چكيده لاتين
In this research, the engineering geological behavior of a low-plasticity silt (ML) and the potential for its stabilization using Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) slag were investigated. The studied soil, located in the north of Isfahan, is characterized by a high percentage of fine-grained particles, low cohesion, and high sensitivity to moisture changes. Consequently, it exhibits high collapsible potential and limited mechanical strength. To evaluate the effect of steel slag, soil samples were prepared with various weight percentages of slag (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 15%). A series of geotechnical tests, including standard compaction, double oedometer (consolidation), Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), and direct shear tests, were conducted on the specimens. Finally, the soil improvement achieved by the steel slag additive was analyzed.
The results of this study indicate that the addition of steel slag increases the maximum dry unit weight and significantly improves the Unconfined Compressive Strength of the soil. The most significant improvement in mechanical behavior was observed at an optimum slag content of 1%, indicating the effective role of physical interactions between the slag particles and the silty soil. Furthermore, since the primary issue with this soil is its collapsible nature, the addition of 1%to 2% steel slag significantly reduced the collapse potential.
These findings demonstrate that steel slag can be utilized as an effective, economical, and environmentally friendly additive for the stabilization of collapsible silty soils. A key mechanism behind the improved soil behavior is the physical filler role of the slag; the slag particles effectively fill the voids between the silt particles, leading to reduced effective porosity, increased grain-to-grain contact, and stabilization of the soilʹs internal structure.
