Effect of cement and zeolite on silty sand samples under freeze–thaw cycles
Saeid Jamshidvand, Alireza Ardakani, Afshin Kordnaeij
Abstract
This study evaluate the effect of multiple freeze–thaw (F-T) cycles on the mineralogical and mechanical behaviour of cement-stabilised sand samples with 0, 10, and 20% silt. The results showed that in 28-day samples, the replacement of cement with zeolite enhanced unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and California bearing ratio (CBR). The maximum strength was obtained in samples containing 45% zeolite (Zopt) and water content (ω) equal to 1.2 times the optimum water content (1.2ωopt). The UCS and CBR diminished in all samples under F-T cycles. However, samples containing Zopt had the lowest UCS reduction due to temperature changes. With elevation of Z to greater than Zopt, the strength decreased due to the imbalance between the components affecting the hydration and pozzolanic reactions. Increasing the volume and reducing the weight of the samples as well as the formation of Ettringite mineral are the main factors in reducing the stabilised soil strength.