An Innovative Approach to Mitigate Shrinkage Cracking in Cementitiously Stabilized Soils

Washington State University, Pullman WA

Investigators

Abstract

Cementitious stabilization offers great advantages, such as beneficial utilization of in-situ materials or waste/byproducts. However, shrinkage cracking associated with stabilized materials limits the widespread use of this technology. The project is focused on the creation of an innovative sequential hydration procedure that could mitigate the development of shrinkage cracking of stabilized mixtures. The study will lead to a deeper understanding of the hydration mechanism of new stabilized mixtures and its effect on strength, shrinkage strain, relaxation, and shrinkage cracking potential. The behavior of stabilized mixtures will be characterized and modeled for optimal design and construction. In addition, the microstructure mechanism of hydration will be verified by the use of X-Ray computed tomography that allows non-destructive visualization of the 3-D microstructure of stabilized mixtures. The performance of the new mixture will be compared to that of traditionally stabilized mixtures. The successful completion of the project will lead to the development of crack-free stabilized mixtures and thus significantly promote the technology for use in stabilizing in-situ materials and waste/byproducts. This in turn will contribute to the sustainable development by reducing the quarrying of virgin materials. Potential benefits include reduced construction costs, reduced energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emission. This project will provide cross-disciplinary educational opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students. The findings and results will be widely disseminated through publications and incorporated into a new graduate course.