Stabilization of Road Embankments on Peat Soils Using Oil Shale Ash and Pozzolanic Additives

Abstract

Using kukersite oil shale ash for the stabilization of organic-rich soils has been extensively studied but without much success. The main reason for this is the retarding effect of humic acids present in organic-rich soils on the formation of the C–S–H (calcium–silicate–hydrate) phase, which effectively prevents the solidification of cementitious materials in peat soils. Based on the studies performed at the University of Tartu, we have developed a novel method for the in situ mass stabilization of peat soils using waste materials (calcareous fly ash and silica fume). In this manner, the perfect hardening of peat–ash mixtures (to each 1 m3 of soil, 150–400 kg ash, 25–50 L pozzolanic additives, and 2.5–5 kaNaOH were added) can be achieved. A test road embankment was constructed under extremely hard conditions in a peat quarry that is currently in use.

Keywords

• peatlands
• peat soils
• stabilization
• sustainable construction
• oil shale ash
• pozzolanic