journal article·2026-04-24Open access

Mechanical and dynamic behaviour of walnut shell powder-stabilised clayey soils for sustainable pavement subgrades

Muhammed Tanyildizi, Abdülhakim Zeybek

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of walnut shell powder (WNSP), a sustainable, bio-based stabiliser, in enhancing the mechanical and dynamic properties of expansive high-plasticity clay (CH) and low-plasticity clay (CL) soils. Laboratory tests on soils treated with 0–15% WNSP (by dry weight) evaluated its impact on unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and resilient modulus (MR). Optimal improvements were observed at approximately 6% WNSP for CH and 9% for CL soils, with UCS increasing by 33.7% and 41.4%, and CBR by 50.7% and 87.6%, respectively. The resilient modulus, reflecting cyclic stiffness, rose by 149.3% in CH and 31.0% in CL soils. Stress-state-dependent prediction models, particularly Uzan-type formulations, effectively captured the nonlinear resilient behaviour of WNSP-stabilised soils. An extended Modified Uzan model incorporating WNSP-dependent coefficients further improved prediction accuracy. Results highlight WNSP as an eco-friendly, cost-effective stabiliser, utilising agricultural waste for sustainable pavement subgrades.
Source: openalex_inverted_index · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Concrete and Cement Materials Research · Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Stabilization · Soil and Unsaturated Flow

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Bitlis Eren University

Mus Alparslan University

Funding

Muş Alparslan University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit

References (94)

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