Improved Mechanical Properties of Cement-Stabilized Soft Clay Using Garnet Residues and Tire-Derived Aggregates for Subgrade Applications

Patimapon Sukmak, Gampanart Sukmak, Suksun Horpibulsuk, Sippakarn Kassawat, Apichat Suddeepong and Arul Arulrajah
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Patimapon Sukmak: School of Engineering, Technology and Center of Excellence in Sustainable Disaster Management, Walailak University, Nakhonsithammarat 80161, Thailand
Gampanart Sukmak: School of Engineering, Technology and Center of Excellence in Sustainable Disaster Management, Walailak University, Nakhonsithammarat 80161, Thailand
Suksun Horpibulsuk: School of Civil Engineering, and Center of Excellence in Innovation for Sustainable Infrastructure Development, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
Sippakarn Kassawat: Faculty of Commerce and Management, Prince of Songkla University, Trang Campus, Trang 92000, Thailand
Apichat Suddeepong: School of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, and Center of Excellence in Innovation for Sustainable Infrastructure Development, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
Arul Arulrajah: Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 21, 1-19

Abstract: The growth of the global economy in recent years has resulted in an increase in infrastructure projects worldwide and consequently, this has led to an increase in the quantity of waste generated. Two recycled materials, namely garnet residues (GR) and tire-derived aggregates (TDA), were used to improve mechanical properties of soft clay (SC) subgrade in this study. GR was evaluated as a replacement material in SC prior to Type I Portland cement stabilization. TDA was also studied as an elastic material in cement-stabilized SC–GR. The laboratory tests on the cement–TDA-stabilized SC–GR included unconfined compressive strength (UCS), indirect tensile stress (ITS) and indirect tensile fatigue (ITF). Microstructural analysis on the cement–TDA-stabilized SC–GR was also performed to illustrate the role of GR and TDA contents on the degree of hydration. The UCS of cement-stabilized SC–GR increased when cement content increased from 0% to 2%. Beyond 2% cement content, the UCS development was slightly slower, possibly due to the presence of insufficient water for hydration. The GR reduces the specific surface and particle contacts of the SC–GR blends to be bonded with cementitious products. The optimum SC:GR providing the highest UCS was found to be 90:10 for all cement contents. Increased amounts of GR led to a reduction in UCS values due to its high water absorption, resulting in the insufficient water for the cement hydration. Moreover, the excessive GR replacement ratio weakened the interparticle bond strength due to its smooth and round particles. The TDA addition can enhance the fatigue resistance of the cement-stabilized SC–GR. The maximum fatigue life was found at 2% TDA content. The excessive TDA caused large amounts of micro-cracks in cement–TDA-stabilized SC–GR due to the low adhesion property of TDA. The SC:GR = 90:10, cement content = 2% and TDA content = 2% were suggested as the optimum ingredients. The outcome of this research will promote the usage of GR and TDA to develop a green high-fatigue-resistant subgrade material.

Keywords: soil–cement; pavement geotechnics; ground improvement; recycled waste; fatigue life; subgrade; compressive strength (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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