The impact of waste plastic on the durability evaluation of cementitious materials for stabilizing weak soils

Abstract

Stabilizing problematic and weak soils is a common practice in geotechnical and pavement engineering. It involves adding a small quantity of cementitious materials to the soil to enhance its mechanical characteristics. Numerous studies have shown that lime and cement treatment can significantly alter the physical and mechanical properties of compacted soils, including reduced settlement potential, higher shear strength, increased modulus of elasticity, and changes to compaction parameters. Furthermore, the reusability of plastic waste is a promising solution for reducing atmospheric pollution. In this investigation, a laboratory experiment on stabilizing weak soil with different additions of cementitious materials and plastic waste was carried out by a series of tests, including Proctor compaction tests, optimal dry density, CBR tests, and unconfined compressive strength tests (UCS). The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the cementitious materials treatment of soil with waste plastic and find the optimal amount for practical design. The conclusion drawn was that adding waste plastic and a modest amount of lime and cement to the soil is a suitable method for stabilizing road construction's sub-base layer, with significant practical implications for the field. This research provides valuable insights for engineers, researchers, and students in geotechnical and environmental engineering, informing them about effective soil stabilization techniques and their environmental benefits.