A seminal paper titled “Durability and Permanency Studies in Sulfate-Laden Soils Treated with Nano- and Crystalline Silica-Based Admixtures” has been published in the Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering by Nripojyoti Biswas, Ph.D., A.M.ASCE (Senior Research Engineer, Zachry Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M Univ.), Anand Puppala, Ph.D., P.E., D.GE, F.ASCE (A.P. & Florence Wiley Chair Professor, Zachry Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M Univ.), and Krishneswar Ramineni, S.M.ASCE (Ph.D. Candidate, Zachry Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M Univ.).
💡The research undertakes a rigorous evaluation of the efficacy and sustainability of chemical interventions in sulfate-rich expansive soils utilizing avant-garde silica-based admixtures and a calcium-centric stabilizer. Employing Crystalline Silica (CS) and Nanosilica (NS) admixtures in conjunction with traditional dolomitic-hydrated lime, the study addresses the challenges posed by high-sulfate expansive terrains. Comprehensive analyses were conducted to ascertain plasticity variations across distinct curing durations. Subsequent strength assessments were executed pre and post-moisture conditioning of the soil specimens. The investigative framework also incorporated leaching studies, simulating moisture ingress/egress dynamics in subterranean contexts. Empirical outcomes accentuate the superior moisture susceptibility and long-term resilience of CS phases, characterized by a normalized specific surface area (SSAN) of 1.05, vis-à -vis NS treatments or conventional methodologies. The manuscript furnishes an in-depth exploration of the durability and permanency paradigms of these pioneering treatment modalities, rendering it indispensable for advanced geotechnical and transportation specialists.
🔗 Check out the article at the following link: https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/JMCEE7.MTENG-16456