Strength Behavior of Slurry-Like Mud Treated with Physicochemical Combination Method

Abstract

The physicochemical combination method (PCCM), improving upon the conventional pure cement solidification method (PCSM), has been developed as an integrated and sustainable approach to treat and recycle slurry-like mud (MS). To facilitate the practical design of the PCCM, it is essential to establish the relationship between the strength of PCCM-treated MS and the governing factors. In this study, a comparison is made between PCCM-treated MS and PCSM-treated MS to clarify the differences in the microstructures and strength behaviors, and the influence of some key parameters (i.e., preloading pressure p, equivalent initial water content wei, and cementitious binder content wc) on the strength behavior of PCCM-treated MS is investigated via unconfined compression tests. The results indicate that flocculants play a crucial role in increasing the ductility of PCCM-treated MS, and the preloading process further enhances the toughness of PCCM-treated MS. Moreover, empirical equations of deformation modulus (E50) and failure strain (ɛf) are formulated based on the results of unconfined compression tests. Additionally, an attempt is made to predict the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) using a simple empirical equation based on the modified water/cement ratio. The main findings are of practical significance for the optimal design and application of PCCM in treatment of MS.