Experimental Stabilization of Clay Soils in Cartagena de Indias Colombia: Influence of Porosity/Binder Index
Source abstract
Abstract
In response to the need for sustainable soil stabilization alternatives, this study explores the use of waste materials and biopolymers to improve the mechanical behavior of clay from Cartagena, Colombia. Crushed limestone waste (CLW), ground glass powder (GG), recycled gypsum (GY), xanthan gum (XG), and the combination of XG with polypropylene fibers (XG–PPF) were used as stabilizing agents. Samples were compacted at different dry densities and cured for 28 days. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests were conducted to assess the strength and stiffness of the treated mixtures. Results were normalized using the porosity/binder index (η/Biv), leading to predictive equations with high determination coefficients (R2 = 0.94 for UCS and R2 = 0.96 for stiffness). However, XG-treated mixtures exhibited distinct behavior that prevented their inclusion in a unified predictive model, as the fitted exponent x in the porosity/binder index (η/Bivx) differed markedly from the others. While an exponent of 0.28 was suitable for blends with mineral binders, the optimal x values for XG and XG–PPF mixtures were significantly lower at 0.02 and 0.03, respectively, reflecting their unique gel-like and fiber-reinforced characteristics. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified cement content and compaction density as the most influential factors, while some interactions involving the residues were not statistically significant, despite aligning with experimental trends. The findings support the technical viability of using sustainable additives to enhance soil properties with reduced environmental impact.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Soil and Unsaturated Flow · Tree Root and Stability Studies · Geotechnical and construction materials studies
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Civil Engineering Program, Universidad de Cartagena, Cartagena de Indias 130015, Colombia
Faculty of Engineering and Basic Sciences, Fundación Universitaria Los Libertadores, Bogota 110231, Colombia
Funding
The Fundación Universitaria Los Libertadores
References (46)
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