Effects of Lignin on the Dynamic Characteristics and Mechanisms of Silty Soil

Abstract

To address the issues of significant deformation and susceptibility to liquefaction of silt under traffic loads, while also promoting the reuse of waste lignin, lignin was used to reinforce silt. A series of laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of different lignin contents and curing periods on the compressive strength of the soil. Additionally, the study analyzed the cumulative plastic deformation and excess pore-water pressure under various conditions. Using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive spectroscopy, the microstructural characteristics of silt before and after lignin modification were qualitatively and quantitatively described. The experimental results indicate that lignin can significantly enhance the compressive strength of soil, and the optimal effect was observed at an 8% lignin content. At a curing age of 28 days, the strength of the treated soil was 2.65 times that of the untreated soil. The treated soil exhibited greater shear strength than the untreated soil. The addition of lignin significantly reduced the cumulative plastic deformation and excess pore-water pressure of the soil, mitigating various risks in the subgrade, such as insufficient bearing capacity and liquefaction. Lignin binds soil particles and undergoes a cementation reaction without the formation of new minerals. The cementitious material fills the voids in the soil, gradually transforming large pores into medium and small pores. Combined with the particle pores and cracks analysis system, quantitative analysis indicates that as the lignin content increased, the soil porosity gradually decreased, reaching a maximum soil compactness at an 8% admixture. The research findings can provide theoretical references for the engineering application of lignin.