Hybrid alkaline–lime treatment for swelling and microstructure of expansive soil

Hadeel Alzghool; Pan Hu; Chin Leo; Samanthika Liyanapathirana; Qinghua Zeng; Jeff Hsi; Reza Karimi; Mengyuan Zhu

doi:10.1680/jgrim.25.00048

journal article Jun 10, 2025

Hybrid alkaline–lime treatment for swelling and microstructure of expansive soil

Hadeel Alzghool Pan Hu

Chin Leo Samanthika Liyanapathirana Qinghua Zeng Jeff Hsi Reza Karimi

Mengyuan Zhu

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Ground Improvement pp. 1-16 · Emerald

View at Publisher Save 10.1680/jgrim.25.00048

Abstract

Addressing the challenges posed by expansive soil, which undergoes significant volume changes with variations in moisture content, is crucial for ensuring the durability and reliability of civil engineering infrastructure. Traditional calcium-based stabilisers raise environmental concerns and may trigger secondary swelling. This study explores a novel approach to soil stabilisation by directly activating aluminosilicates in a synthetic soil simulating the mineralogical composition of residual Bringelly Shale using sodium hydroxide (NaOH), without additional precursors. The experimental program involved synthesising artificial soil samples and treating them with NaOH solution at various molarities, lime alone, and hybrid use of lime and NaOH solution, respectively. Swelling potential, microstructural analyses, and mineralogical composition were assessed using the swelling tests, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The findings indicate that the direct alkali activation technique has the potential to substitute lime binders partially or completely, ensuring stability in swelling potential while minimising the environmental impact and cost. The curing effects on hybrid-treated soil were investigated over 7, 14, and 28 days, showing promising long-term outcomes. In addition, a design formula has been designed to help practitioners choose the optimum lime-to-alkaline ratio for achieving the desired swelling control.

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Details

Published: Jun 10, 2025
Pages: 1-16

Authors

H

Hadeel Alzghool

PhD Candidate, School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, Western Sydney University, Kingswood, Australia

P

Pan Hu

Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, Western Sydney University, Kingswood, Australia (corresponding author: )

C

Chin Leo

Professor, School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, Western Sydney University, Kingswood, Australia

S

Samanthika Liyanapathirana

Professor, School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, Western Sydney University, Kingswood, Australia

Q

Qinghua Zeng

Associate Professor, School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, Western Sydney University, Kingswood, Australia

J

Jeff Hsi

Technical Advisor, EIC Activities, Sydney, Australia

R

Reza Karimi

Technical Principal, EIC Activities, Sydney, Australia

M

Mengyuan Zhu

PhD Candidate, School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, Western Sydney University, Kingswood, Australia

Cite This Article

Hadeel Alzghool, Pan Hu, Chin Leo, et al. (2025). Hybrid alkaline–lime treatment for swelling and microstructure of expansive soil. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Ground Improvement, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgrim.25.00048

Hybrid alkaline–lime treatment for swelling and microstructure of expansive soil

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