Behaviour of sand–clay mixtures for road pavement subgrade

Materials forming sand grains and colluvial soil deposits have a distinct structure, consisting of a composite matrix of coarse and fine soil grains. The influence of sand grains content on the behaviour of sand–clay mixtures was investigated by a series of intensive laboratory experiments. The California bearing ratio (CBR), unconfined compression strength (UCS) and compaction tests were carried out on various contents of sand and clay mixtures. The sand–clay mixtures were prepared with sand contents of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% by weight. The laboratory tests on these mixtures have indicated that their behaviour will depend on the relative concentration of the sand and clay samples. The results of the tests showed a decrease in the UCS, and an increase the CBR values with an increase in the amount of sand. An increase in dry unit weight and a decrease in respective moisture content by an increase in the amount of sand were observed in the compaction tests.     

Utilization of oil-contaminated sands in asphalt concrete for secondary roads

The oil well sabotage during the Iraqi occupation and following the Iraqi withdrawal contaminated the Kuwaiti desert with crude oil covering millions of square meters. Thus, the desert has a huge amount of oil-contamined sand that must be cleaned up or treated in order to restore it to its natural beauty. The oil-contaminated sand was utilized to mix asphalt concrete in the laboratory to determine the feasibility of using sand contaminated with oil as feed stock in theproduction of asphalt construction materials. The products developed in experimental testing did meet international standards. The mixes were asphalt concrete of a quality that can be used for secondary roads, road beds, road subbases, impermeable layers for landfill and containment facilities, or as stabilizers for steep embankments. Gases emitted during the production of asphalt concrete utilizing oil-polluted sands are considered environmentally acceptable. Further studies are required to determine the feasibility of producing asphalt concrete from oil-contaminated sand on a pilot-plant scale as a means of utilizing the millions of square meters of oil-polluted sand.     

Stabilisation of dune sand using electric arc furnace dust

Dune sand is one of the predominant soils in the world, particularly in the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa. In order to use these soils in constructions, pre-treatment of sand is essential. Though the usage of cement for stabilising sand has long been the practice to achieve the required strength, it is not cost effective and its manufacturing consumes a lot of energy. Consequently, it would be noble to use industrial by-products, often considered as waste materials, such as electric arc furnace dust (EAFD), in the stabilisation of sand. This research reports the potentiality of using EAFD for improving the strength of dune sand. Specimens, mixed with 2% cement and mixed with 5, 10, 20 and 30% EAFD plus 2% cement, were evaluated using unconfined compressive strength, soaked CBR and durability tests. Results of this investigation indicated that dune sand stabilised with 20 and 30% EAFD plus 2% cement has been qualified as a construction material for sub-base in rigid and flexible pavements, respectively, as per ACI requirements. Scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and backscattered electron images, in addition to, XRD analysis were used to identify the various phases in the sand-2% cement-30% EAFD mixture.     

Stabilisation/solidification of synthetic petroleum drill cuttings

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation into the use of stabilisation/solidification (S/S) to treat synthetic drill cuttings as a pre-treatment to landfilling or for potential re-use as construction products. Two synthetic mixes were used based on average concentrations of specific contaminates present in typical drill cuttings from the North Sea and the Red Sea areas. The two synthetic drill cuttings contained similar chloride content of 2.03% and 2.13% by weight but different hydrocarbon content of 4.20% and 10.95% by weight, respectively; hence the mixes were denoted as low and high oil content mixes, respectively. A number of conventional S/S binders were tested including Portland cement (PC), lime and blast-furnace slag (BFS), in addition to novel binders such as microsilica and magnesium oxide cement. Physical, chemical and microstructural analyses were used to compare the relative performance of the different binder mixes. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) values were observed to cover a wide range depending on the binder used. Despite the significant difference in the hydrocarbon content in the two synthetic cuttings, the measured UCS values of the mixes with the same binder type and content were similar. The leachability results showed the reduction of the synthetic drill cuttings to a stable non-reactive hazardous waste, compliant with the UK acceptance criteria for non-hazardous landfills: (a) by most of the binders for chloride concentrations, and (b) by the 20% BFS-PC and 30% PC binders for the low oil content mix. The 30% BFS-PC binder successfully reduced the leached oil concentration of the low oil content mix to inert levels. Finally, the microstructural analysis offered valuable information on the morphology and general behaviour of the mixes that were not depicted by the other tests.     

Effects of light crude oil contamination on the physical and mechanical properties of geopolymer cement mortar

Fly ash and oil contaminated sand are considered as the two waste materials that may affect environment. This paper investigated the suitability of producing geopolymer cement mortar using oil contaminated sand. A comparison between physical and mechanical properties of mortar produced using geopolymer and Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), in terms of porosity, hydration and compressive strength, was conducted. The results showed that heat curing can increase the compressive strength of geopolymer mortar up to 54% compared to ambient curing situation. The geopolymer mortar with 1% of light crude oil contamination yielded a 20% higher compressive strength than OPC mortar containing sand with a saturated surface dry condition. Furthermore, the formation of efflorescence decreased as the level of oil contamination decreased. Moreover, the heat curing method increased the kinetic energy and degree of reaction for geopolymer cement mortar, which cause an increment of the density of the pore system and improving the mechanical properties of the resulting composites. From the results of this study, it was demonstrated that geopolymer mortar has the potential of utilizing oil contaminated sand, and reducing its environmental impacts.     

Development of bio-cemented constructional materials through microbial induced calcite precipitation

Microbial induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is an environmentally friendly technology to bond sand particle together to form sandstone like materials. In this paper, MICP-treated bio-specimen was developed through MICP. The property of bio-specimen was compared with beams or bricks made through lime modification and cement modification. Ottawa sand was used in MICP-treated bio-specimen preparation. The proportion of lime or cement was in the range of 10–40% by weight of dry sand. The four-point bending tests, brick compression tests and unconfined compression tests were conducted. The test results indicated that flexure strength of MICP-treated bio-specimen was 950 kPa which was similar to flexure strength of 20–25% cement-treated sand beams, but was much higher than flexure strength of 30% lime-treated sand beams. The brick compression strength of MICP-treated bio-specimen achieved 500 kPa, which was similar to brick compression strength of 30% lime-treated sand bricks. The unconfined compression test results showed that the unconfined compression strength (UCS) of MICP-treated bio-specimen (1300 kPa) was higher than UCS of 10% cement-treated specimen (900 kPa), and much higher than UCS of lime-treated sample (around 140 kPa). The relative uniformity of precipitated CaCO₃ distribution was achieved through the sample immersing preparation method. SEM images showed that failure pattern of MICP-treated, cement-treated and lime-treated specimens were bond-particle failure.     

Petroleum oxidation using Fenton's reagent over beach sand following a spill

Removal and oxidation of petroleum adhered onto the beach sand after a spill over Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) have been studied using Fenton's reagent (Fe2+ + H2O2). Jar tests were done on 5 and 20 g sand suspended in 200 ml aqueous solution containing iron(II) salt and hydrogen peroxide under constant stirring. The H2O2(g):Fe(g)2+ ratio varied from 0.5:1 to 50:1, pH was 2.0 and 6.0 and reaction time 1 and 3 h. Initially, the contaminated sand content of oil and grease (O&G) was 32 g/kg sand. The statistical analysis showed time and iron-sand and H2O2-iron-sand interactions to be the most significant variables, with an average O&G removal from the contaminated sand being just 30% after 3 h reaction. However, oil was removed from the sand (by up to 97%) and passed to the aqueous phase, making waste final disposal easier. The post-reaction analysis showed the supernatant to be biodegradable. Chromatographic analysis results were that the Fenton's reaction favored both the change and reduction of oil saturated and aromatic fractions.     

Hydrothermal Characteristics of Blended Cement Pastes Containing Silica Sand Using Cement Kiln Dust as an Activator

The hydrothermal reactivity of silica sand was studied using cement kiln dust (CKD) as an activator in addition to the portland cement fraction of El-Karnak cement (a blend of ordinary Portland cement and ground sand).Autoclaved El-Karnak cement pastes were studied at pressures of 0.507,1.013 and 01.520 MPa of saturated steam with respect to their compressive strength,kinetics of hydrothermal reaction and the phase composition of the formed hydrates.The role of CKD in affecting the physicochemical and mechanical properties of El-Karnak cement pastes was studied by autoclaving of several pastes containing 5,7.5,10 and 20% CKD at a pressure of 1.013 MPa of saturated steam.CKD was added either as a raw CKD (unwashed) or after washing with water (washed CKD).The results of these physicochemical studies obtained could be related as much as possible to the role of CKD (raw or washed) in affecting the hydrothermal reactivity of silica sand in El-Karnak cement pastes.     

CBR strength of reinforced soil with natural fibres and considering environmental conditions

This paper investigates the effect of including randomly spaced palm fibres in a soil matrix. The fibres in date palm have special properties such as low costs, plenitude in the region, durability, lightweight, high tension capacity and relative strength against deterioration. Thus, it is possible to use the palm fibres as an alternative low-cost natural material for soil reinforcement. As the objective of this research was to mix the soil and date palm fibres to use in the construction of soil roads, especially village road, we discuss the influence of date palm fibres on CBR (California Bearing Ratio) strength of fine sand. CBR tests were conducted under dry and submerged conditions. The durability of fibres was also investigated using the plain fibres and fibres coated with bitumen. Some samples were soaked for several months before being loaded. The results show that the addition of palm fibres increases the CBR strength of the sand specimens significantly. It is also seen that the sliding strength controls the failure of the specimens rather than the rupture strength.     

Assessing the effect of biomass ashes with different finenesses on the compressive strength of blended cement paste

This study assesses the effect of biomass ashes with different finenesses on the compressive strength of blended cement paste. rice husk ash (RHA), palm oil fuel ash (POFA) and river sand (RS) were ground to obtain two finenesses: one was the same size as the cement, and the other was smaller than the cement. Type I Portland cement was replaced by RHA, POFA and RS at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% by weight of binder. A water to binder ratio (W/B) of 0.35 was used for all blended cement paste mixes. The percentages of amorphous materials and the compressive strength of the pastes due to the hydration reaction, filler effect and pozzolanic reaction were investigated. The results showed that ground rice husk ash and ground palm oil fuel ash were composed of amorphous silica material. The compressive strength of the pastes due to the hydration reaction decreased with decreasing cement content. The compressive strength of the pastes due to the filler effect increased with increasing cement replacement. The compressive strengths of the pastes due to the pozzolanic reaction were nonlinear and were fit with nonlinear isotherms that increased with increasing fineness of RHA and POFA, cement replacement rate and age of the paste. In addition, the model that was proposed to predict the percentage compressive strength of the blended cement pastes on the basis of the age of the paste and the percentage replacement with biomass ash was in good agreement with the experimental results. The optimum replacement level of rice husk ash and palm oil fuel ash in pastes was 30% by weight of binder; this replacement percentage resulted in good compressive strengths.     

Stabilization treatment of soft subgrade soil by sewage sludge ash and cement

In this study, incinerated sewage sludge ash (ISSA) is mixed with cement in a fixed ratio of 4:1 for use as a stabilizer to improve the strength of soft, cohesive, subgrade soil. Five different ratios (in wt%: 0%, 2%, 4%, 8%, and 16%) of ISSA/cement admixture are mixed with cohesive soil to make soil samples. In order to understand the influences of admixtures on the soil properties, tests of the pH value, Atterberg limits, compaction, California bearing ratio (CBR), unconfined compressive strength, and triaxial compression were performed on those samples. The study shows that the unconfined compressive strength of specimens with the ISSA/cement addition was improved to approximately 3-7 times better than that of the untreated soil; furthermore, the swelling behavior was also effectively reduced as much as 10-60% for those samples. In some samples, the ISSA/cement additive improved the CBR values by up to 30 times that of untreated soil. This suggests that ISSA/cement has many potential applications in the field of geotechnical engineering.     

Engineering and environmental evaluation of spent coffee grounds stabilized with industrial by-products as a road subgrade material

Current construction technology increasingly seeks the sustainable usage of waste by-products as a resource material. This paper evaluates the viability of utilizing spent coffee grounds (CG), a highly organic beverage waste, to be stabilized as a road subgrade material. The additives used in this research incorporates industrial by-products such as fly ash (FA), ground granulated blast-furnace slag (S) as well as traditional binders such as portland cement (PC) and hydrated lime (L). CG collected from a coffee roaster were mixed with controlled additive content ratios by mass to assess the effects of these common engineering stabilizers towards the load-bearing capacity of CG. The additive contents of FA and S were 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 % whereas the PC and L additive contents were 3 and 5 % by dry unit weight. Modified proctor compaction tests, 7-days unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, and California bearing ratio (CBR) tests were carried out to determine the optimum moisture content and bearing strength of the different mixes produced. It found that as the proportion of additives in the specimen increased, the optimum moisture content of the additive-stabilized CG specimens subsequently decreased. Regardless of the type of stabilizers used, the UCS strength increases were found to be nominal. FA and S mixes above the 20 % additive contents satisfied the requirements for subgrade materials; however, the low PC and L contents were insufficient to meet subgrade requirements. The research findings indicate that instead of being disposed of into landfills, stabilized CG has the potential to be used as a subgrade material. Such a sustainability driven approach for reuse of CG will have the potential to divert CG from landfills and at the same time utilize CG as a viable construction material.     

Thermal properties of lightweight dry-mix shotcrete containing expanded perlite aggregate

This paper describes the thermal properties of lightweight dry-mix shotcrete using expanded perlite aggregate (EPA). Mixes made with different EPA/sand ratios were sprayed through the dry-mix shotcreting technique onto wooden molds to produce panels for mechanical and thermal testing. The density, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), splitting tensile strength (STS), and the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) were measured at various ages. Further, the ISO approved transient plane source (TPS) technique was employed to measure the thermal properties at 28 days. The results illustrate that shotcrete mixes with EPA have similar UCS and superior STS compared to cast concrete. Adding EPA led to a drop in thermal conductivity and diffusivity. When compared with cast concrete, shotcrete had lower specific heat capacity. This study found dry-mix shotcrete incorporating EPA at up to 75% sand substitution as a mechanically viable and thermally resistant alternative to cast concrete containing regular aggregates.     

Influence of cement kiln dust on the physical properties of calcium lime mortars

This work investigates the influence of cement kiln dust (CKD) on the properties of mortars made with a non-hydraulic binder of high available-lime content (calcium lime—CL), in order to further recycle industrial waste. Physical properties of CKD-CL90 mortars with increasing CKD content were compared to those of feebly-hydraulic lime (NHL2) and CL90 mortars. This paper concludes that, despite the CKD in this study being partially inert, the abundant reactive, free lime provided by the CL90 binder has enabled formation of hydration products. The strength development, rising proportionally to the amount of CKD when addition is over 5%, and the reduction in porosity/suction of the CKD/CL90 mixes, support the occurrence of hydraulic set. The high alkalinity of the CKD/CL90 system; the high specific surface of the CKD particles and the presence of amorphous reactive silica further support the presence of hydraulic set. Results evidenced that CKD addition significantly increased the mortar’s water demand simultaneously enhancing compressive strength and bulk density, and decreasing porosity and capillary suction. These effects can be ascribed to both the gain of packing density induced by the CKD particles, and the formation of hydration phases within pores and the space originally filled with water. Finally, this work concludes that the physical properties of CKD/CL mortars including at least 20%CKD are comparable to those of feebly hydraulic lime mixes, however, fracturing by shrinkage (due to high water demand) and damage related to sulphur, chlorine and alkali content need to be investigated before CKD/CL mixes are advised for application.     

Physicochemical characterization of cement kiln dust for potential reuse in acidic wastewater treatment

Cement kiln dust (CKD) is a fine-grained material produced during the manufacture of cement. Current reuse options are limited and the bulk of CKD not reused in the cement manufacturing process is sent to landfills or stored on-site. Due to the calcium oxide (CaO) content of CKD, it has the potential to be used as a replacement for lime in treating acidic wastewaters such as acid rock drainage (ARD). This paper outlines the results of an examination of the physical and chemical properties of CKD samples collected from six cement plants. The CKD samples were analyzed for major oxides using X-ray diffraction (XRD), available lime, specific surface area, particle size, and morphology using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and compared with a commercial quicklime product. Conductivity, pH, and calcium concentrations of slaked CKD and quicklime solutions were used as indicators of reactivity of the CKD. Slaking of two of the CKD samples with the highest free lime contents (e.g., 34 and 37% free CaO) gave elevated pH values statistically comparable to those of the commercial quicklime sample that was characterized as having 87% available CaO. Acid neutralization trials indicate that even CKD samples with low free lime contents could be effective at neutralizing acidic wastewaters.     

Degradation of pentachlorophenol in contaminated soil suspensions by potassium monopersulfate catalyzed oxidation by a supramolecular complex between tetra(p-sulfophenyl)porphineiron(III) and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin

To enhance the catalytic oxidation of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in contaminated soil suspensions using tetra(p-sulfophenyl)porphineiron(III) (Fe(III)-TPPS) as a catalyst and potassium monopersulfate (KHSO(5)) as the single-oxygen donor, the effect of added hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) was examined. At pH 4 and 6, the percentage of PCP disappearance increased substantially in the presence of HP-beta-CD. In addition, the self-degradation of Fe(III)-TPPS was significantly retarded in the presence of HP-beta-CD. This retarded self-degradation can be attributed to the stabilization of Fe(III)-TPPS via the formation of a supramolecular complex with HP-beta-CD. The kinetic constant for the self-degradation of Fe(III)-TPPS in the presence of HP-beta-CD at pH 6 was much smaller than that at pH 4, indicating that Fe(III)-TPPS is more stable at pH 6. Thus, the amount of Fe(III)-TPPS, KHSO(5) and HP-beta-CD required to degrade PCP in contaminated soil suspensions was optimal at pH 6. When PCP-contaminated soil suspensions were treated under the optimized conditions, 12-18% and 24-28% of the PCP was mineralized to CO(2) in the absence and presence of HP-beta-CD, respectively. These results show that the presence of HP-beta-CD in the Fe(III)-TPPS/KHSO(5) catalytic system is effective in enhancing the degradation of PCP in contaminated soil suspensions.     

Soaking–drying frequency effect on gypsum-rich roadbed sand

This article presents the California bearing ratio (CBR) and moisture content behaviour of a gypsum-rich roadbed sand with a gypsum content of about 39% subjected to cyclic soaking and drying. Frequencies of 8-, 14- and 60-day cycle lengths were adopted together with six cycles of soaking and drying for each frequency. Each cycle consisted of two equal time periods of soaking and drying. For each frequency, 13 pairs of CBR samples were prepared and subjected to cyclic soaking and drying in the laboratory under a surcharge load of 45 lb (200 N). The time variation of moisture content during cyclic soaking and drying at the top, middle and bottom of each CBR sample was studied as well. The article reveals that for each cycle, the CBR decreases during soaking and increases during drying for all frequencies.     

Properties of Portland cement--stabilised MSWI fly ashes

In the present paper, the properties of Portland cement mixtures containing fly ashes (FA) collected at four different Italian municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) plants were investigated.In particular, physical/mechanical characteristics (setting time, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and shrinkage/expansion), as well as the acid neutralisation behaviour of the solidified products were considered.The FA composition, revealing enrichment in heavy metals, chlorides and sulphates, significantly altered the hydration behaviour of Portland cement. Consequently, for some of the investigated FA the maximum allowable content for the mixtures to achieve appreciable mechanical strength was 20 wt.%. Even at low FA dosages setting of cement was strongly delayed. In order to improve the properties of FA/cement mixtures, the use of additives was tested.Moreover, the acid neutralisation capacity (ANC) of the solidified products was evaluated in order to assess the ability of the matrix to resist acidification, and also to provide information on hydration progression, as well as on heavy metal release under different pH conditions.Comparison of the results from the present work with previous studies carried out on spiked mixtures lead to the conclusion that the mechanical properties of the stabilised FA could not be predicted based on the effect exerted by heavy metals and anions only, even when the dilution effect exerted on cement was taken into account. It was likely that a major role was also played by alkalis, which were present in the FA at much higher concentrations than in cement.     

Oil spills debris clean up by thermal desorption

Oil spills represent a significant environmental issue in Brazil. This paper presents the latest results of a comprehensive experimental programme aimed at understanding how the presence of spilled oil affects the properties of sands and at studying alternatives to remediate the affected shores. Results indicate that oil causes a slight increase in grain size and uniformity, and oiled debris presents a smaller void ratio but a larger unit weight. It was also observed that effective strength parameters for both the natural and oiled debris were the same although the undrained strength of a natural sand is much higher than that of the contaminated sand. At ambient temperature, oiled debris emits methane and ammonia, and these emissions tend to increase with rising temperatures. On the other hand, the oil and grease content from oiled debris decreases with rising temperature and prolonged exposure. Finally, in situ thermal desorption seems to be a promising method for cleaning debris from oil spills. It is simple, fast and avoids all the difficulties associated with digging up the soil for disposal or cleanup.     

水泥砂浆固化粉质黏土分离式Hopkinson压杆试验与分析

为研究掺砂量（与干土的质量比）对水泥粉质黏土冲击压缩强度及能量吸收特征的影响,采用Φ 50 mm分离式Hopkinson压杆（Split Hopkinson pressure bar,SHPB）试验装置对不同掺砂量的水泥粉质黏土进行了0.4 MPa冲击气压下的冲击压缩试验。结果表明：普通水泥粉质黏土（未掺砂）动态应力-应变曲线大致分为弹性阶段、屈服硬化阶段及破坏阶段,而随着掺砂量的逐渐增加,水泥砂浆固化粉质黏土动态应力-应变曲线中屈服阶段愈加不明显,出现了理想的塑性阶段;水泥砂浆固化粉质黏土的冲击压缩强度随掺砂量的增大而先增大后减小,在掺砂量为10%时达到最大平均动强度9.56 MPa,较普通水泥土强度提高9.79%;水泥砂浆固化粉质黏土的吸收能随冲击压缩强度的增大而增大,两者具有较好的指数关系。