Use of cement and fly ash as stabilization materials

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 74 views

Introduction

The use of soil stabilization materials is increasingly developing to improve the quality of the soil, especially in areas that require more structural strength. Various types of materials such as cement, fly ash, bitumen, lime, and geogrid have been widely used in this practice. This study aims to test the effectiveness of the combination of cement and fly ash in increasing the carrying capacity of clay soils originating from the Southeast Medan highway, as well as to analyze the safety factor in the slope stabilization using the Triaxial CU test.

Soil stabilization is a crucial aspect of geotechnical engineering, as it helps to improve the mechanical properties of soils, making them more suitable for construction projects. The use of cement and fly ash as stabilization materials has gained significant attention in recent years due to their effectiveness and environmental benefits. Fly ash, in particular, is an industrial waste that can be used as a sustainable alternative to traditional stabilization materials.

Research Methodology

In this study, sampling was carried out from land on the Southeast Medan highway. Laboratory testing was carried out to determine the value of the physical index (index properties) and the nature of the soil engineering. One of the methods used is the triaxial cu test, which measures cohesion and shear angle of the soil. This study utilizes three combinations of cement mixture (PC) and fly ash (FA), which is 2% (PC) + 2% (FA), 2% (PC) + 4% (FA), and 2% (PC) + 6 % (FA) with the duration of the incarnation for 0 days, 4 days, and 7 days.

The triaxial cu test is a widely used method for determining the mechanical properties of soils. It involves applying a combination of axial and radial stresses to a soil sample, which is then subjected to a series of loading and unloading cycles. The test provides valuable information on the cohesion and shear angle of the soil, which are essential parameters for determining the stability of slopes.

Research Results

The results of the study show that the soil sample has a water content of 23.15%, specific gravity of 2.65, and the contents of 1.59 gr/cm³. The soil liquid limit value reaches 42.05 and its plasticity index is 28.65, so that in accordance with the classification of USCS, the soil is included in the CL (Clay-Low Plasticity) category, while according to AASHTO classification, including in the A-7-6 type.

From the Triaxial Cu testing, the cohesion value was 0.04 kg/cm² and the shear angle was 25.03 °. In the calculation of slope safety factors, it was found that the mixture of 2% (PC) + 6% (FA) with a 7-day incarnation showed the most stable condition, with a safety factor value of 1.70. Interestingly, the 0-day feedback with a mixture of 2% (PC) + 2% (FA) has met the security requirements with a safety factor value of 1.55.

Analysis and Discussion

This study shows that the right combination of stabilization materials can significantly increase the carrying capacity of clay soils. The use of fly ash, which is an industrial waste, not only reduces environmental impacts but also improves the mechanical properties of the soil when mixed with cement. As an environmentally friendly alternative, Fly Ash offers useful solutions in the context of sustainable development.

The affair period also has a significant influence on mixed performance. The longer the affair, the better the interaction between cement and fly ash with soil granules, which in turn increases soil strength. This discovery is important for geotechnical engineers in planning construction projects, especially in areas with clay soils that have stability problems.

Conclusion

Based on the results of the study, a combination of cement and fly ash is effective in increasing the stability of clay soils, with a longer portrayal of incarnate producing higher carrying capacity. This study also underlined the importance of the selection of proper stabilization materials in an effort to strengthen the structure of the soil, as well as its implications on the design of a safe slope. Therefore, the use of cement and fly ash as material for stabilization can be an effective and environmentally friendly solution in future construction projects.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Use of cement and fly ash as stabilization materials: The use of cement and fly ash as stabilization materials can be an effective and environmentally friendly solution in future construction projects.
Selection of proper stabilization materials: The selection of proper stabilization materials is crucial in an effort to strengthen the structure of the soil, as well as its implications on the design of a safe slope.
Affair period: The affair period has a significant influence on mixed performance, and the longer the affair, the better the interaction between cement and fly ash with soil granules, which in turn increases soil strength.
Triaxial CU test: The triaxial CU test is a widely used method for determining the mechanical properties of soils, and it provides valuable information on the cohesion and shear angle of the soil.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

Investigation of other stabilization materials: Investigation of other stabilization materials, such as bitumen, lime, and geogrid, to determine their effectiveness in increasing the carrying capacity of clay soils.
Study of the effects of different affair periods: Study of the effects of different affair periods on the performance of cement and fly ash as stabilization materials.
Development of new stabilization materials: Development of new stabilization materials that are more effective and environmentally friendly than traditional materials.

Limitations of the Study

The limitations of this study include:

Limited sample size: The sample size used in this study was limited, and further research is needed to confirm the findings of this study.
Limited scope: The scope of this study was limited to the use of cement and fly ash as stabilization materials, and further research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of other stabilization materials.
Limited geographic scope: The geographic scope of this study was limited to the Southeast Medan highway, and further research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of cement and fly ash as stabilization materials in other regions.

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of the combination of cement and fly ash in increasing the carrying capacity of clay soils originating from the Southeast Medan highway, as well as to analyze the safety factor in the slope stabilization using the Triaxial CU test.

Q: What are the benefits of using cement and fly ash as stabilization materials?

A: The use of cement and fly ash as stabilization materials can improve the mechanical properties of soils, making them more suitable for construction projects. Additionally, fly ash is an industrial waste that can be used as a sustainable alternative to traditional stabilization materials, reducing environmental impacts.

Q: What is the Triaxial CU test, and how is it used in this study?

A: The Triaxial CU test is a widely used method for determining the mechanical properties of soils. It involves applying a combination of axial and radial stresses to a soil sample, which is then subjected to a series of loading and unloading cycles. In this study, the Triaxial CU test is used to measure the cohesion and shear angle of the soil.

Q: What are the results of the study, and what do they mean?

A: The results of the study show that the mixture of 2% (PC) + 6% (FA) with a 7-day incarnation showed the most stable condition, with a safety factor value of 1.70. This means that the combination of cement and fly ash is effective in increasing the stability of clay soils, and the longer the affair period, the better the interaction between cement and fly ash with soil granules, which in turn increases soil strength.

Q: What are the implications of this study for geotechnical engineers?

A: The findings of this study have significant implications for geotechnical engineers in planning construction projects, especially in areas with clay soils that have stability problems. The use of cement and fly ash as stabilization materials can be an effective and environmentally friendly solution in future construction projects.

Q: What are the limitations of this study, and what are the future research directions?

A: The limitations of this study include the limited sample size, limited scope, and limited geographic scope. Future research directions include investigation of other stabilization materials, study of the effects of different affair periods, and development of new stabilization materials.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: The recommendations of this study include the use of cement and fly ash as stabilization materials, selection of proper stabilization materials, affair period, and Triaxial CU test.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The potential applications of this study include the use of cement and fly ash as stabilization materials in construction projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings, as well as in geotechnical engineering projects, such as slope stabilization and foundation design.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this study?

A: The potential benefits of this study include the improvement of the mechanical properties of soils, reduction of environmental impacts, and development of sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions for construction projects.

Q: What are the potential challenges of this study?

A: The potential challenges of this study include the limited availability of cement and fly ash, high cost of stabilization materials, and potential environmental impacts of using industrial waste as stabilization materials.

Q: What are the potential future research directions?

A: The potential future research directions include investigation of other stabilization materials, study of the effects of different affair periods, and development of new stabilization materials.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study in real-world scenarios?

A: The potential applications of this study in real-world scenarios include the use of cement and fly ash as stabilization materials in construction projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings, as well as in geotechnical engineering projects, such as slope stabilization and foundation design.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this study in real-world scenarios?

A: The potential benefits of this study in real-world scenarios include the improvement of the mechanical properties of soils, reduction of environmental impacts, and development of sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions for construction projects.

Q: What are the potential challenges of this study in real-world scenarios?

A: The potential challenges of this study in real-world scenarios include the limited availability of cement and fly ash, high cost of stabilization materials, and potential environmental impacts of using industrial waste as stabilization materials.