A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Application of Sustainable Lignin Stabilized Expansive Soils in Highway Subgrade
A by-product of the paper and wood industries, lignin is produced abundantly worldwide due to the increasing demand for wood and paper-based products. Improper disposal or storage of lignin is not only a misuse of natural resources but also poses a critical hazard to public health and the environment. Construction of highway subgrade has been identified as one of the feasible responses for consuming vast quantities of lignin to dispose of it in an ecologically sound manner, as it can be a low-cost and less energy-intensive chemical additive for soil stabilization. However, studies on the performance of lignin in stabilizing expansive soils in highway subgrade have been very constrained. Volume change resulting from seasonal moisture variations in expansive soil subgrades damages existing highways and complicates highway construction in expansive soil areas. To reduce expansive soil-induced geological disasters and utilize waste resources, the use of lignin could potentially be a sustainable solution for soil stabilization. In this research, a series of multi-scale laboratory tests were conducted to examine the Atterberg limits, the compaction and consolidation behavior, and the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) characteristics of lignin-stabilized expansive soils. The study reveals that the degree of lignin content impacts the physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties of the stabilized expansive soil. From the compression index (Cc) and swelling index (Cs) values, it was concluded that a satisfactory level of soil stabilization could be achieved by the application of an optimum percentage of lignin. The lignin-based cementing material bonds soil particles firmly together and fills the pores to produce a progressively steady soil structure.
Application of Sustainable Lignin Stabilized Expansive Soils in Highway Subgrade
A by-product of the paper and wood industries, lignin is produced abundantly worldwide due to the increasing demand for wood and paper-based products. Improper disposal or storage of lignin is not only a misuse of natural resources but also poses a critical hazard to public health and the environment. Construction of highway subgrade has been identified as one of the feasible responses for consuming vast quantities of lignin to dispose of it in an ecologically sound manner, as it can be a low-cost and less energy-intensive chemical additive for soil stabilization. However, studies on the performance of lignin in stabilizing expansive soils in highway subgrade have been very constrained. Volume change resulting from seasonal moisture variations in expansive soil subgrades damages existing highways and complicates highway construction in expansive soil areas. To reduce expansive soil-induced geological disasters and utilize waste resources, the use of lignin could potentially be a sustainable solution for soil stabilization. In this research, a series of multi-scale laboratory tests were conducted to examine the Atterberg limits, the compaction and consolidation behavior, and the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) characteristics of lignin-stabilized expansive soils. The study reveals that the degree of lignin content impacts the physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties of the stabilized expansive soil. From the compression index (Cc) and swelling index (Cs) values, it was concluded that a satisfactory level of soil stabilization could be achieved by the application of an optimum percentage of lignin. The lignin-based cementing material bonds soil particles firmly together and fills the pores to produce a progressively steady soil structure.
Application of Sustainable Lignin Stabilized Expansive Soils in Highway Subgrade
Sarker, Debojit (author) / Shahrear Apu, Omar (author) / Kumar, Narendra (author) / Wang, Jay X. (author) / Lynam, Joan G. (author)
International Foundations Congress and Equipment Expo 2021 ; 2021 ; Dallas, Texas
IFCEE 2021 ; 336-348
2021-05-06
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
Application of Sustainable Lignin Stabilized Expansive Soils in Highway Subgrade
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