Effect of Non-Traditional Additives on Engineering and Microstructural Characteristics of Laterite Soil

The stabilization of soils with additives is a chemical method that can be used to improve soils with lowengineering properties. The stabilizing mechanisms of TX-85 and SH-85 additives are not fully understood, and their proprietary chemical composition makes it very difficult to evaluate the stabilizing mechanisms and predict their performance. The objective of this study was to investigate the macro- and microstructural properties related to tropical laterite soil mixed with the specified non-traditional soil additives. The tests carried out, i.e., compaction and unconfined compression strength, were used to assess the engineering and shear properties of the stabilized laterite soil, and the physicochemical changes were monitored via field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and thermal gravity analysis. Based on the results, it was found that both additives can decrease the dry density and increase the laterite soil strength approximately fourfold in comparison with the natural soil. FESEM results showed that the porosity of untreated soil was filled by the new cementitious products. Also, it was found that the treatment of laterite had a marginal impact on the thermal characteristics of the soil.