Laboratory Study and Modeling of the Strength Evolution of Dredged Soil Stabilization Using Alkali-Activated Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag

Abstract

The weak mechanical properties of dredged soil can be improved by using cementing agents. Comprehensive investigation of the efficacy of stabilizing methods, including Portland cement (PC) and alkali-activated ground granulated blast-furnace slag (CaO-GGBS), cementing agent content from 12% to 16%, and curing methods in different initial moisture content of soils, organic matter content, and soil types was carried out. Experimental results showed that dredged soils have stronger properties using CaO-GGBS than PC. Maximum strength was found by using the highest CaO-GGBS content of 16%. The increase of organic matter content can weaken the enhanced properties of dredged soils stabilized by CaO-GGBS. The highest shear strength of specimens stabilized by CaO-GGBS occurred in dredged soils with 20% sand while the greatest yield strength in e-log p′ space was found in dredged soils with 30% sand. A modified constitutive model based on the framework for cemented geomaterials proposed by Gens and Nova has been developed. The ability of the model to reproduce the mechanical behavior capturing strength development with curing period was explored.