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Experimental study on strength and microstructural properties of hydrous magnesium alkalization in colligation with tropical laterite soil at ambient temperature

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Abstract

Recently, the alkalization of various materials for solidifying vulnerable soil has become increasingly prevalent to improve their structural integrity and strength properties. However, the characterization of laterite soil solidified by alkalizing strong electrolytes has been limited. This research paper presents an innovative way of utilizing an alkaline activator and bischofite (MgCl2·6H2O) to initiate the activation of silica and alumina constituents and polymerization for the physio-chemical characterization of laterite soil and determine the optimal design mix. Standard compaction and uniaxial strength (UCS) were assessed for mechanical features, and mechanisms contributing to solidification were assessed using SEM, EDS, and FTIR. The alkalization of bischofite has significantly altered the mechanical characteristics of the sample. The UCS test findings at ambient room temperature revealed that a sample containing an alkaline activator proportion of 0.75, an activator-to-bischofite proportion of 0.9, and a 5% bischofite by dry soil weight of soil is the optimal mix to ameliorate the potency of the laterite soil. The development of hydroxyl groups on kaolinite edges and cation replacement decreased pH with the curing period, promoting structural modification in physiochemical analysis. The solidification methods created a bonding gel of hydrated magnesium silicate (M–S–H) compounds, as shown by SEM micrographs and EDS spectra. Additionally, the FTIR finding affirmed the formation of magnesium hydration products in the spectral range of 1600 to 450 cm−1 with silicate, aluminum, and magnesium chain polymerization evolution. Finally, the study demonstrated the potential of bischofite-alkalization to modify the physiochemical and micro-structural features of weak laterite soil to be utilized in various construction projects.

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Abbreviations

SEM:

Scanning Electron Microscopy

EDS:

Energy dispersive Spectroscopy

FTIR:

Fourier-transform spectroscopy

C-A-H:

Hydrated-Calcium-Aluminate

C-S-H:

Hydrated-Calcium-Silicate

M-A-H:

Magnesium Aluminate Hydrate

M-S-H:

Magnesium Silicate Hydrate

NS:

Sodium Silicate

NH:

Sodium Hydroxide

K:

Alkaline Activator proportion (NS/NH)

M:

Bischofite

K/M:

Alkaline Activator/Bischofite proportion

MDD:

Target Density

OMC:

Optimal water

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Acknowledgements

The corresponding author expresses gratitude to the Ethiopian Ministry of Higher Education for the scholarship program and to my family (Cindi Jacobs and Woody Jacobs) for all the support.

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  1. Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Warangal, India

    Ayele Adane Ayila & V Ramana Murty

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Ayila, A.A., Ramana Murty, V. Experimental study on strength and microstructural properties of hydrous magnesium alkalization in colligation with tropical laterite soil at ambient temperature. Sādhanā 49, 67 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12046-024-02435-w

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