Analyses of the Strength Characteristics of Solidified Desert Aeolian Sandy Soil

Abstract

The strength characteristics of solidified desert aeolian sandy soil are investigated to expand its scope of application in road engineering. Its suitability as sub-base of pavement structure is analyzed in terms of its strength. The unconfined compressive strengths of the solidified desert aeolian sandy soil specimens with different contents of curing agent are measured using a pavement material strength meter. The microstructures of aeolian sand and the solidified aeolian sandy soil to which the curing agent PX is added are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The strength characteristics and strength formation mechanism of the solidified Aeolian sandy soil are revealed by the analyses. The results point to the following conclusions: (1) The solidified aeolian sandy soil with 10% PX and cured for 7 d achieves an unconfined compressive strength that meets the strength requirement of the pavement sub-base. (2) The strength of the solidified soil is associated with the content of PX, and the optimal dosage is 10%. (3) The SEM image shows that intergranular filling consisting of gel and cumularspharolith is formed after adding the curing agent PX. This formation changed the adhesive strength between the soil particles, accounting for the chief cause of the increase in overall strength.