Rapid economic growth in various regions around the world has led to a significant increase in industrial waste generated from construction sites. Proper disposal of this waste has become a challenge, prompting governments to enact stricter laws to ensure its environmentally responsible management. One approach that gained popularity in the 1990s is liquefied soil stabilization, which involves reusing excavated soil and harmful sludge by mixing them with cement or other solidifying materials for backfilling and ground stabilization. This method proves advantageous in areas where soil compaction constraints demand rapid solidification. However, there are drawbacks associated with liquefied stabilized soil, such as bleeding, limited pouring distances, and potential environmental contamination from cement solidifiers containing chromium.
Addressing the structural and environmental limitations of liquefied stabilized soil, a team of researchers from the Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT) has made significant advancements. Led by Prof. Shinya Inazumi from the School of Engineering and Science at SIT, the team explored ways to optimize the characteristics of liquefied stabilized soil to make it more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Their findings, published in Case Studies in Construction Materials, shed light on how altering the solidifiers and thickeners used in the process can overcome existing limitations.
To mitigate the bleeding phenomenon and maintain fluidity, the research team introduced a cellulose-based thickener, which proved highly effective. Unlike traditional solidifiers, this cellulose-based thickener did not compromise the strength of the liquefied stabilized soil and successfully prevented the separation of soil components. Additionally, the ordinary Portland cement (OPC) solidifier was replaced with a mixture of earth silica-blast furnace slag powder (ES-B). This substitution not only eliminated the potential chromium leaching into the environment but also allowed for the adjustment of curing rates, better homogenous mixing, and improved fluidity of the end product when mixed with soil.
Positive Impacts and Advantages
Through these enhancements, the liquefied stabilized soil offers several advantages. Firstly, its structural strength remains unaffected, thereby improving the stability of building foundations, particularly in earthquake-prone zones. This advancement contributes to the overall safety and resilience of structures. Additionally, the environmentally friendly disposal of industrial waste becomes more achievable by reusing waste materials and reducing the demand for new resources. This circular approach to construction projects leads to cost savings and a significantly reduced environmental impact. Furthermore, the time required for ground improvement on construction sites is reduced, enhancing operational efficiency.
A Sustainable Solution
The research conducted by Prof. Inazumi and his team at SIT showcases a significant step forward in combating environmental and structural concerns associated with liquefied stabilized soil. By introducing a cellulose-based thickener and an earth silica-blast furnace slag powder-based solidifier, the researchers have addressed the limitations and improved the characteristics of this construction waste reuse method. The sustainable approach offers benefits not only in waste management but also in building stability, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency.
The advancements made by the team at SIT provide a promising solution for industrial waste disposal. By optimizing the characteristics of liquefied stabilized soil through the use of cellulose-based thickeners and earth silica-blast furnace slag powder solidifiers, the environmental impact is reduced, and the circularity of construction projects is enhanced. This research offers a sustainable path forward in transforming waste into a valuable resource while ensuring the strength and stability of building foundations. As governments continue to prioritize environmental protection and waste management, the adoption of these advancements in liquefied stabilized soil techniques will contribute significantly to a greener and more sustainable construction industry.
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