Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of Recycled Aggregate Mixed Soil

Area of Science:

• Geotechnical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Environmental Engineering

Background:

• Growing efforts to reduce carbon emissions drive interest in sustainable construction materials.
• Soil stabilization using recycled aggregate is a key area for environmental and economic benefits.
• Understanding the mechanical properties of these mixes is crucial for practical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mechanical properties of soil mixes stabilized with recycled aggregate and a curing agent.
• To determine the optimal dosage of recycled aggregate (R) and curing agent (C) for soil stabilization.
• To evaluate the influence of curing duration on the strength of the stabilized soil.

Main Methods:

• Mechanical property evaluation using unconfined compressive strength tests (UCS).
• Microstructural analysis via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM).
• Particle size distribution analysis using laser diffraction particle size meter tests (PSD).

Main Results:

• Soil strength increased with recycled aggregate content up to 20%, then decreased.
• Curing agent dosage also enhanced strength, peaking at 20%.
• Maximum strength was observed after 28 days of curing, with a flocculent structure forming due to the curing agent.

Conclusions:

• A mix of 20% recycled aggregate (R) and 20% curing agent (C) provides optimal mechanical strength.
• The observed flocculent structure from the curing agent contributes significantly to improved soil strength.
• The optimized mix offers a balanced economic, environmental, and engineering performance for soil stabilization.