The Effect of Acidic and Alkaline Chemical Solutions on the Behavior of Collapsible Soils

Abstract

In this research, the effect of acidic and alkaline chemical solutions on the behavior of loessial soil was investigated. To evaluate the severity of acidity and alkalinity of chemicals, two factors sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide were used in the pH of 3, 5, 9, 11. In this research, the effect of acidic and alkaline solutions on the collapse potential, shear strength parameters and unconfined compression of collapsible soils were investigated. Experimental tests results showed that acidic solutions with a low pH increase the collapse potential and effective cohesion of soil and decrease effective internal friction angle; on the other hand, alkaline solutions with a high pH decrease the collapse potential and effective cohesion of the soil and increase effective internal friction angle. The results of unconfined compression tests showed that with increasing the acidity and alkalinity in soil, the undrained strength of the soil decreased. SEM test results showed an increase in soil cavities in acidic solution while the soil cavities were fixed in alkaline solution.

Modification of the Geotechnical Properties of Loess Using Eggshell Waste (El'Mghair Region)

“…Algeria's diverse geological and climatic conditions have long necessitated innovative solutions to address the distinct challenges associated with loess soils. In this context, various soil stabilization techniques have been explored, including stabilization with lime [7,8], cement [9][10][11][12], slag [13,14], chemical additives [15][16][17][18], as well as geosynthetics [19][20][21]. These methods have been employed to varying degrees of success, but the utilization of waste materials like eggshell waste represents a sustainable and potentially cost-effective alternative.…”

Collapse potential and ultrasonic pulse velocity of loess soils after treatment with expanded perlite and metakaolin

“…Loess has a metastable structure and is found unsaturated in semi-arid regions [1]. Loess is prone to sudden collapse and settlement as a result of disturbance, stress, and soaking, as well as a variety of geotechnical hazards such as landslides, collapsibility, and seismic settlement [2][3][4]. The structures constructed on collapsible soils might settle due to the saturation of soils for various reasons such as water and oil pipe failure, sewage leakage, rising groundwater level, leaks of industrial effluents, and chemicals, etc.…”