Optimizing micaceous soil stabilization using response surface method
J. Zhang, An Deng, Mark B. Jaksa
Abstract
Micaceous soil is a problematic soil due to its low strength and poor ductility. In this context, the performances of micaceous soils were improved by applying a combination of granulated blast furnace slag, fiber and polymer additive. The dosages examined included 0%–30% mica, 3%–15% slag and 0.25%–1.25% fiber by weight, and 0.1–0.5 g/L polymer additive. Most of the combinations were found to increase the material strength and ductility, yet to be optimized. To refine the dosage, response surface method was used to conduct experimental design and develop predictive models for material strength. The developed models formulate the material strength as a nonlinear function of dosages and, by interrogating it, can optimize additive contents in terms of target requirements. The models were verified through trials and can be used to determine dosages to upscale micaceous soils to field conditions.