration in the physical and mechanical parameters of loess is investigated. The influences of curing time (0, 14, and 28 days) and submergence and non-submergence conditions are analyzed as well. Analysis considers the variation in Atterberg limits (liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index), compaction parameters (optimum moisture content (OMC), and maximum dry density (MDD)), unconfined compressive strength (UCS) stress, UCS strain, California bearing ratio (CBR) value, and swell potential. Results show that the application of FA-stabilized loess (FASL) is effective. Specifically, the MDD decreases and the OMC increases, the UCS stress increases and the UCS strain decreases, the CBR value improves and the swell potential declines, but Atterberg limits are insignificantly changed by the increase in the FA ratio compared with those of untreated loess. The UCS stress and CBR value are improved with the increase in curing time, whereas the UCS strain is negligible. FASL under submergence condition plays an important role in improving the effect of FA on the UCS stress and CBR value compared with that under non-submergence condition. The UCS stress and CBR value are more increased and more decreased than the UCS strain in submerged samples. Therefore, the application of FASL in flood areas is important for obtaining sustainable construction materials and ensuring environmental protection.
Using a modified permeameter, laterite samples that were corroded and permeated by alkaline solutions at different concentrations for varying amounts of time were subjected to triaxial compression tests, chemical composition analysis, particle composition tests, and microstructure analysis. The results showed that the strength parameters c, φ, and K of the laterite samples that were corroded by alkaline‐solution permeation were reduced with increasing corrosion time and alkaline‐solution concentration. The alkaline‐solution corrosion had a minor effect on the strength parameters n and Rf. The contents of Al2O3 and Fe2O3 in the laterite fluctuated and decreased with increasing alkaline‐solution concentration and corrosion time. There were no distinct patterns in the relationships between the SiO2 content and the increases in the alkaline‐solution concentration and corrosion time. Due to the corrosion during the alkaline‐solution permeation, the content of clay particles increased with increasing time and concentration of the alkaline solution. After the permeation with the alkaline solution, the soil particles became smaller and were arranged in an ordered state. The analysis suggested that the permeation effect of the alkaline solution changed the chemical composition of the laterite and the connecting strength of the soil particles, resulting in changes in its physical and mechanical properties.
24 December 2021 in Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment