Mechanical and microstructural properties of cement-stabilized soft clay improved by sand replacement and biochar additive for subgrade applications

Kittipong Kunchariyakun; Patimapon Sukmak; Gampanart Sukmak; Veena Phunpeng; Suksun Horpibulsuk; Arul Arulrajah; Annan Zhou

Developments in the Built Environment (Dec 2024)

Mechanical and microstructural properties of cement-stabilized soft clay improved by sand replacement and biochar additive for subgrade applications

Kittipong Kunchariyakun,
Patimapon Sukmak,
Gampanart Sukmak,
Veena Phunpeng,
Suksun Horpibulsuk,
Arul Arulrajah,
Annan Zhou

Affiliations

Kittipong Kunchariyakun: School of Engineering and Technology, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Sustainable Disaster Management, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
Patimapon Sukmak: School of Engineering and Technology, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Sustainable Disaster Management, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; Corresponding author. School of Engineering and Technology, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand.
Gampanart Sukmak: School of Engineering and Technology, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Sustainable Disaster Management, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
Veena Phunpeng: School of Mechanical Engineering, and Center of Excellence in Innovation for Sustainable Infrastructure Development, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, 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; Academy of Science, The Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
Arul Arulrajah: Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria 3122, Australia
Annan Zhou: Discipline of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, School of Engineering, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 20
p. 100552

Abstract

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Biochar (BC) is an eco-friendly material produced through coal pyrolysis and can improve the mechanical properties of cement-based construction and building materials. This research study explored the effects of BC and natural sand (Sand) replacement on the improved static and cyclic response of blended hydraulic cement (BHC) stabilized soft clay (SC) as a greener subgrade material. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS), indirect tensile stress (ITS), and indirect tensile fatigue life (ITFL) of the BHC-stabilized SC-BC-Sand samples were examined. Adding 10% BC to the BHC-stabilized samples was found to enhance cementitious products due to its porous structure and high water absorbability. The UCS, ITS and ITFL at this optimum ingredient were improved up to 315%, 347% and 862%, respectively, compared to the BHC-stabilized SC. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, thermogravimetry differential thermal analysis and a scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive -ray spectroscopy analyses the BHC-stabilized sample at the optimum ingredient showed the highest C-S-H and Ca(OH)2 in the pores. This investigation will encourage the utilization of BC to create both environmentally friendly and durable stabilized subgrade material.

Published in Developments in the Built Environment

ISSN: 2666-1659 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Technology: Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General); Technology: Building construction
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/developments-in-the-built-environment/

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