Enhancing the durability and elastic modulus of oil-contaminated soils in wet-dry cycles through stabilization with traditional materials

Articles in Press

Document Type : Article

Authors

1 Ph.D Student of Civil Engineering-Geotechnics of Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Associate Prof., Faculty of Civil Engineering Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran

3 Associate Prof., Faculty of Basic Sciences Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

Considering that the infrastructures in different regions experience different weather cycles that can lead to the creation of minor surface cracks to be noticeable, it is necessary to understand the durability behavior of soils. Although previous studies have extensively investigated the Strength behavior of oil-contaminated soil, there is still no accurate understanding of the durability of oil-contaminated soil against wet-dry cycles. To fill these gaps, this research is focused on the durability characteristics of oil-contaminated soils. For this purpose, a series of laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate compaction, durability and microstructural analyses. In that regard, the soil was contaminated with oil in concentrations of 4, 7 and 10% and then stabilized with lime and cement in concentrations of 0, 3, 6 and 9% separately. Initial laboratory experiments, including Atterberg limits and compaction tests, were conducted. Subsequently, durability tests were performed to examine wet-dry cycles in 1, 3, and 6 cycles on oil-contaminated soil samples, as well as those stabilized with cement and lime. The results demonstrated that the highest durability was observed in the sample containing 4% oil and 9% cement in the 6th cycle, showing a 42% increase in resistance compared to a similar sample with the same percentage of oil and cement in the 3rd cycle. Additionally, the elasticity modulus of the oil-contaminated soil sample with 4% oil and stabilized with 6% lime was 2 times that of the 1st cycle in the 3rd cycle and 2.8 times that of the 3rd cycle in the 6th cycle. Microscopic analysis using electron field emission microscopy unveiled that the incorporation of cement and lime as stabilizing agents resulted in a denser and more compact structure of oil-contaminated soil. This comprehensive research endeavor seeks not only to advance the management practices of contaminated soils but also to uphold the conservation of natural resources while offering an alternative solution for the construction of secondary access roads.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Sharif Journal of Civil Engineering

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 March 2025

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics