This paper presents details of a study that deals with determination of engineering properties, identification of phases of major hydration products, and microstructural characteristics of a zinc-contaminated (referred to as Zn-contaminated in this paper) kaolin clay when it is stabilized by a cement additive. Investigations were carried out with respect to the effect of the level of zinc (Zn) concentration on the overall soil properties including Atterberg limits, water content, pH, stress–strain characteristics, unconfined compressive strength, and secant modulus. In addition, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and mercury intrusion porosimetry studies were conducted to understand the mechanisms controlling the changes in engineering properties of the stabilized kaolin clay. The study reveals that the level of Zn concentration has a considerable influence on the engineering properties, phases of hydration products formed, and microstructural characteristics of the stabilized kaolin clay. These changes are attributed to the retardant effect of Zn on the hydration and pozzolanic reactions, which in turn alters the phases of hydration products and cementation structure – bonding of the soils. Theoretical simulation of the pore-size distribution curves demonstrates that the cement-stabilized kaolin exhibits bimodal type when the Zn concentration is less than 2%, whereas it displays unimodal type when the Zn concentration is 2%. With an increase in the Zn concentration, the characteristics of the interaggregate pores in terms of volume and mean diameter change considerably, whereas those of intra-aggregate pores remain nearly unchanged.

The soil cement deep mixing method has been used to improve soft clayey soils under embankment loading conditions. A compacted granular fill layer or geosynthetic reinforcement layer is placed over the top of soil cement deep mixed (DM) columns to reduce differential settlement between DM soil and the surrounding untreated soil, which, in turn, increases embankment stability. Typically, in conventional deep mixing methodology, the soil cement columns are closely spaced, indicating large area replacement ratios in the construction projects. Such practice could increase construction costs substantially. In this research, a new type of DM column, called a T-shaped DM (TDM) column, was designed and used as an alternative to the large-area-replacement-ratio DM columns employed in the field. Unlike in the conventional column, the cross section of the new column varies along the installation depth. Large amounts of cement slurry are injected and thoroughly mixed with the native shallow soil using special...

Calcium carbide residue (CCR) is an industrial by-product, stockpiles of which are rapidly accumulating worldwide. Highway embankment construction has been identified as an avenue to consume huge quantities of CCR as an economical, less energy intensive, and environmentally friendly chemical additive for soil stabilization. Previous studies have investigated the mechanical behavior of soils stabilized by CCR or blends of CCR with other additives; however, interpretation of the macroscale geomechanical behavior of CCR-stabilized soft soils from a systematically microstructural observation and analysis is relatively unknown. This paper presents a multi-scale laboratory investigation on the physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties of CCR-stabilized clayey soils with comparison to quicklime-stabilized soils. Several series of tests were conducted to examine the Atterberg limits, particle-size distribution, compaction characteristics, unconfined compressive strength, California Bearing Ratio, and resilient modulus of the CCR-stabilized clayey soils. The influences of binder content, curing time, and initial compaction state on the physical and mechanical properties of treated soils are interpreted with the aids of physicochemical and microstructural observations including soil pH, soil mineralogy obtained from X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis, and pore-size distribution obtained from mercury intrusion porosimetry. Soil particle flocculation and agglomeration at the early stage and pozzolanic reactions during the entire curing time, which originate from the finer particle size, greater specific surface area, and higher pH value of CCR, are the controlling mechanisms for the superior mechanical performance of CCR-stabilized soils. The outcomes of this research will contribute to the usage of CCR as a sustainable and alternative stabilizer to quicklime in highway embankment applications.