Stabilization of waste soils using novel binders

Abstract

In Singapore, there is large amount of waste soils being generated from various construction activities. Among them, marine clay generated from the excavation work is a significant source of solid waste. Currently, the soft clay is mainly used as the fill material for land reclamation, a low value-added application, after improving its engineering properties through physical or chemical treatment. Therefore, this project aims to investigate the viability of making unfired bricks using treated marine clay to increase its potential value. Aside from the commonly used Portland cement (PC), a new low-energy consumption binder, carbide slag-activated ground granulated blast furnace slag (CS-GGBS), was also used in the experiment for comparison purposes. A series of laboratory experiments were done to examine their properties, including the compaction curve, unconfined compressive strength (UCS),and water absorption. The results showed that most soil samples, cured for 56 days, met the standards required by the British Standards (BS). However, there is room for improvement to further increase the specimens’ mechanical properties.